Which place is cheaper, Brisbane 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 Brisbane?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Brisbane? 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 Brisbane?
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.
Brisbane
Although Brisbane is often overlooked as a travel destination in Australia, it is the capital of the state of Queensland, and is the third largest city in Australia. It's a very young and vibrant city with an active nightlife and a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. It's a modern and economically thriving city and, if you do have time to visit, it actually has a lot to offer travelers. It has some beautiful scenery, a wonderful warm climate all year long, and is actually one of the fastest growing cities in Australia.
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 Australia, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Australia.
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Kota Kinabalu Prices
Malaysia PricesBrisbane Prices
Australia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKota Kinabalu $68Brisbane $154
The average daily cost (per person) in Kota Kinabalu is $68, while the average daily cost in Brisbane is $154. 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 Brisbane in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKota Kinabalu $21Brisbane $81
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKota Kinabalu $42Brisbane $162
Compare Hotels in Kota Kinabalu and Brisbane
Looking for a hotel in Kota Kinabalu or Brisbane? 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 and Brisbane Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kota Kinabalu $25Brisbane $18
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kota Kinabalu
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kota Kinabalu:
- Kota Kinabalu Airport BKI to Borneo - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $77
- Kota Kinabalu Hotel to Jetty Round Trip Transfer: $53
- Kota Kinab Airport to Kota Kinabalu - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $48
- Kota Kinabalu Airport (BKI) to Borneo - Arrival Private Transfer: $38
- Stand Up Paddle Boarding with Sunrise/Sunset Tour at Kota Kinabalu with transfer: $32
- 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
- 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
- Kota Kinabalu to Kota Kinab Airport: Departure Private Transfer: $24
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Brisbane
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Brisbane:
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Airtrain to the City$9.81
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Go Card$16
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Brisbane
Also for Brisbane, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Brisbane Airport: Shared Transfer to Brisbane: $22
- BNE Airport to City | Gold Coast Private Transfer: $40
- St Lucia Airport Transfer to Secrets St. Lucia Resort & Spa: $43
- Private Arrival Transfer: Brisbane Airport to Hotel: $54
- Brisbane Airport: Shared Transfer to Gold Coast: $55
- Secrets St Lucia Airport Transfer: $58
- Secrets St Lucia Resort Airport Transfer and Taxi Service: $59
- Brisbane Airport: Shared Transfer to Sunshine Coast: $59
- Luxury Airport Transfer Gold Coast-Brisbane / Brisbane-Gold Coast: $60
- Brisbane to Brisbane Airport (BNE) - Departure Private Transfer: $84
- Brisbane Airport (BNE) to Brisbane - Arrival Private Transfer: $84
- Brisbane Airport (BNE) to Brisbane hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $85
Is it cheaper to fly into Kota Kinabalu or Brisbane?
Prices for flights to both Brisbane 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 $30Brisbane $54
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kota Kinabalu
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kota Kinabalu.
- Sabah Traditional Authentic Cuisine Cooking Class 3 Hours: $29
- Beringgis Mangove Fireflies, Sunset Tour & Dinner: $33
- 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
Typical Food Prices in Brisbane
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Brisbane:
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Hamburger Lunch$5.23
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Cup of Coffee$1.96
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Chinese Food Lunch$8.18
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Ice cream$3.60
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Japanese Meal$14
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Smoothie$4.25
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Japanese Soup$7.52
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Coffee & Muffin$4.58
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Morning Mint Tea$2.29
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Veggie Burger & Chips$9.16
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Bread$1.70
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Brisbane
For Brisbane, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Gold Coast: Glow Worms, Sunset & Stargazing with BBQ dinner: $117
- Vertigo Dinner – Dining on the Edge: $165
- Dinner on the Edge with Vertigo Brisbane: $168
- Local Icons Food Tour: $353
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kota Kinabalu $6.43Brisbane $24
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
- Bongawan River Cruise Proboscis Monkey, SkyMirror, Fireflies : $49
- Bongawan: River Safari Cruise, Private or Optional Ticket: $143
- 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
- From Kota Kinabalu : Kiulu White Water Rafting Tour + meal: $66
- Full Day Bongawan River Cruise with Proboscis Monkey Sightseeing: $55
- Indigenous Weaving Experience: $236
- Island Hopping Tour (2 Island) From Kota Kinabalu: $100
- Island Hopping Tour From Kota Kinabalu (2 island): $90
- Kinabalu National Park Tour: $135
Typical Entertainment Prices in Brisbane
For Brisbane, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Concert Tickets$13
Tours and Activities in Brisbane
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Brisbane.
