Which place is cheaper, Kuala Lumpur or Luang Prabang?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Luang Prabang or Kuala Lumpur?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Luang Prabang or Kuala Lumpur, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Luang Prabang or Kuala Lumpur?
Luang Prabang
Southeast Asia is a region full of mystical wonders and cultural charm, but nowhere is as charming as the city of Luang Prabang. As the former capital of Laos, Luang Prabang was reopened to tourism in 1989. With that move the city experienced an upswing in revenue and was able to restore and rebuild the beautiful colonial mansions to serve as guesthouses and hotels for the new swarm of tourists.
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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Laos, The Best Adventure Tours to Laos, 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 dayLuang Prabang $14Kuala Lumpur $62
The average daily cost (per person) in Luang Prabang is $14, 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 Luang Prabang and Kuala Lumpur in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLuang Prabang $5.72Kuala Lumpur $36
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLuang Prabang $11Kuala Lumpur $72
Compare Hotels in Luang Prabang and Kuala Lumpur
Looking for a hotel in Luang Prabang 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: Luang Prabang Hotel Prices and Kuala Lumpur Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Luang Prabang $2.11Kuala Lumpur $6.41
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Luang Prabang
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Luang Prabang are as follows:
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Tuk Tuk Ride$2.36
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Luang Prabang
Also for Luang Prabang, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Tortola island to Tortola Cruise Port: $80
- Luang Prabang Private Airport transfers: $9.00
- LPQ Airport: Private Transfer to/from Luang Prabang City: $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:
- Arrival Transfer from KLIA/KLIA2 to Penang: $270
- Arrival Transfer from KLIA/KLIA2 to Singapore: $270
- *Chauffeur: Kuala Lumpur to Singapore Car Transfer: $268
- Chauffeur: Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Besut Transfer [Car]: $251
- Chauffeur: Port Dickson to Singapore Car Transfer: $241
- Arrival Transfer from KLIA/KLIA2 to Johor Bharu: $237
- KUL Hotel to Johor Bharu(One Way Transfer): $237
- KUL Hotel to Penang(One Way Transfer): $237
- Kuala Lumpur Hotels to Singapore Hotels 1-way Transfer: $230
- Cameron Highlands Transfer Private (Per Vehicle): $230
- KL City Hotels to Singapore City Hotels One-way Transfer: $230
- Kuala Lumpur Hotels to Singapore Hotels One-way Transfer: $230
Is it cheaper to fly into Luang Prabang or Kuala Lumpur?
Prices for flights to both Kuala Lumpur and Luang Prabang 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 dayLuang Prabang $5.47Kuala Lumpur $15
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Luang Prabang
For Luang Prabang, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Luang Prabang Local Market and Morning Food Tour with Drinks: $29
- Day-time Bamboo weaving & Cooking Classes join-in: $44
- Bamboo Weaving Workshop & Cooking Class: $44
- Evening Bamboo weaving & Cooking classes join-in: $47
- Mekong Sunset Cruise and Hot Pot Dinner: $50
- Evening Cooking Class & Local Baci Ceremony: $51
- Luang Prabang Mekong Sunset Cruise and Hot Pot Dinner: $51
- Laos Cooking Class in Luang Prabang: $55
- Cooking Class: $55
- Luang Prabang Evening food tour by Tuktuk: $56
- Luang Prabang Evening Food Tour by Tuk-Tuk: $57
- Luang Prabang Evening Food Tour by Tuk-Tuk : $58
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:
- Nightlife Street Food Tour with 6 Tastings: $43
- Street Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $49
- Laksa Lanes Kuala Lumpur Food Tour with 14+ 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: $56
- Kuala Lumpur by Night and Malaysian Food Tour: $61
- Petaling Street Heritage Food Tour: $62
- Private Food Tour – 10 Tastings with Locals: $63
- Private Malaysian Cooking Class With A Professional Chef: $64
- Firefly Park Kuala Selangor Seafood Dinner and Free Boat Ride: $64
- 'Kelip Kelip' Fireflies Tour include Dinner + Free Boat-Ride: $65
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Luang Prabang $2.72Kuala Lumpur $13
Tours and Activities in Luang Prabang
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Luang Prabang.
