Which place is cheaper, Toronto or Kuala Lumpur?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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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.
Where Should I go: Kuala Lumpur or Toronto?
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.
Toronto
The capital of Ontario and the most populated city in Canada, Toronto is a very popular travel destination for any number of reasons. It's positioned along the coast of Lake Ontario and has a population of more than 2.6 million with 6.2 million in the Greater Toronto Area. It's a very international and diverse city, with a very rich cultural history. More than half of the city's population was not born in Canada, and there are more than eighty different ethnic neighborhoods sprinkled throughout the city. The city is a center for music, theater, film, and television. It has countless museums, festivals, and sights that attract more than 25 million tourists every year.
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.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKuala Lumpur $62Toronto $205
The average daily cost (per person) in Kuala Lumpur is $62, while the average daily cost in Toronto is $205. 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 Toronto in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKuala Lumpur $36Toronto $86
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKuala Lumpur $72Toronto $172
Compare Hotels in Kuala Lumpur and Toronto
Looking for a hotel in Kuala Lumpur or Toronto? 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 Toronto Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kuala Lumpur $6.45Toronto $32
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$3.16
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Metro Ride (for Two)$0.68
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Short Taxi Ride$3.16
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Taxi From Airport$19
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Bus from Airport$1.69
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Train & Boat to Pulau Ketam$2.53
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kuala Lumpur
Also for Kuala Lumpur, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- ~Chauffeur: Kuala Lumpur to Kuantan Transfer [Van]: $73
- ~Chauffeur: Kuala Lumpur to Kuantan Transfer [MPV]: $257
- ~Chauffeur: KLIA Airport to Kuala Lumpur City Centre Transfer : $137
- i-City Shah Alam Theme Park Adventure with Return Transfer: $59
- VIP Transfer by Mercedes Benz : Airport to Kuala Lumpur Hotel: $75
- VIP Arrival Transfer : Kuala Lumpur Airport: $196
- VIP Airport Transfer - Departure: $183
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Kuala Lumpur APT-HTL (KUL): $19
- Transfer To Avani Sepang Goldcoast Resort : $30
- Taman Negara Kuala Tahan Transfer Private Hyundai Starex: $120
- Sunway Lagoon: Ticket with Transfer from Kuala Lumpur: $88
- Sunway Lagoon: Admission Ticket & 2-Way Transfer: $72
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Toronto
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Toronto are as follows:
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Airport Shuttle$27
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Train: 2 Day Passes$16
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Toronto
Also for Toronto, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer Toronto,Canada (Downtown) to Niagara on the Lake,Canada: $178
- Transfer Toronto,Canada (Downtown) to Niagara Falls, Canada: $178
- Transfer Toronto Pearson International Airport YYZ to Niagara-on-the-Lake,Canada: $160
- Transfer Toronto Pearson International Airport YYZ to Niagara Falls, Canada: $160
- Transfer Private Vehicle from Toronto Pearson Airport to Niagara Falls (Ontario): $145
- Transfer Private Minivan from Toronto Pearson Airport to Niagara Falls (Ontario): $159
- Shuttle Transfer Between Downtown and Niagara Falls: $111
- Private Transfer to Niagara Falls: $158
- Private Transfer for 1-10 Passengers to Downtown: $176
- Niagara Falls Day Trip with Wine Tasting & Transfer: $75
- Express Train Transfer to/from Pearson Airport: $9.03
- Toronto Private Pearson Airport Transfers to Niagara Falls: $141
Is it cheaper to fly into Kuala Lumpur or Toronto?
