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

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Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Kuala Lumpur?

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

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Kuala Lumpur? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Saint Petersburg or Kuala Lumpur?

Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg is a beautiful city that sits on the eastern edge of the Baltic Sea. Its historical city center is threaded with canals and architecturally impressive buildings, leaving little doubt as to why this city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the second largest city in Russia, but perhaps a favorite among travelers. The metropolitan area has a population of over 5 million as well as an impressive culture with fascinating museums, restaurants, and architecture. The city has no shortage of sights and attractions, and many days can be passed while you wander its intricate streets.

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.

Which place is cheaper, Kuala Lumpur or Saint Petersburg?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Petersburg is $66, while the average daily cost in Kuala Lumpur is $61. 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 Saint Petersburg and Kuala Lumpur in more detail.



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

Looking for a hotel in Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg


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: Kuala Lumpur Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $7.61
    Kuala Lumpur $6.35
Typical Local Transportation prices in Saint Petersburg

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Saint Petersburg:


  • Metro Passes
    $1.40

Typical Local Transportation prices in Kuala Lumpur

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


  • Taxi Ride
    $3.21
  • Metro Ride (for Two)
    $0.68
  • Short Taxi Ride
    $3.21
  • Taxi From Airport
    $19
  • Bus from Airport
    $1.71
  • Train & Boat to Pulau Ketam
    $2.57

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kuala Lumpur

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

  • i-City Shah Alam Theme Park Adventure with Return Transfer: $59
  • VIP Transfer by Mercedes Benz : Airport to Kuala Lumpur Hotel: $60
  • VIP Departure Transfer : Kuala Lumpur Airport: $176
  • VIP Arrival Transfer : Kuala Lumpur Airport: $176
  • VIP Airport Transfer - Departure: $183
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Kuala Lumpur HTL-APT (KUL): $30
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Kuala Lumpur APT-HTL (KUL): $30
  • Transfer to Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan: $30
  • Transfer To Avani Sepang Goldcoast Resort : $30
  • Taman Negara Kuala Tahan Transfer Private Hyundai Starex: $120
  • Sunway Lagoon: Ticket with Transfer from Kuala Lumpur: $89
  • Sunway Lagoon: Admission Ticket & 2-Way Transfer: $72

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Petersburg or Kuala Lumpur?

Prices for flights to both Kuala Lumpur and Saint Petersburg 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
    Saint Petersburg $19
    Kuala Lumpur $14
Typical Food prices in Saint Petersburg

For Saint Petersburg, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Lunch for Two
    $4.81

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
    $8.56
  • Roti Bread
    $0.21
  • Food Court Lunch
    $3.08
  • Dinner at Indian Restaurant (for Two)
    $4.60

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:

  • Kuala Lumpur by Night and Malaysian Food Tour: $33
  • Authentic Malaysian Street Food Tour in Kuala Lumpur: $35
  • Malaysian Culture and Street Food Tour : $44
  • Cooking Experience: Southeast Asian Desserts & Snacks: $48
  • Sambal Streets Kuala Lumpur Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $49
  • Laksa Lanes Kuala Lumpur Food Tour with 14+ Tastings: $49
  • Street Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $50
  • Kuala Lumpur Malaysian Cultural Night Experience with Buffet Dinner : $53
  • Best Local Food Tour by Night at Kuala Lumpur : $55
  • Cultural Night Tour with Dinner: $55
  • Private Food Tour – 10 Tastings with Locals: $57
  • From Kuala Selangor Fireflies Tour with Dinner: $57

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $19
    Kuala Lumpur $14

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)
    $9.63
  • Canopy Walk at FRIM Forest Reserve
    $1.07

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: $246
  • 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: $192
  • Half-day Kuala Lumpur City Tour: $34
  • Historic And Heritage Melaka Tour: $92
  • History, Heritage & Culture Of Malaysia Tour: $62
  • KLCC Lake Symphony & The River of Life Tour from Kuala Lumpur: $33
  • Kuala Lumpur Full Day City & Shopping Tour with Lunch (PRIVATE TOUR): $77
  • Kuala Lumpur Full Day City Tour Cruise Excursion from Port Klang: $69
  • Kuala Lumpur Morning Food Experience Tour: $88
  • Kuala Selangor Firefly Tour : Exclusive Deal: $55

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Petersburg $10
    Kuala Lumpur $6.34

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
    $9.63

How are these travel costs calculated?

