Which place is cheaper, Kota Kinabalu or Dar es Salaam?
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 Dar es Salaam 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 Dar es Salaam and Kota Kinabalu can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Dar es Salaam or Kota Kinabalu?
Dar es Salaam
Having grown from a fishing village, Dar es Salaam is now a major city and commercial port on Tanzania's Indian Ocean coast. While it is mainly used as a stopping point on the way to Zanzibar, it has a few unique treasures of its own such as the Kariakoo Market, National Museum, and the open-air Village Museum.
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 Safaris in Tanzania, The Best Safaris in Tanzania, The Best Luxury Tours to Malaysia, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Malaysia.
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Dar es Salaam Prices
Tanzania PricesKota Kinabalu Prices
Malaysia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDar es Salaam $462Kota Kinabalu $72
The average daily cost (per person) in Dar es Salaam is $462, 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 Dar es Salaam and Kota Kinabalu in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDar es Salaam $424Kota Kinabalu $22
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDar es Salaam $848Kota Kinabalu $44
Compare Hotels in Dar es Salaam and Kota Kinabalu
Looking for a hotel in Dar es Salaam 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: Dar es Salaam Hotel Prices and Kota Kinabalu Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dar es Salaam $13Kota Kinabalu $27
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dar es Salaam
Also for Dar es Salaam, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Julius Nyerere Airport (DAR) Private Transfer to Dar es Salaam: $50
- Half-Day City Tour with Transfers: $59
- Private Airport Transfers in Dar: $60
- Airport Transfers To/from Dar Es Salaam City Center Or To/from Your Hotel: $85
- Ferry Tickets to Zanzibar with Transfers.: $120
- Private Layover Tour with Airport Transfer: $120
- Transfer from dar es salaam to morogoro: $203
- Private VIP Ferry Tickets to Zanzibar with two way transfers: $250
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 Kota Kinabalu Hotels to Kinabalu Port: $25
- Private Transfer from Kota Kinabalu Port to Kota Kinabalu hotels: $25
- Private Transfer from Kota Kinabalu Hotels to Kota Kinabalu Port: $25
- Private Airport Transfer in Kota Kinabalu: $20
- Kota Kinabalu（BKI）: Private Transfer to City Center: $14
Is it cheaper to fly into Dar es Salaam or Kota Kinabalu?
Prices for flights to both Kota Kinabalu and Dar es Salaam 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 dayDar es Salaam $31Kota Kinabalu $32
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.Dar es Salaam -Kota Kinabalu $6.82
Tours and Activities in Dar es Salaam
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Dar es Salaam.
- Dar es Salaam Architectural Guided Walking Tour and History: $22
- Dar es Salaam City Tour: Experience & Insights Tanzanian culture: $37
- Visit Sinda island with Samrun Marine Tours: $50
- Beach Day Tour with Resort Access: $65
- Private Mbudya Island Retreat Adventure from Dar Es Salaam: $82
- Private Tour to Jozani Forest Reserve Half-Day Guided Tour from Zanzibar: $90
- The Best/Top Rated Cultural City Tour in Dar es Salaam: $90
- Dar es Salaam City Tour - Everyday: $97
- Dar es Salaam City Walking tour - Explore the Life of the Local People!: $100
- Full Day Private Tour in Dar es Salaam City: $104
- Zanzibar Spice Tour: $109
- Stone Town & Spice Tour: $110
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 dayDar es Salaam $7.48Kota Kinabalu $7.61
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dar es Salaam and Kota Kinabalu, we can see that Dar es Salaam is more expensive. And not only is Kota Kinabalu much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dar es Salaam 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 Kota Kinabalu would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kota Kinabalu 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 Dar es Salaam would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dar es Salaam than you might in Kota Kinabalu.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Dar es Salaam Expensive? and Is Kota Kinabalu Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dar es Salaam or Kota Kinabalu?
Dar es Salaam has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Kota Kinabalu. When comparing the sizes of Dar es Salaam 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 Dar es Salaam 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 Dar es Salaam or Kota Kinabalu in the Summer?
Both Kota Kinabalu and Dar es Salaam during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Dar es Salaam 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. Dar es Salaam usually gets less rain in July than Kota Kinabalu. Dar es Salaam gets 31 mm (1.2 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. It's quite sunny in Dar es Salaam. In the summer, Dar es Salaam often gets more sunshine than Kota Kinabalu. Dar es Salaam gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kota Kinabalu receives 205 hours of full sun.
In July, Dar es Salaam is generally around the same temperature as Kota Kinabalu. Daily temperatures in Dar es Salaam average around 25°C (77°F), and Kota Kinabalu fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyDar es Salaam 25°C (77°F)Kota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Kota Kinabalu in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Dar es Salaam and Kota Kinabalu. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dar es Salaam year-round. Kota Kinabalu attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Kota Kinabalu receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Dar es Salaam usually receives less rain than Kota Kinabalu. Dar es Salaam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Kota Kinabalu receives 336 mm (13.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
In Dar es Salaam, it's very sunny this time of the year. Dar es Salaam usually receives more sunshine than Kota Kinabalu during autumn. Dar es Salaam gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Kota Kinabalu receives 192 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Dar es Salaam is around the same temperature as Kota Kinabalu in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dar es Salaam averages around 25°C (78°F) in October, and Kota Kinabalu fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberDar es Salaam 25°C (78°F)Kota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Kota Kinabalu in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Dar es Salaam as well as Kota Kinabalu. Dar es Salaam 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. Dar es Salaam usually gets less rain in January than Kota Kinabalu. Dar es Salaam gets 78 mm (3.1 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 Dar es Salaam this time of the year. In the winter, Dar es Salaam often gets more sunshine than Kota Kinabalu. Dar es Salaam gets 236 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kota Kinabalu receives 181 hours of full sun.
In the winter, Dar es Salaam is around the same temperature as Kota Kinabalu. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dar es Salaam in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Kota Kinabalu averages at about 26°C (79°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDar es Salaam 28°C (82°F)Kota Kinabalu 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Kota Kinabalu in the Spring?
Both Kota Kinabalu and Dar es Salaam are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dar es Salaam 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. It's quite rainy in Dar es Salaam. In April, Dar es Salaam usually receives more rain than Kota Kinabalu. Dar es Salaam gets 269 mm (10.6 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. Dar es Salaam usually receives less sunshine than Kota Kinabalu during spring. Dar es Salaam gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Kota Kinabalu receives 237 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Dar es Salaam is generally around the same temperature as Kota Kinabalu. Daily temperatures in Dar es Salaam average around 27°C (81°F), and Kota Kinabalu fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilDar es Salaam 27°C (81°F)Kota Kinabalu 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Kota Kinabalu and Dar es Salaam
| Dar es Salaam | Kota Kinabalu | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 269 mm (10.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) |
| May | 26°C (78°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 291 mm (11.5 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 285 mm (11.2 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (78°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 336 mm (13.2 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 298 mm (11.7 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 116 mm (4.6 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.