Which place is cheaper, Brussels 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 Brussels?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Brussels? 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 Brussels?
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.
Brussels
Brussels is the capital of Belgium and also the sight of the headquarters of the European Union. Generally speaking, it's an expensive city that sees a good amount of travelers. It is also a highly political city that has an air of importance and power. It's an incredibly international city, with people from all over the world flocking to it due to its political, economical, and cultural significance.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Malaysia, The Best Tours for Seniors to Malaysia, The Best Tours for Seniors to Belgium, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Belgium.
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Kota Kinabalu Prices
Malaysia PricesBrussels Prices
Belgium Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKota Kinabalu $69Brussels $191
The average daily cost (per person) in Kota Kinabalu is $69, while the average daily cost in Brussels is $191. 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 Brussels in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKota Kinabalu $21Brussels $85
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKota Kinabalu $42Brussels $170
Compare Hotels in Kota Kinabalu and Brussels
Looking for a hotel in Kota Kinabalu or Brussels? 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 Brussels Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kota Kinabalu $26Brussels $19
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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Brussels
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Brussels are as follows:
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Subway Pass$5.22
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Atomium train ticket (2)$9.28
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Brussels
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Brussels:
- BRU Airport to City Centre Private Transfer: $31
- Private Airport Transfer to the City: $58
- Brussels Airport(BRU) to Brussels hotels-Arrival Private Transfer: $73
- Brussels Shuttle Transfer Mons (1 to 8 PLACES): $74
- Transfer Shuttle Brussels South Station Mons (1-8 SEATS): $74
- Brussels Private Transfer from Brussels city centre to Brussels Airport (BRU): $78
- Private Departure Transfer from Brussels City to Brussels Airport by luxury car: $87
- Departure Private Transfer from Brussels to Brussels Airport BRU by Business Car: $87
- Brussels Zaventem Airport (BRU) Private Transfer to/from City: $90
- Brussels Airport Transfer (BRU) to or from Brussels (Sedan): $110
- Private Transfers Between Brussels Airport and the City: $116
- Private transfer from Brussels Airport To Brussels: $127
Is it cheaper to fly into Kota Kinabalu or Brussels?
Prices for flights to both Brussels 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 $30Brussels $77
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
Typical Food Prices in Brussels
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Brussels:
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Ice Cream & Macaroons$5.34
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Dessert (Turkish Delights)$5.51
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Cheese$6.50
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Olives and Snacks$8.10
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Waffle$3.48
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Brussels
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Brussels.
- Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $33
- Chocolate and Beer Food Tour of Brussels: $45
- City Center Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $74
- Brussels Food Tour: Main Dish, Beer, Waffle & Chocolate: $93
- Brussels Food Tour with Full Meal & Drinks by Do Eat Better: $99
- Walking Food Tour with Chocolate, Beer, & Waffles: $111
- Brussels Food Tour: 10 Tastings of Waffles, Beers, Fries & More: $125
- Food Tour of 10 Tastings - Waffles, Beers & More: $147
- Brussels Private Food Tour: Waffles, Fries, Beer & Local History: $149
- Market Tour and Cooking Lesson with a Belgian Gourmet Meal in a Brussels Home: $179
- Private Food Tour – 10 Tastings with Locals: $183
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kota Kinabalu $6.54Brussels $27
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 Brussels
Here are a few actual costs in Brussels for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Tasting Tour: A Taste of Brussels - by Legends: $2.33
- The Most Complete Tour Of Brussels: $3.46
- Gastronomic Tour: A Taste of Brussels: $3.46
- Free tour of Brussels in Italian ( with booking fee): $3.46
- Brussels Walking Tour with Guide plus PDF: $3.46
- Where Comics, Culture & Quirk Collide Walking Tour: $4.65
- Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $5.68
- Audio Guided Walking Tour of Brussels: $5.79
- Brussels Essential : Self-Guided Tour created by local Official Guide: $5.79
- 600 Years of History and Heritage: A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Leuven: $5.99
- Brussels Audioguided walking tour 2h40 and 25 reviews: $6.84
- Self-Guided Walking Tour Along Brussels Comic Book Route: $7.99
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKota Kinabalu $7.30Brussels $15
Typical Alcohol Prices in Brussels
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Brussels are as follows:
