Which place is cheaper, Kuala Lumpur or Lombok?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Lombok 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 Lombok 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: Lombok or Kuala Lumpur?
Lombok
Lombok is an island east of the well-tread Bali and west of lesser-developed Sumbawa. While Lombok is not as popular as its neighbor to the west, it is a great place to visit for that very reason. Less popularity means lower prices for accommodations, food, activities, and less-inundated tourist spots. Nonetheless, Lombok is rapidly developing in tourism, and the government is naming it and Sumbawa the number two tourism spots, following Bali.
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 Wildlife Tours to Indonesia, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Indonesia, The Best Tours for Seniors to Malaysia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Malaysia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLombok $52Kuala Lumpur $62
The average daily cost (per person) in Lombok is $52, 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 Lombok and Kuala Lumpur in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLombok $29Kuala Lumpur $36
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLombok $58Kuala Lumpur $72
Compare Hotels in Lombok and Kuala Lumpur
Looking for a hotel in Lombok 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.
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: Lombok Hotel Prices and Kuala Lumpur Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Lombok $11Kuala Lumpur $6.41
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lombok
Also for Lombok, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer Service to Lombok Airport : $22
- Private Transfer from Sumbawa Besar Airport (SWQ) to Wisata Alam Semongkat: $210
- Private Transfer from Sumbawa Besar Airport (SWQ) to Lopok: $152
- Private Transfer from Sokong to Lombok Airport (LOP): $50
- Private Transfer from Sigar Penjalin to Lombok Airport (LOP): $50
- Private Transfer from Senggigi to Lombok Airport (LOP): $32
- Private Transfer from Mataram to Lombok Airport (LOP): $32
- Private Transfer from Mangsit to Lombok Airport (LOP): $32
- Private Transfer from Lombok to Lombok International Airport: $39
- Private Transfer from Lombok hotels to Lombok Cruise Port: $36
- Private Transfer from Lombok Island Hotels to Lombok Cruise Port: $33
- Private Transfer from Lombok Cruise Port to Lombok Airport (LOP): $33
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:
- Legoland Transfer Private (per Vehichle) : $270
- Arrival Transfer from KLIA/KLIA2 to Penang: $270
- *Chauffeur: Kuala Lumpur to Singapore Car Transfer: $268
- Cameron Highlands One Way Transfer: $259
- Chauffeur: Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Besut Transfer [Car]: $251
- KUL Hotel to Johor Bharu(One Way Transfer): $237
- Kuala Lumpur City Hotels to Singapore City Hotels 1-way Transfer: $230
- Chauffeur: Kuala Lumpur to Desaru Transfer [Car]: $226
- Chauffeur: Kuala Lumpur to Mersing Transfer [Car]: $225
- Chauffeur: Kuala Lumpur to Cameron Highlands Transfer [Car]: $220
- Airport Arrival Transfer-VIP Class: $200
- VIP Arrival Transfer : Kuala Lumpur Airport: $196
Is it cheaper to fly into Lombok or Kuala Lumpur?
Prices for flights to both Kuala Lumpur and Lombok 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 dayLombok $12Kuala Lumpur $15
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lombok
For Lombok, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Anggrek Putih Cooking Class & Garden Tour: $38
- Love and Legends: The Ultimate Romantic Dinner on the beach : $47
- Babah Peranakan Chinese Cuisine Dinner in Lombok: $60
- Kids Cooking Class at Tugu Hotel Lombok: $63
- Exquisite Dinner with Spectacular View at Tugu Hotel Lombok: $64
- Traditional Cooking Class Experience With Recipes From The Past Generations: $67
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
- 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
- Petaling Street Heritage Food Tour: $62
- Private Food Tour – 10 Tastings with Locals: $63
- Kuala Selangor Fireflies Tour Include Seafood Dinner (Free Boat Ride): $65
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Lombok $10Kuala Lumpur $13
Tours and Activities in Lombok
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Lombok.
