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

Should you visit Kuala Lumpur or Perth?

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 Perth. 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 colorful, historic, and modern city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Kuala Lumpur is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Kuala Lumpur travel costs.

Perth

Perth is a isolated, sunny, and friendly city. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and shopping. See Perth travel costs.

Kuala Lumpur and Perth: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kuala Lumpur or Perth?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Kuala Lumpur. Although Kuala Lumpur and Perth are about the same size, Kuala Lumpur has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Kuala Lumpur is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Perth is known for its beaches. Kuala Lumpur is more touristy than Perth and is known for its blend of cultures and cuisines, its mix of modern and colonial, and its bustling neighborhoods with markets and restaurants. It is also home to The Petronas Twin Towers. Perth is popular for its beautiful city beaches, sunny weather, and isolated location.

The Petronas Twin Towers

How is Kuala Lumpur different from Perth?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Perth 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 Perth?

Kuala Lumpur is very popular for its historical sights. Also, Perth is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Perth can be an interesting and educational experience. There are some interesting sights and museums around town like the Perth Mint, the Art Gallery of Western Australia, the Bell Tower, and Scitech. There's also the Perth Zoo and the Aviation Heritage Museum.

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

Kuala Lumpur is very popular for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Perth is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Kuala Lumpur has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Perth. There's a good selection of restaurants with many great international options as well as fine dining and casual. Family-friendly restaurants are also very common.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Perth Better for Nightlife?

Kuala Lumpur is great for nightlife. Also, Perth is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

Many people head to Kuala Lumpur for the nightlife scene. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Perth. The city has many nightclubs and music venues. There are also low key pubs and trendy wine bars. Northbridge is at the heart of the city's nightlife scene, and this is where you'll find the highest concentration of bars, restaurants, clubs, and cafes.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Perth Better for Beaches?

Perth is a world-class destination for its beaches. However, Kuala Lumpur is not a beach destination.

Perth offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. There is an 80 kilometer coastline that has beautiful turquoise water and white sandy beaches. Within the city there are 19 beaches that offer snorkeling, swimming, and surfing. Many beaches have any amenity that you might need but it's also very easy to escape the city crowds.

Kuala Lumpur is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kuala Lumpur or Perth?

Kuala Lumpur is very popular for shopping. Also, Perth is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping opportunities.

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.

Perth offers some nice shopping areas. There are weekend street markets where you can pick up local crafts. There are also large shopping malls and trendy high end boutiques with international and local brands.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Perth More Beautiful?

Kuala Lumpur is great for its scenery and beauty. However, Perth is not a destination known for its beauty.

Kuala Lumpur is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. This city's beauty really comes from the welcoming and helpful personality of its residents, but the neighborhoods also have historic charm and character.

Perth is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Perth Better for Families?

Both Kuala Lumpur and Perth are high quality family-friendly destinations.

Kuala Lumpur is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Perth is a very kid-friendly city. It's a family-friendly city with ropes courses, fruit picking, and many different playgrounds and kid-friendly activities. There's also the Perth Zoo and several kid-friendly museums like the Aviation Heritage Museum and Scitech. Kids will also enjoy spending a day or two at the beach.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Perth Better for Couples?

Kuala Lumpur is great for romance. Also, Perth is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

Kuala Lumpur is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

Perth makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city has many great restaurants and bars. There's also wine tasting and river cruises on the Swan River.

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

Kuala Lumpur is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Perth is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Kuala Lumpur is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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 Perth. While most backpackers don't make it all the way to this isolated city, those that do will be rewarded with beautiful beaches, fun festivals, and an authentic and off-the-beaten-path experience.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Perth Better for Students?

Kuala Lumpur is very popular for its student-friendly activities. Also, Perth is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Kuala Lumpur. It's affordability, diversity, and dynamic atmosphere make this a great city for international students.

Perth is a good city to visit for students. Students love the low cost of living and the year round climate that is sunny and pleasant.

