Which place is cheaper, Kota Kinabalu or Helsinki?
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 Helsinki 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 Helsinki 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: Helsinki or Kota Kinabalu?
Helsinki
Helsinki is the capital of Finland and dates back to 1550. Helsinki is an international metropolis with a diverse population, but also a small town vibe. The city itself has a population of just over 600,000 but the metropolitan area, including Espoo and Vantaa, has a population of more than 1.3 million. There are many outdoor bars and cafes that take advantage of the warmer summer months. During this time there are long days, and the population floods into the street after a long and cold winter, so visiting during the summer is a fun and lively experience.
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 10-Day Tours in Finland, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Finland, The Best Luxury Tours to Malaysia, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Malaysia.
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Helsinki Prices
Finland PricesKota Kinabalu Prices
Malaysia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHelsinki €164Kota Kinabalu €62
The average daily cost (per person) in Helsinki is €164, while the average daily cost in Kota Kinabalu is €62. 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 Helsinki and Kota Kinabalu in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHelsinki €73Kota Kinabalu €19
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHelsinki €146Kota Kinabalu €38
Compare Hotels in Helsinki and Kota Kinabalu
Looking for a hotel in Helsinki 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: Helsinki Hotel Prices and Kota Kinabalu Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Helsinki €22Kota Kinabalu €23
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Helsinki
Also for Helsinki, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Helsinki City Private Departure Transfer to Helsinki Airport HEL: $66
- Helsinki to Helsinki Airport (HEL) - Departure Private Transfer: $68
- Helsinki Airport (HEL) to Helsinki West Terminal Private Transfer: $68
- Helsinki West Harbour Terminal to Helsinki hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $68
- Private Transfer from Helsinki Hotels to Helsinki Cruise Terminal: $68
- Helsinki Airport (HEL) to Helsinki - Arrival Private Transfer: $68
- Private VIP Transfer from or to Helsinki Airport: $78
- Helsinki Private Transfer from Helsinki city centre to Helsinki airport: $84
- Helsinki Private Airport & City Transfer: $88
- Private Transfer: Helsinki to Cruise Port by Business Car: $99
- Private Transfer: Cruise Port to Helsinki City by Luxury Van: $100
- Arrival Transfer: Airport HEL to Helsinki by Business Car: $105
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kota Kinabalu
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kota Kinabalu:
- Private Transfer: Kota Kinabalu International Airport to/from Hotel: $30
- Private Transfer- Kota Kinabalu Airport BKI to Kota Kinabalu Port: $25
- Private Transfer from Kota Kinabalu Port to Kota Kinabalu hotels: $25
- Private Transfer from Kota Kinabalu Port to Kota Kinabalu hotels: $25
- Private Departure Transfer : Kota Kinabalu International Airport: $27
- Private Airport Transfer in Kota Kinabalu: $20
- Kota Kinabalu（BKI）: Private Transfer to City Center: $14
- Kota Kinabalu Airport BKI to Borneo - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $75
- Kota Kinabalu Airport (BKI) to Borneo - Arrival Private Transfer: $38
- Kota Kinab. Airport to Kota Kinabalu - Arrival Private Transfer: $24
- Kota Kinab Airport to Kota Kinabalu - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $47
- Borneo to Kota Kinabalu Airport(BKI) - Departure Private Transfer: $38
Is it cheaper to fly into Helsinki or Kota Kinabalu?
Prices for flights to both Kota Kinabalu and Helsinki 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 dayHelsinki €59Kota Kinabalu €27
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Helsinki
For Helsinki, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Helsinki Authentic Walking Food Tour with 8 Local Tastings: $121
- From Moose & Wildlife Safari with Campfire Dinner: $171
- FOOD Tour with Roof Top Bar in Helsinki: $176
- Stones & Slices: Raasepori Castle Ruins, Ekenäs Old Town & Pizza: $235
- Helsinki Food Tour: A Culinary Experience with a Local: $270
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
- Kota Kinabalu Klias River Cruise with Dinner and Fireflies Tour: $72
- Traditional Sabah Cooking Class and Taste Local Flavors: $75
- North Borneo Sunset Dinner Cruise: $121
- Kota Kinabalu Night Tour with Dinner & Cultural Dance Show: $143
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Helsinki €27Kota Kinabalu €5.86
Tours and Activities in Helsinki
For Helsinki, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- The 1st Helsinki Free Tour - Since 2016: $3.54
- Helsinki Free Walking Tour en Español Small Group: $5.88
- Helsinki Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.00
- Helsinki Historic Downtown Self Guided Walking Audio Tour: $7.19
- Helsinki Scavenger Hunt & Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour: $8.24
- A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Helsinki's Historical Highlights: $12
- A Finntastic Walking Tour in Helsinki: $24
- Discover Helsinki City Walk - Multiple Tours Daily: $24
- TAITO: The Helsinki Design, Industry & Architecture Walking Tour: $29
- Suomenlinna Ferry and Guided Walking Tour in the Fortress: $31
- Sightseeing Cruise in Archipelago of Helsinki: $33
- Helsinki Evening Cruise: $33
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: $50
- 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: $88
- From Kota Kinabalu : Kiulu White Water Rafting Tour + meal: $66
- Full Day Bongawan River Cruise with Proboscis Monkey Sightseeing: $57
- Indigenous Weaving Experience: $236
- Island Hopping Tour (2 Island) From Kota Kinabalu: $100
- Kinabalu Park & Poring Hot Spring Tour: $80
- Kinabalu Park & Poring Hot Springs Tour with Desa Dairy Farm: $130
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHelsinki €16Kota Kinabalu €6.55
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Helsinki and Kota Kinabalu, we can see that Helsinki is more expensive. And not only is Kota Kinabalu much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Helsinki is in Europe 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 Helsinki would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Helsinki 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 Helsinki Expensive? and Is Kota Kinabalu Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Helsinki or Kota Kinabalu?
