A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kuala Lumpur vs. Yichang for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Kuala Lumpur or Yichang?

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 Yichang. 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 Yichang?

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.

Yichang

Yichang, China is an ancient city situated on the northern bank of the Yangtze River in central China. The city is located just below the famed Three Gorges Dam and is a popular ending point for many Yangtze River cruises. Yichang offers beautiful natural scenery and ancient relics from the Three Kingdom Period.

Yichang experiences cool, rainy, winters and hot, humid, summers. Temperatures tend to stay in the 40's Fahrenheit during winter and the 80's in the summer. Spring, Summer, and Autumn are fantastic times to visit, although if you prefer to beat the heat, stay away during late summer!

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Malaysia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Malaysia, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Beijing, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Lhasa.


Which place is cheaper, Yichang 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.

The average daily cost (per person) in Kuala Lumpur is $83, while the average daily cost in Yichang is $74. 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 Yichang in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kuala Lumpur $41
    Yichang $25
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kuala Lumpur $82
    Yichang $50
Compare Hotels in Kuala Lumpur and Yichang

Looking for a hotel in Kuala Lumpur or Yichang? 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.

Hotels in Kuala Lumpur


Hotels in Yichang


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
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kuala Lumpur $7.21
    Yichang $14
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Kuala Lumpur

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Kuala Lumpur are as follows:


  • Taxi Ride
    $3.57
  • Metro Ride (for Two)
    $0.76
  • Short Taxi Ride
    $3.57
  • Taxi From Airport
    $21
  • Bus from Airport
    $1.90
  • 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:

  • Private Kuala Lumpur Airport Departure Transfer: $17
  • Private Kuala Lumpur Airport Arrival Transfer: $17
  • Sunway Lagoon Theme Park to Kuala Lumpur Hotels Transfer: $17
  • Private: Kuala Lumpur Departure Transfer: $17
  • PVT Departure Transfer <> Kuala Lumpur to KLIA 1/2: $17
  • PVT Arrival Transfer<>KLIA 1/2 to Kuala Lumpur: $17
  • Kuala Lumpur Airport Arrival Transfer: $17
  • Sunway Lagoon Theme Park to Kuala Lumpur Hotels Transfer (1-way): $17
  • Kuala Lumpur Hotels to Sunway Lagoon Theme Park Transfer (1-way): $17
  • Kuala Lumpur City to Kuala Lumpur International Airport Transfer: $18
  • Kuala Lumpur Hotel to Airport Transfer: $18
  • Kuala Lumpur Airport Arrival Transfer: $18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Yichang

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Yichang:

  • Yichang Airport Transfer Service, Yichang train station Pick up: $20
  • Private transfer from Yichang to Zhangjiajie: $290

Is it cheaper to fly into Kuala Lumpur or Yichang?

Prices for flights to both Yichang 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Kuala Lumpur $29
    Yichang $38
Typical Food Prices in Kuala Lumpur

For Kuala Lumpur, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Dinner at Ding Tai Fung
    $9.51
  • Roti Bread
    $0.24
  • Food Court Lunch
    $3.42
  • 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
  • Nightlife Street Food Tour with 6 Tastings: $41
  • Laksa Lanes Kuala Lumpur Food Tour with 14+ Tastings: $49
  • Sambal Streets Kuala Lumpur Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $49
  • Sambal Street Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $52
  • Best Local Food Tour by Night at Kuala Lumpur : $55
  • Glowing Firefly Private Tour With Dinner: $59
  • Malaysia Cooking Classes With Local: $60
  • Kuala Lumpur Food Tour: $60
  • Kuala Selangor Fireflies and Blue Tears Tour with Dinner (SIC): $62
  • Malaysian Hands-On Cooking Class : Masala Medley : $63

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kuala Lumpur $15
    Yichang $18
Typical Entertainment Prices in Kuala Lumpur

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Kuala Lumpur's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • KL Tower Admission (for Two)
    $11
  • 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:

  • A Self Guided Tropical Adventure at Kuala Lumpur Hidden Treasures: $3.59
  • Skytropolis Indoor Theme Park Ticket with Unlimited Rides: $5.39
  • Urban Museum at Toffee Raja Chulan Admission Ticket: $6.35
  • Genting Highlands: Skytropolis Indoor Theme Park Entry Ticket: $6.39
  • Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Pass: $7.41
  • KL Tower Admission E-Ticket with Options: $8.65
  • REXPERIENCE: Immersive Art Gallery at REXKL: $9.77
  • Museum Of Illusions Standard Admission Ticket: $9.88
  • Kuala Lumpur Suburbs Batu Caves Half-Day Tour (SIC/Shared Tour): $10
  • Kuala Lumpur Half Day Guided City Tour (SIC/Shared Tour): $10
  • Malaysia Cruise Tasik Putrajaya: $10
  • Aquaria KLCC Entry Ticket: $11

