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

Should you visit Nakhon Ratchasima or Kuala Lumpur?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Nakhon Ratchasima 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: Nakhon Ratchasima or Kuala Lumpur?

Nakhon Ratchasima

If you're planning on traveling from Bangkok to Isaan, you'll likely make Nakhon Ratchasima your pit stop or home base. However, there is so much more to this sprawling metropolis than just a layover. Underneath the chaos of it all, is a charming and traditional Thai city.

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 Tours for Seniors to Thailand, The Best Contiki Tours to Thailand, The Best Tours for Seniors to Malaysia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Malaysia.


Which place is cheaper, Kuala Lumpur or Nakhon Ratchasima?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Nakhon Ratchasima Prices
    Thailand Prices
    Kuala Lumpur Prices
    Malaysia Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Nakhon Ratchasima $58
    Kuala Lumpur $83

The average daily cost (per person) in Nakhon Ratchasima is $58, while the average daily cost in Kuala Lumpur is $83. 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 Nakhon Ratchasima and Kuala Lumpur in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nakhon Ratchasima $22
    Kuala Lumpur $41
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nakhon Ratchasima $44
    Kuala Lumpur $82
Compare Hotels in Nakhon Ratchasima and Kuala Lumpur

Looking for a hotel in Nakhon Ratchasima 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 Nakhon Ratchasima


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: Nakhon Ratchasima Hotel Prices and Kuala Lumpur Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nakhon Ratchasima $5.19
    Kuala Lumpur $7.21
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Nakhon Ratchasima

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Nakhon Ratchasima:


  • Tuk Tuk
    $1.57
  • Bus to Vientiane
    $1.57

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Kuala Lumpur

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


  • Taxi Ride
    $3.57
  • Metro Ride (for Two)
    $0.76
  • Short Taxi Ride
    $3.57
  • Taxi From Airport
    $21
  • Bus from Airport
    $1.90
  • Train & Boat to Pulau Ketam
    $2.85

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]: $77
  • ~Chauffeur: Kuala Lumpur to Kuantan Transfer [MPV]: $268
  • VIP Transfer by Mercedes Benz : Airport to Kuala Lumpur Hotel: $87
  • VIP Departure Transfer : Kuala Lumpur Airport: $202
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Kuala Lumpur APT-HTL (KUL): $28
  • Transfer To Avani Sepang Goldcoast Resort : $30
  • Taman Negara Kuala Tahan Transfer Private Hyundai Starex: $120
  • Sunway Lagoon: Ticket with Transfer from Kuala Lumpur: $99
  • Sunway Lagoon: Admission Ticket & 2-Way Transfer: $72
  • Sunway Lagoon Theme Park with Round-Trip Transfer: $94
  • Sunway Lagoon Theme Park to Kuala Lumpur Hotels Transfer (1-way): $17
  • Sunway Lagoon Theme Park to Kuala Lumpur Hotels Transfer: $17

Is it cheaper to fly into Nakhon Ratchasima or Kuala Lumpur?

Prices for flights to both Kuala Lumpur and Nakhon Ratchasima 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
    Nakhon Ratchasima $30
    Kuala Lumpur $29

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
    $9.51
  • Roti Bread
    $0.24
  • Food Court Lunch
    $3.42
  • Dinner at Indian Restaurant (for Two)
    $5.11

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:

  • Private Night Tour Batu Caves and South Indian Dinner: $20
  • Nightlife Street Food Tour with 6 Tastings: $41
  • Laksa Lanes Kuala Lumpur Food Tour with 14+ Tastings: $49
  • Sambal Streets Kuala Lumpur Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $49
  • Sambal Street Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $53
  • Best Local Food Tour by Night at Kuala Lumpur : $55
  • Glowing Firefly Private Tour With Dinner: $59
  • Malaysia Cooking Classes With Local: $60
  • Kuala Lumpur Food Tour: $60
  • Kuala Selangor Fireflies and Blue Tears Tour with Dinner (SIC): $62
  • Malaysian Hands-On Cooking Class : Masala Medley : $63
  • Firefly Park Kuala Selangor Seafood Dinner and Free Boat Ride: $64

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nakhon Ratchasima $6.68
    Kuala Lumpur $15

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)
    $11
  • Canopy Walk at FRIM Forest Reserve
    $1.19

