A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kuala Lumpur vs. Chicago for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Kuala Lumpur or Chicago?

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 Chicago. 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.

Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is a diverse, colorful, and historic city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, Kuala Lumpur attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Kuala Lumpur travel costs.

Chicago

Chicago is a edgey, cosmopolitan, and diverse city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Chicago is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include live music, food, and beaches. See Chicago travel costs.

Kuala Lumpur and Chicago: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kuala Lumpur or Chicago?

You'll generally find more things to do in Chicago than Kuala Lumpur. Chicago is bigger than Kuala Lumpur, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Chicago is better known for its theatre productions, nightlife, music, beaches, and christmas markets, while Kuala Lumpur is more popular for its impressive beauty. Kuala Lumpur is well known for its blend of cultures and cuisines, its mix of modern and colonial, and its bustling neighborhoods with markets and restaurants. Chicago is well known for its thriving sports scene, its iconic local cuisine, and its world class shopping at the Magnificent Mile. Also, Chicago is famous for The Willis Tower (previously the Sears Tower).

How is Kuala Lumpur different from Chicago?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Chicago and Kuala Lumpur. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Kuala Lumpur or Chicago?

Spend time exploring the first-rate sights and museums in either Kuala Lumpur or Chicago.

Travelers visit Kuala Lumpur from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The most notable landmark in the city is the famed Petronas Twin Towers, but other popular sights include Merdeka Square, Kuala Lumpur Tower, and the National Museum.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Chicago are among the most recognizable in the world. There are countless landmarks, museums, and iconic sights in the area. Some of the most famous are the Art Institute of Chicago, Adler Planetarium, and the Museum of Science and Industry. Notable landmarks include the famous Willis Tower - formerly the Sears Tower, Buckingham Fountain, and the iconic Cloud Gate (the bean).

Is Kuala Lumpur or Chicago Better for Theater?

Chicago is a world-class destination for theatre. However, Kuala Lumpur is not a theatre destination.

Chicago is considered to be a world-class theater destination. Theater is big here with many of the major Broadway productions visiting the city. There is also an endless list of smaller, local theaters to choose from.

Kuala Lumpur is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Kuala Lumpur or Chicago? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Kuala Lumpur and Chicago both to be first-rate destinations.

Eat your way through Kuala Lumpur, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The food is influenced by the populations that live here and you'll find a lot of Malay, Chinese and Indian flavors. Spicy curries and noodle dishes are very common. Street food is also a mainstay in this city and it's an experience to wander the market streets and sample dishes from the different vendors.

For foodies, Chicago is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. With everything from award-winning luxury restaurants to local dives, this city has something for everyone. It also has very distinct local flavors and dishes that create an identity and bring great pride to the locals. While you're in town you have to try the famous deep dish pizza, Chicago style hot dogs, and Italian beef.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Chicago Better for Nightlife?

Chicago is a world-class destination for nightlife. Also, Kuala Lumpur is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

People head to Chicago just to party. It has a wide range of activities at night, with everything from theater and comedy clubs to dance venues, sporting events, and local bars. It's easy to fill many evenings with whatever activity appeals to you. Popular bars and clubs include the Smart Bar, Beauty Bar, and Le Nocturne.

Kuala Lumpur is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. Rooftop bars and lounges are popular hangout spots after the sun sets. For classy pubs and clubs head to the Golden Triangle district, but if drinking and partying isn't your thing, the city's night markets are not to be missed.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Chicago Better for Music?

Chicago is a world-class destination for live music. However, Kuala Lumpur is not a live music destination.

Chicago is known as a music capital around the world. The city is the birthplace of such interesting styles as modern gospel and the Chicago style blues.

Kuala Lumpur is not a live music destination.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Chicago Better for Beaches?

Chicago is a good destination for its beaches. However, Kuala Lumpur is not a beach destination.

Chicago offers a nice beach destination. While you don't immediately think of beaches when you think of Chicago, there are some nice beaches by the lake. If the weather is nice, it's a great area to spend some time.

Kuala Lumpur is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kuala Lumpur or Chicago?

Shoppers can find a variety of first-rate stores in both Kuala Lumpur and Chicago.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Kuala Lumpur. The city is filled with shopping malls, and a big appeal of shopping in this city is the very affordable prices. Some of the most popular shopping malls are Suria KLCC at the base of the Petronas Towers as well as the malls in the Bukit Bintang/Jalan Imbi areas.

The abundance of shops in Chicago make it a world-class shopping destination. There are countless neighborhoods that are filled with boutiques, local vendors, and art galleries. The city has some of the country's best shopping opportunities, and the most notable area is the famous Michigan Avenue and the Magnificent Mile.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Chicago More Beautiful?

Kuala Lumpur is a great destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Chicago is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

With stunning beauty, Kuala Lumpur attracts visitors from all around. This city's beauty really comes from the welcoming and helpful personality of its residents, but the neighborhoods also have historic charm and character.

Chicago is a gorgeous place to visit. The water makes this city a truly unique place to explore, and the world class architecture is not to be missed.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Chicago Better for Families?

Chicago is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Kuala Lumpur is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Chicago is very family-friendly. The city has a large number of activities for kids, including zoos, Shedd Aquarium, impressive children's museums, and large and elaborate playgrounds in Millennium Park. It's easy to keep kids entertained in this very kid-focused city.

Kuala Lumpur is a very kid-friendly city. This family-friendly city includes a surprising number of opportunities to experience wildlife. There's an aquarium, petting zoos, and places to see the wild monkeys. There are also large playgrounds including one by the Petronas Towers. Kids will also enjoy exploring the Botanical Gardens, Butterfly Park, and the Forest Eco Park.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Chicago Better for Couples?

