A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kuala Lumpur vs. Toronto for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Kuala Lumpur or Toronto?

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 Toronto. 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.

Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is a colorful, historic, and modern city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Kuala Lumpur is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Kuala Lumpur travel costs.

Toronto

Toronto is a cultural, diverse, and vibrant city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Toronto travel costs.

Kuala Lumpur and Toronto: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kuala Lumpur or Toronto?

Both Toronto and Kuala Lumpur have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Kuala Lumpur is more popular for its food and impressive beauty, while Toronto is known for its nightlife. Kuala Lumpur is popular for its blend of cultures and cuisines, its mix of modern and colonial, and its bustling neighborhoods with markets and restaurants. Toronto is popular for its art and culture, diverse cuisine, and multi-cultural population.

How is Kuala Lumpur different from Toronto?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Toronto and Kuala Lumpur. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Kuala Lumpur or Toronto?

Spend time exploring the fantastic sights and museums in either Kuala Lumpur or Toronto.

Travelers visit Kuala Lumpur from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The most notable landmark in the city is the famed Petronas Twin Towers, but other popular sights include Merdeka Square, Kuala Lumpur Tower, and the National Museum.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Toronto are among the most recognizable in the world. The city is filled with landmarks and museums such as the CN Tower and the Royal Ontario Museum. Ripley's Aquarium is a highlight for many visitors. It's near the CN Tower and has an underwater tunnel. The city is also filled with art galleries and cultural sights. Another must is a visit to Casa Loma and, of course, the Toronto Zoo.

Is the Food Better in Kuala Lumpur or Toronto? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kuala Lumpur is terrific for its restaurants. Also, Toronto is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Many restaurants in Kuala Lumpur have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The food is influenced by the populations that live here and you'll find a lot of Malay, Chinese and Indian flavors. Spicy curries and noodle dishes are very common. Street food is also a mainstay in this city and it's an experience to wander the market streets and sample dishes from the different vendors.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Toronto. The food scene is as diverse as the city itself. You'll find classic Canadian favorites like peameal bacon sandwiches and beavertails, as well as almost any international cuisine you could want. Make sure you try the dim sum, roti, and street hot dogs.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Toronto Better for Nightlife?

Toronto is a world-class destination for nightlife. Also, Kuala Lumpur is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

People head to Toronto just to party. It's a diverse nightlife scene, with upscale lounges, dive bars, live music, and high energy nightclubs. Popular areas for nightlife include King Street, the Ossington Strip, College Street, and Kensington Market.

Kuala Lumpur is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. Rooftop bars and lounges are popular hangout spots after the sun sets. For classy pubs and clubs head to the Golden Triangle district, but if drinking and partying isn't your thing, the city's night markets are not to be missed.

Is the Shopping Better in Kuala Lumpur or Toronto?

Shoppers can find a variety of fantastic stores in both Kuala Lumpur and Toronto.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Kuala Lumpur. The city is filled with shopping malls, and a big appeal of shopping in this city is the very affordable prices. Some of the most popular shopping malls are Suria KLCC at the base of the Petronas Towers as well as the malls in the Bukit Bintang/Jalan Imbi areas.

The abundance of shops in Toronto make it a world-class shopping destination. Shopping is huge here, with plenty of options available that range from large malls to vintage stores or flea markets. Eaton Center on Yonge Street is a major shopping area. Yonge Street is also home to more than 600 retail stores.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Toronto More Beautiful?

Kuala Lumpur is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Toronto is not a destination known for its beauty.

Kuala Lumpur is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. This city's beauty really comes from the welcoming and helpful personality of its residents, but the neighborhoods also have historic charm and character.

Toronto is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Toronto Better for Families?

Both Kuala Lumpur and Toronto are very good family-friendly destinations.

Kuala Lumpur is a very family-friendly destination. This family-friendly city includes a surprising number of opportunities to experience wildlife. There's an aquarium, petting zoos, and places to see the wild monkeys. There are also large playgrounds including one by the Petronas Towers. Kids will also enjoy exploring the Botanical Gardens, Butterfly Park, and the Forest Eco Park.

Toronto is a very kid-friendly city. Kids will enjoy the city's many family-friendly museums like the Royal Ontario Museum or the Ontario Science Center. Younger kids will have fun playing at the Centreville Theme Park while all ages will love a day at Canada's Wonderland. Black Creek Pioneer Village is a highlight for many families as well.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Toronto Better for Couples?

Kuala Lumpur and Toronto both very good destinations for a couple.

Kuala Lumpur makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. This city has diverse restaurants and a number of luxury hotels at affordable prices. For couples who enjoy romance on a budget, this is a good city.

Couples visit Toronto frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. This city is full of energy, and couples can enjoy amazing meals, impressive shows, and romantic outings. You can picnic at a park or check out the view from CN Tower. There are also dinner cruises and live theater.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Toronto Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kuala Lumpur and Toronto are both very good destinations for backpackers.

Kuala Lumpur is very popular with the backpacker crowd. This is a popular stop for backpackers on the Southeast Asia circuit. It's modern and comfortable but also affordable and diverse. The city has a number of affordable hostels, but it also has a more laid back and authentic vibe than you'll find in many other Southeast Asian cities. The city also isn't as touristy as some other cities, so the people are down to Earth and helpful without being jaded by all of the vacationers.