Tours and Activities in Yichang

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Yichang are as follows:

  • From Yichang to Chongqing: 5-Day Cruise with Meals: $993
  • From 5-Day Yangtze River Cruise to Chongqing: $679
  • Private Day Tour in Yichang to Sanyou Cave and Sanxia Waterfall : $239
  • Yichang - Chongqing Yangtze Miracle Luxury 5D4N Cruise: $720
  • Yichang Tourist Center to Yichang Sanxia Airport (YIH): $53

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kuala Lumpur $6.58
    Yichang $14
Typical Alcohol Prices in Kuala Lumpur

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Kuala Lumpur are as follows:


  • Bottle of Wine
    $11


When comparing the travel costs between Kuala Lumpur and Yichang, 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. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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 Yichang Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Kuala Lumpur or Yichang?

Kuala Lumpur has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Yichang. When comparing the sizes of Kuala Lumpur and Yichang, 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 Yichang?

Yichang 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 Yichang in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Kuala Lumpur as well as Yichang. Kuala Lumpur attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Kuala Lumpur is around the same temperature as Yichang in the summer. The daily temperature in Kuala Lumpur averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Yichang fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Yichang. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kuala Lumpur this time of the year. In the summer, Kuala Lumpur often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Yichang. Kuala Lumpur gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Yichang receives 206 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Yichang. Kuala Lumpur receives a lot of rain in the summer. Kuala Lumpur usually gets less rain in July than Yichang. Kuala Lumpur gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Yichang receives 229 mm (9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Kuala Lumpur 28°C (82°F) 
    Yichang 29°C (85°F)

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Yichang in the Autumn?

Both Yichang and Kuala Lumpur are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kuala Lumpur throughout the year.

In the autumn, Kuala Lumpur is a little warmer than Yichang. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kuala Lumpur in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Yichang averages at about 20°C (67°F).

Kuala Lumpur usually receives more sunshine than Yichang during autumn. Kuala Lumpur gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Yichang receives 134 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Kuala Lumpur. In October, Kuala Lumpur usually receives more rain than Yichang. Kuala Lumpur gets 280 mm (11 in) of rain, while Yichang receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Kuala Lumpur 27°C (81°F) 
    Yichang 20°C (67°F)

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Yichang in the Winter?

Both Yichang and Kuala Lumpur during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Kuala Lumpur because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In January, Kuala Lumpur is generally much warmer than Yichang. Daily temperatures in Kuala Lumpur average around 27°C (81°F), and Yichang fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

In the winter, Kuala Lumpur often gets more sunshine than Yichang. Kuala Lumpur gets 185 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Yichang receives 92 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kuala Lumpur. Kuala Lumpur usually gets more rain in January than Yichang. Kuala Lumpur gets 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Yichang receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Kuala Lumpur 27°C (81°F) 
    Yichang 6°C (43°F)

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Yichang in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Kuala Lumpur and Yichang. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kuala Lumpur year-round.

Kuala Lumpur is much warmer than Yichang in the spring. The daily temperature in Kuala Lumpur averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Yichang fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

Kuala Lumpur usually receives more sunshine than Yichang during spring. Kuala Lumpur gets 199 hours of sunny skies, while Yichang receives 129 hours of full sun in the spring.

Kuala Lumpur gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Kuala Lumpur usually receives more rain than Yichang. Kuala Lumpur gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Yichang receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Kuala Lumpur 28°C (82°F) 
    Yichang 18°C (65°F)

Typical Weather for Yichang and Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur Yichang
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 27°C (81°F) 239 mm (9.4 in) 6°C (43°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 200 mm (7.9 in) 8°C (46°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Mar 28°C (82°F) 260 mm (10.2 in) 12°C (54°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 28°C (82°F) 240 mm (9.4 in) 18°C (65°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
May 28°C (82°F) 190 mm (7.5 in) 23°C (73°F) 124 mm (4.9 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 160 mm (6.3 in) 27°C (80°F) 151 mm (5.9 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 29°C (85°F) 229 mm (9 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 160 mm (6.3 in) 29°C (85°F) 197 mm (7.8 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 200 mm (7.9 in) 25°C (76°F) 122 mm (4.8 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 280 mm (11 in) 20°C (67°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 290 mm (11.4 in) 14°C (57°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 250 mm (9.8 in) 8°C (47°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)