Which place is cheaper, Kota Kinabalu or Cairo?
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 Cairo or Kota Kinabalu?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Cairo and Kota Kinabalu can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Cairo or Kota Kinabalu?
Cairo
Cairo is the chaotic capital city of Egypt. With a population of more than 16 million, it is one of the largest cities in both Africa and the Middle East. As a traveler, you're likely to arrive and leave from here and you'll get your first orientation to the area during the chaotic and congestion filled taxi ride from the airport.
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 Family-Friendly Tours to Egypt, The Best Historical Tours in Egypt, The Best Luxury Tours to Malaysia, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Malaysia.
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Cairo Prices
Egypt PricesKota Kinabalu Prices
Malaysia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCairo $33Kota Kinabalu $68
The average daily cost (per person) in Cairo is $33, 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 Cairo and Kota Kinabalu in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCairo $11Kota Kinabalu $21
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCairo $22Kota Kinabalu $42
Compare Hotels in Cairo and Kota Kinabalu
Looking for a hotel in Cairo 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: Cairo Hotel Prices and Kota Kinabalu Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cairo $3.80Kota Kinabalu $25
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cairo
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Cairo are as follows:
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Metro Ride$0.08
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Taxi Ride$0.32
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cairo
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cairo:
- Private transfer from Cairo Airport to the hotel in Cairo or Giza: $9.00
- Private Transfer: Cairo Airport Arrival to any hotel in Cairo or Giza: $9.00
- Private Transfer from Cairo Airport to Hotel Vise Versa: $10
- Cairo Airport Private Transfer ( One-Way comfort ride ): $10
- Private Transfer from Cairo Airport to Hotels within Cairo and Giza: $10
- Private Transfer from Cairo Airport to Your Hotel: $10
- Private Transfer from Cairo International Airport to Cairo &Giza : $10
- Private Transfer from Cairo International Airport to Cairo Center : $11
- Private Pickup transfer from Marriott Mena House, Cairo to Cairo airport: $12
- Pickup transfer from Radisson Blu Hotel, Cairo Heliopolis to Cairo airport: $12
- Private transfer from Cairo Airport to Hotel Royal: $12
- Private transfer from The Nile Ritz-Carlton, Cairo to Cairo airport: $12
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kota Kinabalu
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kota Kinabalu:
- Borneo to Kota Kinabalu Airport(BKI) - Departure Private Transfer: $38
- Kota Kinab Airport to Kota Kinabalu - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $48
- Kota Kinabalu Airport (BKI) Private Transfer to Kota Kinabalu: $13
- Kota Kinabalu Airport (BKI) to Borneo - Arrival Private Transfer: $38
- Kota Kinabalu Airport BKI to Borneo - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $76
- Kota Kinabalu Hotel to Jetty Round Trip Transfer: $53
- Kota Kinabalu to Kota Kinab Airport: Departure Private Transfer: $24
- Kota Kinabalu（BKI）: Private Transfer to City Center: $14
- Malaysia: Sabah Airport Transfer: $14
- Private Transfer from Kota Kinabalu Hotels to Kota Kinabalu Port: $25
- Private Transfer from Kota Kinabalu Port to Kota Kinabalu hotels: $25
- Private Transfer- Kota Kinabalu Airport BKI to Kota Kinabalu Port: $25
Is it cheaper to fly into Cairo or Kota Kinabalu?
Prices for flights to both Kota Kinabalu and Cairo 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 dayCairo $18Kota Kinabalu $30
Typical Food Prices in Cairo
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cairo:
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Juice$0.04
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cairo
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cairo.
- Great tour toThe Grand Museum of Giza and Nile River DinnerCruise: $5.00
- Dinner Nile cruise with belly dancer show on Nile river: $5.00
- 2 Hour Cairo Dinner Cruise on Nile river with live band: $7.00
- Cairo dinner Nile cruise with belly dancer show on Nile river: $7.00
- Cairo Food Tour with Nile Felucca Ride : $7.00
- Private Nile Cruise with Dinner and Folk Show from Cairo: $7.50
- night-tour Nile dinner cruise with open buffet and belly dancer: $8.00
- Private Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, Quad Bike, Camel Ride, Nile Dinner Cruise: $9.00
- food tour private tour from cairo or giza hotel: $9.00
- Cairo Food Tour in local places & Egyptian Mint Tea: $9.00
- 2-hours night dinner cruise show : Eat , Dance and Sing : $9.00
- Cairo Dinner Cruise show with belly dancer show on Nile river: $9.00
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
- Kawa Mangrove Cruise & Fireflies with Dinner: $67
- Ethnic Cooking Class & Upside Down House & 3D Wonders Museum: $92
- 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.Cairo $9.09Kota Kinabalu $6.43
Typical Entertainment Prices in Cairo
Here are a few typical costs in Cairo for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Entry to Camel Market for Two$0.84
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Egyptian Museum Entry for Two$6.47
Tours and Activities in Cairo
Here are a few actual costs in Cairo for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- ViP Private Tour Giza Pyramids,camel ride , inside 3rd Pyramid: $1.00
- Cheap Day tour to Giza Pyramids Sphinx With Camel Rid : $2.00
- Cheap Day tour to Giza Pyramids Sphinx With Camel Rid With lunch: $2.50
- Best Egypt Tour Giza Pyramids Sphinx lunch fees camel 9rd pyramid: $3.50
- VIP privatr tour Giza pyramids sphins &Saqqara and Memphis : $3.50
- Chep Day Tour Pyramids Giza, Memphis, Saqqara and Camel: $4.00
- Private Tour in Pyramids of Giza with Lunch and Camel Ride: $4.50
- All inclusive Tour To Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, Camel Ride, Lunch: $4.50
- Private Tour to Pyramids with Professional Photographer : $5.00
- Private Tour in Iconic Giza Pyramids From Cairo: $5.00