Prices for flights to both Toronto 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 $15Toronto $66
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$8.44
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Roti Bread$0.21
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Food Court Lunch$3.04
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Dinner at Indian Restaurant (for Two)$4.54
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: $29
- Nightlife Street Food Tour with 6 Tastings: $43
- Street Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $49
- Sambal Streets Kuala Lumpur Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $49
- Kuala Lumpur Malaysian Cultural Night Experience with Buffet Dinner : $53
- From Kuala Selangor Fireflies Tour with Dinner: $53
- Cultural Night Tour with Dinner: $55
- Malaysia Cooking Classes: $60
- Kuala Lumpur by Night and Malaysian Food Tour: $61
- Eat Like a Local: Kuala Lumpur Hawker Center and Street Food Tour by Night: $62
- Petaling Street Heritage Food Tour: $63
- Private Food Tour – 10 Tastings with Locals: $64
Typical Food Prices in Toronto
For Toronto, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Lunch at St. Lawrence Market for Two$23
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Dinner at Mill Street Brewery (for 2)$56
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Toronto
For Toronto, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Must Do Toronto Food Tour: $66
- Toronto Food Tour: Taste the World in Kensington Market: $66
- 3–Hour Secret Food Tour: $73
- Toronto Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $74
- Scenic Harbor Cruise with Lunch, Brunch, or Dinner: $76
- Toronto's Fusion Food Tour: $80
- Kensington Market -Toronto's Neighborhood International Food Tour: $80
- Toronto's Fusion Food Tour: $80
- Father's Day Premier Cruise with Brunch or Dinner: $90
- Mother's Day Premier Cruise with Brunch or Dinner: $93
- Toronto Premier Dinner Cruise on Odyssey in Toronto Harbour: $109
- Toronto Food Tour with Local Foodie, Personalized & Private: $152
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kuala Lumpur $13Toronto $31
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)$9.49
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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:
- Adventure Sports & Thrilling White-water Rafting in Kampar River: $241
- Batu Caves And Countryside Tour: $24
- Full Day Kuala Lumpur City Tour with Petronas Twin Tower Tickets: $95
- Full Day Melaka Tour with The Shore Sky Tower 43rd Floor - Unesco Heritage: $188
- Historic And Heritage Melaka Tour: $55
- History, Heritage & Culture Of Malaysia Tour: $62
- Ipoh "The Land Of Grace" + Orang Utan Island +Lunch(Guided Tour): $241
- Kuala Lumpur (Genting Highlands 7.5 hours Private Tour): $65
- Kuala Lumpur Full Day City & Shopping Tour with Lunch (PRIVATE TOUR): $77
- Malacca Instagram Tour: Most Famous Spots (Private & All-Inclusive): $184
- Malaysia: Aquaria KLCC Entry Ticket: $13
- Shah Alam Islamic Arts and Culture Tours : $31
Typical Entertainment Prices in Toronto
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Toronto's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Art Gallery of Ontario for Two$15
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CN Tower at night for Two$36
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Harbour Dinner Cruise$26
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Bata Shoe Museum (2)$7.32
Tours and Activities in Toronto
For Toronto, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 1-Hour Private Guided Photography Tour in Toronto: $186
- 14-Minute Helicopter Tour Over Toronto: $200
- 2 Hour Toronto City Tour: $48
- 3-day Eastern Canada Tour from Toronto: $259
- 60-Minute Toronto Sightseeing Harbour Tour: $28
- 7-Minute Helicopter Tour over Toronto: $111
- Admission Ticket: Explore Canada in Miniature Scale: $34
- Algonquin Park Hiking: Adventure Tour from Toronto: $139
- Best of Niagara Falls Tour with Optional Boat and Helicopter Ride: $66
- Best of Toronto Small Group Tour with CN Tower and Harbour Cruise: $140
- Between Huntsville and Smartphone Audio Tour: $6.21
- Bus to Grotto - Tobermory Flowerpot Island Cruise Bruce Peninsula: $148
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKuala Lumpur $6.25Toronto $22
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$9.49
Sample the Local Flavors in Toronto
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Toronto:
- Distillery District Outdoor Escape Game: $8.07
- Distillery District Historic Walking Tour: $17
- Corktown and Distillery District Tour: $27
- Short Distillery District Segway Tour: $36
- Toronto : Distillery & Old Town Walking Tour With A Guide: $38
- Toronto Distillery District self-guided walking tour & hunt: $38
- Pub Crawl Toronto: $38
- Pub Crawl Toronto: $39
- Distillery District Breakfast Walking Tour: $41
- Craft Brewery Tour: $88
- Canadian Wine Tasting Experience: $128
- From Niagara Wine Tours: $131
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.
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.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKuala Lumpur 28°C (82°F)Toronto 21°C (70°F)
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.
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.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKuala Lumpur 27°C (81°F)Toronto 11°C (51°F)
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.
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.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKuala Lumpur 27°C (81°F)Toronto -4°C (25°F)
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.
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.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKuala Lumpur 28°C (82°F)Toronto 7°C (44°F)
Typical Weather for Toronto and Kuala Lumpur
| Kuala Lumpur | Toronto | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 239 mm (9.4 in) | -4°C (25°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) | -4°C (26°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 280 mm (11 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 290 mm (11.4 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 250 mm (9.8 in) | -1°C (30°F) | 75 mm (2.9 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.