Helsinki has a larger population, and is about 22% larger than the population of Kota Kinabalu. When comparing the sizes of Helsinki 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 Helsinki or Kota Kinabalu?
Helsinki has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Kota Kinabalu experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Helsinki or Kota Kinabalu in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Helsinki as well as Kota Kinabalu. Many travelers come to Helsinki for the family-friendly experiences. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kota Kinabalu throughout the year.
In the summer, Helsinki is much colder than Kota Kinabalu. Typically, the summer temperatures in Helsinki in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Kota Kinabalu averages at about 27°C (81°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kota Kinabalu. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Helsinki this time of the year. In the summer, Helsinki often gets more sunshine than Kota Kinabalu. Helsinki gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kota Kinabalu receives 205 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Kota Kinabalu. Helsinki usually gets less rain in July than Kota Kinabalu. Helsinki gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Kota Kinabalu receives 255 mm (10 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHelsinki 17°C (62°F)Kota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Helsinki or Kota Kinabalu in the Autumn?
Both Kota Kinabalu and Helsinki are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Helsinki in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Plenty of visitors come to Kota Kinabalu because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In October, Helsinki is generally much colder than Kota Kinabalu. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around 6°C (42°F), and Kota Kinabalu fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
Helsinki usually receives less sunshine than Kota Kinabalu during autumn. Helsinki gets 90 hours of sunny skies, while Kota Kinabalu receives 192 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Kota Kinabalu. In October, Helsinki usually receives less rain than Kota Kinabalu. Helsinki gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Kota Kinabalu receives 336 mm (13.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHelsinki 6°C (42°F)Kota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Helsinki or Kota Kinabalu in the Winter?
Both Kota Kinabalu and Helsinki during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Helsinki for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kota Kinabalu year-round.
Helsinki can be very cold during winter. Helsinki is much colder than Kota Kinabalu in the winter. The daily temperature in Helsinki averages around -6°C (21°F) in January, and Kota Kinabalu fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
In the winter, Helsinki often gets less sunshine than Kota Kinabalu. Helsinki gets 39 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kota Kinabalu receives 181 hours of full sun.
Kota Kinabalu gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Helsinki usually gets less rain in January than Kota Kinabalu. Helsinki gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Kota Kinabalu receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHelsinki -6°C (21°F)Kota Kinabalu 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Helsinki or Kota Kinabalu in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Helsinki and Kota Kinabalu. The spring months attract visitors to Helsinki because of the natural beauty. Kota Kinabalu attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
The weather in Helsinki can be very cold. In the spring, Helsinki is much colder than Kota Kinabalu. Typically, the spring temperatures in Helsinki in April average around 3°C (37°F), and Kota Kinabalu averages at about 28°C (82°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kota Kinabalu this time of the year. Helsinki usually receives less sunshine than Kota Kinabalu during spring. Helsinki gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Kota Kinabalu receives 237 hours of full sun in the spring.
Kota Kinabalu receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Helsinki usually receives less rain than Kota Kinabalu. Helsinki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Kota Kinabalu receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHelsinki 3°C (37°F)Kota Kinabalu 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Kota Kinabalu and Helsinki
| Helsinki | Kota Kinabalu | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -6°C (21°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) |
| Feb | -7°C (20°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Mar | -3°C (27°F) | 34 mm (1.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 3°C (37°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) |
| May | 9°C (49°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jun | 15°C (59°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 291 mm (11.5 in) |
| Jul | 17°C (62°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Aug | 16°C (60°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) |
| Sep | 11°C (51°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 285 mm (11.2 in) |
| Oct | 6°C (42°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 336 mm (13.2 in) |
| Nov | 1°C (33°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 298 mm (11.7 in) |
| Dec | -4°C (26°F) | 58 mm (2.3 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.