Which place is cheaper, Kota Kinabalu or Chiang Mai?
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 Chiang Mai or Kota Kinabalu?
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 Chiang Mai and Kota Kinabalu. 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: Chiang Mai or Kota Kinabalu?
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is both the cultural center of northern Thailand and a launching point for trips into the rural areas, small towns, and lush jungles of the country's northern regions. Known for great food, historic temples, arts and crafts, and a lively night market, Chiang Mai is a very popular destination for travelers. In some areas, tourists and ex-pats dominate, but it's quite easy to get away from the tourist scene and into the real culture of Thailand, as Chiang Mai (and the surrounding countryside) is quite large.
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 G Adventures Tours to Thailand, The Best 3-Day Tours from Phuket, The Best Luxury Tours to Malaysia, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Malaysia.
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Chiang Mai Prices
Thailand PricesKota Kinabalu Prices
Malaysia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChiang Mai $59Kota Kinabalu $72
The average daily cost (per person) in Chiang Mai is $59, 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 Chiang Mai and Kota Kinabalu in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChiang Mai $30Kota Kinabalu $22
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChiang Mai $60Kota Kinabalu $44
Compare Hotels in Chiang Mai and Kota Kinabalu
Looking for a hotel in Chiang Mai 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: Chiang Mai Hotel Prices and Kota Kinabalu Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Chiang Mai $4.08Kota Kinabalu $27
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Chiang Mai
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Chiang Mai are as follows:
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Tuk Tuk Ride$1.23
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Moped Rental$5.53
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chiang Mai
Also for Chiang Mai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Gems Gallery Chiang Mai with Round Trip Hotel Transfers: $2.35
- Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) Private Transfer: $8.00
- Chiang Mai Mae Kampong One Way Shared Minivan Transfer: $11
- Chiang Mai to Pai Shared Minivan Transfer with Hotel Pickup: $11
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX): $11
- Chiang Mai to Pai Scenic Mountain Shared Minivan Transfer: $12
- Shared Minivan Transfer to Chiang Mai and Mae Kampong Village: $13
- Chiang Mai Private Car :Airport To Hotel transfer (one way): $15
- Private Airport Transfer: Chiang Mai (CNX) ⇆ Chiang Mai Hotels: $15
- Private Chiang Mai Airport Transfer to or from Mae Rim Hotels: $17
- Hassle-Free Private Arrival Transfer from Chiang Mai Airport: $20
- Private Arrival Transfer from Chiang Mai International Airport: $21
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kota Kinabalu
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kota Kinabalu:
- Kota Kinab Airport to Kota Kinabalu - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $47
- Kota Kinabalu Airport (BKI) to Borneo - Arrival Private Transfer: $38
- Private Transfer: Kota Kinabalu International Airport to/from Hotel: $30
- Private Departure Transfer : Kota Kinabalu International Airport: $28
- 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 Airport Transfer in Kota Kinabalu: $20
- Kota Kinabalu（BKI）: Private Transfer to City Center: $14
Is it cheaper to fly into Chiang Mai or Kota Kinabalu?
Prices for flights to both Kota Kinabalu and Chiang Mai 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 dayChiang Mai $20Kota Kinabalu $32
Typical Food Prices in Chiang Mai
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Chiang Mai:
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Sit Down Dinner (for One)$5.99
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Roti Snack (Bread)$0.74
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Casual Breakfast$1.23
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$6.14
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Mangoes$0.92
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Coffee$1.53
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chiang Mai
For Chiang Mai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Cooking Morning Class Chiang Mai Visit Organic Garden and Market: $13
- Evening Thai cooking class: $27
- Morning Thai cooking class: $28
- Half-Day Thai Cooking Class at Organic Farm in Chiang Mai: $28
- Khantoke Dinner at Old Chiang Mai Cultural Center: $29
- Half Day Evening Cooking Class with Market Tour in Chiang Mai: $30
- Half Day Morning Cooking Class with Market Tour in Chiang Mai: $30
- Half-Day Thai Cuisine Cooking Experience in Chiang Mai: $30
- Baan Farm Thai Cooking School Chiangmai: $30
- Tomyumthai Cooking Class in Chiang Mai: $30
- Khantoke Dinner and Cultural Show at Chiang Mai Admission Ticket: $30
- Chiang Mai Thai Cooking Class at Grand Canyon and Market Tour: $31
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.Chiang Mai $14Kota Kinabalu $6.82
Typical Entertainment Prices in Chiang Mai
For Chiang Mai, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Thai Cooking Class$40
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Doi Suthep Entrance Ticket$1.84
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Kratong Lessons$3.07
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Pedicure$4.60
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Chiang Mai Museum (for Two)$5.53
Tours and Activities in Chiang Mai
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Chiang Mai.
