Which place is cheaper, Kota Kinabalu or Can Tho?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Can Tho 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 Can Tho and Kota Kinabalu can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Can Tho or Kota Kinabalu?
Can Tho
Can Tho is the largest city of Vietnam's Mekong Delta, and is best known for its canal network of floating markets, restaurants, bars, and hotels, Buddhist pagodas, and the beauty of the delta, which is illuminated in the evenings.
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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Ho Chi Minh City, The Best 10-Day Tours from Hanoi, The Best Tours for Seniors to Malaysia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Malaysia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCan Tho $58Kota Kinabalu $53
The average daily cost (per person) in Can Tho is $58, while the average daily cost in Kota Kinabalu is $53. 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 Can Tho and Kota Kinabalu in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCan Tho $28Kota Kinabalu $20
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCan Tho $56Kota Kinabalu $40
Compare Hotels in Can Tho and Kota Kinabalu
Looking for a hotel in Can Tho 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: Can Tho Hotel Prices and Kota Kinabalu Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Can Tho $13Kota Kinabalu $24
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Can Tho
Also for Can Tho, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- PRIVATE CAR: Can Tho AIRPORT <=> CanTho Hotels (one way transfer): $30
- Private Transfer: Can Tho Airport to/from Can Tho City Center: $37
- Private Transfer: Can Tho Airport - Can Tho City Center: $40
- Private Transfer from Can Tho City to Can Tho (VCA) Airport: $49
- Private Transfer from Vinh Long to Tan Son Nhat (SGN) Airport: $109
- Private Transfer from Can Tho City to Tan Son Nhat (SGN) Airport: $116
- Private Transfer from Can Tho (VCA) Airport to Can Tho City: $128
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kota Kinabalu
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kota Kinabalu:
- Kota Kinabalu Hotel to Jetty Round Trip Transfer: $82
- AIRPORT TRANSFER & HOTEL TRANSFER: $60
- Borneo to Kota Kinabalu Airport(BKI) - Departure Private Transfer: $47
- Private Transfer from Kota Kinabalu Port to Kota Kinabalu hotels: $33
- Private Transfer- Kota Kinabalu Port to Kota Kinabalu Airport BKI: $33
- Monsopiad Cultural Village Visit with Private Transfer from Kota Kinabalu: $31
- Private Transfer from Kota Kinabalu Port to Kota Kinabalu hotels: $29
- Transfer from Kota Kinabalu Airport BKI to Kota Kinabalu Port: $29
- Transfer from Kota Kinabalu Port to Kota Kinabalu Airport (BKI): $29
- One Way Transfer from Kota Kinabal Airport to/from Kota Kinabali: $25
- Kota Kinabalu to Kota Kinab Airport: Departure Private Transfer: $24
- Private Transfer: Kota Kinabalu International Airport to/from Hotel: $20
Is it cheaper to fly into Can Tho or Kota Kinabalu?
Prices for flights to both Kota Kinabalu and Can Tho 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 dayCan Tho $17Kota Kinabalu $17
Typical Food Prices in Can Tho
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Can Tho:
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Restaurant Dinner (for Two)$5.28
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Coconut$0.28
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Mango$1.10
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Hot Pot Dinner (for Two)$7.07
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Two Vietnamese Iced Coffees$0.65
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Casual Lunch (for One)$2.84
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Can Tho
For Can Tho, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Boat tour on Mekong river see the sunset, small canal, Vegan dinner, street food: $29
- Biking and Cooking Class in Can Tho Rural: $32
- Local Food Tour: $33
- Explore Can Tho City tour combine Local Food tour - in afternoon: $35
- Biking and cooking class in the rural tour at Can Tho: $36
- Can Tho food tour designed by local chef: $38
- Street food tour back of the bike in Can Tho: $39
- Eco Cooking Class and Market Tour: $47
- Walking street food tour designed by local chef: $49
- Discover Local Cuisine: Walking Food Tour in Can Tho: $49
- Can Tho Cooking Class - Motorbike trip in the countryside: $69
- Mekong Delta Cooking Class with Lunch: $69
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: $91
- Half Day Klias Mangrove Wildlife and Fireflies with dinner: $128
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Can Tho $17Kota Kinabalu $6.25
Typical Entertainment Prices in Can Tho
For Can Tho, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Sunset Boat Ride$2.03
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Half Day Floating Market Tour$8.53
Tours and Activities in Can Tho
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Can Tho.
