Which place is cheaper, Kota Kinabalu or Hanoi?
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 Hanoi 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 Hanoi 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: Hanoi or Kota Kinabalu?
Hanoi
Hanoi is the chaotic capital of Vietnam, and it serves as a great introduction to the country for many travelers. It's the second largest city in the country after Saigon and is an interesting combination of East meets West. There's traditional Vietnamese culture with subtle influences brought by the French. The city continues to grow and change rapidly and it's easy to get lost amidst the chaos.
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 Tours for Seniors to Vietnam, The Best G Adventures Tours to Vietnam, The Best Luxury Tours to Malaysia, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Malaysia.
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Hanoi Prices
Vietnam PricesKota Kinabalu Prices
Malaysia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHanoi $57Kota Kinabalu $68
The average daily cost (per person) in Hanoi is $57, 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 Hanoi and Kota Kinabalu in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHanoi $25Kota Kinabalu $21
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHanoi $50Kota Kinabalu $42
Compare Hotels in Hanoi and Kota Kinabalu
Looking for a hotel in Hanoi 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: Hanoi Hotel Prices and Kota Kinabalu Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Hanoi $6.54Kota Kinabalu $25
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hanoi
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Hanoi:
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Taxi to Bus Station$1.14
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Shuttle Bus From Airport (for Two)$3.03
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Local Bus Ride (for Two)$0.38
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Short Taxi Ride$1.29
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Short Motorbike Ride (10 Minutes)$0.76
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hanoi
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hanoi:
- Hanoi Private Departure Transfer: City Center Hotel to Airport: $8.00
- Noi Bai Airport Transfer Service: $8.54
- Private Hanoi Airport (HAN) Transfer to Hotel/Accommodation: $9.00
- Hanoi Airport Departure Shared Transfer: $10
- Bus Transfer Hanoi to Halong Bay and Vice Versa : $11
- One Way Transfer From hotel to airport or vice versal: $13
- Private Transfer Between Hanoi Airport (han) And Hanoi City Center: $13
- Private Transfer from Hanoi Noi Bai Airport (HAN) to Hanoi Port: $13
- Private Transfer from Hanoi Port to Hanoi Noi Bai Airport (HAN): $13
- Nội Bài International Airport Private Transfer to city centre: $14
- Ha Noi airport Arrival or Departure By Private car transfers: $15
- Bus Transfer from Hanoi to Ha Giang: Sleeping - Limousine - Cabin: $15
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: $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: $77
- 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
- Private Arrival Transfer : Kota Kinabalu International Airport: $30
- 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
- Private Transfer- Kota Kinabalu Port to Kota Kinabalu Airport BKI: $25
Is it cheaper to fly into Hanoi or Kota Kinabalu?
Prices for flights to both Kota Kinabalu and Hanoi 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 dayHanoi $23Kota Kinabalu $30
Typical Food Prices in Hanoi
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hanoi:
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High End Dinner (for Two)$11
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$4.17
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Bowl of Pho$0.76
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Italian Dinner (for Food)$5.88
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hanoi
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Hanoi.
