Which place is cheaper, Akureyri or Kuala Lumpur?
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 Kuala Lumpur or Akureyri?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Kuala Lumpur and Akureyri. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Kuala Lumpur or Akureyri?
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.
Akureyri
Akureyri is the largest town in the northern region of Iceland, and is often considered the unofficial capital of the north. The town is a popular fishing port and is often used as a basecamp for visiting the more rural surrounding area. Akureyri is known for their great art scene, beautiful architecture, and stunning natural scenery.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Malaysia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Malaysia, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Iceland, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland.
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Kuala Lumpur Prices
Malaysia PricesAkureyri Prices
Iceland Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKuala Lumpur $83Akureyri $191
The average daily cost (per person) in Kuala Lumpur is $83, while the average daily cost in Akureyri is $191. 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 Kuala Lumpur and Akureyri in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKuala Lumpur $41Akureyri $103
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKuala Lumpur $82Akureyri $206
Compare Hotels in Kuala Lumpur and Akureyri
Looking for a hotel in Kuala Lumpur or Akureyri? 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 and Akureyri Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kuala Lumpur $7.21Akureyri $23
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$3.57
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Metro Ride (for Two)$0.76
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Short Taxi Ride$3.57
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Taxi From Airport$21
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Bus from Airport$1.90
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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:
- 2 Way Transfer to or from Kuala Lumpur International Airport : $25
- AVANI Sepang Goldcoast Resort Hotel TO Kuala Lumpur Hotel Door to Door Transfer: $59
- AVANI Sepang Goldcoast Resort Hotel To Kuala Lumpur International Airport KLIA KLIA2 Transfer: $50
- Airport Transfer Private From/To KLIA, KLIA2 : $20
- Airport Transfer from KLIA or KLIA2 to KL Hotel (PRIVATE SHUTTLE): $55
- Airport Transfer from/to KLIA /KLIA 2: $25
- Airport to Hotel Private Transfer - Welcome to Malaysia: $50
- Aquaria KLCC Admission Ticket with One-Way or Round-Trip Transfer: $38
- Aquaria KLCC Admission Ticket with return Transfer: $49
- Arrival Private Transfers from Airport KUL to Kuala Lumpur in Business Car: $93
- Arrival Private Transfers from Airport KUL to Kuala Lumpur in Business Van: $125
- Arrival Transfer from KLIA/KLIA2 to Lumut Jetty: $186
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Akureyri
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Akureyri:
- From Godafoss Waterfall Guided Trip with Transfers: $126
- Whale Watching Tour with Transfer from Port: $141
- Akureyri Airport (AEY): Transfer to/from Akureyri City: $29
Is it cheaper to fly into Kuala Lumpur or Akureyri?
Prices for flights to both Akureyri and Kuala Lumpur 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 dayKuala Lumpur $29Akureyri $71
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$9.51
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Roti Bread$0.24
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Food Court Lunch$3.42
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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
- From Batu Caves Night Tour + Indian Set Dinner: $28
- Authentic Malaysian Street Food Tour in Kampung Baru: $39
- Nightlife Street Food Tour with 6 Tastings: $41
- Sambal Streets Kuala Lumpur Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $49
- Laksa Lanes Kuala Lumpur Food Tour with 14+ Tastings: $49
- Sambal Street Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $52
- Glowing Firefly Private Tour With Dinner: $59
- Kuala Lumpur Food Tour: $60
- Spiritual Healing and Authentic Cooking with Local Host: $61
- Kuala Selangor Fireflies and Blue Tears Tour with Dinner (SIC): $62
- Malaysian Hands-On Cooking Class : Masala Medley : $63
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kuala Lumpur $15Akureyri $18
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$1.19
Tours and Activities in Kuala Lumpur
For Kuala Lumpur, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Genting Highlands: Skytropolis Indoor Theme Park Entry Ticket: $6.37
- Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Pass: $7.41
- KL Tower Admission E-Ticket with Options: $8.65
- Malaysia: KL Tower Admission E-Ticket with Options: $8.75
- Malaysia Genting Highlands Hoverland Entry Ticket : $9.15
- REXPERIENCE: Immersive Art Gallery at REXKL: $9.75
- Museum Of Illusions Standard Admission Ticket: $9.88
- Malaysia Cruise Tasik Putrajaya: $9.99
- KL Tower Observatory & Sky Terrace tickets | Malaysia : $9.99
- Kuala Lumpur Half Day Guided City Tour (SIC/Shared Tour): $10
- Selangor: Zoo Negara E-Ticket: $11
- Aquaria KLCC Entry Ticket: $11
Tours and Activities in Akureyri
Here are a few actual costs in Akureyri for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Akureyri Cruise Port: Mývatn Lakes, Waterfalls & Nature Trip: $282
- Akureyri Guided E-Bike Tour: $167
- Akureyri Port: Dettifoss, Goðafoss and Lake Mývatn Tour: $229
- Akureyri Port: Goðafoss and Akureyri Botanical Garden Tour: $170
- Akureyri Port: Goðafoss and the Forest Lagoon Tour: $203
- Akureyri Port: Godafoss Waterfall Classic Tour & Viewpoint: $82
- Akureyri Port: Lake Mývatn & Goðafoss Guided Tour with Lunch: $329
- Akureyri Port: Myvatn Nature Baths & Godafoss Waterfall Tour: $247
- Akureyri Private Walking Tour: $143
- Akureyri Private Walking Tour: $135
- 3-Hour Classic Whale Watching Tour by Ship: $108
- E-Bike Tour with Forest Lagoon Entry: $217
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKuala Lumpur $6.58Akureyri $15
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 Kuala Lumpur and Akureyri, we can see that Akureyri is more expensive. And not only is Kuala Lumpur much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Kuala Lumpur is in Asia and Akureyri is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Kuala Lumpur would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kuala Lumpur 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 Akureyri would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Akureyri than you might in Kuala Lumpur.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Kuala Lumpur Expensive? and Is Akureyri Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kuala Lumpur or Akureyri?
