Which place is cheaper, Kota Kinabalu or Kanchanaburi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Kanchanaburi or Kota Kinabalu?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Kanchanaburi and Kota Kinabalu. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Kanchanaburi or Kota Kinabalu?
Kanchanaburi
If the hustle and bustle of the big city of Bangkok is just getting to you, there's an easy escape. Kanchanaburi, Thailand is a city located at the meeting of Kwai Noi and Kwai Yai, and is ideal for backpackers looking to reflect and relax. With easily accessible waterfalls and national parks, you'll wonder why anyone ever leaves.
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 Wildlife Tours to Thailand, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Thailand, The Best Luxury Tours to Malaysia, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Malaysia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKanchanaburi $42Kota Kinabalu $49
The average daily cost (per person) in Kanchanaburi 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 Kanchanaburi and Kota Kinabalu in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKanchanaburi $19Kota Kinabalu $18
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKanchanaburi $38Kota Kinabalu $36
Compare Hotels in Kanchanaburi and Kota Kinabalu
Looking for a hotel in Kanchanaburi 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: Kanchanaburi Hotel Prices and Kota Kinabalu Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kanchanaburi $12Kota Kinabalu $22
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kanchanaburi
Also for Kanchanaburi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Ratchaburi to Suvarnabhumi (BKK) Airport: $90
- Private Transfer from Ratchaburi to Don Mueang (DMK) Airport: $98
- Private Airport Transfer : Bangkok to/from Kanchanaburi: $103
- Arrival Bangkok Airport Private Transfer : Hotel in Kanchanaburi: $116
- Private Transfer from Kanchanaburi to Suvarnabhumi (BKK) Airport: $163
- Private Transfer from Kanchanaburi to Don Mueang (DMK) Airport: $171
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kota Kinabalu
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kota Kinabalu:
- Transfer from Kota Kinabalu Port to Kota Kinabalu Airport (BKI): $28
- Transfer from Kota Kinabalu Airport BKI to Kota Kinabalu Port: $28
- Private Transfer: Kota Kinabalu International Airport to/from Hotel: $20
- Private Transfer- Kota Kinabalu Port to Kota Kinabalu Airport BKI: $32
- Private Transfer from Kota Kota Kinabalu Hotels to Kinabalu Port: $28
- Private Transfer from Kota Kinabalu Port to Kota Kinabalu hotels: $28
- Private Transfer from Kota Kinabalu Port to Kota Kinabalu hotels: $32
- Monsopiad Cultural Village Visit with Private Transfer from Kota Kinabalu: $31
- Kota Kinabalu to Kota Kinab Airport: Departure Private Transfer: $23
- Kota Kinabalu Hotel to Jetty Round Trip Transfer: $52
- Kota Kinabalu Airport Private Transfer with 1 hour Charter: $12
- Borneo to Kota Kinabalu Airport(BKI) - Departure Private Transfer: $46
Is it cheaper to fly into Kanchanaburi or Kota Kinabalu?
Prices for flights to both Kota Kinabalu and Kanchanaburi 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 dayKanchanaburi $12Kota Kinabalu $15
Typical Food Prices in Kanchanaburi
For Kanchanaburi, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Casual Lunch$4.09
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kanchanaburi
For Kanchanaburi, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Thai Cooking Class: $34
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.Kanchanaburi $9.10Kota Kinabalu $5.67
Typical Entertainment Prices in Kanchanaburi
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Kanchanaburi's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Entry Park TreeHouse$5.46
Tours and Activities in Kanchanaburi
For Kanchanaburi, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Discovery Bike Tour: $16
- Cycling to visit Local Experience and Learn Culture with Local expert: $28
- E-Scooter Tour in Kanchanaburi: $30
- Full Day Kanchanaburi River Kwai Experience: $84
- Bangkok: Erawan Waterfall, River Kwai & Death Railway Tour: $95
- Private Tour: Trekking Kanchanaburi Forest to Tham Than Lod: $108
- Erawan Waterfall & Train Tour from Kanchanaburi – Full Day: $110
- Erawan Waterfalls & Phra That Cave Tour : from Bangkok: $111
- Amazing Boat Trip River Kwai and Erawan Falls Full Day Tour: $116
- Private Tour: Kanchanaburi Local Thai Life and City Discovery: $139
- Kanchanaburi River Kwai & Hellfire Pass Private Tour: $144
- Bangkok: Kanchanaburi and Erawan Waterfall Private Tour: $149
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 dayKanchanaburi $8.03Kota Kinabalu $6.34
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kanchanaburi and Kota Kinabalu, we can see that Kota Kinabalu is more expensive. And not only is Kanchanaburi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Kanchanaburi would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kanchanaburi 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 Kanchanaburi.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Kanchanaburi Expensive? and Is Kota Kinabalu Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kanchanaburi or Kota Kinabalu?