- Hanoi Cooking Class: Pho/Bun Cha/Banh Xeo...+Free Egg/Salt Coffee: $19
- Hanoi local street food tour: $20
- Hanoi food tour-Local street food tour (food&guide included): $22
- Hanoi Street Food Tour with Train Street Visit: $22
- Hanoi Street Food Tour: $23
- Hanoi Street Food Tour with Local Delicacies (3 Hours): $24
- Best Hanoi Day Street Food Tour with Real Foodie Tastings: $24
- Hanoi Food Tours: $24
- Best Seller Hanoi Street Food Tour with Train Street Visit: $25
- Hanoi Street Food Tour - Best Price: $25
- Ninh Binh Cooking Class at Buffalo Cave: $25
- Half Day Street Food Tours in Hanoi: $25
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
- Taste Of Borneo Cooking Class: $95
- 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.Hanoi $8.07Kota Kinabalu $6.43
Typical Entertainment Prices in Hanoi
Here are a few typical costs in Hanoi for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Puppet Theater$1.52
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The Hanoi Hilton Entrance$1.52
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National History Museum$1.52
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Puppet Theater Ticket$2.65
Tours and Activities in Hanoi
Here are a few actual costs in Hanoi for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- (Evening) HANOI CUSTOMIZED Walking Tour: $5.00
- Vietnam Tour Package: Tailored Experiences, No Upfront Payment: $5.00
- Sightseeing Walking Tour in Hanoi: $5.00
- Street Food Walking Tour in Hanoi: $5.00
- Private Walking City Tour in Hanoi : $5.00
- Half Day Hanoi Old Quarter Private Walking Tour : $5.00
- Half-day Private Walking Tour of Hanoi's Old Quarter: $5.00
- Hanoi Old Quarter Private Daily Street Food Experience: $5.00
- Hanoi Old Quarter Half Day Private Walking Tour : $5.00
- Iconic Landmarks Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.00
- Hanoi Private Walking Tour with Egg Coffee Making Experience: $5.00
- Small-group Hanoi Highlights Weekend Walking Tour: $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
- Full Day Bongawan River Cruise with Proboscis Monkey Sightseeing: $55
- Pulau Sapi & Manukan Sabah Shared Activity Adventure: $57
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHanoi $7.30Kota Kinabalu $7.18
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hanoi and Kota Kinabalu, we can see that Kota Kinabalu is more expensive. And not only is Hanoi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hanoi would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hanoi 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 Hanoi.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Hanoi Expensive? and Is Kota Kinabalu Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Hanoi or Kota Kinabalu?
Hanoi has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Kota Kinabalu. When comparing the sizes of Hanoi 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 Hanoi 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 Hanoi or Kota Kinabalu in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Hanoi and Kota Kinabalu. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hanoi year-round. Kota Kinabalu attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Also, May to September is the rainy season in Hanoi. Kota Kinabalu receives a lot of rain in the summer. Hanoi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Hanoi usually receives less rain than Kota Kinabalu. Hanoi gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Kota Kinabalu receives 255 mm (10 in) of rain each month for the summer.
In the summer, Hanoi is around the same temperature as Kota Kinabalu. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hanoi in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Kota Kinabalu averages at about 27°C (81°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHanoi 29°C (84°F)Kota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Hanoi or Kota Kinabalu in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Hanoi as well as Kota Kinabalu. Hanoi 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 April in Hanoi is the dry season. It's quite rainy in Kota Kinabalu. Hanoi receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Hanoi usually gets less rain in October than Kota Kinabalu. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Kota Kinabalu receives 336 mm (13.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
In October, Hanoi is generally around the same temperature as Kota Kinabalu. Daily temperatures in Hanoi average around 25°C (77°F), and Kota Kinabalu fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHanoi 25°C (77°F)Kota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Hanoi or Kota Kinabalu in the Winter?
Both Kota Kinabalu and Hanoi are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hanoi 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, Hanoi usually receives less rain than Kota Kinabalu. Hanoi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Kota Kinabalu receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
Hanoi is much colder than Kota Kinabalu in the winter. The daily temperature in Hanoi averages around 17°C (63°F) in January, and Kota Kinabalu fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHanoi 17°C (63°F)Kota Kinabalu 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Hanoi or Kota Kinabalu in the Spring?
Both Kota Kinabalu and Hanoi during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Hanoi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kota Kinabalu year-round.
November to April is the dry season in Hanoi. May to September is the rainy season in Hanoi. Kota Kinabalu gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hanoi. Hanoi usually gets less rain in April than Kota Kinabalu. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Kota Kinabalu receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the spring, Hanoi is cooler than Kota Kinabalu. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hanoi in April average around 24°C (75°F), and Kota Kinabalu averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHanoi 24°C (75°F)Kota Kinabalu 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Kota Kinabalu and Hanoi
| Hanoi | Kota Kinabalu | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 17°C (63°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) |
| Feb | 17°C (63°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Mar | 21°C (70°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 24°C (75°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (84°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 291 mm (11.5 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (84°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 285 mm (11.2 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (77°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 336 mm (13.2 in) |
| Nov | 22°C (72°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 298 mm (11.7 in) |
| Dec | 18°C (64°F) | 30 mm (1.2 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.