Which place is cheaper, Tanah Rata or Kuala Lumpur?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Kuala Lumpur or Tanah Rata?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Kuala Lumpur and Tanah Rata. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Kuala Lumpur or Tanah Rata?
Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur, often referred to as KL, is the cosmopolitan capital of Malaysia. It is also the largest city in the country, having grown out of a small Chinese mining village. Today Kuala Lumpur is a microcosm of the country of Malaysia. The population is split between the Malay, Chinese, and Indian cultures which you can see reflected in the city's neighborhoods, cuisine, and entertainment. It's also an incredibly affordable city, even if you're looking for the comforts of a five star hotel or a luxury restaurant. Prices are almost always a fraction of what you would pay in Europe or the United States.
Tanah Rata
Tanah Rata is one of the main tourist towns in the Cameron Highlands. The Cameron Highlands are in western Malaysia and are a popular retreat for Malaysian residents and international travelers alike. The area's higher elevation offers an often much needed break from the country's oppressive heat. It also has a beautiful setting that is rich in agriculture and has rolling hills that are beautifully covered in tea plantations. Tanah Rata has many of the area's tourist amenities. ATMS, banks, and the area's main hospital are all found in town. For some, the area feels too touristy, but if you linger longer, and explore on your own, you can easily escape the mass tourism and see the area for what it is.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Malaysia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Malaysia, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Kota Kinabalu, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Malaysia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKuala Lumpur $62Tanah Rata $137
The average daily cost (per person) in Kuala Lumpur is $62, while the average daily cost in Tanah Rata is $137. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Kuala Lumpur and Tanah Rata in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKuala Lumpur $36Tanah Rata $67
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKuala Lumpur $72Tanah Rata $134
Compare Hotels in Kuala Lumpur and Tanah Rata
Looking for a hotel in Kuala Lumpur or Tanah Rata? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Kuala Lumpur Hotel Prices and Tanah Rata Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kuala Lumpur $6.41Tanah Rata $29
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Kuala Lumpur
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Kuala Lumpur are as follows:
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Taxi Ride$3.14
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Metro Ride (for Two)$0.67
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Short Taxi Ride$3.14
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Taxi From Airport$19
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Bus from Airport$1.68
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Train & Boat to Pulau Ketam$2.52
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kuala Lumpur
Also for Kuala Lumpur, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Airport Transfer in Kuala Lumpur: $34
- *Chauffeur: Kuala Lumpur to Singapore Transfer [Van]: $173
- *Chauffeur: Kuala Lumpur to Singapore Van Transfer: $76
- AVANI Sepang Goldcoast Resort Hotel To Kuala Lumpur International Airport KLIA KLIA2 Transfer: $50
- Airport Arrival Transfer-VIP Class: $200
- Airport Private Transfer: KLIA/ KLIA 2 to or from Hotel (6 seater): $48
- Airport Transfer from KLIA or KLIA2 to KL Hotel (PRIVATE SHUTTLE): $55
- Airport Transfer from/to KLIA /KLIA 2: $25
- Airport to Hotel Drop Off Transfer (Kuala Lumpur): $50
- Airport transfer: $27
- Airport transfer : $40
- Aquaria KLCC E-Ticket with One Way Transfer: $42
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tanah Rata
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tanah Rata:
- Departure Transfer from Cameron Highland to KLIA/KLIA2: $169
- Chauffeur: Cameron Highlands to Singapore Van Transfer: $118
- CameronHighland CityHotel to KualaLumpur Airport One-way Transfer: $109
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $93
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $93
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur Airport Departure Transfer: $110
- Cameron Highlands Hotels to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $94
- Cameron Highlands City to Kuala Lumpur City One-way Transfer: $92
- Cameron Highlands City To Kuala Lumpur City Transfer: $94
- Cameron Highland to KUL Hotel (One Way Transfer): $153
Is it cheaper to fly into Kuala Lumpur or Tanah Rata?
