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

Should you visit Kuala Lumpur or Tromso?

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 Tromso. 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 modern, welcoming, and friendly 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. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Kuala Lumpur travel costs.

Tromso

Tromso is a spectacular, remote, and one-of-a-kind town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. Tromso is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and hiking. See Tromso travel costs.

Kuala Lumpur and Tromso: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kuala Lumpur or Tromso?

You'll generally find more things to do in Kuala Lumpur than Tromso. Kuala Lumpur is bigger than Tromso, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Kuala Lumpur is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Tromso is more popular for its hiking, small town charm, and 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. Also, Kuala Lumpur is famous for The Petronas Twin Towers. Tromso is well known for its stunning nature, beautiful Arctic landscape, and breathtaking fjords.

The Petronas Twin Towers

How is Kuala Lumpur different from Tromso?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Kuala Lumpur is an unbeatable place for its historical sights. However, Tromso does not have museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Kuala Lumpur has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

Tromso does not have museums and landmarks. You can learn about everything having to do with the Arctic at the museum, Polaria. There's also the the Polar Museum, the Arctic Cathedral, and Nordnorsk Kunstmuseum.

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

Kuala Lumpur is an unbeatable place for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Tromso is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Many restaurants in Kuala Lumpur have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Tromso makes for a great culinary experience. Fish is the staple around town and you'll find local seasonal fish dishes. There are also modern restaurants that serve international cuisines or trendy options.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Tromso Better for Nightlife?

Kuala Lumpur is a great city for its evening party scene. Also, Tromso is not as popular, but is still a nice town for nightlife.

The nightlife in Kuala Lumpur has something for everybody. 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 Tromso. There's a good nightlife scene with many bars and clubs that are popular with locals and tourists alike.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Tromso Better for Hiking?

Tromso is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Kuala Lumpur is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Tromso. The surrounding countryside is filled with fjords, mountains, and pristine wilderness. There are hikes that cater to every level, and a trip to Tromso is not complete without heading into the rural areas.

Kuala Lumpur is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kuala Lumpur or Tromso?

Kuala Lumpur is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. However, Tromso is not known for shopping.

Many people travel to Kuala Lumpur specifically to go shopping. 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.

Tromso is a good destination for shopping. There are shops sprinkled along the main street, as well as a shopping center or two around town.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Tromso More Beautiful?

Tromso is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Kuala Lumpur is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its scenery and beauty.

Tromso is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's surrounding Arctic landscape includes fjords and snow-topped mountains.

The beauty of Kuala Lumpur is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. This city's beauty really comes from the welcoming and helpful personality of its residents, but the neighborhoods also have historic charm and character.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Tromso Better for Families?

Both Kuala Lumpur and Tromso are very good 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.

Tromso is a very kid-friendly city. Whether you visit during the summer or winter season, there are a number of indoor or outdoor activities around town. Many visitors come during the winter months to see the Northern Lights. There's also the Ice Hotel, Husky Sledding, and fjords cruises. Indoors, you'll find the Science Center, the Arctic University Museum, and the Troll Museum.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Tromso Better for Couples?

Kuala Lumpur and Tromso both very good destinations for a couple.

Kuala Lumpur makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Couples visit Tromso frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. For many couples, seeing the Northern Lights is an iconic romantic experience. The area also has an amazing outdoor setting with fjords and hiking. Indoors, there are art museums and more.

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

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

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Kuala Lumpur. 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Tromso. There are hostels as well as camping in the area that make this otherwise expensive area somewhat more affordable.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Tromso Better for Students?

Kuala Lumpur is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Tromso is not as popular, but is still a nice town for students.

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

Tromso is a good city to visit for students. Although it's a very small city, there are a large number of students and some big city amenities. There are plenty of entertainment options both in town and in the surrounding countryside.

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

Kuala Lumpur is an unbeatable place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Tromso is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its public transit.

Visitors in Kuala Lumpur can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The system is relatively easy to navigate with most signs in English. There are buses, a monorail, light rail transit and commuter trains.

Tromso has a few public transit options. There's an efficient and reliable bus system in town.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Tromso a more walkable city?

Kuala Lumpur and Tromso are very good 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.

Tromso is a very walkable city. The city is generally walkable but if you want to get into the countryside you'll need to travel by car or bus.

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

Should I spend more time in Tromso or Kuala Lumpur?

How long in Kuala Lumpur or Tromso?

Both Kuala Lumpur and Tromso have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Tromso than in Kuala Lumpur. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Kuala Lumpur, and 4-7 days is enough time in Tromso.

Families should spend more time in Kuala Lumpur than Tromso. 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 Tromso. 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 Tromso 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 Tromso?

Kuala Lumpur is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Tromso is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and nightlife. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Tromso?

Kuala Lumpur is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Tromso is a fun place to experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Tromso?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kuala Lumpur. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Tromso might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Tromso?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the diverse big city of Kuala Lumpur. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Tromso is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. 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 Coach Bus Tours in Norway, and The Best Adventure Tours to Norway.

When comparing the travel costs between Kuala Lumpur and Tromso, we can see that Kuala Lumpur 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 Kuala Lumpur is in Asia and Tromso is in Europe, 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.

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 Tromso Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Kuala Lumpur or Tromso?

Kuala Lumpur has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Tromso. When comparing the sizes of Kuala Lumpur and Tromso, 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 Tromso?

Tromso 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 Tromso in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Kuala Lumpur and Tromso. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kuala Lumpur year-round. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Tromso because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Kuala Lumpur is generally much warmer than Tromso. Daily temperatures in Kuala Lumpur average around 28°C (82°F), and Tromso fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tromso this time of the year. In Kuala Lumpur, it's very sunny this time of the year. Kuala Lumpur usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Tromso during summer. Kuala Lumpur gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Tromso receives 205 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 Tromso. Kuala Lumpur gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Tromso in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Kuala Lumpur as well as Tromso. Kuala Lumpur attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Tromso this time of year.

It's quite cold in Tromso in the autumn. Kuala Lumpur is much warmer than Tromso in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kuala Lumpur averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Tromso fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the autumn, Kuala Lumpur often gets more sunshine than Tromso. Kuala Lumpur gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tromso receives 49 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Tromso. Kuala Lumpur receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Kuala Lumpur usually gets more rain in October than Tromso. Kuala Lumpur gets 280 mm (11 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Tromso in the Winter?

Both Tromso 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, many travelers come to Tromso for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Tromso. In the winter, Kuala Lumpur is much warmer than Tromso. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kuala Lumpur in January average around 27°C (81°F), and Tromso averages at about -4°C (25°F).

Kuala Lumpur usually receives more sunshine than Tromso during winter. Kuala Lumpur gets 185 hours of sunny skies, while Tromso receives 3 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Kuala Lumpur. In January, Kuala Lumpur usually receives more rain than Tromso. Kuala Lumpur gets 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Tromso in the Spring?

Both Tromso 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. Also, many visitors come to Tromso in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Tromso can get quite cold in the spring. In April, Kuala Lumpur is generally much warmer than Tromso. Daily temperatures in Kuala Lumpur average around 28°C (82°F), and Tromso fluctuates around 1°C (33°F).

In the spring, Kuala Lumpur often gets more sunshine than Tromso. Kuala Lumpur gets 199 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tromso receives 160 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 Tromso. Kuala Lumpur gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Tromso and Kuala Lumpur