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Bottle of Wine$12
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Beer$6.96
Sample the Local Flavors in Brussels
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Brussels:
- Mario Kart Championship at Micro Brewery & Distillery: $5.21
- BBQ night at Tipsy Tribe Brewery & Distillery: $15
- Immersive Brewery Tour with Beer Tastings - Brussels Area: $18
- Brussels Pub Crawl - Nightlife & Party Experience: $20
- Pub Crawl and Nightlife Party Experience: $23
- micro brewery & distillery tour + beer tasting: $29
- Beer & Chocolate Tasting in a Micro Brewery-Distillery: $52
- Sip the Unexpected at a Hidden Leuven Brewery: $58
- Gin Cocktail Workshop at a Brussels Brewery & Distillery: $66
- Private tasting: Beer & Chocolate in a Micro Brewery-Distillery: $75
- Beer Pong in a Micro Brewery and Distillery: $76
- Brewing Workshop at Tipsy Tribe Brewery & Distillery: $139
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kota Kinabalu and Brussels, we can see that Brussels 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 Brussels 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 Brussels would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Brussels 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 Brussels Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kota Kinabalu or Brussels?
Brussels has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Kota Kinabalu. When comparing the sizes of Kota Kinabalu and Brussels, 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 Brussels?
Brussels 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 Brussels in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Kota Kinabalu and Brussels. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kota Kinabalu year-round. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Brussels because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Kota Kinabalu is a little warmer than Brussels. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kota Kinabalu in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Brussels averages at about 18°C (65°F).
In Kota Kinabalu, it's very sunny this time of the year. Kota Kinabalu usually receives more sunshine than Brussels during summer. Kota Kinabalu gets 205 hours of sunny skies, while Brussels receives 186 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 Brussels. Kota Kinabalu gets 255 mm (10 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)Brussels 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Brussels in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Kota Kinabalu as well as Brussels. Kota Kinabalu attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Brussels this time of year.
In October, Kota Kinabalu is generally much warmer than Brussels. Daily temperatures in Kota Kinabalu average around 27°C (81°F), and Brussels fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
In the autumn, Kota Kinabalu often gets more sunshine than Brussels. Kota Kinabalu gets 192 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brussels receives 114 hours of full sun.
Kota Kinabalu receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Kota Kinabalu usually gets more rain in October than Brussels. Kota Kinabalu gets 336 mm (13.2 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)Brussels 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Brussels in the Winter?
Both Brussels 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. Also, many travelers come to Brussels for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Brussels. Kota Kinabalu is much warmer than Brussels in the winter. The daily temperature in Kota Kinabalu averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and Brussels fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
Kota Kinabalu usually receives more sunshine than Brussels during winter. Kota Kinabalu gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while Brussels 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 Brussels. Kota Kinabalu gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKota Kinabalu 26°C (79°F)Brussels 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Brussels in the Spring?
Both Brussels 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. Furthermore, many visitors come to Brussels in the spring for the activities around the city.
In the spring, Kota Kinabalu is much warmer than Brussels. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kota Kinabalu in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Brussels averages at about 10°C (49°F).
It's quite sunny in Kota Kinabalu. In the spring, Kota Kinabalu often gets more sunshine than Brussels. Kota Kinabalu gets 237 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brussels receives 147 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 Brussels. Kota Kinabalu gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKota Kinabalu 28°C (82°F)Brussels 10°C (49°F)
Typical Weather for Brussels and Kota Kinabalu
| Kota Kinabalu | Brussels | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (80°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 291 mm (11.5 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 255 mm (10 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 285 mm (11.2 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 336 mm (13.2 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 298 mm (11.7 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 76 mm (3 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.