Prices for flights to both Tanah Rata and Kuala Lumpur change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayKuala Lumpur $15Tanah Rata $44
Typical Food Prices in Kuala Lumpur
For Kuala Lumpur, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Dinner at Ding Tai Fung$8.39
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Roti Bread$0.21
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Food Court Lunch$3.02
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Dinner at Indian Restaurant (for Two)$4.51
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kuala Lumpur
For Kuala Lumpur, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- ARAS Restaurant at KL Tower Buffet Dinner: $28
- Nightlife Street Food Tour with 6 Tastings: $43
- Malaysian Culture and Street Food Tour : $44
- Street Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $49
- Sambal Streets Kuala Lumpur Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $49
- Authentic Malaysian Street Food Tour in Kampung Baru: $50
- From Kuala Selangor Fireflies Tour with Dinner: $53
- Best Local Food Tour by Night at Kuala Lumpur : $55
- Kuala Lumpur Food Tour: $59
- Kuala Lumpur by Night and Malaysian Food Tour: $61
- Petaling Street Heritage Food Tour: $62
- Private Food Tour – 10 Tastings with Locals: $63
Typical Food Prices in Tanah Rata
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Tanah Rata:
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Dinner for Two$5.66
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Dessert$0.63
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Lunch$3.98
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Afternoon tea$3.88
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kuala Lumpur $13Tanah Rata $34
Typical Entertainment Prices in Kuala Lumpur
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Kuala Lumpur's activities, tours, and tickets:
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KL Tower Admission (for Two)$9.43
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Canopy Walk at FRIM Forest Reserve$1.05
Tours and Activities in Kuala Lumpur
For Kuala Lumpur, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- KL Tower Admission E-Ticket with Options: $3.92
- Malaysia: KL Tower Entry Ticket: $4.61
- Alive 3D Art Gallery Admission Ticket: $7.67
- Zoo Negara Instant Entry E-Ticket: $9.81
- Aquaria KLCC Entry Ticket: $9.81
- KL Tower Observation Deck Entry Ticket: $11
- KL Tower Admission Ticket: $12
- Berjaya Times Square Theme Park Entry Ticket: $12
- Malaysia: Aquaria KLCC Entry Ticket: $13
- KL Tower Admission Ticket: $13
- KL Tower Admission Ticket: $13
- Half-Day City Tour: $13
Typical Entertainment Prices in Tanah Rata
Here are a few typical costs in Tanah Rata for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Tea Factory Visit$5.66
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Tour of Orang Asli Village$21
Tours and Activities in Tanah Rata
Here are a few actual costs in Tanah Rata for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Cameron Highlands Sightseing Tour: $33
- Cameron Highlands City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur Airport EN-ROUTE Batu Caves Tour: $110
- Cameron Highlands City to Kuala Lumpur Airport EN-ROUTE Batu Caves Tour: $109
- Cameron Highlands Full Day Tour: $75
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur International Airport EN-ROUTE Batu Caves Tour: $110
- Cameron Highlands: Agro Delight Tour: $61
- Special Cameron Highlands ~ Day tour;Solo;Couple;Group: $292
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKuala Lumpur $6.21Tanah Rata $19
Typical Alcohol Prices in Kuala Lumpur
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Kuala Lumpur are as follows:
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Bottle of Wine$9.43
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kuala Lumpur and Tanah Rata, we can see that Tanah Rata is more expensive. And not only is Kuala Lumpur much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Kuala Lumpur would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kuala Lumpur and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Tanah Rata would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tanah Rata than you might in Kuala Lumpur.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Kuala Lumpur Expensive? and Is Tanah Rata Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kuala Lumpur or Tanah Rata?
Kuala Lumpur has a larger population, and is about 210 times larger than the population of Tanah Rata. When comparing the sizes of Kuala Lumpur and Tanah Rata, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
When is the best time to visit Kuala Lumpur or Tanah Rata?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Tanah Rata in the Summer?
Both Tanah Rata and Kuala Lumpur during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Kuala Lumpur because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Tanah Rata year-round.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Kuala Lumpur. Kuala Lumpur usually gets more rain in July than Tanah Rata. Kuala Lumpur gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Tanah Rata receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
In July, Kuala Lumpur is generally around the same temperature as Tanah Rata. Daily temperatures in Kuala Lumpur average around 28°C (82°F), and Tanah Rata fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKuala Lumpur 28°C (82°F)Tanah Rata 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Tanah Rata in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Kuala Lumpur and Tanah Rata. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kuala Lumpur year-round. Tanah Rata attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Tanah Rata receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Kuala Lumpur gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Kuala Lumpur usually receives more rain than Tanah Rata. Kuala Lumpur gets 280 mm (11 in) of rain, while Tanah Rata receives 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
Kuala Lumpur is around the same temperature as Tanah Rata in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kuala Lumpur averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Tanah Rata fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKuala Lumpur 27°C (81°F)Tanah Rata 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Tanah Rata in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Kuala Lumpur as well as Tanah Rata. Kuala Lumpur attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Tanah Rata throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Tanah Rata. Kuala Lumpur receives a lot of rain in the winter. Kuala Lumpur usually gets more rain in January than Tanah Rata. Kuala Lumpur gets 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Tanah Rata receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the winter, Kuala Lumpur is around the same temperature as Tanah Rata. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kuala Lumpur in January average around 27°C (81°F), and Tanah Rata averages at about 27°C (80°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKuala Lumpur 27°C (81°F)Tanah Rata 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Tanah Rata in the Spring?
Both Tanah Rata and Kuala Lumpur are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kuala Lumpur throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Tanah Rata because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Tanah Rata. It's quite rainy in Kuala Lumpur. In April, Kuala Lumpur usually receives more rain than Tanah Rata. Kuala Lumpur gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Tanah Rata receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.
In April, Kuala Lumpur is generally around the same temperature as Tanah Rata. Daily temperatures in Kuala Lumpur average around 28°C (82°F), and Tanah Rata fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKuala Lumpur 28°C (82°F)Tanah Rata 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Tanah Rata and Kuala Lumpur
| Kuala Lumpur | Tanah Rata | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 239 mm (9.4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 126 mm (5 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 280 mm (11 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 290 mm (11.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 270 mm (10.6 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 250 mm (9.8 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.