A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kota Kinabalu vs. Brno for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Kota Kinabalu or Brno?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Brno? 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 Brno?

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.

Brno

Brno is a city in the Czech Republic known for its modernist and baroque buildings, gardens, museums, and churches. There are many monuments and cultural features especially related to the city's Moravian history, like the Moravian Museum and Moravian Gallery. It is also uniquely located between a landscape of South Moravian Vineyards and northern Moravian Karst topography.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Malaysia, The Best Tours for Seniors to Malaysia, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Czech Republic, and The Best Adventure Tours to Czech Republic.


Which place is cheaper, Brno 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.

The average daily cost (per person) in Kota Kinabalu is $69, while the average daily cost in Brno is $195. 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 Brno in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kota Kinabalu $21
    Brno $81
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kota Kinabalu $42
    Brno $162
Compare Hotels in Kota Kinabalu and Brno

Looking for a hotel in Kota Kinabalu or Brno? 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.

Hotels in Kota Kinabalu


Hotels in Brno


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 Brno Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kota Kinabalu $26
    Brno $2.96

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kota Kinabalu

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kota Kinabalu:

  • Borneo to Kota Kinabalu Airport(BKI) - Departure Private Transfer: $37
  • Kota Kinabalu Airport (BKI) Private Transfer to Kota Kinabalu: $25
  • Kota Kinabalu Hotel to Jetty Round Trip Transfer: $54
  • Kota Kinabalu to Kota Kinab Airport (BKI) Private Transfer: $23
  • Kota Kinabalu(BKI): Private Transfer to City Center: $14
  • Monsopiad Cultural Village Visit with Private Transfer from Kota Kinabalu: $50
  • Private Airport Transfer in Kota Kinabalu: $20
  • Private Departure Transfer : Kota Kinabalu International Airport: $27
  • Private Transfer from Kota Kinabalu Hotels to Kota Kinabalu Port: $24
  • Private Transfer from Kota Kinabalu Port to Kota Kinabalu hotels: $24
  • Private Transfer from Kota Kota Kinabalu Hotels to Kinabalu Port: $24
  • Private Transfer- Kota Kinabalu Port to Kota Kinabalu Airport BKI: $24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Brno

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Brno:

  • TRAIN Transfer to/from Vienna Center: $10
  • Vienna: Private transfer Brno to Vienna: $217
  • Private Transfer from Brno to Prague with 2 hours for sightseeing: $244
  • Private transfer from Brno to Vienna: $255

Is it cheaper to fly into Kota Kinabalu or Brno?

Prices for flights to both Brno 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Kota Kinabalu $30
    Brno $112

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: $32
  • 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: $74
  • Private Cooking Class with Market Visit: $91
  • Ethnic Cooking Class & Upside Down House & 3D Wonders Museum: $92
  • North Borneo Sunset Dinner Cruise: $121
  • Kota Kinabalu Night Tour with Dinner & Cultural Dance Show: $141

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Brno

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Brno.

  • Essential Guided Walking Food Tour: $173

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kota Kinabalu $6.54
    Brno -

Tours and Activities in Kota Kinabalu

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kota Kinabalu are as follows:

  • Bongawan River Cruise, City Tour & Fireflies: $26
  • Sabah Mali-Mali Garden Spa Massage Experience: $27
  • Pulau Sapi & Manukan Sabah Shared Activity Adventure: $43
  • 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: $50
  • Sabah: Manukan and Sapi Islands Excursion Ticket: $50
  • Borneo (Klias) River Cruise & Fireflies Tour: $50
  • Kota Kinabalu City Tour: $54
  • Klias Wildlife Safari River Cruise from Kota Kinabalu: $58
  • Cowboy Town & Fireflies River Cruise: $62