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

Kuala Lumpur is very popular for times when you don't have a car. Also, Perth is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Kuala Lumpur has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. The system is relatively easy to navigate with most signs in English. There are buses, a monorail, light rail transit and commuter trains.

Perth has a few public transit options. There are buses, trains, and ferries that help you get around the city.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Perth a more walkable city?

Kuala Lumpur is great for its walkability. Also, Perth is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of 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.

Perth is a somewhat walkable place. There are some pedestrian-friendly areas with streets that are fun to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Perth or Kuala Lumpur?

How long in Kuala Lumpur or Perth?

It's fun to spend time in either Kuala Lumpur or Perth. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Kuala Lumpur due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Kuala Lumpur, and 2-4 days is enough time in Perth.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kuala Lumpur than Perth 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 Perth?

Each neighborhood in Kuala Lumpur has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

In Perth, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this relaxed city offers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Perth?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kuala Lumpur. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Perth is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the beaches. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Kuala Lumpur or Perth?

Kuala Lumpur is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Kuala Lumpur has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the easy-going destination of Perth. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the beaches. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Kuala Lumpur or Perth?

You'll find food and shopping around the friendly big city of Kuala Lumpur. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Perth is a popular place to visit. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Budget Tours to Australia, and The Best Luxury Tours to Australia.

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

Which is Bigger, Kuala Lumpur or Perth?

Kuala Lumpur has a larger population, and is about 1% larger than the population of Perth. When comparing the sizes of Kuala Lumpur and Perth, 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 Perth?

Perth 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 Perth in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Kuala Lumpur and Perth. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kuala Lumpur year-round. Also, many visitors come to Perth in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

Kuala Lumpur is a little warmer than Perth in the summer. The daily temperature in Kuala Lumpur averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Perth fluctuates around 25°C (76°F)in January.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Perth this time of the year. In Kuala Lumpur, it's very sunny this time of the year. Kuala Lumpur usually receives less sunshine than Perth during summer. Kuala Lumpur gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Perth receives 331 hours of full sun in the summer.

Kuala Lumpur gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Kuala Lumpur usually receives more rain than Perthin January. Kuala Lumpur gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Perth receives 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Perth in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Kuala Lumpur as well as Perth. Kuala Lumpur attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Perth for the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Kuala Lumpur is a little warmer than Perth. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kuala Lumpur in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Perth averages at about 19°C (67°F)in April.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Perth. In the autumn, Kuala Lumpur often gets less sunshine than Perthin April. Kuala Lumpur gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Perth receives 219 hours of full sun.

Kuala Lumpur receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Kuala Lumpur usually gets more rain in October than Perthin April. Kuala Lumpur gets 280 mm (11 in) of rain, while Perth receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Perth in the Winter?

Both Perth and Kuala Lumpur are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kuala Lumpur throughout the year. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Perth because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Kuala Lumpur is generally much warmer than Perthin July. Daily temperatures in Kuala Lumpur average around 27°C (81°F), and Perth fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Kuala Lumpur usually receives more sunshine than Perth during winter. Kuala Lumpur gets 185 hours of sunny skies, while Perth receives 166 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Perth. It's quite rainy in Kuala Lumpur. In January, Kuala Lumpur usually receives more rain than Perthin July. Kuala Lumpur gets 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Perth receives 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Perth in the Spring?

Both Perth and Kuala Lumpur during the spring 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, the beaches are the main draw to Perth this time of year.

Kuala Lumpur is much warmer than Perth in the spring. The daily temperature in Kuala Lumpur averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Perth fluctuates around 17°C (62°F)in October.

In Perth, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Kuala Lumpur often gets less sunshine than Perthin October. Kuala Lumpur gets 199 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Perth receives 273 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kuala Lumpur. Kuala Lumpur usually gets more rain in April than Perthin October. Kuala Lumpur gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Perth receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Perth and Kuala Lumpur