A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Melaka vs. Guatemala City for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Melaka or Guatemala City?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Melaka or Guatemala City, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Melaka or Guatemala City?

Melaka

Melaka (or Malacca) is a large city on the western coast of Malaysia about half way between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. This historical city grew up as a result of trading in the region due to its position on the namesake Straights of Malacca, a natural waterway formed from the peninsula of Malaysia and the Indonesian island of Sumatra. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Guatemala City

Referred to by the locals as "Guate," Guatemala City is the largest and most modern city in Guatemala, as well as its capital. While the atmosphere of the place is big, dirty, and dangerous with city fumes and skyscrapers, it is the hub of the country. It is the place where travelers first step foot into Guatemala and, though it is a place of modern chaos, it does have some of the best galleries and museums as well as a selection of bars, cafes, and restaurants.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Malaysia, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Guatemala City, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Guatemala.


Which place is cheaper, Guatemala City or Melaka?

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 Melaka is $33, while the average daily cost in Guatemala City is $56. 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 Melaka and Guatemala City in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Melaka $9.51
    Guatemala City $24
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Melaka $19
    Guatemala City $48
Compare Hotels in Melaka and Guatemala City

Looking for a hotel in Melaka or Guatemala City? 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 Melaka


Hotels in Guatemala City


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: Melaka Hotel Prices and Guatemala City Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Melaka $2.09
    Guatemala City $6.25
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Melaka

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Melaka are as follows:


  • Taxi
    $4.75
  • Bus Ride
    $0.36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Melaka

Also for Melaka, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Malacca Hotels to Kuala Lumpur International Airport Departure Transfer: $52
  • Private Transfer from Kuala Lumpur Airport (KUL) to Malacca Port: $66
  • Chauffeur: Malacca to Fraser's Hill Transfer [Van]: $80
  • Chauffeur: Malacca to Cameron Highlands Transfer [Van]: $80
  • ~Chauffeur: Malacca to Kuantan Transfer [Van]: $81
  • Malacca Hotel to Kuala Lumpur Hotel (Door to Door) Transfer: $99
  • Private Transfer from Malacca Cruise Port to Kuala Lumpur city : $120
  • Private Transfer : National Park Kuala Tahan to Cameron Highlands: $165
  • Private Transfer : Taman Negara Kuala Tahan to Cameron Highlands: $165
  • Chauffeur: Malacca to Mersing Transfer [Car]: $212
  • Private Transfer from Malacca Cruise Port to Shah Alam City: $239
  • Private Transfer from Malacca Cruise Port to Johor Bahru city: $251

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guatemala City

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guatemala City:

  • Private Transfer from Guatemala City to Panajachel or Atitlan: $254
  • Private Transfer from Guatemala City to Puerto Quetzal Port: $209
  • Private Transfer - Guatemala Airport (GUA) to Puerto Quetzal Port: $209
  • Private Transfers from Guatemala city to Panajachel: $200
  • Guatemala City Airport (GUA) to Quetzaltenango-Arrival Transfer: $167
  • Private Transfer from Guatemala City to Coban: $161
  • Private Transfer from La Aurora Airport to Antigua Guatemala: $120
  • Transfer from Airport to Antigua: $90
  • Private Ground Transfer Guatemala City To Panajachel, LakeAtitlan: $80
  • Private Transfer from Guatemala City to Antigua: $74
  • Private Transfer From La Aurora AirPort to Panajachel Atitlan : $67
  • Private transfer from Airport to Panajachel: $65

Is it cheaper to fly into Melaka or Guatemala City?

Prices for flights to both Guatemala City and Melaka 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
    Melaka $20
    Guatemala City $27
Typical Food Prices in Melaka

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Melaka:


  • Sitdown Lunch (for Two)
    $7.13
  • Dinner at the Market (for Two)
    $3.09
  • Asam Pedas (Fish Curry)
    $1.43
  • Taiwanese Noodle Soup
    $1.19
  • Sitdown Dinner (for Two)
    $7.61

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Melaka

For Melaka, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Traditional Peranakan and Malay Cooking Class in Malacca: $90

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guatemala City

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Guatemala City.

  • PRIVATE MAYAN COOKING CLASS WITH CHEF EN Guatemala City: $65
  • Small-Group Cooking Class in Antigua from Guatemala City: $120
  • Pacaya Volcano Vistas + Enjoy Pizza Surrounded by The Volcano: $175
  • Antigua Market, Cooking Class and Choco Museum from Guatemala City: $188

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Melaka $4.03
    Guatemala City $1.22
Typical Entertainment Prices in Melaka

For Melaka, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Maritime Museum Entrance
    $0.71
  • Taming Sari Revolving Tower Entrance
    $4.75
  • Trishaw Tour (One Hour)
    $11
  • Baba and Nyonya Peranakan Museum Entrance
    $2.38
  • Melaka Zoo Entrance
    $1.66
  • Low Cost Kite
    $0.71
  • Malacca Duck Tour
    $9.51
  • Melaka River Cruise (One Hour)
    $2.38

Tours and Activities in Melaka

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Melaka.

  • Malaysia: Melaka Upside Down House Entry Ticket: $7.15
  • Malaysia Melaka - Breakout Escape Game E-Ticket: $13
  • Malaysia: Melaka A'famosa Water Park & Safari Wonderland Ticket: $15
  • Essential Self-Guided Tour of it's UNESCO Heritage Centre: $15
  • A'Famosa Safari and Water Park in Melaka Ticket (Only Malaysian): $28
  • From Kuala Lumpur Full Day A'Famosa Theme Park Experience: $40
  • Malacca City Hotels To Kuala Lumpur Airport EN-ROUTE Putrajaya City Tour: $48
  • Malacca City To Kuala Lumpur City En-route Putrajaya Tour: $49
  • Malacca Hotels To Kuala Lumpur Hotels En-route Putrajaya Tour: $49
  • Malacca City Hotels To Kuala Lumpur City Hotels En-route Putrajaya Tour: $49
  • Malacca City To Kuala Lumpur City EN-ROUTE Putrajaya City Tour: $61
  • Malacca To Kuala Lumpur EN-ROUTE Putrajaya City Tour: $61

Tours and Activities in Guatemala City

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

  • 2-Hour Culture and Historical Tour From Guatemala: $29
  • 2in1 Tour: Avocado Farm + Private Tour in Antigua Guatemala: $195
  • 3 Days Tour in Acatenango Volcano: $240
  • 3-Day Antigua Guatemala and Pacaya Volcano Adventure: $256
  • 3-Hour Bike Tour Guatemala City: $60
  • 4-Hour Bike Tour Guatemala City: $70
  • Antigua + Guatemala City Full Day Tour - History Lovers Favorite: $245
  • Antigua City Tour from Guatemala City: $78
  • Antigua Guatemala & Guatemala City Tour: $65
  • Antigua Guatemala , Full-Day Shared Tour from Guatemala City: $75
  • Antigua Guatemala Full Day Tour: $65
  • Antigua Guatemala Stopover Tour: $75

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Melaka $8.25
    Guatemala City $6.93

Sample the Local Flavors in Guatemala City

Also in Guatemala City, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Guatemala City Legends Tour + Craft Beers at El Cadejo Brewery: $105


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Melaka and Guatemala City, we can see that Guatemala City is more expensive. And not only is Melaka much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Melaka is in Asia and Guatemala City is in Central 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 Melaka would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Melaka 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 Guatemala City would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Guatemala City than you might in Melaka.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Melaka Expensive? and Is Guatemala City Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Melaka or Guatemala City?

Guatemala City has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Melaka. When comparing the sizes of Melaka and Guatemala City, 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.