Which place is cheaper, Kuala Lumpur or Melaka?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Melaka or Kuala Lumpur?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Melaka 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: Melaka or Kuala Lumpur?
Melaka
Melaka (or Malacca) is a large city on the western coast of Malaysia about half way between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. This historical city grew up as a result of trading in the region due to its position on the namesake Straights of Malacca, a natural waterway formed from the peninsula of Malaysia and the Indonesian island of Sumatra. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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 a fairly affordable city by global standards, 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 2-Week Tours in Malaysia, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Malaysia, The Best Adventure Tours to Malaysia, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Malaysia.
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Melaka Prices
Malaysia PricesKuala Lumpur Prices
Malaysia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMelaka $33Kuala Lumpur $84
The average daily cost (per person) in Melaka is $33, while the average daily cost in Kuala Lumpur is $84. 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 Melaka and Kuala Lumpur in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMelaka $9.67Kuala Lumpur $42
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMelaka $19Kuala Lumpur $84
Compare Hotels in Melaka and Kuala Lumpur
Looking for a hotel in Melaka 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: Melaka Hotel Prices and Kuala Lumpur Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Melaka $2.12Kuala Lumpur $7.33
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Melaka
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Melaka are as follows:
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Taxi$4.83
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Bus Ride$0.36
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Melaka
Also for Melaka, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Sit Back & Relax - Malacca to Kuala Lumpur MPV Transfer: $191
- Private Transfer from Malacca Cruise Port to Subang Jaya city: $234
- Private Transfer from Kuala Lumpur Airport (KUL) to Malacca Port: $64
- Private Transfer : Taman Negara Kuala Tahan to Cameron Highlands: $168
- Malacca Hotels to Kuala Lumpur International Airport Departure Transfer: $52
- Malacca Hotel to Kuala Lumpur Hotel (Door to Door) Transfer: $73
- Chauffeur: Malacca to Taman Negara Transfer [Van]: $83
- Chauffeur: Malacca to Ipoh Transfer [Van]: $98
- Chauffeur: Malacca to Ipoh Transfer [Car]: $239
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$3.63
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Metro Ride (for Two)$0.77
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Short Taxi Ride$3.63
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Taxi From Airport$22
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Bus from Airport$1.93
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Train & Boat to Pulau Ketam$2.90
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Train to Airport$1.18
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): $300
- Arrival Transfers from KLIA/KLIA2 to Cameron Highland: $285
- Arrival Transfer from KLIA/KLIA2 to Singapore: $270
- ~Chauffeur: Kuala Lumpur to Kuantan Transfer [MPV]: $268
- Chauffeur: KLIA to Singapore Car Transfer: $249
- KUL Hotel to Johor Bharu(One Way Transfer): $237
- Genting Highlands Private Tour with Transfers: $173
- Transfer: Kuala Lumpur Airport (KLIA/KLIA2 : Arrival/Departure): $149
- Kuala Lumpur Airport to Penang City Hotels One-way Transfer: $140
- Arrival Transfer from KLIA/KLIA2 to Malacca: $138
- Kuala Lumpur Airport Transfers : Airport KUL to Kuala Lumpur in Business Van: $137
- °Chauffeur: Kuala Lumpur to Singapore Transfer [Van]: $111
Is it cheaper to fly into Melaka or Kuala Lumpur?
