Which place is cheaper, Kota Kinabalu or Ao Nang?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Ao Nang or Kota Kinabalu?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Ao Nang or Kota Kinabalu? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Ao Nang or Kota Kinabalu?
Ao Nang
If you're looking for a relaxing beach on the coast of Thailand, it might be time to make a trip to Ao Nang. This developed and "westernized" beach was once the place to be for backpackers, but is now quite popular with package tourist crowds, too, as prices have risen in recent decades. Here you'll find nice hotels, restaurants, and plenty of fun activities at the beach and nearby, too.
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 Tours Under $1000 in Thailand, The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, The Best Luxury Tours to Malaysia, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Malaysia.
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Ao Nang Prices
Thailand PricesKota Kinabalu Prices
Malaysia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAo Nang $136Kota Kinabalu $68
The average daily cost (per person) in Ao Nang is $136, while the average daily cost in Kota Kinabalu is $68. 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 Ao Nang and Kota Kinabalu in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAo Nang $52Kota Kinabalu $21
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAo Nang $104Kota Kinabalu $42
Compare Hotels in Ao Nang and Kota Kinabalu
Looking for a hotel in Ao Nang 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: Ao Nang Hotel Prices and Kota Kinabalu Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ao Nang $64Kota Kinabalu $25
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ao Nang
Also for Ao Nang, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Krabi: Ao Nang To or From Phi Phi By Fast Speedboat Transfer: $31
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kota Kinabalu
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kota Kinabalu:
- Transfer from Kota Kinabalu Airport BKI to Kota Kinabalu Port: $25
- Stand Up Paddle Boarding with Sunrise/Sunset Tour at Kota Kinabalu with transfer: $32
- Private Transfer: Kota Kinabalu International Airport to/from Hotel: $20
- Private Transfer- Kota Kinabalu Port to Kota Kinabalu Airport BKI: $25
- Private Transfer- Kota Kinabalu Airport BKI to Kota Kinabalu Port: $25
- Private Transfer from Kota Kinabalu Port to Kota Kinabalu hotels: $25
- Private Transfer from Kota Kinabalu Hotels to Kota Kinabalu Port: $25
- Private Arrival Transfer : Kota Kinabalu International Airport: $30
- Kota Kinabalu（BKI）: Private Transfer to City Center: $14
- Kota Kinabalu to Kota Kinab Airport: Departure Private Transfer: $24
- Kota Kinabalu Hotel to Jetty Round Trip Transfer: $53
- Kota Kinabalu Airport BKI to Borneo - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $77
Is it cheaper to fly into Ao Nang or Kota Kinabalu?
Prices for flights to both Kota Kinabalu and Ao Nang 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 dayAo Nang $49Kota Kinabalu $30
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kota Kinabalu
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kota Kinabalu.
- Sabah Traditional Authentic Cuisine Cooking Class 3 Hours: $29
- Beringgis Mangove Fireflies, Sunset Tour & Dinner: $33
- Klias River Cruise with Dinner and Fireflies: $55
- Kawa Mangrove Cruise & Fireflies with Dinner: $67
- Ethnic Cooking Class & Upside Down House & 3D Wonders Museum: $92
- Taste Of Borneo Cooking Class: $95
- North Borneo Sunset Dinner Cruise: $121
- Kota Kinabalu Night Tour with Dinner & Cultural Dance Show: $138
- Kota Kinabalu Sunset Cruise with Buffet Dinner: $187
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Ao Nang $13Kota Kinabalu $6.43
Tours and Activities in Kota Kinabalu
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kota Kinabalu are as follows:
- Sky-Mirror Photographing and Proboscis Monkey & Fireflies Watching River-Cruise: $46
- Bongawan River Cruise Proboscis Monkey, SkyMirror, Fireflies : $49
- Bongawan: River Safari Cruise, Private or Optional Ticket: $143
- Borneo (Klias) River Cruise & Fireflies Tour: $50
- Cowboy Town & Fireflies River Cruise: $62
- Day Trip to Kinabalu Park and Poring Hot Spring Guided Tour: $70
- From Kota Kinabalu : Kiulu White Water Rafting Tour + meal: $66
- Full Day Bongawan River Cruise with Proboscis Monkey Sightseeing: $55
- Indigenous Weaving Experience: $236
- Island Hopping Tour (2 Island) From Kota Kinabalu: $100
- Island Hopping Tour From Kota Kinabalu (2 island): $90
- Kinabalu National Park Tour: $135
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAo Nang $17Kota Kinabalu $7.18
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ao Nang and Kota Kinabalu, we can see that Ao Nang is more expensive. And not only is Kota Kinabalu much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Ao Nang would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ao Nang 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 Ao Nang Expensive? and Is Kota Kinabalu Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ao Nang or Kota Kinabalu?
