Which place is cheaper, Sandakan or Beirut?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Beirut or Sandakan?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Beirut and Sandakan. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Beirut or Sandakan?
Beirut
Some travelers are seeking the hustle, bustle and posh atmosphere that only comes from a big city. Those travelers should have Beirut, Lebanon at the top of their list. The capital city is jam packed with 2.1 million people that are constantly on the go. As the commercial and financial hub of Lebanon, this city is fast-paced, fashion conscious and always ready for a night on the town.
Sandakan
Located on the Northeast side of the state of Sabah in Borneo is the city of Sandakan, which is the 2nd largest city in the country. Sandakan was a prosperous port town in the 1800s because of its exports of tobacco, timber, pearls, and ivory. However, this booming town that was formerly the administrative capital in North Borneo was bombed practically out of existence at the end of World War II.
For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Malaysia, and The Best Adventure Tours to Malaysia.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBeirut $2.26Sandakan $58
The average daily cost (per person) in Beirut is $2.26, while the average daily cost in Sandakan is $58. 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 Beirut and Sandakan in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBeirut $1.26Sandakan $20
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBeirut $2.52Sandakan $40
Compare Hotels in Beirut and Sandakan
Looking for a hotel in Beirut or Sandakan? 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: Beirut Hotel Prices and Sandakan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Beirut $0.44Sandakan $33
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Beirut
Also for Beirut, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Beirut Arrival Airport Transfer Pickup: $9.89
- Departure Transfer:From Hotel To Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY): $10
- BEY Airport to Hotel, Private Arrival Transfer: $10
- Airport Arrival Transfer to Your Beirut Hotel: $10
- Private Transfer from Beirut Hotels to the Beirut Airport: $10
- Beirut Arrival Airport Transfer: $13
- Beirut Airport one Way Private Transfer to the hotel: $15
- Private Arrival Transfer: Beirut International Airport to Hotel: $18
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Beirut International Airport: $18
- Private Transfer from Rafic Hariri (BEY) Airport to Beirut: $46
- Hiking Day Trip to Chouwen Lake with Hotel Transfers: $86
- Beirut Airport Transfer in a Limousine: $201
Is it cheaper to fly into Beirut or Sandakan?
Prices for flights to both Sandakan and Beirut 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 dayBeirut $0.71Sandakan $19
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Beirut
For Beirut, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Authentic Lebanese Virtual Cooking Class Live from Lebanon: $30
- Traveling Spoon Lebanese Mezze Private Online Cooking Class : $40
- Private, Traditional Lebanese Cooking Class with a Contemporary Twist: $72
- Authentic Lebanese Cooking Lesson and Meal with Tania's Family in Beirut: $100
- Private Lebanese Cooking Class in Beirut with Amal + Transfers: $142
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sandakan
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Sandakan.
- Mangrove Cruise with Fireflies Tour Including Dinner from Sandakan: $64
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Beirut $0.26Sandakan $7.19
Tours and Activities in Beirut
For Beirut, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Small Group Tour to Jeita Grotto, Harisa & Byblos with Hotel pickup: $15
- Discovering Lebanon: Jeita Grotto, Harissa, and Byblos Tour: $15
- City Sightseeing Beirut Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $25
- City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $25
- Beirut : Private Custom Walking Tour With A Guide (Private tour): $34
- Private Tour - Explore Anjar Lebanon: $35
- Beirut Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $35
- Beirut Full Day Walking Tour: $41
- Private Walking Tour With A Guide (Private tour): $48
- Historical Beirut Tour (AM) Half Day - (4G on Board): $50
- New Small-Group Tour Semi-Private to Jeita,Harissa&Byblos: $50
- From Jeita, Harissa, and Byblos Tour: $50
Tours and Activities in Sandakan
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Sandakan are as follows:
- 2D1N Sandakan Private Tour with Kinabatangan River Cruise: $290
- Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre & Sepilok Orang Utan Rehab Centre Tour: $105
- Borneo Kinabatangan River Cruise Day Trip: $78
- Borneo Wildlife Tour 2 Days 1 Night At Tanjung Bulat Jungle Camp Kinabatangan: $197
- Borneo Wildlife Tour 3 Days 2 Nights At Tanjung Bulat Jungle Camp Kinabatangan: $241
- Kinabatangan River Cruise from Sandakan: $90
- Labuk Proboscis, Sepilok, Sun Bear, Sandakan City Tour & Lunch: $138
- Private Full Day Sepilok Orang Utan, Bornean Sun Bear and Rainforest Discovery Center Tour: $125
- Private Tour: Half Day Sandakan City Tour Including Local Lunch: $51
- Sepilok Orang Utan & Bornean Sun Bear Centre with Sandakan City Tour with Lunch: $191
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayBeirut $0.23Sandakan $6.59
Sample the Local Flavors in Beirut
Also in Beirut, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Full-Day Private Wine Tasting Tour at Chateau Musar and Ixsir : $50
- Full-Day Private Wine Tasting Tour: $56
- Uncorking Splendor: A Journey Through Private Wine Tasting Tours: $60
- Budget Wine Tasting Tour at the Bekaa Valley Wineries: $60
- Full-Day Private Wine Tour in Bekaa Valley with Tasting : $60
- Wine Tasting and Culture : $69
- Wine Tasting and Hiking in the Cedars forest : $69
