Which place is cheaper, Kota Kinabalu or Abu Dhabi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Abu Dhabi or Kota Kinabalu?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Abu Dhabi and Kota Kinabalu can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Abu Dhabi or Kota Kinabalu?
Abu Dhabi
It doesn't get more "lifestyles of the rich and famous" than a vacation to Abu Dhabi. The federal capital and center of government for the United Arab Emirates is arguably the most modern city in the world.
Abu Dhabi has a population of 1.5 million and provides a home to several oil companies and embassies, but this place is definitely a playground for the world's fanciest tourists. This city has several large projects underway including Yas Island's Formula 1 track and Ferrari theme park.
Note: homosexuality is still outlawed in the UAE with harsh punishments including deportation, fines, jail time or even a death sentence.
Kota Kinabalu
Kota Kinabalu, originally Jesselton, is the capital of Sabah, which is on the northern part of the island of Borneo. Kota Kinabalu is located just between the western side of the island and Tambunan Rafflesia Forest Reserve. Most of Kota Kinabalu's historic buildings were destroyed by bombing during World War II, so the city had to be rebuilt. KK, as it's commonly called, is a compact, but booming town today, with its new shopping centers, seaside condominiums, and bustling marketplaces.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to United Arab Emirates, The Best Tours for Seniors to United Arab Emirates, The Best Luxury Tours to Malaysia, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Malaysia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAbu Dhabi $164Kota Kinabalu $49
The average daily cost (per person) in Abu Dhabi is $164, while the average daily cost in Kota Kinabalu is $49. 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 Abu Dhabi and Kota Kinabalu in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAbu Dhabi $98Kota Kinabalu $18
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAbu Dhabi $196Kota Kinabalu $36
Compare Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Kota Kinabalu
Looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi or Kota Kinabalu? 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.
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: Abu Dhabi Hotel Prices and Kota Kinabalu Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Abu Dhabi $20Kota Kinabalu $22
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Abu Dhabi
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Abu Dhabi are as follows:
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Car Rental$31
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Taxi to Airport$14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Abu Dhabi
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Abu Dhabi:
- Private Transfer: Abu Dhabi Airport(AUH) to Abu Dhabi City Center: $30
- Louvre Museum Abu Dhabi Ticket with Transfers Option: $33
- Abu Dhabi Airport Private Departure Transfer: $33
- Abu Dhabi to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) - Departure Private Transfer: $35
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Cruise Port to Abu Dhabi city: $38
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Port to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $38
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi city to Abu Dhabi Cruise Port: $38
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi - Arrival Private Transfer: $39
- Private transfer: Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi: $40
- Private transfer: Abu Dhabi to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $41
- Abu Dhabi to Dubai Airport (DXB) - Departure Private Transfer: $42
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport to Abu Dhabi Port: $43
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kota Kinabalu
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kota Kinabalu:
- Kota Kinabalu Airport Private Transfer with 1 hour Charter: $12
- Private Transfer: Kota Kinabalu International Airport to/from Hotel: $20
- Kota Kinabalu to Kota Kinab Airport: Departure Private Transfer: $23
- One Way Transfer from Kota Kinabal Airport to/from Kota Kinabali: $25
- Transfer from Kota Kinabalu Port to Kota Kinabalu Airport (BKI): $28
- Private Transfer from Kota Kota Kinabalu Hotels to Kinabalu Port: $28
- Private Transfer from Kota Kinabalu Port to Kota Kinabalu hotels: $28
- Transfer from Kota Kinabalu Airport BKI to Kota Kinabalu Port: $28
- Monsopiad Cultural Village Visit with Private Transfer from Kota Kinabalu: $31
- Private Transfer from Kota Kinabalu Port to Kota Kinabalu hotels: $32
- Borneo to Kota Kinabalu Airport(BKI) - Departure Private Transfer: $46
- Kota Kinabalu Hotel to Jetty Round Trip Transfer: $52
Is it cheaper to fly into Abu Dhabi or Kota Kinabalu?
Prices for flights to both Kota Kinabalu and Abu Dhabi 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
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Food Meals for one dayAbu Dhabi $45Kota Kinabalu $15
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Abu Dhabi
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Abu Dhabi.
- Dubai: Dhow Cruise Marina Multi Cusine Dinner & Tanura Show: $35
- Dubai Marina luxury Dhow Cruise Dinner (catamaran): $42
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari BBQ Dinner Live Shows Pick & Drop More: $45
- Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari Tour with Shows and BBQ Dinner: $48
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With BBQ Dinner & Live Shows: $49
- Desert Safari, Quad Bike, Camel Ride & BBQ Dinner: $50
- Desert Tour with BBQ Dinner and Hotel Transfer: $51
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With Live Shows And BBQ Buffet Dinner: $60
- Desert Safari Abu Dhabi w/ Sand Boarding, Camel Ride & BBQ Dinner: $75
- Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari & Dinner Under the Stars: $77
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari 4x4, BBQ Dinner, Camel Ride: $81
- Evening Desert Safari Abu Dhabi with BBQ Dinner & Shows: $81
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kota Kinabalu
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kota Kinabalu.
