Which place is cheaper, Benxi or Kota Kinabalu?
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 Kota Kinabalu or Benxi?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Benxi? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Kota Kinabalu or Benxi?
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.
Benxi
Benxi, China is a city in the south east of the Liaoning Province in northeast China. The city itself is a major industrial hub, but is best known for the Benxi Shuidong National Park where you'll find the famous five million year old water cave. Benxi experiences cold winters, with weather being less enjoyable for touring from November through March. May through August see much warmer weather, getting up to the high 80's Fahrenheit in late summer. September and October are also good times to visit as temperatures cool to 60-70 degrees.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Malaysia, The Best Tours for Seniors to Malaysia, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in China.
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Kota Kinabalu Prices
Malaysia PricesBenxi Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKota Kinabalu $68Benxi $118
The average daily cost (per person) in Kota Kinabalu is $68, while the average daily cost in Benxi is $118. 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 Kota Kinabalu and Benxi in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKota Kinabalu $21Benxi $47
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKota Kinabalu $42Benxi $94
Compare Hotels in Kota Kinabalu and Benxi
Looking for a hotel in Kota Kinabalu or Benxi? 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: Kota Kinabalu Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kota Kinabalu $25Benxi $32
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kota Kinabalu
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kota Kinabalu:
- Kota Kinabalu Airport (BKI) Private Transfer to Kota Kinabalu: $13
- Kota Kinabalu（BKI）: Private Transfer to City Center: $14
- Private Transfer: Kota Kinabalu International Airport to/from Hotel: $20
- Kota Kinabalu to Kota Kinab Airport: Departure Private Transfer: $24
- Private Transfer from Kota Kinabalu Hotels to Kota Kinabalu Port: $25
- Private Transfer from Kota Kinabalu Port to Kota Kinabalu hotels: $25
- Transfer from Kota Kinabalu Airport BKI to Kota Kinabalu Port: $25
- Private Transfer- Kota Kinabalu Airport BKI to Kota Kinabalu Port: $25
- Private Transfer- Kota Kinabalu Port to Kota Kinabalu Airport BKI: $25
- Private Arrival Transfer : Kota Kinabalu International Airport: $30
- Stand Up Paddle Boarding with Sunrise/Sunset Tour at Kota Kinabalu with transfer: $32
- Kota Kinabalu Airport (BKI) to Borneo - Arrival Private Transfer: $38
Is it cheaper to fly into Kota Kinabalu or Benxi?
Prices for flights to both Benxi and Kota Kinabalu 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 dayKota Kinabalu $30Benxi $53
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.Kota Kinabalu $6.43Benxi $7.41
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 dayKota Kinabalu $7.18Benxi $7.81
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kota Kinabalu and Benxi, we can see that Benxi is more expensive. And not only is Kota Kinabalu much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Benxi would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Benxi 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 Kota Kinabalu Expensive? and Is Benxi Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kota Kinabalu or Benxi?
Benxi has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Kota Kinabalu. When comparing the sizes of Kota Kinabalu and Benxi, 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 Kota Kinabalu or Benxi?
Benxi 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 Kota Kinabalu or Benxi in the Summer?
Both Benxi and Kota Kinabalu are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kota Kinabalu throughout the year.
In July, Kota Kinabalu is generally around the same temperature as Benxi. Daily temperatures in Kota Kinabalu average around 27°C (81°F), and Benxi fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).
It's quite sunny in Benxi. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kota Kinabalu. Kota Kinabalu usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Benxi during summer. Kota Kinabalu gets 205 hours of sunny skies, while Benxi receives 214 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Benxi. It's quite rainy in Kota Kinabalu. In July, Kota Kinabalu usually receives more rain than Benxi. Kota Kinabalu gets 255 mm (10 in) of rain, while Benxi receives 211 mm (8.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)Benxi 25°C (78°F)
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Benxi in the Autumn?
Both Benxi and Kota Kinabalu during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Kota Kinabalu because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Kota Kinabalu is much warmer than Benxi in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kota Kinabalu averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Benxi fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
In Benxi, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Kota Kinabalu often gets less sunshine than Benxi. Kota Kinabalu gets 192 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Benxi receives 216 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Kota Kinabalu. Kota Kinabalu usually gets more rain in October than Benxi. Kota Kinabalu gets 336 mm (13.2 in) of rain, while Benxi receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)Benxi 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Benxi in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Kota Kinabalu and Benxi. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kota Kinabalu year-round.
It's quite cold in Benxi in the winter. In the winter, Kota Kinabalu is much warmer than Benxi. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kota Kinabalu in January average around 26°C (79°F), and Benxi averages at about -10°C (14°F).
Kota Kinabalu usually receives more sunshine than Benxi during winter. Kota Kinabalu gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while Benxi receives 167 hours of full sun in the winter.
Kota Kinabalu gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Kota Kinabalu usually receives more rain than Benxi. Kota Kinabalu gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Benxi receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKota Kinabalu 26°C (79°F)Benxi -10°C (14°F)
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Benxi in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Kota Kinabalu as well as Benxi. Kota Kinabalu attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Kota Kinabalu is generally much warmer than Benxi. Daily temperatures in Kota Kinabalu average around 28°C (82°F), and Benxi fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Benxi. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kota Kinabalu this time of the year. In the spring, Kota Kinabalu often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Benxi. Kota Kinabalu gets 237 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Benxi receives 241 hours of full sun.
Kota Kinabalu receives a lot of rain in the spring. Kota Kinabalu usually gets more rain in April than Benxi. Kota Kinabalu gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Benxi receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKota Kinabalu 28°C (82°F)Benxi 11°C (51°F)
Typical Weather for Benxi and Kota Kinabalu
| Kota Kinabalu | Benxi | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) | -10°C (14°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (80°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | -7°C (20°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 291 mm (11.5 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 255 mm (10 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 211 mm (8.3 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 285 mm (11.2 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 336 mm (13.2 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 298 mm (11.7 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) | -7°C (20°F) | 12 mm (0.5 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.