Which place is cheaper, Sandakan or Dubai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Dubai or Sandakan?
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 Dubai and Sandakan can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Dubai or Sandakan?
Dubai
Ever wonder what it would be like to see the lifestyles of the rich and famous up close. There's no more upscale destination than Dubai. It's by far and away the spot for shopping, partying, sunbathing, fine dining and the most luxurious of luxury. As the most modern and progressive of the seven emirates in the United Arab Emirates, this area has experienced an unbelievable economic boom and tourism spike. It's a desert city with an amazing infrastructure.
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 The Best 3-Day Tours from Dubai, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Arab Emirates, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Malaysia, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Malaysia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDubai $248Sandakan $64
The average daily cost (per person) in Dubai is $248, while the average daily cost in Sandakan is $64. 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 Dubai and Sandakan in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDubai $170Sandakan $22
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDubai $340Sandakan $44
Compare Hotels in Dubai and Sandakan
Looking for a hotel in Dubai 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: Dubai Hotel Prices and Sandakan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dubai $13Sandakan $36
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Dubai
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Dubai:
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Taxi Ride$12
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Airport Taxi$12
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Sea Taxi$0.54
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dubai
Also for Dubai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Global Village Dubai Ticket with Optional transfer: $10
- Private Dubai Airport Arrival/Departure Transfer to Dubai City: $13
- Private Transfer Arrival Dubai International Airport (DXB): $17
- Sharing Transfers from Dubai Hotels to Dubai Mall (Burj Khalifa, VR Parks, DAUZ): $18
- Shared Transfers from Dubai Hotels to Aquaventure/Lost Chamber: $18
- Dubai Frame Entry Ticket With Optional Transfer: $19
- Dubai Airport Private Departure and Arrival Airport Transfer: $19
- Dubai Airport Transfer to/from all Terminals: $19
- Dubai Frame Admission Ticket with Transfer Option: $20
- Dubai Airport Transfer to Dubai Hotels: $20
- Dubai Frame Ticket with Optional Private Transfer: $20
- Private 1-Way Transfer to/from Dubai Airport (DXB): $20
Is it cheaper to fly into Dubai or Sandakan?
Prices for flights to both Sandakan and Dubai 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 dayDubai $56Sandakan $20
Typical Food Prices in Dubai
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Dubai:
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French bread$0.95
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Sumo salad in Dubai Mall + Juice$10
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Lemon Mint Tea$4.36
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Coffee & Cake$6.53
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Smoothie$5.45
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Shawarma$1.91
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dubai
For Dubai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- DINNER +PARTY + CITY of old city Dubai : $6.00
- Old Town, Creek, Museums, Souks, & Street Food Tour: $8.71
- Al-Seef Premium Dinner Cruise: $13
- Dhow Cruise with Dinner and Live Entertainment at Dubai Al Seef: $15
- Dhow Cruise with Dinner at Dubai Al Seef: $15
- Dhow Boat Dinner Cruise in Dubai: $16
- Scenic Dhow Cruise with Buffet Dinner and Live Shows: $16
- Deira Creek: Dhow Cruise Dinner: $16
- Catamaran Cruise with Dinner at Al Jaddaf Waterfront Dubai: $17
- Romantic Dhow Cruise Dinner in Dubai Creek: $17
- Dubai Creek Dhow Cruise Dinner: $18
- Dhow Cruise Tour with Dinner in Deira Creek - Dubai: $18
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Dubai $19Sandakan $7.92
Typical Entertainment Prices in Dubai
For Dubai, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Visit to the Dubai Museum$0.82
Tours and Activities in Dubai
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Dubai.