Prices for flights to both Kuala Lumpur and Melaka 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 dayMelaka $21Kuala Lumpur $29
Typical Food Prices in Melaka
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Melaka:
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Sitdown Lunch (for Two)$7.25
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Dinner at the Market (for Two)$3.14
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Asam Pedas (Fish Curry)$1.45
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Taiwanese Noodle Soup$1.21
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Sitdown Dinner (for Two)$7.73
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Melaka
For Melaka, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Melaka Meals Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $55
- Rempah Routes Melaka Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $55
- Small Group Melaka After Dark Food Tour: $74
- Private Traditional Peranakan & Malay Cooking Class in Melaka: $95
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$9.67
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Roti Bread$0.24
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Food Court Lunch$3.48
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Dinner at Indian Restaurant (for Two)$5.20
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:
- From Batu Caves Night Tour + Indian Set Dinner: $28
- Nightlife Street Food Tour with 6 Tastings: $41
- Sambal Street Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $52
- Kuala Lumpur by Night and Malaysian Food Tour: $69
- Private Food Tour – 10 Tastings with Locals: $75
- Evening Food Tour by Bike: $77
- Fireflies Tour Including Riverside Dinner in Kuala Lumpur: $78
- Kuala Selangor Firefly Tour and Dinner: $99
- From Fireflies Tour and Seafood Dinner: $111
- Private Magical View With Petronas Tower & Cultural Dinner: $136
- Malaysian Cooking Class with Market Tour: $138
- Cultural & Food Tour with Meals: $150
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Melaka $4.10Kuala Lumpur $15
Typical Entertainment Prices in Melaka
For Melaka, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Maritime Museum Entrance$0.73
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Taming Sari Revolving Tower Entrance$4.83
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Trishaw Tour (One Hour)$11
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Baba and Nyonya Peranakan Museum Entrance$2.42
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Melaka Zoo Entrance$1.69
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Low Cost Kite$0.73
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Malacca Duck Tour$9.67
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Melaka River Cruise (One Hour)$2.42
Tours and Activities in Melaka
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Melaka.
- *13 Hrs Best of Melaka Full Day Flexible Van Tour w' Tour Guide: $84
- Essential Self-Guided Tour of it's UNESCO Heritage Centre: $15
- From Kuala Lumpur Full Day A'Famosa Theme Park Experience: $40
- Malacca City To Kuala Lumpur City EN-ROUTE Putrajaya City Tour: $61
- Malacca City To Kuala Lumpur City En-route Putrajaya Tour: $49
- Malacca Hotels To Kuala Lumpur Hotels En-route Putrajaya Tour: $49
- Malacca Instagram Tour: Top Spots (Private & All-Inclusive): $328
- Malacca Shore Excursion with Tour Guide & Baba Nyonya Lunch: $180
- Malacca To Kuala Lumpur EN-ROUTE Putrajaya City Tour: $61
- Malaysia Melaka - Breakout Escape Game E-Ticket: $12
- Malaysia: A'famosa Melaka Ticket: $17
- Malaysia: Melaka Upside Down House Entry Ticket: $7.15
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)$11
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Canopy Walk at FRIM Forest Reserve$1.21
Tours and Activities in Kuala Lumpur
For Kuala Lumpur, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 1 Day Kuala Lumpur City Tour (Private) {23 Attractions}: $68
- Airport Layover Tour: Kuala Lumpur Full-Day: $68
- Airport Layover: Kuala Lumpur Full-Day City Tour: $70
- Airport Layover: Kuala Lumpur Full-Day Tour: $70
- Best of Kuala Lumpur Tour with Twin Tower Entry: $106
- Cameron Highlands 1 Day Tour from Kuala Lumpur: $161
- Cruise Excursion from Port Klang to Kuala Lumpur City Tour: $70
- Cruise Excursion: Batu Caves And Putrajaya City Tour: $90
- Cruise Excursion: Full-Day Kuala Lumpur Two Towers City Tour: $125
- Cruise Excursion: Full-Day Kuala Lumpur with Twin Tower Tickets: $110
- Cruise Excursion: Kuala Lumpur Full-day City Tour: $60
- Cruise Excursion: Kuala Lumpur Top Most 17 Attractions Full-day City Tour: $60
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMelaka $8.38Kuala Lumpur $6.69
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$11
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Melaka and Kuala Lumpur, we can see that Kuala Lumpur is more expensive. And not only is Melaka much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Melaka would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Melaka 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 Melaka.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Melaka Expensive? and Is Kuala Lumpur Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Melaka or Kuala Lumpur?
Kuala Lumpur has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Melaka. When comparing the sizes of Melaka 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.
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.