- Private Kinabalu Night Tour with Cultural Show and Dinner: $62
- Kota Kinabalu K2 Fireflies Sunset River Cruise Tour with Dinner: $86
- Ethnic Cooking Class & Upside Down House & 3D Wonders Museum: $92
- Half Day Klias Mangrove Wildlife and Fireflies with dinner: $144
- Kota Kinabalu Sunset Cruise with Buffet Dinner: $187
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Abu Dhabi $39Kota Kinabalu $5.67
Tours and Activities in Abu Dhabi
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Abu Dhabi are as follows:
- Qasr Al Hosn: Entry Tickets with 1 GB Data eSIM: $8.12
- Sea Breeze Boat Tour: $8.17
- Fast-Track Admission Ticket to Qasr Al Hosn: $8.37
- Abu Dhabi 4G & 5G Data Roaming for Tourist: $11
- Louvre Join an Express Tour: $14
- Qasr Al Watan Museum Abu Dhabi Ticket: $17
- Louvre Abu Dhabi with Tourist Shuttle Bus & eSIM: $17
- Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum General Admission Ticket: $17
- Qasr Al Watan Admission Ticket: $18
- Qasr Al Watan Palace & Garden Entrance Ticket: $18
- Ticket to Louvre Museum, Abu Dhabi: $19
- Shop & Eat in Abu Dhabi’s Markets Like a Local Walking Tour: $19
Tours and Activities in Kota Kinabalu
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kota Kinabalu are as follows:
- Kota Kinabalu Historical Photo Walking Tour: $37
- Private Half Day Kota Kinabalu City Tour: $38
- Full Day Bongawan River Cruise with Proboscis Monkey Sightseeing: $40
- Sky-Mirror Photographing and Proboscis Monkey & Fireflies Watching River-Cruise: $46
- Private Guided E-Foil Experience in Tanjung Aru Beach: $47
- Borneo (Klias) River Cruise & Fireflies Tour: $50
- Kota Kinabalu City Tour: $54
- Mari-Mari Cultural Village Tour Including Lunch: $55
- Klias Wildlife Safari River Cruise from Kota Kinabalu: $58
- Cowboy Town & Fireflies River Cruise: $62
- Cultural Night Tour From Kota Kinabalu : $64
- Sunset Charter Cruise Experience in Kota Kinabalu: $69
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAbu Dhabi $13Kota Kinabalu $6.34
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Abu Dhabi and Kota Kinabalu, we can see that Abu Dhabi is more expensive. And not only is Kota Kinabalu much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Abu Dhabi is in Middle East and Kota Kinabalu is in Asia, 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 Kota Kinabalu would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kota Kinabalu 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 Abu Dhabi would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Abu Dhabi than you might in Kota Kinabalu.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Abu Dhabi Expensive? and Is Kota Kinabalu Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Abu Dhabi or Kota Kinabalu?
Abu Dhabi has a larger population, and is about 32% larger than the population of Kota Kinabalu. When comparing the sizes of Abu Dhabi and Kota Kinabalu, 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 Abu Dhabi or Kota Kinabalu?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Kota Kinabalu in the Summer?
Both Kota Kinabalu and Abu Dhabi are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Abu Dhabi throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Kota Kinabalu because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Kota Kinabalu. In July, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Kota Kinabalu. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Kota Kinabalu receives 255 mm (10 in) of rain each month for the summer.
It's quite sunny in Kota Kinabalu. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Kota Kinabalu during summer. Abu Dhabi gets 331 hours of sunny skies, while Kota Kinabalu receives 205 hours of full sun in the summer.
Abu Dhabi can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Abu Dhabi is generally a little warmer than Kota Kinabalu. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 35°C (95°F), and Kota Kinabalu fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAbu Dhabi 35°C (95°F)Kota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Kota Kinabalu in the Autumn?
Both Kota Kinabalu and Abu Dhabi during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Abu Dhabi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kota Kinabalu year-round.
Kota Kinabalu gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in October than Kota Kinabalu. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Kota Kinabalu receives 336 mm (13.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
It's quite sunny in Abu Dhabi. In the autumn, Abu Dhabi often gets more sunshine than Kota Kinabalu. Abu Dhabi gets 314 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kota Kinabalu receives 192 hours of full sun.
Abu Dhabi is around the same temperature as Kota Kinabalu in the autumn. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 29°C (84°F) in October, and Kota Kinabalu fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAbu Dhabi 29°C (84°F)Kota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Kota Kinabalu in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Abu Dhabi and Kota Kinabalu. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Abu Dhabi year-round. Kota Kinabalu attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Kota Kinabalu receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Kota Kinabalu. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Kota Kinabalu receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In Abu Dhabi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Kota Kinabalu during winter. Abu Dhabi gets 269 hours of sunny skies, while Kota Kinabalu receives 181 hours of full sun in the winter.
In the winter, Abu Dhabi is cooler than Kota Kinabalu. Typically, the winter temperatures in Abu Dhabi in January average around 18°C (64°F), and Kota Kinabalu averages at about 26°C (79°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAbu Dhabi 18°C (64°F)Kota Kinabalu 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Kota Kinabalu in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Abu Dhabi as well as Kota Kinabalu. Abu Dhabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kota Kinabalu throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Kota Kinabalu. Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in April than Kota Kinabalu. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Kota Kinabalu receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kota Kinabalu. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Abu Dhabi this time of the year. In the spring, Abu Dhabi often gets more sunshine than Kota Kinabalu. Abu Dhabi gets 297 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kota Kinabalu receives 237 hours of full sun.
In April, Abu Dhabi is generally around the same temperature as Kota Kinabalu. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 27°C (81°F), and Kota Kinabalu fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAbu Dhabi 27°C (81°F)Kota Kinabalu 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Kota Kinabalu and Abu Dhabi
| Abu Dhabi | Kota Kinabalu | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jun | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 291 mm (11.5 in) |
| Jul | 35°C (95°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Aug | 36°C (97°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) |
| Sep | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 285 mm (11.2 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 336 mm (13.2 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 298 mm (11.7 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.