Which place is cheaper, Kota Kinabalu or Islamabad?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Islamabad 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 Islamabad 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: Islamabad or Kota Kinabalu?
Islamabad
Islamabad is the capital of Pakistan, specially built in the 1960's to replace the former capital, Karachi. Most of the city's population are employees of the government, though many people come from all over Pakistan to enjoy the city's peaceful atmosphere and green spaces, museums, and monuments.
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 Adventure Tours to Pakistan, The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan, The Best Luxury Tours to Malaysia, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Malaysia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIslamabad $42Kota Kinabalu $49
The average daily cost (per person) in Islamabad is $42, while the average daily cost in Kota Kinabalu is $49. 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 Islamabad and Kota Kinabalu in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIslamabad $20Kota Kinabalu $18
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIslamabad $40Kota Kinabalu $36
Compare Hotels in Islamabad and Kota Kinabalu
Looking for a hotel in Islamabad 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: Islamabad Hotel Prices and Kota Kinabalu Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Islamabad $7.68Kota Kinabalu $22
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Islamabad
Also for Islamabad, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Islamabad International Airport Transfer: $35
- Islamabad International Airport Transfer - ARRIVAL: $40
- Islamabad International Airport Transfer - DEPARTURE: $40
- Private Chauffeur: Arrival Transfer Airport Pick up (Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore): $50
- Islamabad International Airport Departure Drop off Transfer : $55
- Premium Services: Islamabad International Airport Transfer - Departures: $55
- Premium Services: Islamabad International Airport Transfer - Arrival: $55
- Islamabad International Airport Arrival Pick up Transfer: $55
- Private Transfer from Islamabad Airport to Pakistan: $61
- Transit Trip: Murree Exploration Day Trip & Round Trip Airport Transfer: $140
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kota Kinabalu
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kota Kinabalu:
- Kota Kinabalu Hotel to Jetty Round Trip Transfer: $52
- Borneo to Kota Kinabalu Airport(BKI) - Departure Private Transfer: $46
- Private Transfer from Kota Kinabalu Port to Kota Kinabalu hotels: $32
- Private Transfer- Kota Kinabalu Port to Kota Kinabalu Airport BKI: $32
- Monsopiad Cultural Village Visit with Private Transfer from Kota Kinabalu: $31
- Transfer from Kota Kinabalu Port to Kota Kinabalu Airport (BKI): $28
- Transfer from Kota Kinabalu Airport BKI to Kota Kinabalu Port: $28
- Private Transfer from Kota Kinabalu Port to Kota Kinabalu hotels: $28
- Private Transfer from Kota Kota Kinabalu Hotels to Kinabalu Port: $28
- Kota Kinabalu to Kota Kinab Airport: Departure Private Transfer: $23
- Private Transfer: Kota Kinabalu International Airport to/from Hotel: $20
- Kota Kinabalu Airport Private Transfer with 1 hour Charter: $12
Is it cheaper to fly into Islamabad or Kota Kinabalu?
Prices for flights to both Kota Kinabalu and Islamabad 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 dayIslamabad $15Kota Kinabalu $15
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kota Kinabalu
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kota Kinabalu.
- Private Kinabalu Night Tour with Cultural Show and Dinner: $62
- Kota Kinabalu K2 Fireflies Sunset River Cruise Tour with Dinner: $86
- Half Day Klias Mangrove Wildlife and Fireflies with dinner: $128
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Islamabad $9.48Kota Kinabalu $5.67
Tours and Activities in Islamabad
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Islamabad.