Kuala Lumpur has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Akureyri. When comparing the sizes of Kuala Lumpur and Akureyri, 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 Kuala Lumpur or Akureyri?
Akureyri 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 Kuala Lumpur or Akureyri in the Summer?
Both Akureyri and Kuala Lumpur during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Kuala Lumpur because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Kuala Lumpur is much warmer than Akureyri in the summer. The daily temperature in Kuala Lumpur averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Akureyri fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
It's quite sunny in Kuala Lumpur. In the summer, Kuala Lumpur often gets more sunshine than Akureyri. Kuala Lumpur gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Akureyri receives 158 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Kuala Lumpur. Kuala Lumpur usually gets more rain in July than Akureyri. Kuala Lumpur gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Akureyri receives 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKuala Lumpur 28°C (82°F)Akureyri 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Akureyri in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Kuala Lumpur and Akureyri. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kuala Lumpur year-round.
The weather in Akureyri can be very cold. In the autumn, Kuala Lumpur is much warmer than Akureyri. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kuala Lumpur in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Akureyri averages at about 3°C (38°F).
Kuala Lumpur usually receives more sunshine than Akureyri during autumn. Kuala Lumpur gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Akureyri receives 52 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Kuala Lumpur gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Kuala Lumpur usually receives more rain than Akureyri. Kuala Lumpur gets 280 mm (11 in) of rain, while Akureyri receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKuala Lumpur 27°C (81°F)Akureyri 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Akureyri in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Kuala Lumpur as well as Akureyri. Kuala Lumpur attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
It's quite cold in Akureyri in the winter. In January, Kuala Lumpur is generally much warmer than Akureyri. Daily temperatures in Kuala Lumpur average around 27°C (81°F), and Akureyri fluctuates around -2°C (28°F).
In the winter, Kuala Lumpur often gets more sunshine than Akureyri. Kuala Lumpur gets 185 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Akureyri receives 7 hours of full sun.
Kuala Lumpur receives a lot of rain in the winter. Kuala Lumpur usually gets more rain in January than Akureyri. Kuala Lumpur gets 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Akureyri receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKuala Lumpur 27°C (81°F)Akureyri -2°C (28°F)
Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Akureyri in the Spring?
Both Akureyri and Kuala Lumpur are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kuala Lumpur throughout the year.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Akureyri. Kuala Lumpur is much warmer than Akureyri in the spring. The daily temperature in Kuala Lumpur averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Akureyri fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).
Kuala Lumpur usually receives more sunshine than Akureyri during spring. Kuala Lumpur gets 199 hours of sunny skies, while Akureyri receives 130 hours of full sun in the spring.
It's quite rainy in Kuala Lumpur. In April, Kuala Lumpur usually receives more rain than Akureyri. Kuala Lumpur gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Akureyri receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKuala Lumpur 28°C (82°F)Akureyri 2°C (36°F)
Typical Weather for Akureyri and Kuala Lumpur
| Kuala Lumpur | Akureyri | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 239 mm (9.4 in) | -2°C (28°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) | -1°C (30°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) | -1°C (31°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 19 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 280 mm (11 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 290 mm (11.4 in) | -0°C (32°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 250 mm (9.8 in) | -2°C (29°F) | 53 mm (2.1 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.