- From Full Day Wine Tasting in the Bekaa Valley Tour: $90
- Lebanon Wine Tasting Tour From Beirut: $91
- Full-Day Private Wine Tasting Tour to Chateau Musar and Ixsir Winery: $100
- Full-Day Private Bekaa Valley Wine Tour from Beirut: $103
- Private tour to Jeita Grotto with Wine Tasting in Faqra Ruins: $110
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Beirut and Sandakan, we can see that Sandakan is more expensive. And not only is Beirut much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Beirut is in Middle East and Sandakan 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 Beirut would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Beirut 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 Sandakan would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sandakan than you might in Beirut.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Beirut Expensive? and Is Sandakan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Beirut or Sandakan?
Beirut has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Sandakan. When comparing the sizes of Beirut and Sandakan, 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 Beirut or Sandakan?
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 Beirut or Sandakan in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Beirut as well as Sandakan. Beirut attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Sandakan throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Sandakan. Beirut usually gets less rain in July than Sandakan. Beirut gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Sandakan receives 195 mm (7.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sandakan. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Beirut this time of the year. In the summer, Beirut often gets more sunshine than Sandakan. Beirut gets 369 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sandakan receives 221 hours of full sun.
Beirut is around the same temperature as Sandakan in the summer. The daily temperature in Beirut averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Sandakan fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyBeirut 27°C (81°F)Sandakan 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Beirut or Sandakan in the Autumn?
Both Sandakan and Beirut are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Beirut throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Sandakan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Sandakan. In October, Beirut usually receives less rain than Sandakan. Beirut gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Sandakan receives 253 mm (10 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beirut. Beirut usually receives more sunshine than Sandakan during autumn. Beirut gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Sandakan receives 191 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In the autumn, Beirut is around the same temperature as Sandakan. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Beirut in October average around 25°C (77°F), and Sandakan averages at about 28°C (82°F).
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBeirut 25°C (77°F)Sandakan 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Beirut or Sandakan in the Winter?
Both Sandakan and Beirut during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Beirut because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Sandakan year-round.
Sandakan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Beirut. Beirut usually gets less rain in January than Sandakan. Beirut gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Sandakan receives 437 mm (17.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the winter, Beirut often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Sandakan. Beirut gets 149 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sandakan receives 156 hours of full sun.
In January, Beirut is generally much colder than Sandakan. Daily temperatures in Beirut average around 13°C (55°F), and Sandakan fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBeirut 13°C (55°F)Sandakan 26°C (80°F)
Should I visit Beirut or Sandakan in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Beirut and Sandakan. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Beirut year-round. Sandakan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Sandakan receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Beirut usually receives less rain than Sandakan. Beirut gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Sandakan receives 107 mm (4.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sandakan this time of the year. In Beirut, it's very sunny this time of the year. Beirut usually receives less sunshine than Sandakan during spring. Beirut gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Sandakan receives 247 hours of full sun in the spring.
Beirut is much colder than Sandakan in the spring. The daily temperature in Beirut averages around 17°C (63°F) in April, and Sandakan fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilBeirut 17°C (63°F)Sandakan 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Sandakan and Beirut
| Beirut | Sandakan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 13°C (55°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 437 mm (17.2 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 268 mm (10.6 in) |
| Mar | 15°C (59°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) |
| May | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 195 mm (7.7 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 213 mm (8.4 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (77°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 253 mm (10 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 344 mm (13.5 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 462 mm (18.2 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.