Kuala Lumpur is a great destination for couples. Also, Chicago is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Kuala Lumpur frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. This city has diverse restaurants and a number of luxury hotels at affordable prices. For couples who enjoy romance on a budget, this is a good city.

Chicago is a nice destination for couples. Couples will enjoy exploring the city's vibrant theater scene and diverse neighborhoods. There are many varied restaurants and entertainment options that make for a great date night. There are also sporting events, parks, and gardens where couples can explore.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Chicago Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kuala Lumpur is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Chicago is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Kuala Lumpur is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. This is a popular stop for backpackers on the Southeast Asia circuit. It's modern and comfortable but also affordable and diverse. The city has a number of affordable hostels, but it also has a more laid back and authentic vibe than you'll find in many other Southeast Asian cities. The city also isn't as touristy as some other cities, so the people are down to Earth and helpful without being jaded by all of the vacationers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Chicago. The city doesn't have a huge backpacker vibe, but it does have a number of hostels that help keep costs in check.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Chicago Better for Students?

Both Kuala Lumpur and Chicago are first-rate destinations for students.

Kuala Lumpur is a very popular place to visit for students. It's affordability, diversity, and dynamic atmosphere make this a great city for international students.

Many students frequent Chicago. The city has a large number of universities that bring in students from around the country and around the globe. It's a huge international city with economic ties and many opportunities connected to the universities.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Chicago Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find first-rate public transit in both Kuala Lumpur and Chicago.

With a huge network, the transit system in Kuala Lumpur can get you around easily. The system is relatively easy to navigate with most signs in English. There are buses, a monorail, light rail transit and commuter trains.

Visitors in Chicago can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. There's a subway (the "L"), a commuter well, as well as buses and countless taxis available.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Chicago a more walkable city?

Kuala Lumpur and Chicago are high quality when it comes to walkability.

Kuala Lumpur is very walkable. Traffic can be congested, but there are many wide sidewalks and pedestrian areas around town. The River of Life waterfront area offers nice paths that connect many tourist areas.

Chicago is a very walkable city. The city has many restaurants, sights, and hotels that are easily accessible on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Kuala Lumpur Worth Visiting? and Is Chicago Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Chicago or Kuala Lumpur?

How long in Kuala Lumpur or Chicago?

In either Kuala Lumpur or Chicago, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Chicago has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Chicago than Kuala Lumpur. In general, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Kuala Lumpur, and 3-5 days is enough time in Chicago.

Families should spend more time in Chicago than Kuala Lumpur. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Chicago, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Chicago than Kuala Lumpur. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Chicago that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kuala Lumpur than Chicago if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Kuala Lumpur.

One day in Kuala Lumpur or Chicago?

Because Kuala Lumpur is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In Chicago, many people enjoy the live music and food that this multicultural city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Kuala Lumpur or Chicago?

Because Kuala Lumpur is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Kuala Lumpur has to offer.

Chicago is a fun place to experience. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Kuala Lumpur or Chicago?

Kuala Lumpur is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Kuala Lumpur has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

In Chicago, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this cosmopolitan big city offers. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A week in Kuala Lumpur or Chicago?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kuala Lumpur. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Kuala Lumpur. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Chicago is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Malaysia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Malaysia, The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kuala Lumpur and Chicago, we can see that Chicago 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 Chicago is in North America, 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 Chicago would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Chicago 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 Chicago Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Kuala Lumpur or Chicago?

Chicago has a larger population, and is about 95% larger than the population of Kuala Lumpur. When comparing the sizes of Kuala Lumpur and Chicago, 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 Chicago?

Chicago 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 Chicago in the Summer?

Both Chicago 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. Furthermore, many visitors come to Chicago in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Kuala Lumpur is generally a little warmer than Chicago. Daily temperatures in Kuala Lumpur average around 28°C (82°F), and Chicago fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

In Chicago, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Kuala Lumpur. In the summer, Kuala Lumpur often gets less sunshine than Chicago. Kuala Lumpur gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chicago receives 326 hours of full sun.

Chicago gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Kuala Lumpur. Kuala Lumpur usually gets more rain in July than Chicago. Kuala Lumpur gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Chicago in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Kuala Lumpur and Chicago. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kuala Lumpur year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Chicago for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Kuala Lumpur is much warmer than Chicago in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kuala Lumpur averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Chicago fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).

Kuala Lumpur usually receives less sunshine than Chicago during autumn. Kuala Lumpur gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Chicago receives 195 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 Chicago. Kuala Lumpur gets 280 mm (11 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Chicago in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Kuala Lumpur as well as Chicago. Kuala Lumpur attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Chicago because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

The weather in Chicago can be very cold. In the winter, Kuala Lumpur is much warmer than Chicago. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kuala Lumpur in January average around 27°C (81°F), and Chicago averages at about 25°F (-4°C).

In the winter, Kuala Lumpur often gets more sunshine than Chicago. Kuala Lumpur gets 185 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chicago receives 134 hours of full sun.

Kuala Lumpur receives a lot of rain in the winter. Kuala Lumpur usually gets more rain in January than Chicago. Kuala Lumpur gets 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 1.9 inches (47 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Chicago in the Spring?

Both Chicago 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. Also, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Chicago this time of year.

In April, Kuala Lumpur is generally much warmer than Chicago. Daily temperatures in Kuala Lumpur average around 28°C (82°F), and Chicago fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

It's quite sunny in Chicago. Kuala Lumpur usually receives less sunshine than Chicago during spring. Kuala Lumpur gets 199 hours of sunny skies, while Chicago receives 218 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Chicago. It's quite rainy in Kuala Lumpur. In April, Kuala Lumpur usually receives more rain than Chicago. Kuala Lumpur gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 4.3 inches (108 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Chicago and Kuala Lumpur