- Full-Day Sightseeing Tour Of Islamabad: $80
- Islamabad In & Around Full Day Customized City Tour: $80
- Shopping Tour: Full Day Islamabad Markets Exploration Tour: $90
- Private Tour: Hidden Gems of Islamabad Exploration Tour: $90
- Islamabad Instagram Tour: Most Famous Spots (Private & All-Inclusive): $95
- City Tour with Faisal Mosque and Lake View Park: $95
- Best of Islamabad Half Day Tour With Meal At Monal Restaurant (Morn & Eve Slots): $100
- Islamabad City Tour With Faisal Mosque, Pakistan Monument & Lunch : $110
- Top Ten Wonders of Islamabad Guided City Tour: $120
- Private Tour: Guided Day Trip To Murree from Islamabad: $130
- 5-Hour Private Guided Tour in Islamabad City: $130
- Full Day Private Guided Tour of Taxila Gandahara Civilization : $140
Tours and Activities in Kota Kinabalu
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kota Kinabalu are as follows:
- Sky-Mirror Photographing and Proboscis Monkey & Fireflies Watching River-Cruise: $46
- Borneo (Klias) River Cruise & Fireflies Tour: $50
- Borneo Combo Adventure: $200
- Cowboy Town & Fireflies River Cruise: $62
- Cultural Night Tour From Kota Kinabalu : $64
- Day Trip Sepilok Orang-utan And City Tour: $149
- Discover Sailing Experience in Tanjung Aru Beach: $75
- From Kota Kinabalu : Kiulu River White Water Rafting Tour: $131
- Full Day Bongawan River Cruise with Proboscis Monkey Sightseeing: $40
- Full Day River Rafting with ATV Adventure in Kiulu : $293
- Full Day Tour in Mantanani: $140
- Indigenous Weaving Experience: $236
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayIslamabad $2.88Kota Kinabalu $6.34
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Islamabad and Kota Kinabalu, we can see that Kota Kinabalu is more expensive. And not only is Islamabad much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Islamabad would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Islamabad 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 Islamabad.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Islamabad Expensive? and Is Kota Kinabalu Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Islamabad or Kota Kinabalu?
Islamabad has a larger population, and is about 32% larger than the population of Kota Kinabalu. When comparing the sizes of Islamabad 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 Islamabad or Kota Kinabalu?
Islamabad 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 Islamabad or Kota Kinabalu in the Summer?
Both Kota Kinabalu and Islamabad during the summer are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kota Kinabalu year-round.
Islamabad can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Islamabad is generally a little warmer than Kota Kinabalu. Daily temperatures in Islamabad average around 32°C (90°F), and Kota Kinabalu fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
In Kota Kinabalu, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Islamabad. In the summer, Islamabad often gets more sunshine than Kota Kinabalu. Islamabad gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kota Kinabalu receives 205 hours of full sun.
Kota Kinabalu gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Islamabad. Islamabad usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Kota Kinabalu. Islamabad gets 237 mm (9.3 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 JulyIslamabad 32°C (90°F)Kota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Islamabad or Kota Kinabalu in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Islamabad and Kota Kinabalu. Kota Kinabalu attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Islamabad is around the same temperature as Kota Kinabalu in the autumn. The daily temperature in Islamabad averages around 26°C (80°F) in October, and Kota Kinabalu fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
In Islamabad, it's very sunny this time of the year. Islamabad usually receives more sunshine than Kota Kinabalu during autumn. Islamabad gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Kota Kinabalu receives 192 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Kota Kinabalu receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Islamabad usually receives less rain than Kota Kinabalu. Islamabad gets 12 mm (0.5 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 OctoberIslamabad 26°C (80°F)Kota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Islamabad or Kota Kinabalu in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Islamabad as well as Kota Kinabalu. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kota Kinabalu throughout the year.
In the winter, Islamabad is much colder than Kota Kinabalu. Typically, the winter temperatures in Islamabad in January average around 14°C (57°F), and Kota Kinabalu averages at about 26°C (79°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Islamabad this time of the year. In the winter, Islamabad often gets more sunshine than Kota Kinabalu. Islamabad gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kota Kinabalu receives 181 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Kota Kinabalu. Islamabad usually gets less rain in January than Kota Kinabalu. Islamabad gets 34 mm (1.3 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 JanuaryIslamabad 14°C (57°F)Kota Kinabalu 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Islamabad or Kota Kinabalu in the Spring?
Both Kota Kinabalu and Islamabad are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Kota Kinabalu because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In April, Islamabad is generally around the same temperature as Kota Kinabalu. Daily temperatures in Islamabad average around 27°C (80°F), and Kota Kinabalu fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
It's quite sunny in Kota Kinabalu. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Islamabad. Islamabad usually receives more sunshine than Kota Kinabalu during spring. Islamabad gets 258 hours of sunny skies, while Kota Kinabalu receives 237 hours of full sun in the spring.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Kota Kinabalu. In April, Islamabad usually receives less rain than Kota Kinabalu. Islamabad gets 37 mm (1.4 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 AprilIslamabad 27°C (80°F)Kota Kinabalu 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Kota Kinabalu and Islamabad
| Islamabad | Kota Kinabalu | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Mar | 21°C (70°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (80°F) | 37 mm (1.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) |
| May | 32°C (89°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jun | 35°C (94°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 291 mm (11.5 in) |
| Jul | 32°C (90°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Aug | 31°C (89°F) | 221 mm (8.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) |
| Sep | 31°C (87°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 285 mm (11.2 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (80°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 336 mm (13.2 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 298 mm (11.7 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°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.