- Chiang Mai Eco Tourism Elephant Poop Paper Creative Experience: $5.02
- Tube Trek Water Park Tickets in San Kamphaeng, Chiang Mai: $9.03
- Doi Suthep Temple Tour by Local Red Car 3 Hour Adventure: $12
- Old Town History and Culture Walking Tour at Chiang Mai: $14
- Chiang Mai Art in Paradise Interactive 3D Museum Experience: $14
- Chiang Mai Old City & Temples Guided Walking Tour - 3 Hrs: $16
- Skip the Line: Chiang Mai Art in Paradise Admission Ticket: $16
- Chiangmai Temple And City Walking Tour with ex monk Part 1: $17
- FAM Fahlanna Art Museum Admission Ticket, Chiang Mai: $17
- Chiang Mai Old City & Temples 3 hour Twilight Walking Tour: $18
- Chiang Mai Temples & Old City Hidden Gems Small Group Tour 2 Hrs: $19
- Chiang Mai Farm Life & Khao Soy Tasting on a Half-Day Boat Tour: $19
Tours and Activities in Kota Kinabalu
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kota Kinabalu are as follows:
- Bongawan River Cruise Proboscis Monkey, SkyMirror, Fireflies: $51
- Bongawan: River Safari Cruise, Private or Shared Ticket: $48
- 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
- Discover Sailing Experience in Tanjung Aru Beach: $89
- Dreamer Island Snorkeling Day Tour: $78
- From Kota Kinabalu : Kiulu White Water Rafting Tour + meal: $66
- Full Day Bongawan River Cruise with Proboscis Monkey Sightseeing: $58
- Indigenous Weaving Experience: $236
- Island Hopping Tour (2 Island) From Kota Kinabalu: $100
- Kinabalu National Park Tour: $135
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayChiang Mai $7.60Kota Kinabalu $7.61
Typical Alcohol Prices in Chiang Mai
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Chiang Mai are as follows:
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Wine$3.07
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chiang Mai and Kota Kinabalu, we can see that Kota Kinabalu is more expensive. And not only is Chiang Mai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Chiang Mai would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Mai.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Chiang Mai Expensive? and Is Kota Kinabalu Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Chiang Mai or Kota Kinabalu?
Chiang Mai has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Kota Kinabalu. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Mai or Kota Kinabalu in the Summer?
Both Kota Kinabalu and Chiang Mai during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Chiang Mai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kota Kinabalu year-round.
June to September is the rainy season in Chiang Mai. Kota Kinabalu gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai usually gets less rain in July than Kota Kinabalu. Chiang Mai gets 161 mm (6.3 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, Chiang Mai often gets less sunshine than Kota Kinabalu. Chiang Mai gets 146 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kota Kinabalu receives 205 hours of full sun.
In July, Chiang Mai is generally around the same temperature as Kota Kinabalu. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 30°C (86°F), and Kota Kinabalu fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyChiang Mai 30°C (86°F)Kota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Kota Kinabalu in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Chiang Mai and Kota Kinabalu. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Chiang Mai year-round. Kota Kinabalu attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
November to February in Chiang Mai is the dry season. Kota Kinabalu receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Chiang Mai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Chiang Mai usually receives less rain than Kota Kinabalu. Chiang Mai gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Kota Kinabalu receives 336 mm (13.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
In Chiang Mai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chiang Mai usually receives more sunshine than Kota Kinabalu during autumn. Chiang Mai gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Kota Kinabalu receives 192 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Chiang Mai is around the same temperature as Kota Kinabalu in the autumn. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 29°C (83°F) in October, and Kota Kinabalu fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberChiang Mai 29°C (83°F)Kota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Kota Kinabalu in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Chiang Mai as well as Kota Kinabalu. Chiang Mai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kota Kinabalu throughout the year.
Also, November to February in Chiang Mai is the dry season. It's quite rainy in Kota Kinabalu. Chiang Mai usually gets less rain in January than Kota Kinabalu. Chiang Mai gets 7 mm (0.3 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 Chiang Mai this time of the year. In the winter, Chiang Mai often gets more sunshine than Kota Kinabalu. Chiang Mai gets 283 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kota Kinabalu receives 181 hours of full sun.
In the winter, Chiang Mai is cooler than Kota Kinabalu. Typically, the winter temperatures in Chiang Mai in January average around 23°C (74°F), and Kota Kinabalu averages at about 26°C (79°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryChiang Mai 23°C (74°F)Kota Kinabalu 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Kota Kinabalu in the Spring?
Both Kota Kinabalu and Chiang Mai are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Chiang Mai throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Kota Kinabalu because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The rainy season in Chiang Mai is June to September. It rains a lot this time of the year in Kota Kinabalu. In April, Chiang Mai usually receives less rain than Kota Kinabalu. Chiang Mai gets 50 mm (2 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 Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai usually receives more sunshine than Kota Kinabalu during spring. Chiang Mai gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Kota Kinabalu receives 237 hours of full sun in the spring.
Chiang Mai can become quite hot in the spring. In April, Chiang Mai is generally a little warmer than Kota Kinabalu. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 31°C (88°F), and Kota Kinabalu fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilChiang Mai 31°C (88°F)Kota Kinabalu 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Kota Kinabalu and Chiang Mai
| Chiang Mai | Kota Kinabalu | |||
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| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (74°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (78°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (83°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (88°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) |
| May | 31°C (87°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (86°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 291 mm (11.5 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (86°F) | 161 mm (6.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (85°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 285 mm (11.2 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (83°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 336 mm (13.2 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 298 mm (11.7 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (75°F) | 20 mm (0.8 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.