- Escape to Coochiemudlo Island: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
- Tour, Taste & Camel Encounter: $17
- True Crime Tour: $22
- Fortitude Valley Historical Crime Walking Tour: $22
- Winery Tour and Tasting: $23
- Haunted Brisbane CBD Ghost Tour: $26
- Moonlight State Fortitude Valley Crime Tour Crime Tours Australia: $26
- Adventure Theme Scavenger Hunt Experience in Brisbane: $27
- Solve a Detective Case in a themed adventure: $31
- Our Finest Hour An Escape Hunt Experience: $32
- Blackbeard's Treasure - An Escape Hunt Experience: $32
- Alice In Puzzleland an Escape Hunt Brisbane Experience: $32
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKota Kinabalu $7.18Brisbane $50
Typical Alcohol Prices in Brisbane
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Brisbane:
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Evening at the Bar$9.81
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Sixpack of Beer$9.16
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Guiness Beer$5.56
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Sixpack of Beer$8.50
Sample the Local Flavors in Brisbane
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Brisbane:
- XXXX Brewery Tour: $25
- Hop on Hop off Brewery Adventure : $66
- Island Pub Crawl with Lunch and High Speed Boat Tour in Brisbane : $101
- Afternoon Brisbane Half-Day Brewery Tour: $107
- Hop on Hop off Wine tasting tour to Tamborine Mountain: $110
- Island Pub Crawl with Lunch and High-Speed Boat: $115
- Hinterland Heritage Wine Tour : $134
- Brisbane Brewery Full Day Tour with Lunch: $140
- Gold Coast Full Day Brewery Tour: $140
- Deluxe Wine Tour to Tamborine Mountain, includes two course lunch: $148
- Tamborine Wine & Distillery Tour + 2 Course Lunch: $165
- Mount Tamborine Wine Tasting Tour from Brisbane or the Gold Coast: $168
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kota Kinabalu and Brisbane, we can see that Brisbane is more expensive. And not only is Kota Kinabalu much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Kota Kinabalu is in Asia and Brisbane is in Pacific, 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 Brisbane would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Brisbane 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 Brisbane Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kota Kinabalu or Brisbane?
Brisbane has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Kota Kinabalu. When comparing the sizes of Kota Kinabalu and Brisbane, 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 Brisbane?
Brisbane 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 Brisbane in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Kota Kinabalu as well as Brisbane. Kota Kinabalu attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Brisbane for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
Kota Kinabalu is around the same temperature as Brisbane in the summer. The daily temperature in Kota Kinabalu averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Brisbane fluctuates around 25°C (77°F)in January.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Brisbane. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kota Kinabalu this time of the year. In the summer, Kota Kinabalu often gets less sunshine than Brisbanein January. Kota Kinabalu gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brisbane receives 256 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Brisbane. Kota Kinabalu receives a lot of rain in the summer. Kota Kinabalu usually gets more rain in July than Brisbanein January. Kota Kinabalu gets 255 mm (10 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 169 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryKota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)Brisbane 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Brisbane in the Autumn?
Both Brisbane and Kota Kinabalu are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kota Kinabalu throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Brisbane in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.
In the autumn, Kota Kinabalu is a little warmer than Brisbane. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kota Kinabalu in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Brisbane averages at about 22°C (71°F)in April.
It's quite sunny in Brisbane. Kota Kinabalu usually receives less sunshine than Brisbane during autumn. Kota Kinabalu gets 192 hours of sunny skies, while Brisbane receives 214 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Brisbane. It's quite rainy in Kota Kinabalu. In October, Kota Kinabalu usually receives more rain than Brisbanein April. Kota Kinabalu gets 336 mm (13.2 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilKota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)Brisbane 22°C (71°F)
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Brisbane in the Winter?
Both Brisbane and Kota Kinabalu during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Kota Kinabalu because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, most visitors come to Brisbane for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
In January, Kota Kinabalu is generally much warmer than Brisbanein July. Daily temperatures in Kota Kinabalu average around 26°C (79°F), and Brisbane fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
In Brisbane, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Kota Kinabalu often gets less sunshine than Brisbanein July. Kota Kinabalu gets 181 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brisbane receives 226 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Kota Kinabalu. Kota Kinabalu usually gets more rain in January than Brisbanein July. Kota Kinabalu gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyKota Kinabalu 26°C (79°F)Brisbane 15°C (59°F)
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Brisbane in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Kota Kinabalu and Brisbane. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kota Kinabalu year-round. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Brisbane because of the beaches and the activities around the city.
Kota Kinabalu is a little warmer than Brisbane in the spring. The daily temperature in Kota Kinabalu averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Brisbane fluctuates around 21°C (69°F)in October.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Brisbane this time of the year. In Kota Kinabalu, it's very sunny this time of the year. Kota Kinabalu usually receives less sunshine than Brisbane during spring. Kota Kinabalu gets 237 hours of sunny skies, while Brisbane receives 259 hours of full sun in the spring.
Kota Kinabalu gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Kota Kinabalu usually receives more rain than Brisbanein October. Kota Kinabalu gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberKota Kinabalu 28°C (82°F)Brisbane 21°C (69°F)
Typical Weather for Brisbane and Kota Kinabalu
| Kota Kinabalu | Brisbane | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 169 mm (6.7 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (80°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 291 mm (11.5 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 255 mm (10 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 285 mm (11.2 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 336 mm (13.2 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 298 mm (11.7 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 127 mm (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.