- FREE FOOT TOUR- ENJOY LOCAL FOOD: $8.46
- Mekong Delta and Cai Rang Floating Market 5-Hours Tour: $32
- The hidden Fabulous Floating Market and small canal (Non-tourist small canal): $33
- Bicycle Tour Through Peaceful Villages: $35
- Discover Can Tho Floating Market and Small Canal Adventure: $35
- Private Half Day Tour - Sơn Islet: $36
- Mekong Delta and Cai Rang Floating Market Tour: $36
- Can Tho Sunset Tour : $38
- Sunset Experience on Mekong River and explore brilliant city: $40
- Private Half Day Tour - Cái Răng Floating Market: $40
- Cai Rang Floating Market and Fruit Garden Tour: $42
- A unique tour of the floating market includes a cacao plantation.: $42
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
- 2 days 1 nights Ming Greenage Suite + Bongawan Shared Tour: $82
- 2D1N Jiu Hao landed House + Bongawan wetland Shared Tour: $82
- 3D2N Jiu Hao Landed House + Kundasang Shared Day Trip Tour: $181
- 4D3N Ming Greenage Suite & Water Rafting Shared Tour: $150
- 4D3N Ming Greenage Suite + Bongawan Shared Tour: $116
- Borneo (Klias) River Cruise & Fireflies Tour: $50
- Borneo Combo Adventure: $200
- Cowboy Town & Fireflies River Cruise: $62
- Cultural Night Tour From Kota Kinabalu : $64
- Day Trip to Kinabalu Park and Poring Hot Spring Guided Tour: $105
- Discover Engaging City Walk Shared Tour: $92
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCan Tho $6.71Kota Kinabalu $6.98
Typical Alcohol Prices in Can Tho
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Can Tho from other travelers:
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Beer$3.25
When comparing the travel costs between Can Tho and Kota Kinabalu, we can see that Can Tho 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 Can Tho Expensive? and Is Kota Kinabalu Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Can Tho or Kota Kinabalu?
Kota Kinabalu has a larger population, and is about 76% larger than the population of Can Tho. When comparing the sizes of Can Tho 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 Can Tho 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 Can Tho or Kota Kinabalu in the Summer?
Both Kota Kinabalu and Can Tho during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Can Tho 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. It rains a lot this time of the year in Can Tho. Can Tho usually gets more rain in July than Kota Kinabalu. Can Tho gets 313 mm (12.3 in) of rain, while Kota Kinabalu receives 255 mm (10 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Kota Kinabalu, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Can Tho often gets less sunshine than Kota Kinabalu. Can Tho gets 168 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kota Kinabalu receives 205 hours of full sun.
In the summer, Can Tho is around the same temperature as Kota Kinabalu. Typically, the summer temperatures in Can Tho in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Kota Kinabalu averages at about 27°C (81°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyCan Tho 28°C (82°F)Kota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Can Tho or Kota Kinabalu in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Can Tho and Kota Kinabalu. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Can Tho year-round. Kota Kinabalu attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
December to April in Can Tho is the dry season. Also, May to November is the rainy season in Can Tho. Kota Kinabalu receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Can Tho gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Can Tho usually receives around the same amount of rain as Kota Kinabalu. Can Tho gets 343 mm (13.5 in) of rain, while Kota Kinabalu receives 336 mm (13.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
Can Tho usually receives less sunshine than Kota Kinabalu during autumn. Can Tho gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Kota Kinabalu receives 192 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Can Tho is generally around the same temperature as Kota Kinabalu. Daily temperatures in Can Tho average around 28°C (82°F), and Kota Kinabalu fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberCan Tho 28°C (82°F)Kota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Can Tho or Kota Kinabalu in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Can Tho as well as Kota Kinabalu. Can Tho 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. Can Tho usually gets less rain in January than Kota Kinabalu. Can Tho gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Kota Kinabalu receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Can Tho this time of the year. In the winter, Can Tho often gets more sunshine than Kota Kinabalu. Can Tho gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kota Kinabalu receives 181 hours of full sun.
Can Tho is around the same temperature as Kota Kinabalu in the winter. The daily temperature in Can Tho averages around 26°C (78°F) in January, and Kota Kinabalu fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryCan Tho 26°C (78°F)Kota Kinabalu 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Can Tho or Kota Kinabalu in the Spring?
Both Kota Kinabalu and Can Tho are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Can Tho 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 Can Tho is December to April. The rainy season in Can Tho is May to November. It rains a lot this time of the year in Kota Kinabalu. It's quite rainy in Can Tho. In April, Can Tho usually receives less rain than Kota Kinabalu. Can Tho gets 103 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Kota Kinabalu receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
It's quite sunny in Kota Kinabalu. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Can Tho. Can Tho usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kota Kinabalu during spring. Can Tho gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Kota Kinabalu receives 237 hours of full sun in the spring.
In the spring, Can Tho is around the same temperature as Kota Kinabalu. Typically, the spring temperatures in Can Tho in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Kota Kinabalu averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilCan Tho 29°C (84°F)Kota Kinabalu 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Kota Kinabalu and Can Tho
| Can Tho | Kota Kinabalu | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (78°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (80°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 268 mm (10.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 332 mm (13.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 291 mm (11.5 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 313 mm (12.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 365 mm (14.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 360 mm (14.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 285 mm (11.2 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 343 mm (13.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 336 mm (13.2 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 298 mm (11.7 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (79°F) | 60 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.