- 2 Days Private Tetebatu and Rinjani Nature Tour in Lombok: $169
- 2D/1N (Hostel) Backpacker Lombok Tour Package: $205
- 3 Days Mount Rinjani Complete Tour @All In One Price: $221
- 3 Days Tour in Mount Rinjani Summit with Lake Hiking : $269
- 3D 2N Mount Rinjani Trekking Tour To Summit And Lake: $185
- Beach Tour in Lombok Indonesia: $51
- Benang Kelambu Waterfall And Culture Full Day Tour : $75
- Best Lombok Rice Terrace Walking Tour With Waterfall & Monkey: $60
- Camping Tour in Sasak Mountain Lombok Island: $89
- Complete your Lombok Holiday with Lombok Instagram Tour: $50
- Cultural Tour of Lombok with English Speaking Guide: $63
- Daily Tour: $70
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:
- 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
- *13 Hrs Kuala Lumpur & Melaka Van Tour from Bentong w' Tour Guide: $108
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLombok $8.15Kuala 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:
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Bottle of Wine$9.43
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lombok and Kuala Lumpur, we can see that Kuala Lumpur is more expensive. And not only is Lombok much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Lombok would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lombok 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 Kuala Lumpur would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kuala Lumpur than you might in Lombok.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Lombok Expensive? and Is Kuala Lumpur Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Lombok or Kuala Lumpur?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Lombok or Kuala Lumpur in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Lombok and Kuala Lumpur. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Lombok year-round. Kuala Lumpur attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Kuala Lumpur receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Lombok usually receives less rain than Kuala Lumpur. Lombok gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Kuala Lumpur receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
In July, Lombok is generally around the same temperature as Kuala Lumpur. Daily temperatures in Lombok average around 26°C (79°F), and Kuala Lumpur fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLombok 26°C (79°F)Kuala Lumpur 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Lombok or Kuala Lumpur in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Lombok as well as Kuala Lumpur. Lombok attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kuala Lumpur throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Kuala Lumpur. Lombok receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Lombok usually gets less rain in October than Kuala Lumpur. Lombok gets 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Kuala Lumpur receives 280 mm (11 in) of rain this time of the year.
Lombok is around the same temperature as Kuala Lumpur in the autumn. The daily temperature in Lombok averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Kuala Lumpur fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLombok 28°C (82°F)Kuala Lumpur 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Lombok or Kuala Lumpur in the Winter?
Both Kuala Lumpur and Lombok are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Lombok throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Kuala Lumpur because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Kuala Lumpur. In January, Lombok usually receives less rain than Kuala Lumpur. Lombok gets 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Kuala Lumpur receives 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
Lombok usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kuala Lumpur during winter. Lombok gets 188 hours of sunny skies, while Kuala Lumpur receives 185 hours of full sun in the winter.
In the winter, Lombok is around the same temperature as Kuala Lumpur. Typically, the winter temperatures in Lombok in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Kuala Lumpur averages at about 27°C (81°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLombok 28°C (82°F)Kuala Lumpur 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Lombok or Kuala Lumpur in the Spring?
Both Kuala Lumpur and Lombok during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Lombok because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kuala Lumpur year-round.
Kuala Lumpur gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Lombok usually gets less rain in April than Kuala Lumpur. Lombok gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Kuala Lumpur receives 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
In April, Lombok is generally around the same temperature as Kuala Lumpur. Daily temperatures in Lombok average around 28°C (82°F), and Kuala Lumpur fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLombok 28°C (82°F)Kuala Lumpur 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Kuala Lumpur and Lombok
| Lombok | Kuala Lumpur | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 239 mm (9.4 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) |
| Jul | 26°C (79°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (79°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 109 mm (4.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 280 mm (11 in) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 216 mm (8.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 290 mm (11.4 in) |
| Dec | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 250 mm (9.8 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.