Kota Kinabalu has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Ao Nang. When comparing the sizes of Ao Nang 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 Ao Nang or Kota Kinabalu?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Ao Nang or Kota Kinabalu in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Ao Nang as well as Kota Kinabalu. Ao Nang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kota Kinabalu throughout the year.
August to October in Ao Nang is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Kota Kinabalu. Ao Nang receives a lot of rain in the summer. Ao Nang usually gets more rain in July than Kota Kinabalu. Ao Nang gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Kota Kinabalu receives 255 mm (10 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 Ao Nang this time of the year. In the summer, Ao Nang often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kota Kinabalu. Ao Nang gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kota Kinabalu receives 205 hours of full sun.
Ao Nang is around the same temperature as Kota Kinabalu in the summer. The daily temperature in Ao Nang averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Kota Kinabalu fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAo Nang 28°C (82°F)Kota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Ao Nang or Kota Kinabalu in the Autumn?
Both Kota Kinabalu and Ao Nang are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ao Nang throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Kota Kinabalu because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in Ao Nang is December to March. The rainy season in Ao Nang is August to October. It rains a lot this time of the year in Kota Kinabalu. It's quite rainy in Ao Nang. In October, Ao Nang usually receives less rain than Kota Kinabalu. Ao Nang gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Kota Kinabalu receives 336 mm (13.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
Ao Nang usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kota Kinabalu during autumn. Ao Nang gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while Kota Kinabalu receives 192 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In the autumn, Ao Nang is around the same temperature as Kota Kinabalu. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ao Nang in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Kota Kinabalu averages at about 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAo Nang 27°C (81°F)Kota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Ao Nang or Kota Kinabalu in the Winter?
Both Kota Kinabalu and Ao Nang during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Ao Nang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kota Kinabalu year-round.
December to March is the dry season in Ao Nang. Kota Kinabalu gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Ao Nang usually gets less rain in January than Kota Kinabalu. Ao Nang gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Kota Kinabalu receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
It's quite sunny in Ao Nang. In the winter, Ao Nang often gets more sunshine than Kota Kinabalu. Ao Nang gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kota Kinabalu receives 181 hours of full sun.
In January, Ao Nang is generally around the same temperature as Kota Kinabalu. Daily temperatures in Ao Nang average around 28°C (82°F), and Kota Kinabalu fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAo Nang 28°C (82°F)Kota Kinabalu 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Ao Nang or Kota Kinabalu in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Ao Nang and Kota Kinabalu. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ao Nang year-round. Kota Kinabalu attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Kota Kinabalu receives a lot of rain in the spring. Ao Nang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Ao Nang usually receives around the same amount of rain as Kota Kinabalu. Ao Nang gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Kota Kinabalu receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kota Kinabalu this time of the year. In Ao Nang, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ao Nang usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kota Kinabalu during spring. Ao Nang gets 249 hours of sunny skies, while Kota Kinabalu receives 237 hours of full sun in the spring.
Ao Nang is around the same temperature as Kota Kinabalu in the spring. The daily temperature in Ao Nang averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Kota Kinabalu fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAo Nang 29°C (84°F)Kota Kinabalu 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Kota Kinabalu and Ao Nang
| Ao Nang | Kota Kinabalu | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (83°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (84°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 318 mm (12.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 279 mm (11 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 291 mm (11.5 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 262 mm (10.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 399 mm (15.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 285 mm (11.2 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 304 mm (12 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 336 mm (13.2 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 298 mm (11.7 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 62 mm (2.4 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.