- All Inclusive Tour Pyramids of Giza , Sphinx and Lunch : $5.00
- Vip Day Tour to Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, Gem Museum, and Lunch : $5.00
Tours and Activities in Kota Kinabalu
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kota Kinabalu are as follows:
- Bongawan Proboscis and Fireflies Cruise Tour: $32
- Sail and Catch Boat fishing Tour of the Coast of Kota Kinabalu: $41
- Night Glow Stand Up Paddle Experience in Kota Kinabalu: $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
- Bongawan River Cruise Proboscis Monkey, SkyMirror, Fireflies : $49
- Sabah: Manukan and Sapi Islands Excursion Ticket: $50
- Borneo (Klias) River Cruise & Fireflies Tour: $50
- Private Guided E-Foil Experience in Tanjung Aru Beach: $54
- Kota Kinabalu City Tour: $54
- Full Day Bongawan River Cruise with Proboscis Monkey Sightseeing: $55
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCairo $1.48Kota Kinabalu $7.18
Sample the Local Flavors in Cairo
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cairo:
- Pub Crawl and Speakeasy Bar Tour with 2 Free Drinks: $70
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cairo and Kota Kinabalu, we can see that Kota Kinabalu is more expensive. And not only is Cairo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Cairo is in Africa 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 Cairo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cairo 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 Kota Kinabalu would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kota Kinabalu than you might in Cairo.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cairo Expensive? and Is Kota Kinabalu Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Cairo or Kota Kinabalu?
Cairo has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Kota Kinabalu. When comparing the sizes of Cairo 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 Cairo 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 Cairo or Kota Kinabalu in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cairo and Kota Kinabalu. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cairo year-round. Kota Kinabalu attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Kota Kinabalu receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Cairo usually receives less rain than Kota Kinabalu. Cairo gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Kota Kinabalu receives 255 mm (10 in) of rain each month for the summer.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kota Kinabalu this time of the year. In Cairo, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cairo usually receives more sunshine than Kota Kinabalu during summer. Cairo gets 350 hours of sunny skies, while Kota Kinabalu receives 205 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Cairo is generally around the same temperature as Kota Kinabalu. Daily temperatures in Cairo average around 28°C (82°F), and Kota Kinabalu fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyCairo 28°C (82°F)Kota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Cairo or Kota Kinabalu in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Cairo as well as Kota Kinabalu. Cairo 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. Cairo usually gets less rain in October than Kota Kinabalu. Cairo gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Kota Kinabalu receives 336 mm (13.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cairo this time of the year. In the autumn, Cairo often gets more sunshine than Kota Kinabalu. Cairo gets 290 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kota Kinabalu receives 192 hours of full sun.
Cairo is cooler than Kota Kinabalu in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cairo averages around 23°C (73°F) in October, and Kota Kinabalu fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberCairo 23°C (73°F)Kota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Cairo or Kota Kinabalu in the Winter?
Both Kota Kinabalu and Cairo are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cairo 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 January, Cairo usually receives less rain than Kota Kinabalu. Cairo gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Kota Kinabalu receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cairo. Cairo usually receives more sunshine than Kota Kinabalu during winter. Cairo gets 221 hours of sunny skies, while Kota Kinabalu receives 181 hours of full sun in the winter.
In the winter, Cairo is much colder than Kota Kinabalu. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cairo in January average around 14°C (57°F), and Kota Kinabalu averages at about 26°C (79°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryCairo 14°C (57°F)Kota Kinabalu 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Cairo or Kota Kinabalu in the Spring?
Both Kota Kinabalu and Cairo during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Cairo 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. Cairo usually gets less rain in April than Kota Kinabalu. Cairo gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Kota Kinabalu receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Kota Kinabalu, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Cairo. In the spring, Cairo often gets more sunshine than Kota Kinabalu. Cairo gets 276 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kota Kinabalu receives 237 hours of full sun.
In April, Cairo is generally cooler than Kota Kinabalu. Daily temperatures in Cairo average around 21°C (70°F), and Kota Kinabalu fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilCairo 21°C (70°F)Kota Kinabalu 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Kota Kinabalu and Cairo
| Cairo | Kota Kinabalu | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) |
| Feb | 14°C (57°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Mar | 17°C (63°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 21°C (70°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 291 mm (11.5 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) |
| Sep | 26°C (79°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 285 mm (11.2 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 336 mm (13.2 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 298 mm (11.7 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 3 mm (0.1 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.