When comparing the travel costs between Saint Petersburg and Kuala Lumpur, we can see that Saint Petersburg 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. Even though Saint Petersburg is in Europe and Kuala Lumpur is in Asia, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Kuala Lumpur?

Saint Petersburg is bigger, and its population is about 2.8 times larger than the population of Kuala Lumpur. When comparing the population of Saint Petersburg vs. 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 and the activities that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Saint Petersburg or Kuala Lumpur?

Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg or Kuala Lumpur in the Summer?

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

In July, Saint Petersburg is generally much colder than Kuala Lumpur. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 18°C (64°F), and Kuala Lumpur fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

It's quite sunny in Kuala Lumpur. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Petersburg. Saint Petersburg usually receives more sunshine than Kuala Lumpur during summer. Saint Petersburg gets 267 hours of sunny skies, while Kuala Lumpur receives 200 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kuala Lumpur. In July, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Kuala Lumpur. Saint Petersburg gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Kuala Lumpur receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Petersburg 18°C (64°F) 
    Kuala Lumpur 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Kuala Lumpur in the Autumn?

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

Saint Petersburg is much colder than Kuala Lumpur in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 6°C (42°F) in October, and Kuala Lumpur fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

In the autumn, Saint Petersburg often gets less sunshine than Kuala Lumpur. Saint Petersburg gets 70 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kuala Lumpur receives 169 hours of full sun.

Kuala Lumpur gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in October than Kuala Lumpur. Saint Petersburg gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Kuala Lumpur receives 280 mm (11 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Petersburg 6°C (42°F) 
    Kuala Lumpur 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Kuala Lumpur in the Winter?

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

It's quite cold in Saint Petersburg in the winter. In the winter, Saint Petersburg is much colder than Kuala Lumpur. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Petersburg in January average around -8°C (18°F), and Kuala Lumpur averages at about 27°C (81°F).

Saint Petersburg usually receives less sunshine than Kuala Lumpur during winter. Saint Petersburg gets 22 hours of sunny skies, while Kuala Lumpur receives 185 hours of full sun in the winter.

Kuala Lumpur receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Kuala Lumpur. Saint Petersburg gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Kuala Lumpur receives 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Petersburg -8°C (18°F) 
    Kuala Lumpur 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Kuala Lumpur in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Kuala Lumpur. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kuala Lumpur throughout the year.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Saint Petersburg. In April, Saint Petersburg is generally much colder than Kuala Lumpur. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 4°C (40°F), and Kuala Lumpur fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

In the spring, Saint Petersburg often gets less sunshine than Kuala Lumpur. Saint Petersburg gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kuala Lumpur receives 199 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kuala Lumpur. Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in April than Kuala Lumpur. Saint Petersburg gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Kuala Lumpur receives 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Petersburg 4°C (40°F) 
    Kuala Lumpur 28°C (82°F)

Typical Weather for Kuala Lumpur and Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg Kuala Lumpur
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -8°C (18°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 27°C (81°F) 239 mm (9.4 in)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 28°C (82°F) 200 mm (7.9 in)
Mar -2°C (28°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 28°C (82°F) 260 mm (10.2 in)
Apr 4°C (40°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 28°C (82°F) 240 mm (9.4 in)
May 11°C (52°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 28°C (82°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Jun 16°C (60°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 28°C (82°F) 160 mm (6.3 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 77 mm (3 in) 28°C (82°F) 150 mm (5.9 in)
Aug 16°C (62°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 160 mm (6.3 in)
Sep 11°C (52°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 200 mm (7.9 in)
Oct 6°C (42°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 27°C (81°F) 280 mm (11 in)
Nov 0°C (32°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 290 mm (11.4 in)
Dec -5°C (24°F) 48 mm (1.9 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.
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