Study: Kuala Lumpur is the 8th Cheapest City to Travel to in Asia According to Global Travel Data

Malaysia has been at the forefront of many global studies and travel rankings this year, including being the most loved country in Asia, Asia’s 6th most prosperous country and the world’s top destination for Muslim travellers for the 9th consecutive year.

Well, we can add another 1 to the list, as the Malaysian capital city of Kuala Lumpur was just named among the top 10 most affordable Asian cities to visit. 

The 10 most affordable Asian cities to visit according to data from KAYAK

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Specifically, according to a report by New York-based travel magazine Travel + Leisure, Kuala Lumpur is the 8th most affordable Asian city to visit right now. 

The rankings are based on data from KAYAK, a metasearch engine for travel services, including airline flights, hotels, rental cars and vacation packages.

Furthermore, the rankings are based on the searches on KAYAK between January and June 2024 for travel to Asia between June and December 2024.

The average round-trip economy airfare with the average rate of a 1-night-stay in a standard double room was considered to determine the 10 most affordable Asian cities for travellers to visit right now.

Accordingly, here are the top 10 most affordable Asian cities to visit according to the study:

1. Taipei City, Taiwan 
2. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
3. Jakarta, Indonesia
4. New Delhi, India
5. Bangkok, Thailand
6. Manila, the Philippines
7. Tokyo, Japan
8. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
9. Hanoi, Vietnam
10. Osaka, Japan

As you can see, Southeast Asian cities make up the bulk of the list, with 6 out of the 10 all located in the region.

The report lauded Kuala Lumpur as a city where you can experience fantastic local flavours on a budget

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As for Kuala Lumpur, Travel + Leisure and KAYAK noted that the average total cost to visit the city is USD1,505 or approximately RM6,776.

Moreover, the report noted that Kuala Lumpur is the “land of mamaks, tiny food stalls serving up handmade local dishes” where visitors can experience fantastic local flavours on a budget.

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The report also recommended favourite dishes to try out in the Malaysian capital city, which includes the Hakka-style beef noodles and chilli pan mee, noodles topped with pork, egg and chilli.

Besides that, the report also said that there are plenty of hotels in Kuala Lumpur that charge only USD20 or RM90 or less per night.

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So, what do you guys think of the rankings? Do you agree with the report’s findings? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

Also read: Lonely Planet Names Penang the 2nd Best Place in Southeast Asia for Solo Travel, After Singapore