Which place is cheaper, Kota Kinabalu or Bali?
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 Bali 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 Bali and Kota Kinabalu can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Bali or Kota Kinabalu?
Bali
Known as the "Island of the Gods," it's not difficult to see why the Gods would want to set up shop in Bali. With a beautifully diverse landscape of hills, mountains, coastlines, beaches, vibrant rice fields and volcanic hillsides, you'll easily go into sensory overload.
Bali is home to 4 million people who all hold true to a deeply spiritual and unique culture. With champion surfing, world class resorts and challenging hiking trails, this Indonesian island accommodates travelers from every walk of life. It's often called, "paradise on earth, " and no one disagrees.
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 for Seniors to Indonesia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Indonesia, The Best Luxury Tours to Malaysia, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Malaysia.
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Bali Prices
Indonesia PricesKota Kinabalu Prices
Malaysia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBali $79Kota Kinabalu $72
The average daily cost (per person) in Bali is $79, while the average daily cost in Kota Kinabalu is $72. 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 Bali and Kota Kinabalu in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBali $37Kota Kinabalu $22
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBali $74Kota Kinabalu $44
Compare Hotels in Bali and Kota Kinabalu
Looking for a hotel in Bali 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: Bali Hotel Prices and Kota Kinabalu Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Bali $8.07Kota Kinabalu $27
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bali
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Bali:
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Motorbike Rental$2.77
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bali
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bali:
- Bali Airport Private Departure Transfer: $8.00
- Private Airport Transfer: Densapar City → DPS Airport: $8.88
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Airport Jimbaran and Uluwatu: $16
- Private Arrival Transfer: Bali Airport to Jimbaran and Uluwatu Hotel: $16
- Private Bali Transfer & Costumize Day trip: $18
- Denpasar Arrival Transfer: Airport to Hotel: $25
- Denpasar Departure Transfer: Hotel to Airport: $25
- Premium SUV Bali Airport Departure Private Transfer: $29
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Bali Airport: $33
- Private Arrival Transfer: Bali Airport to Hotel: $33
- Ubud ATV Quad Bike Ticket And Transfer: $34
- Devdan Treasure of the Archipelago Show with Transfer from Bali: $36
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kota Kinabalu
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kota Kinabalu:
- Kota Kinabalu（BKI）: Private Transfer to City Center: $14
- Private Airport Transfer in Kota Kinabalu: $20
- Private Transfer from Kota Kinabalu Hotels to Kota Kinabalu Port: $25
- Private Transfer from Kota Kota Kinabalu Hotels to Kinabalu Port: $25
- Private Transfer from Kota Kinabalu Port to Kota Kinabalu hotels: $25
- Private Departure Transfer : Kota Kinabalu International Airport: $28
- Private Transfer: Kota Kinabalu International Airport to/from Hotel: $30
- Kota Kinabalu Airport (BKI) to Borneo - Arrival Private Transfer: $38
- Kota Kinab Airport to Kota Kinabalu - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $47
Is it cheaper to fly into Bali or Kota Kinabalu?
Prices for flights to both Kota Kinabalu and Bali 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 dayBali $32Kota Kinabalu $32
Typical Food Prices in Bali
Some typical examples of dining costs in Bali are as follows:
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Coffee$1.11
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Lunch for Two$12
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Bali Cafe for Two$24
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Lunch for Two$7.21
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Lunch for 2$7.99
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Dinner for 2$8.76
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bali
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bali.
- Best Romantic Seafood Dinner at Jimbaran Beach Sunset: $30
- Bali Sunset and Dinner: Uluwatu, Tanah Lot and Jimbaran: $32
- Romantic Seafood Dinner at Jimbaran beach: $38
- Private Tour Uluwatu Sunset Kecak Dance and Dinner at Jimbaran: $41
- Nusa Dua Cooking Class With Spice Herb Garden Visit-Free Pick Up: $42
- Spice Garden, Jamu & Cooking Class in Bali Village: $55
- Kekeb Cooking Class at Nusa Dua: $55
- Uluwatu Temple Sunset Tour & Dinner at Jimbaran Bay: $63
- Bali Famous Beach, Kecak Dance, Uluwatu Temple, Sunset, Dinner: $65
- Bali Street Food Tour: $65
- Ubud Slow Afternoon with Balinese Cooking Class: $69
- Jimbaran Beach Sunset Candlelight Dinner with Indian Set Menu: $75
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kota Kinabalu
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kota Kinabalu.