- Dubai Guided Old Town Tour, Abra Boat, Gold & Spice Souk: $4.63
- Dubai Fountain Boardwalk Entry Ticket: $5.45
- Dubai Old Town Self-Guided Tour and Exploration Game: $5.86
- A Self-Guided Tour of Dubai’s Origins in Deira: $5.99
- Al Fahidi Guided Walking Tour with Street Food: $7.00
- Old Town, Souk, Street Food, Museums Tour & Abra Ride: $7.00
- Old Dubai & Souks Guided Tour with Tastings & Cruise: $7.90
- Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Dubai: $9.03
- OLD Walking tour with a local, Markets & street food: $9.39
- Walking Tour, Old Town, Abra, Souks & Street Food: $9.80
- Old Guided Tour with Boat Ride, Souks and Museums: $9.80
- Small group - Old Dubai walking tour, food and souks: $11
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: $112
- Borneo Kinabatangan River Cruise Day Trip: $78
- Borneo Wildlife Tour 2 Days 1 Night At Tanjung Bulat Jungle Camp Kinabatangan: $200
- Borneo Wildlife Tour 3 Days 2 Nights At Tanjung Bulat Jungle Camp Kinabatangan: $250
- Kinabatangan River Cruise from Sandakan: $90
- Labuk Proboscis, Sepilok, Sun Bear, Sandakan City Tour & Lunch: $147
- 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
- Kinabatangan River Wildlife Cruise with Lunch: $189
- Orangutan Sanctuary Shared Day Trip Tour: $334
- Sepilok Orang Utan & Bornean Sun Bear Centre with Sandakan City Tour with Lunch: $191
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDubai $23Sandakan $7.26
Typical Alcohol Prices in Dubai
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Dubai:
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A Couple Drinks$25
Sample the Local Flavors in Dubai
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Dubai:
- Pub Crawl Nightlife Tour: $69
- Pub Crawl Private, Birthdays & Corporate Events: $110
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dubai and Sandakan, we can see that Dubai is more expensive. And not only is Sandakan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dubai 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 Sandakan would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sandakan 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 Dubai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dubai than you might in Sandakan.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Dubai Expensive? and Is Sandakan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dubai or Sandakan?
Dubai has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Sandakan. When comparing the sizes of Dubai 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 Dubai 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 Dubai or Sandakan in the Summer?
Both Sandakan and Dubai during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Dubai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Sandakan year-round.
June to August is the dry season in Dubai. Sandakan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Dubai usually gets less rain in July than Sandakan. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Sandakan receives 195 mm (7.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
Dubai can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Dubai is generally a little warmer than Sandakan. Daily temperatures in Dubai average around 35°C (95°F), and Sandakan fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyDubai 35°C (95°F)Sandakan 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Dubai or Sandakan in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Dubai and Sandakan. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dubai year-round. Sandakan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Sandakan receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Dubai usually receives less rain than Sandakan. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Sandakan receives 253 mm (10 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
Dubai is around the same temperature as Sandakan in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dubai averages around 29°C (84°F) in October, and Sandakan fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberDubai 29°C (84°F)Sandakan 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Dubai or Sandakan in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Dubai as well as Sandakan. Dubai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Sandakan throughout the year.
January to March in Dubai is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Sandakan. Dubai usually gets less rain in January than Sandakan. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Sandakan receives 437 mm (17.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the winter, Dubai is cooler than Sandakan. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dubai in January average around 19°C (66°F), and Sandakan averages at about 26°C (80°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDubai 19°C (66°F)Sandakan 26°C (80°F)
Should I visit Dubai or Sandakan in the Spring?
Both Sandakan and Dubai are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dubai throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Sandakan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in Dubai is June to August. It rains a lot this time of the year in Sandakan. In April, Dubai usually receives less rain than Sandakan. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Sandakan receives 107 mm (4.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
In April, Dubai is generally around the same temperature as Sandakan. Daily temperatures in Dubai average around 26°C (79°F), and Sandakan fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilDubai 26°C (79°F)Sandakan 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Sandakan and Dubai
| Dubai | Sandakan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 437 mm (17.2 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 268 mm (10.6 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) |
| Jun | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) |
| Jul | 35°C (95°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 195 mm (7.7 in) |
| Aug | 36°C (97°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 213 mm (8.4 in) |
| Sep | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 253 mm (10 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 344 mm (13.5 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 20 mm (0.8 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.