Which place is cheaper, Kuala Lumpur or Surat Thani?
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 Surat Thani or Kuala Lumpur?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Surat Thani and Kuala Lumpur can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Surat Thani or Kuala Lumpur?
Surat Thani
The best way to see the real culture of a country is to go where the tourists are not. If you are itching to experience real Thai culture, you may want to visit the city of Surat Thani. Located on the central gulf coast of southern Thailand, this city is usually the gateway to other Thai islands – meaning visitors run through it without stopping. Stay a while and get to know Surat Thani – known to the locals as the "City of Good People."
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 Yoga Tours and Retreats in Thailand, The Best Honeymoon Tours in Thailand, The Best 2-Week Tours from Kuala Lumpur, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Malaysia.
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Surat Thani Prices
Thailand PricesKuala Lumpur Prices
Malaysia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySurat Thani $68Kuala Lumpur $85
The average daily cost (per person) in Surat Thani is $68, while the average daily cost in Kuala Lumpur is $85. 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 Surat Thani and Kuala Lumpur in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSurat Thani $26Kuala Lumpur $42
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSurat Thani $52Kuala Lumpur $84
Compare Hotels in Surat Thani and Kuala Lumpur
Looking for a hotel in Surat Thani 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: Kuala Lumpur Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Surat Thani $26Kuala Lumpur $7.42
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Surat Thani
Also for Surat Thani, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer to Don Sak Pier: $76
- Surat Thani Airport: Private Transfer to/from Khao Sok: $88
- Surat Thani Airport to/From Ratchaprapa Dam Private Transfer: $79
- Samui Airport Transfer: $33
- Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Chaweng: $38
- Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Bo Phut: $38
- Private Transfer Koh Samui Airport to The Ritz Carlton Koh Samui: $21
- Koh Samui: Zipline Adventure with Hotel Transfer: $60
- Koh Samui: Official Hawk Adventure Zipline Park, No Transfer: $54
- Koh Samui: Full Moon Party Boat Transfer to Koh Phangan: $39
- From URT Airport: Shared Transfer to Koh Samui/Koh Phangan: $3.62
- From Koh Phangan: Shared Transfer to Khao Sok/Ao Nang/Phuket: $24
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$3.67
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Metro Ride (for Two)$0.78
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Short Taxi Ride$3.67
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Taxi From Airport$22
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Bus from Airport$1.96
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Train & Boat to Pulau Ketam$2.94
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Train to Airport$1.20
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
- KUL Hotel to Penang(One Way Transfer): $278
- Arrival Transfer from KLIA/KLIA2 to Singapore: $270
- Chauffeur: Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Besut Transfer [Car]: $266
- Marina Island Jetty/ Lumut Jetty Transfer From/To KLIA or Kuala Lumpur: $260
- Private Transfer : Kuala Lumpur to Singapore: $252
- Chauffeur: Kuala Lumpur to Mersing Transfer [Car]: $240
- Private Transfer : Kuala Lumpur to Jetty for Redang Island: $237
- Chauffeur: Kuala Lumpur to Cameron Highlands Transfer [Car]: $234
- Kuala Lumpur City Hotels to Singapore City Hotels 1-way Transfer: $230
- Private Transfer from Shah Alam city to Malacca Cruise Port: $228
Is it cheaper to fly into Surat Thani or Kuala Lumpur?
Prices for flights to both Kuala Lumpur and Surat Thani 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 daySurat Thani $26Kuala Lumpur $30
Typical Food Prices in Surat Thani
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Surat Thani:
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Dinner$4.48
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Surat Thani
For Surat Thani, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Koh Samui: Island Vista Tour with Dinner and Transfers: $36
- Jungle Adventure with Bamboo Cooking Class in Khao Sok: $49
- Half Day Thai Cooking Class with Sea View from Koh Tao: $61
- Koh Phangan: The Best Authentic Thai Cooking Class: $76
- Coastal Village Life Tour w/ Mangrove & Cooking: $91
- Koh Phangan: Jungle Walk and Authentic Thai Cooking Class: $105
- Koh Samui: Evening Thai Cooking Class with Organic Garden: $117
- Koh Samui: Japanese Cooking Class w/ Chef Daniel at W Samui: $124
- Khao Sok Elephant Afternoon: No Riding, Plus Mountain Cooking: $242
- Koh Samui: All-Inclusive Romantic Dinner, Private Beach, and Sunset: $796
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$9.79
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Roti Bread$0.24
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Food Court Lunch$3.53
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Dinner at Indian Restaurant (for Two)$5.26
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
- Authentic Malaysian Street Food Tour With 15+ Tastings Near KLCC: $42
- Kuala Selangor Fireflies & Blue Tears Guided Tour w Dinner (SIC): $50
- Sambal Street Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $52
- Best Local Food Tour by Night at Kuala Lumpur: $55
- Sambal Streets Kuala Lumpur Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $55
- Glowing Firefly Tour With Dinner (SIC): $56
- Malaysia Cooking Class With Local (Hands-On!): $60
- Kuala Lumpur Food Tour: $60
- Private Kuala Lumpur Street Food Tour with Local Guide: $64
- Kuala Lumpur Best Food Tour With A Guide: $64
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Surat Thani $5.44Kuala Lumpur $16
Tours and Activities in Surat Thani
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Surat Thani.
