A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Lahore vs. Kuala Lumpur for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Lahore or Kuala Lumpur?

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 Lahore and Kuala Lumpur. 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: Lahore or Kuala Lumpur?

Lahore

As Pakistan's second largest city and the capital of the north-eastern Punjab province, Lahore is widely considered the country's cultural capital. Some of its best-known features include the Lahore Fort, Badshahi Mosque and Gurdwara, a mall surrounded by buildings from the British Raj, and many unique markets and neighborhoods.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Pakistan, The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan, The Best Tours for Seniors to Malaysia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Malaysia.


Which place is cheaper, Kuala Lumpur or Lahore?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Lahore is $57, while the average daily cost in Kuala Lumpur is $62. 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 Lahore and Kuala Lumpur in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Lahore $37
    Kuala Lumpur $36
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Lahore $74
    Kuala Lumpur $72
Compare Hotels in Lahore and Kuala Lumpur

Looking for a hotel in Lahore or Kuala Lumpur? 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.

Hotels in Lahore


Hotels in Kuala Lumpur


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: Lahore Hotel Prices and Kuala Lumpur Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Lahore $9.98
    Kuala Lumpur $6.41

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lahore

Also for Lahore, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transit Trip: Lahore Guided Day Trip With Round Trip Airport Transfers: $140
  • Chauffeur: Lahore International Airport Transfer - Departure: $30
  • Chauffeur: Lahore International Airport Transfer - Arrival : $30
  • Airport Transfer : $60

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Kuala Lumpur

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Kuala Lumpur are as follows:


  • Taxi Ride
    $3.14
  • Metro Ride (for Two)
    $0.67
  • Short Taxi Ride
    $3.14
  • Taxi From Airport
    $19
  • Bus from Airport
    $1.68
  • 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:

  • Chauffeur: Kuala Lumpur to Kuantan Transfer [Car]: $281
  • Legoland Transfer Private (per Vehichle) : $270
  • Arrival Transfer from KLIA/KLIA2 to Penang: $270
  • Cameron Highlands One Way Transfer: $259
  • KUL Hotel to Johor Bharu(One Way Transfer): $237
  • Kuala Lumpur Hotels to Singapore Hotels One-way Transfer: $230
  • Cameron Highlands Transfer Private (Per Vehicle): $230
  • Kuala Lumpur City Hotels to Singapore City Hotels 1-way Transfer: $230
  • Pangkor Laut Transfer from KLIA (Per Car Basis) : $226
  • Private Transfer from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore with 2h of Sightseeing: $223
  • Chauffeur: Kuala Lumpur to Cameron Highlands Transfer [Car]: $221
  • LEGOLAND Malaysia Admission Ticket with Transfer from Kuala Lumpur: $213

Is it cheaper to fly into Lahore or Kuala Lumpur?

Prices for flights to both Kuala Lumpur and Lahore 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Lahore $14
    Kuala Lumpur $15

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lahore

For Lahore, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Street Food Tour of Lahore's Walled City : $85
  • Lahore's Complete Night Food Tour: Local Culinary Experience: $110
  • Private Street Food Tour of Lahore: $163

Typical Food Prices in Kuala Lumpur

For Kuala Lumpur, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Dinner at Ding Tai Fung
    $8.39
  • Roti Bread
    $0.21
  • Food Court Lunch
    $3.02
  • 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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Lahore $5.08
    Kuala Lumpur $13

Tours and Activities in Lahore

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Lahore.

  • 1 Day Rohtas Fort & Khewra Salt Mines Tour: $120
  • 2 Days Private Guided Tour in Lahore : $300
  • Full Day Private Guided Lahore Sightseeing Tour : $95
  • Guided Walking Tour: Walled City of Lahore : $90
  • Half Day Private Shopping Tour for Ladies in Lahore: $152
  • Kartarpur Corridor and Gurdwara Sahib Yatra Guided Tour: $175
  • Kartarpur-Guru-Nanak sab One Day Tour : $250
  • Khewra Salt Mines & Katas Raj Temple One Day Guided Tour: $210
  • Ladies Special: Lahore Half day Guided Shopping Tour: $90
  • Lahore Big Bus City Tour: $20
  • Lahore City, Fort, Museums and Walled City Exploration Tour: $120
  • Lahore Full Day Sightseeing Guided Tour: $145

Typical Entertainment Prices in Kuala Lumpur

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Kuala Lumpur's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • KL Tower Admission (for Two)
    $9.43
  • 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
  • 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
  • Half Day Kuala Lumpur Culture And Communities Exploration Tour: $30
  • Ipoh "The Land Of Grace" + Orang Utan Island +Lunch(Guided Tour): $241
  • KL Tour with Petronas Twin Towers Observation Deck & Batu Cave: $145
  • Malaysia: Aquaria KLCC Entry Ticket: $13
  • *13 Hrs Bentong Van tour from Kuala Lumpur w' Tour Guide: $81
  • *13 Hrs KL & Genting Highlands Fun Tour Van Tour w' Tour Guide : $116
  • *13 Hrs KL & Melaka Van Tour from Genting Highlands w' Tour Guide: $109
  • *13Hrs KL&GentingHighlands Van Tour frm Port Dickson w' TourGuide: $116
  • *15 Hrs Melaka Exclusive Van Tour from Bentong w' Tour Guide: $91