- Kuangsi waterfall tour with Sunset Mekong cruiser to Pakou Cave: $77
- 1 DAY Mekong Cruise to Pak Ou Caves. Kuang Si Waterfalls . Local Villages: $48
- Bike to Kuangsi Waterfall and Cruise the Mekong River Back - Luang Prabang 1 day: $170
- Biking & Kayaking through Nam Khan River Valley - Luang Prabang full day tour: $73
- Dine and Cruise on Mekong River: $66
- Elephant keeper experience option waterfall day tour: $115
- From Guided Mountain Bike Tour with Lunch: $42
- Full Day Kuang Si Warerfalls & Rice Farming Experience in Living Land: $95
- Full Day Private Tour in Luang Prabang: $163
- Full Day Private Tour to Kuang Si Falls: $126
- Full day / Half Day Kayaking and Pak Ou Caves with optional sunset cruise: $41
- Full-Day Luang Prabang Highlights Tour Including Kuangsi Waterfall: $85
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
- Half-day Kuala Lumpur City Tour: $19
- History, Heritage & Culture Of Malaysia Tour: $62
- KL Tour with Petronas Twin Towers Observation Deck & Batu Cave: $145
- KLCC Lake Symphony & The River of Life Tour from Kuala Lumpur: $33
- Malacca Instagram Tour: Most Famous Spots (Private & All-Inclusive): $184
- *10 Hrs Kuala Lumpur Flexible Van Tour w' Tour Guide: $90
- *12Hrs Kuala Lumpur Van Tour from Genting Highlands w' Tour Guide: $90
- *13 Hrs Bentong Van tour from Kuala Lumpur w' Tour Guide: $81
- *13 Hrs Kuala Lumpur & Melaka Van Tour from Bentong w' Tour Guide: $108
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLuang Prabang $1.82Kuala 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 Luang Prabang and Kuala Lumpur, we can see that Kuala Lumpur is more expensive. And not only is Luang Prabang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Luang Prabang would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Luang Prabang 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 Luang Prabang.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Luang Prabang Expensive? and Is Kuala Lumpur Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Luang Prabang or Kuala Lumpur?
Kuala Lumpur has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Luang Prabang. When comparing the sizes of Luang Prabang 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 Luang Prabang 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 Luang Prabang or Kuala Lumpur in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Luang Prabang and Kuala Lumpur. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luang Prabang 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. Luang Prabang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Luang Prabang usually receives more rain than Kuala Lumpur. Luang Prabang gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Kuala Lumpur receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
Luang Prabang is around the same temperature as Kuala Lumpur in the summer. The daily temperature in Luang Prabang averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Kuala Lumpur fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Kuala Lumpur 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Kuala Lumpur in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Luang Prabang as well as Kuala Lumpur. Luang Prabang 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. Luang Prabang receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Luang Prabang usually gets less rain in October than Kuala Lumpur. Luang Prabang gets 126 mm (5 in) of rain, while Kuala Lumpur receives 280 mm (11 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the autumn, Luang Prabang is around the same temperature as Kuala Lumpur. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Luang Prabang in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Kuala Lumpur averages at about 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLuang Prabang 26°C (79°F)Kuala Lumpur 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Kuala Lumpur in the Winter?
Both Kuala Lumpur and Luang Prabang are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Luang Prabang 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, Luang Prabang usually receives less rain than Kuala Lumpur. Luang Prabang gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Kuala Lumpur receives 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In January, Luang Prabang is generally cooler than Kuala Lumpur. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 21°C (70°F), and Kuala Lumpur fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLuang Prabang 21°C (70°F)Kuala Lumpur 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Kuala Lumpur in the Spring?
Both Kuala Lumpur and Luang Prabang during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Luang Prabang 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. It rains a lot this time of the year in Luang Prabang. Luang Prabang usually gets less rain in April than Kuala Lumpur. Luang Prabang gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Kuala Lumpur receives 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
Luang Prabang is around the same temperature as Kuala Lumpur in the spring. The daily temperature in Luang Prabang averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Kuala Lumpur fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Kuala Lumpur 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Kuala Lumpur and Luang Prabang
| Luang Prabang | Kuala Lumpur | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 239 mm (9.4 in) |
| Feb | 23°C (73°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 126 mm (5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 280 mm (11 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 290 mm (11.4 in) |
| Dec | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 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.