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: $182
  • Cameron Highland Day Tour From Kuala Lumpur By Group: $155
  • Full Day Kuala Lumpur City Tour with Petronas Twin Tower Tickets: $95
  • Half Day Kuala Lumpur Culture And Communities Exploration Tour: $30
  • Historic And Heritage Melaka Tour: $55
  • KL Tour with Petronas Twin Towers Observation Deck & Batu Cave: $145
  • KLCC Lake Symphony & The River of Life Tour from Kuala Lumpur: $33
  • Kuala Lumpur (Genting Highlands 7.5 hours Private Tour): $61
  • Kuala Lumpur Full Day City Tour Cruise Excursion from Port Klang: $65
  • Kuala Lumpur Half Day Family Tour With Aquaria KLCC : $105
  • Malacca Instagram Tour: Most Famous Spots (Private & All-Inclusive): $184
  • Petronas Twin Tower Tickets with City Tour: $80

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nakhon Ratchasima $12
    Kuala Lumpur $6.58

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
    $11


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nakhon Ratchasima and Kuala Lumpur, we can see that Kuala Lumpur is more expensive. And not only is Nakhon Ratchasima much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Nakhon Ratchasima would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nakhon Ratchasima 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 Nakhon Ratchasima.

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


Which is Bigger, Nakhon Ratchasima or Kuala Lumpur?

Kuala Lumpur has a larger population, and is about 1453980 times larger than the population of Nakhon Ratchasima. When comparing the sizes of Nakhon Ratchasima 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 Nakhon Ratchasima 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 Nakhon Ratchasima or Kuala Lumpur in the Summer?

Both Kuala Lumpur and Nakhon Ratchasima are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Nakhon Ratchasima 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. It's quite rainy in Nakhon Ratchasima. In July, Nakhon Ratchasima usually receives less rain than Kuala Lumpur. Nakhon Ratchasima gets 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Kuala Lumpur receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

In July, Nakhon Ratchasima is generally around the same temperature as Kuala Lumpur. Daily temperatures in Nakhon Ratchasima average around 30°C (86°F), and Kuala Lumpur fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nakhon Ratchasima 30°C (86°F) 
    Kuala Lumpur 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Nakhon Ratchasima or Kuala Lumpur in the Autumn?

Both Kuala Lumpur and Nakhon Ratchasima during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Nakhon Ratchasima 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 Nakhon Ratchasima. Nakhon Ratchasima usually gets less rain in October than Kuala Lumpur. Nakhon Ratchasima gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Kuala Lumpur receives 280 mm (11 in) of rain this time of the year.

Nakhon Ratchasima is around the same temperature as Kuala Lumpur in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nakhon Ratchasima averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Kuala Lumpur fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nakhon Ratchasima 28°C (82°F) 
    Kuala Lumpur 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Nakhon Ratchasima or Kuala Lumpur in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nakhon Ratchasima and Kuala Lumpur. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Nakhon Ratchasima year-round. Kuala Lumpur attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Kuala Lumpur receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Nakhon Ratchasima usually receives less rain than Kuala Lumpur. Nakhon Ratchasima gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Kuala Lumpur receives 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

In the winter, Nakhon Ratchasima is around the same temperature as Kuala Lumpur. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nakhon Ratchasima in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Kuala Lumpur averages at about 27°C (81°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nakhon Ratchasima 25°C (77°F) 
    Kuala Lumpur 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Nakhon Ratchasima or Kuala Lumpur in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Nakhon Ratchasima as well as Kuala Lumpur. Nakhon Ratchasima 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. Nakhon Ratchasima usually gets less rain in April than Kuala Lumpur. Nakhon Ratchasima gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Kuala Lumpur receives 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Nakhon Ratchasima can become quite hot in the spring. In April, Nakhon Ratchasima is generally a little warmer than Kuala Lumpur. Daily temperatures in Nakhon Ratchasima average around 31°C (89°F), and Kuala Lumpur fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nakhon Ratchasima 31°C (89°F) 
    Kuala Lumpur 28°C (82°F)

Typical Weather for Kuala Lumpur and Nakhon Ratchasima

Nakhon Ratchasima Kuala Lumpur
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 239 mm (9.4 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 28°C (82°F) 200 mm (7.9 in)
Mar 30°C (86°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 28°C (82°F) 260 mm (10.2 in)
Apr 31°C (89°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 28°C (82°F) 240 mm (9.4 in)
May 31°C (88°F) 152 mm (6 in) 28°C (82°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Jun 30°C (87°F) 105 mm (4.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 160 mm (6.3 in)
Jul 30°C (86°F) 123 mm (4.8 in) 28°C (82°F) 150 mm (5.9 in)
Aug 30°C (85°F) 128 mm (5 in) 28°C (82°F) 160 mm (6.3 in)
Sep 29°C (84°F) 244 mm (9.6 in) 27°C (81°F) 200 mm (7.9 in)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 152 mm (6 in) 27°C (81°F) 280 mm (11 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 290 mm (11.4 in)
Dec 24°C (76°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 250 mm (9.8 in)