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Lahore $4.89
    Kuala Lumpur $6.21

Typical Alcohol Prices in Kuala Lumpur

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Kuala Lumpur are as follows:


  • Bottle of Wine
    $9.43


When comparing the travel costs between Lahore and Kuala Lumpur, we can see that Kuala Lumpur is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Lahore Expensive? and Is Kuala Lumpur Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Lahore or Kuala Lumpur?

Lahore has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Kuala Lumpur. When comparing the sizes of Lahore and Kuala Lumpur, 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 Lahore or Kuala Lumpur?

Lahore 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 Lahore or Kuala Lumpur in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Lahore and Kuala Lumpur. Kuala Lumpur attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

It's very hot in Lahore this time of the year. Lahore is a little warmer than Kuala Lumpur in the summer. The daily temperature in Lahore averages around 33°C (91°F) in July, and Kuala Lumpur fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kuala Lumpur this time of the year. In Lahore, it's very sunny this time of the year. Lahore usually receives more sunshine than Kuala Lumpur during summer. Lahore gets 228 hours of sunny skies, while Kuala Lumpur receives 200 hours of full sun in the summer.

Kuala Lumpur receives a lot of rain in the summer. Lahore gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Lahore usually receives more rain than Kuala Lumpur. Lahore gets 202 mm (8 in) of rain, while Kuala Lumpur receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Lahore 33°C (91°F) 
    Kuala Lumpur 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Lahore or Kuala Lumpur in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Lahore as well as Kuala Lumpur. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kuala Lumpur throughout the year.

In the autumn, Lahore is around the same temperature as Kuala Lumpur. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lahore in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Kuala Lumpur averages at about 27°C (81°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lahore this time of the year. In the autumn, Lahore often gets more sunshine than Kuala Lumpur. Lahore gets 290 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kuala Lumpur receives 169 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kuala Lumpur. Lahore usually gets less rain in October than Kuala Lumpur. Lahore gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Kuala Lumpur receives 280 mm (11 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Lahore 27°C (81°F) 
    Kuala Lumpur 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Lahore or Kuala Lumpur in the Winter?

Both Kuala Lumpur and Lahore are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Kuala Lumpur because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In January, Lahore is generally much colder than Kuala Lumpur. Daily temperatures in Lahore average around 14°C (58°F), and Kuala Lumpur fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lahore. Lahore usually receives more sunshine than Kuala Lumpur during winter. Lahore gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Kuala Lumpur receives 185 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kuala Lumpur. In January, Lahore usually receives less rain than Kuala Lumpur. Lahore gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Kuala Lumpur receives 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Lahore 14°C (58°F) 
    Kuala Lumpur 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Lahore or Kuala Lumpur in the Spring?

Both Kuala Lumpur and Lahore during the spring are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kuala Lumpur year-round.

Lahore is around the same temperature as Kuala Lumpur in the spring. The daily temperature in Lahore averages around 28°C (83°F) in April, and Kuala Lumpur fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

It's quite sunny in Lahore. In the spring, Lahore often gets more sunshine than Kuala Lumpur. Lahore gets 278 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kuala Lumpur receives 199 hours of full sun.

Kuala Lumpur gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Lahore usually gets less rain in April than Kuala Lumpur. Lahore gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Kuala Lumpur receives 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Lahore 28°C (83°F) 
    Kuala Lumpur 28°C (82°F)

Typical Weather for Kuala Lumpur and Lahore

Lahore Kuala Lumpur
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (58°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 27°C (81°F) 239 mm (9.4 in)
Feb 17°C (62°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 200 mm (7.9 in)
Mar 22°C (72°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 28°C (82°F) 260 mm (10.2 in)
Apr 28°C (83°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 28°C (82°F) 240 mm (9.4 in)
May 33°C (91°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 28°C (82°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Jun 35°C (96°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 160 mm (6.3 in)
Jul 33°C (91°F) 202 mm (8 in) 28°C (82°F) 150 mm (5.9 in)
Aug 32°C (90°F) 164 mm (6.5 in) 28°C (82°F) 160 mm (6.3 in)
Sep 31°C (88°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 200 mm (7.9 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 27°C (81°F) 280 mm (11 in)
Nov 21°C (70°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 290 mm (11.4 in)
Dec 16°C (60°F) 14 mm (0.5 in) 27°C (81°F) 250 mm (9.8 in)