Tours and Activities in Brno

Here are a few actual costs in Brno for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • The Painted Ladies of Telč: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • The Center of Znojmo : A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Skip the Line: 10-Z Bunker Entrance Ticket in Brno: $12
  • Welcome to Guided Walking Tour: $13
  • Brno City Tour Discover the Czech Republic Hidden Gem: $20
  • Brno Historical Walking Tour: $35
  • Historic Downtown Walking Tour: $35
  • 3-Hour Brno Themed Walking Tours: $41
  • 3-Hour History & Legends Walking Tour: $46
  • Discover Private Guided Walking Tour: $52
  • Ride in a BMP tank and military garage tour Prague: $55
  • 3 Hour Private Tour with a Local Guide in Brno: $70

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kota Kinabalu $7.30
    Brno $2.61


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kota Kinabalu and Brno, we can see that Brno 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 Brno is in Europe, 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 Brno would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Brno 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 Brno Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Kota Kinabalu or Brno?

Kota Kinabalu has a larger population, and is about 24% larger than the population of Brno. When comparing the sizes of Kota Kinabalu and Brno, 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 Brno?

Brno 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 Brno in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Kota Kinabalu and Brno. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kota Kinabalu year-round.

In July, Kota Kinabalu is generally a little warmer than Brno. Daily temperatures in Kota Kinabalu average around 27°C (81°F), and Brno fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Brno this time of the year. In Kota Kinabalu, it's very sunny this time of the year. Kota Kinabalu usually receives less sunshine than Brno during summer. Kota Kinabalu gets 205 hours of sunny skies, while Brno receives 236 hours of full sun in the summer.

Kota Kinabalu gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Kota Kinabalu usually receives more rain than Brno. Kota Kinabalu gets 255 mm (10 in) of rain, while Brno receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Kota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F) 
    Brno 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Brno in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Kota Kinabalu as well as Brno. Kota Kinabalu attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Kota Kinabalu is much warmer than Brno in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kota Kinabalu averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Brno fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Kota Kinabalu often gets more sunshine than Brno. Kota Kinabalu gets 192 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brno receives 129 hours of full sun.

Kota Kinabalu receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Kota Kinabalu usually gets more rain in October than Brno. Kota Kinabalu gets 336 mm (13.2 in) of rain, while Brno receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Kota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F) 
    Brno 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Brno in the Winter?

Both Brno and Kota Kinabalu are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kota Kinabalu throughout the year.

It's quite cold in Brno in the winter. In the winter, Kota Kinabalu is much warmer than Brno. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kota Kinabalu in January average around 26°C (79°F), and Brno averages at about 2°C (36°F).

Kota Kinabalu usually receives more sunshine than Brno during winter. Kota Kinabalu gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while Brno receives 49 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Kota Kinabalu. In January, Kota Kinabalu usually receives more rain than Brno. Kota Kinabalu gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Brno receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Kota Kinabalu 26°C (79°F) 
    Brno 2°C (36°F)

Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Brno in the Spring?

Both Brno and Kota Kinabalu during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Kota Kinabalu because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In April, Kota Kinabalu is generally much warmer than Brno. Daily temperatures in Kota Kinabalu average around 28°C (82°F), and Brno fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Kota Kinabalu. In the spring, Kota Kinabalu often gets more sunshine than Brno. Kota Kinabalu gets 237 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brno receives 167 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kota Kinabalu. Kota Kinabalu usually gets more rain in April than Brno. Kota Kinabalu gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Brno receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Kota Kinabalu 28°C (82°F) 
    Brno 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Brno and Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu Brno
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (79°F) 129 mm (5.1 in) 2°C (36°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Feb 26°C (80°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 4°C (38°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)
Mar 27°C (81°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Apr 28°C (82°F) 112 mm (4.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
May 28°C (82°F) 226 mm (8.9 in) 17°C (63°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 291 mm (11.5 in) 20°C (69°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 255 mm (10 in) 23°C (73°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 260 mm (10.2 in) 22°C (72°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 285 mm (11.2 in) 18°C (64°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 336 mm (13.2 in) 12°C (54°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 298 mm (11.7 in) 7°C (45°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Dec 27°C (80°F) 230 mm (9.1 in) 3°C (37°F) 25 mm (1 in)