Toronto is a great city to visit for backpackers. There are a number of hostels around town and there's often a good crowd of backpackers.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Toronto Better for Students?

Both Kuala Lumpur and Toronto are fantastic destinations for students.

Kuala Lumpur is a very popular place to visit for students. It's affordability, diversity, and dynamic atmosphere make this a great city for international students.

Many students frequent Toronto. The city has a good number of universities that attract students from around the globe. This is a very livable city with a lot of diversity and plenty of entertainment options.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Toronto Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find fantastic public transit in both Kuala Lumpur and Toronto.

With a huge network, the transit system in Kuala Lumpur can get you around easily. The system is relatively easy to navigate with most signs in English. There are buses, a monorail, light rail transit and commuter trains.

Visitors in Toronto can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. Union Station is the hub of the city's transportation system, which includes subways, buses and streetcars.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Toronto a more walkable city?

Kuala Lumpur and Toronto are very good when it comes to walkability.

Kuala Lumpur is very walkable. Traffic can be congested, but there are many wide sidewalks and pedestrian areas around town. The River of Life waterfront area offers nice paths that connect many tourist areas.

Toronto is a very walkable city. It's a pedestrian-friendly city that is great for exploring on foot. The waterfront area has a walkway and there are cycling trails around town as well.

For even more information, also check out Is Kuala Lumpur Worth Visiting? and Is Toronto Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Toronto or Kuala Lumpur?

How long in Kuala Lumpur or Toronto?

Both Kuala Lumpur and Toronto have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Toronto than in Kuala Lumpur. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Kuala Lumpur, and 3-7 days is enough time in Toronto.

Families should spend more time in Kuala Lumpur than Toronto. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Kuala Lumpur, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

One day in Kuala Lumpur or Toronto?

Because Kuala Lumpur is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In Toronto, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this diverse city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Kuala Lumpur or Toronto?

Because Kuala Lumpur is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Kuala Lumpur has to offer.

Toronto is a fun place to experience. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Kuala Lumpur or Toronto?

Kuala Lumpur is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Kuala Lumpur has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

In Toronto, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this vibrant big city offers. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A week in Kuala Lumpur or Toronto?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kuala Lumpur. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Kuala Lumpur. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Toronto is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Malaysia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Malaysia, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Canada, and The Best Luxury Tours to Canada.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kuala Lumpur and Toronto, we can see that Toronto is more expensive. And not only is Kuala Lumpur much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Kuala Lumpur is in Asia and Toronto is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Toronto would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Toronto 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 Toronto Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Kuala Lumpur or Toronto?

Toronto has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Kuala Lumpur. When comparing the sizes of Kuala Lumpur and Toronto, 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 Toronto?

Toronto has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Kuala Lumpur experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Toronto in the Summer?

Both Toronto and Kuala Lumpur are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kuala Lumpur throughout the year. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Toronto because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Kuala Lumpur is a little warmer than Toronto in the summer. The daily temperature in Kuala Lumpur averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Toronto fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

It's quite sunny in Toronto. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kuala Lumpur. Kuala Lumpur usually receives less sunshine than Toronto during summer. Kuala Lumpur gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Toronto receives 281 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Kuala Lumpur. In July, Kuala Lumpur usually receives more rain than Toronto. Kuala Lumpur gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Toronto receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Toronto in the Autumn?

Both Toronto and Kuala Lumpur during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Kuala Lumpur because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Toronto this time of year.

In the autumn, Kuala Lumpur is much warmer than Toronto. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kuala Lumpur in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Toronto averages at about 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Kuala Lumpur often gets more sunshine than Toronto. Kuala Lumpur gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toronto receives 153 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kuala Lumpur. Kuala Lumpur usually gets more rain in October than Toronto. Kuala Lumpur gets 280 mm (11 in) of rain, while Toronto receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Toronto in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Kuala Lumpur and Toronto. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kuala Lumpur year-round. Also, many travelers come to Toronto for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Toronto. In January, Kuala Lumpur is generally much warmer than Toronto. Daily temperatures in Kuala Lumpur average around 27°C (81°F), and Toronto fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).

Kuala Lumpur usually receives more sunshine than Toronto during winter. Kuala Lumpur gets 185 hours of sunny skies, while Toronto receives 87 hours of full sun in the winter.

Kuala Lumpur gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Kuala Lumpur usually receives more rain than Toronto. Kuala Lumpur gets 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Toronto receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Toronto in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Kuala Lumpur as well as Toronto. Kuala Lumpur attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Toronto in the spring for the activities around the city.

Kuala Lumpur is much warmer than Toronto in the spring. The daily temperature in Kuala Lumpur averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Toronto fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the spring, Kuala Lumpur often gets more sunshine than Toronto. Kuala Lumpur gets 199 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toronto receives 179 hours of full sun.

Kuala Lumpur receives a lot of rain in the spring. Kuala Lumpur usually gets more rain in April than Toronto. Kuala Lumpur gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Toronto receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Toronto and Kuala Lumpur