- Amazing 5 Point Snorkeling Tour in Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan: $28
- Ang Thong National Marine Park Speedboat Tour from Koh Phangan: $72
- Cheow Lan Lake Sunrise Boat Tour: $87
- Cheow Lan Lake Tour from Khao Sok with Raft House Lunch: $90
- Cheow Lan Lake and Diamond Cave Adventure from Khao Sok: $95
- Dolphin Watching, Snorkeling, and Pig Island Tour from Koh Samui: $71
- From Khao Lak/Khao Sok: Cheow Lan Lake and Emerald Pool Tour: $121
- From Ko Pha Ngan: Angthong Marine Park Speedboat Adventure: $78
- Full-Day Speedboat Tour to Koh Tao & Koh Nangyuan with Lunch: $69
- Khao Sok ATV Jungle Trail Adventure Experience: $55
- Khao Sok Lake Overnight Superior Group Tour with Meals Included: $177
- Khao Sok: Cheow Lan Lake Sunset Cruise w/ Drinks: $125
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$1.22
Tours and Activities in Kuala Lumpur
For Kuala Lumpur, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- °10 Hrs Kuala Lumpur Flexible Van Tour w' Tour Guide: $108
- °12 Hrs Kuala Lumpur Van Tour from Bentong w' Tour Guide: $108
- °12Hrs Kuala Lumpur Van Tour from Genting Highlands w' Tour Guide: $108
- "Malacca After Dark: A Nighttime Adventure Through History": $63
- (Base On Per Vehicle Price) Private Kuala Lumpur KL City Tour: $185
- *12 Hrs Kuala Lumpur Van Tour from Port Dickson w' Tour Guide: $96
- *13 Hrs Bentong Van tour from Kuala Lumpur w' Tour Guide: $86
- *13Hrs KL&GentingHighlands Van Tour frm Port Dickson w' TourGuide: $123
- *14 Hrs Melaka Ultimate Van Tour from Port Dickson w' Tour Guide: $84
- *14Hrs Melaka Excitements Car Tour from Port Dickson w' TourGuide: $295
- *17HrsKualaLumpur&Melaka Van Tour frm Fraser's Hill w' Tour Guide: $144
- 1 Day Kuala Lumpur City Tour (Private) {23 Attractions}: $68
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySurat Thani $5.43Kuala Lumpur $6.78
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
Sample the Local Flavors in Kuala Lumpur
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Kuala Lumpur:
- Hidden Bar Hopping With A Local - Bar Crawl: $35
- Kuala Lumpur Nightlife Pub Crawl with 4 Venues and Drinks: $41
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Surat Thani and Kuala Lumpur, we can see that Kuala Lumpur is more expensive. And not only is Surat Thani much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Surat Thani would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Surat Thani 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 Surat Thani.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Surat Thani Expensive? and Is Kuala Lumpur Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Surat Thani or Kuala Lumpur?
Kuala Lumpur has a larger population, and is about 1453980 times larger than the population of Surat Thani. When comparing the sizes of Surat Thani 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 Surat Thani 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 Surat Thani or Kuala Lumpur in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Surat Thani and Kuala Lumpur. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Surat Thani 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. Surat Thani gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Surat Thani usually receives around the same amount of rain as Kuala Lumpur. Surat Thani gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Kuala Lumpur receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
Surat Thani is around the same temperature as Kuala Lumpur in the summer. The daily temperature in Surat Thani averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Kuala Lumpur fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySurat Thani 28°C (82°F)Kuala Lumpur 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Kuala Lumpur in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Surat Thani as well as Kuala Lumpur. Surat Thani 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. Surat Thani receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Surat Thani usually gets less rain in October than Kuala Lumpur. Surat Thani gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Kuala Lumpur receives 280 mm (11 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the autumn, Surat Thani is around the same temperature as Kuala Lumpur. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Surat Thani in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Kuala Lumpur averages at about 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSurat Thani 27°C (81°F)Kuala Lumpur 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Kuala Lumpur in the Winter?
Both Kuala Lumpur and Surat Thani are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Surat Thani 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, Surat Thani usually receives less rain than Kuala Lumpur. Surat Thani gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Kuala Lumpur receives 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In January, Surat Thani is generally around the same temperature as Kuala Lumpur. Daily temperatures in Surat Thani average around 25°C (77°F), and Kuala Lumpur fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySurat Thani 25°C (77°F)Kuala Lumpur 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Kuala Lumpur in the Spring?
Both Kuala Lumpur and Surat Thani during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Surat Thani 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. Surat Thani usually gets less rain in April than Kuala Lumpur. Surat Thani gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Kuala Lumpur receives 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
Surat Thani is around the same temperature as Kuala Lumpur in the spring. The daily temperature in Surat Thani averages around 29°C (83°F) in April, and Kuala Lumpur fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSurat Thani 29°C (83°F)Kuala Lumpur 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Kuala Lumpur and Surat Thani
| Surat Thani | Kuala Lumpur | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 239 mm (9.4 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (83°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 240 mm (9.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 280 mm (11 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 290 mm (11.4 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (78°F) | 134 mm (5.3 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.