- Beringgis Mangove Fireflies, Sunset Tour & Dinner: $33
- Sabah Traditional Authentic Cuisine Cooking Class 3 Hours: $45
- Klias River Cruise with Dinner and Fireflies: $55
- Kota Kinabalu Klias River Cruise with Dinner and Fireflies Tour: $66
- Kawa Mangrove Cruise & Fireflies with Dinner: $67
- Traditional Sabah Cooking Class and Taste Local Flavors: $76
- Ethnic Cooking Class & Upside Down House & 3D Wonders Museum: $92
- Private Cooking Class with Market Visit: $94
- North Borneo Sunset Dinner Cruise: $121
- Kota Kinabalu Night Tour with Dinner & Cultural Dance Show: $145
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Bali $9.68Kota Kinabalu $6.82
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bali
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Bali are as follows:
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Spa for Two$48
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Snorkelling Trip$11
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Cooking School$25
Tours and Activities in Bali
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bali are as follows:
- Tickets for the Kecak Dance Performance at Uluwatu Temple: $11
- Kecak and Fire Dance Ticket at Uluwatu Temple: $12
- Secret Comedy Night Bali Ticket: $12
- Uluwatu Kecak Tickets A Spectacular Show: $18
- Kanto Lampo Penglipuran Swing Kehen Temple Private Guided Tour: $18
- Best Full Day Of Ubud Private Guided Tour: $19
- Bali Jetski Watersport Nusa Dua Beach Experience: $20
- Private ATV Quad Bike Guided Adventure in Ubud: $23
- Bali Full Day Uluwatu Highlights Tour: $23
- Ulu Petanu Waterfall Monkey Forest And Swing Private Guided Tour: $24
- Iconic Uluwatu Sunset & Kecak Fire Dance – Private Half-Day Tour: $25
- Mount Batur Sunrise Trekking and Rice Terrace Adventure: $25
Tours and Activities in Kota Kinabalu
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kota Kinabalu are as follows:
- Bongawan River Cruise, City Tour & Fireflies: $27
- Sabah Mali-Mali Garden Spa Massage Experience: $27
- Private Tour Kampung Gipsi Sabah Cultural Village Kota Kinabalu: $37
- Pulau Sapi & Manukan Sabah Shared Activity Adventure: $44
- Sky-Mirror Photographing and Proboscis Monkey & Fireflies Watching River-Cruise: $46
- Mangrove Kayaking Experience in Borneo: $47
- Bongawan: River Safari Cruise, Private or Shared Ticket: $48
- Sabah: Manukan and Sapi Islands Excursion Ticket: $50
- Borneo (Klias) River Cruise & Fireflies Tour: $50
- Bongawan River Cruise Proboscis Monkey, SkyMirror, Fireflies: $51
- Full Day Bongawan River Cruise with Proboscis Monkey Sightseeing: $58
- Klias Wildlife Safari River Cruise from Kota Kinabalu: $58
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBali $2.86Kota Kinabalu $7.61
When comparing the travel costs between Bali and Kota Kinabalu, we can see that Bali 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 Bali Expensive? and Is Kota Kinabalu Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Bali or Kota Kinabalu?
Kota Kinabalu has a larger population, and is about 13% larger than the population of Bali. When comparing the sizes of Bali 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 Bali 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 Bali or Kota Kinabalu in the Summer?
Both Kota Kinabalu and Bali are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bali 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 Bali is April to September. It rains a lot this time of the year in Kota Kinabalu. In July, Bali usually receives less rain than Kota Kinabalu. Bali gets 40 mm (1.6 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 Bali. Bali usually receives more sunshine than Kota Kinabalu during summer. Bali gets 253 hours of sunny skies, while Kota Kinabalu receives 205 hours of full sun in the summer.
In the summer, Bali is around the same temperature as Kota Kinabalu. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bali in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Kota Kinabalu averages at about 27°C (81°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBali 27°C (81°F)Kota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Bali or Kota Kinabalu in the Autumn?
Both Kota Kinabalu and Bali during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Bali because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kota Kinabalu year-round.
October to March is the rainy season in Bali. Kota Kinabalu gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Bali usually gets less rain in October than Kota Kinabalu. Bali gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Kota Kinabalu receives 336 mm (13.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
It's quite sunny in Bali. In the autumn, Bali often gets more sunshine than Kota Kinabalu. Bali gets 266 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kota Kinabalu receives 192 hours of full sun.
In October, Bali is generally around the same temperature as Kota Kinabalu. Daily temperatures in Bali average around 27°C (81°F), and Kota Kinabalu fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBali 27°C (81°F)Kota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Bali or Kota Kinabalu in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bali and Kota Kinabalu. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bali year-round. Kota Kinabalu attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Also, October to March is the rainy season in Bali. Kota Kinabalu receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Bali usually receives less rain than Kota Kinabalu. Bali gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Kota Kinabalu receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
Bali usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kota Kinabalu during winter. Bali gets 170 hours of sunny skies, while Kota Kinabalu receives 181 hours of full sun in the winter.
Bali is around the same temperature as Kota Kinabalu in the winter. The daily temperature in Bali averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and Kota Kinabalu fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBali 26°C (79°F)Kota Kinabalu 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Bali or Kota Kinabalu in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Bali as well as Kota Kinabalu. Bali attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kota Kinabalu throughout the year.
Also, April to September in Bali is the dry season. It's quite rainy in Kota Kinabalu. Bali usually gets less rain in April than Kota Kinabalu. Bali gets 70 mm (2.8 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 Bali this time of the year. In the spring, Bali often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kota Kinabalu. Bali gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kota Kinabalu receives 237 hours of full sun.
In the spring, Bali is around the same temperature as Kota Kinabalu. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bali in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Kota Kinabalu averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBali 27°C (81°F)Kota Kinabalu 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Kota Kinabalu and Bali
| Bali | Kota Kinabalu | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 291 mm (11.5 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 285 mm (11.2 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 336 mm (13.2 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 298 mm (11.7 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 90 mm (3.5 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.