Kota Kinabalu has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Kanchanaburi. When comparing the sizes of Kanchanaburi 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 Kanchanaburi 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 Kanchanaburi or Kota Kinabalu in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Kanchanaburi as well as Kota Kinabalu. Kanchanaburi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kota Kinabalu throughout the year.
July to October in Kanchanaburi is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Kota Kinabalu. Kanchanaburi usually gets less rain in July than Kota Kinabalu. Kanchanaburi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Kota Kinabalu receives 255 mm (10 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kota Kinabalu. In the summer, Kanchanaburi often gets less sunshine than Kota Kinabalu. Kanchanaburi gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kota Kinabalu receives 205 hours of full sun.
In the summer, Kanchanaburi is around the same temperature as Kota Kinabalu. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kanchanaburi 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 JulyKanchanaburi 29°C (84°F)Kota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Kota Kinabalu in the Autumn?
Both Kota Kinabalu and Kanchanaburi are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kanchanaburi throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Kota Kinabalu because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in Kanchanaburi is November to May. The rainy season in Kanchanaburi is July to October. It rains a lot this time of the year in Kota Kinabalu. It's quite rainy in Kanchanaburi. In October, Kanchanaburi usually receives less rain than Kota Kinabalu. Kanchanaburi gets 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Kota Kinabalu receives 336 mm (13.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kanchanaburi. Kanchanaburi usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kota Kinabalu during autumn. Kanchanaburi gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Kota Kinabalu receives 192 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Kanchanaburi is generally around the same temperature as Kota Kinabalu. Daily temperatures in Kanchanaburi average around 28°C (82°F), and Kota Kinabalu fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKanchanaburi 28°C (82°F)Kota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Kota Kinabalu in the Winter?
Both Kota Kinabalu and Kanchanaburi during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Kanchanaburi 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. Kanchanaburi usually gets less rain in January than Kota Kinabalu. Kanchanaburi gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Kota Kinabalu receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
It's quite sunny in Kanchanaburi. In the winter, Kanchanaburi often gets more sunshine than Kota Kinabalu. Kanchanaburi gets 276 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kota Kinabalu receives 181 hours of full sun.
Kanchanaburi is around the same temperature as Kota Kinabalu in the winter. The daily temperature in Kanchanaburi averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Kota Kinabalu fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKanchanaburi 25°C (77°F)Kota Kinabalu 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Kota Kinabalu in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Kanchanaburi and Kota Kinabalu. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kanchanaburi year-round. Kota Kinabalu attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
November to May in Kanchanaburi is the dry season. Kota Kinabalu receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Kanchanaburi usually receives less rain than Kota Kinabalu. Kanchanaburi gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Kota Kinabalu receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kota Kinabalu this time of the year. In Kanchanaburi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Kanchanaburi usually receives more sunshine than Kota Kinabalu during spring. Kanchanaburi gets 262 hours of sunny skies, while Kota Kinabalu receives 237 hours of full sun in the spring.
The heat can be very extreme in Kanchanaburi. In the spring, Kanchanaburi is a little warmer than Kota Kinabalu. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kanchanaburi in April average around 32°C (89°F), and Kota Kinabalu averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKanchanaburi 32°C (89°F)Kota Kinabalu 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Kota Kinabalu and Kanchanaburi
| Kanchanaburi | Kota Kinabalu | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Mar | 30°C (87°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 32°C (89°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) |
| May | 30°C (87°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (85°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 291 mm (11.5 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (84°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (83°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 218 mm (8.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 285 mm (11.2 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 336 mm (13.2 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 298 mm (11.7 in) |
| Dec | 25°C (76°F) | 9 mm (0.4 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.