Which place is cheaper, Buenos Aires, Argentina 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Buenos Aires, Argentina? 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina?
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.
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Buenos Aires, federal capital of Argentina, also known as "The City of Tango", is best known for its energetic and unpredictable character. Like a restless child, Buenos Aires is a dynamic and modern city full of surprises. While its French-style palaces, rooftop restaurants, wide avenues and green plazas resemble European-style architecture, Buenos Aires preserves its musical, literary and culinary traditions. You can't miss dining in front of a Tango show, walking around the colourful streets of La Boca and visiting the renowned Recoleta Cemetery, designed by Argentina's most important architects and home to hundreds of illustrious corpses.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Kuala Lumpur, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Malaysia, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Buenos Aires, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Buenos Aires.
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Kota Kinabalu Prices
Malaysia PricesBuenos Aires, Argentina Prices
Argentina Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKota Kinabalu $70Buenos Aires, Argentina $55
The average daily cost (per person) in Kota Kinabalu is $70, while the average daily cost in Buenos Aires, Argentina is $55. 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKota Kinabalu $21Buenos Aires, Argentina $39
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKota Kinabalu $42Buenos Aires, Argentina $78
Compare Hotels in Kota Kinabalu and Buenos Aires, Argentina
Looking for a hotel in Kota Kinabalu or Buenos Aires, Argentina? 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 $26Buenos Aires, Argentina $2.04
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 Kinab Airport to Kota Kinabalu - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $46
- Kota Kinabalu to Kota Kinab Airport (BKI) Private Transfer: $23
- Kota Kinabalu（BKI）: Private Transfer to City Center: $14
- Private Airport Transfer: BKI Airport ⇄ Kota Kinabalu City(Hotel): $14
- Private Arrival Transfer : Kota Kinabalu International Airport: $27
- Private Departure Transfer : Kota Kinabalu International Airport: $27
- 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
- Stand Up Paddle Boarding with Sunrise/Sunset Tour at Kota Kinabalu with transfer: $32
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina:
- Buenos Aires: AEP Airport Private Transfer to/from City Center: $13
- Private Transfer from Buenos Aires Airport (AEP): $15
- Private Transfer to Buenos Aires Airport (AEP): $15
- Private Transfer from Buenos Aires Airport (EZE): $26
- Tango Show in Catullo Without Transfer: $27
- Local Airport One-way Private Transfer to Buenos Aires City Center: $30
- Buenos Aires Local Airport One - way Private Transfer from 30 USD: $30
- Jorge Newbery Airport One-way Private Transfer to Buenos Aires City Center: $30
- Roundtrip Private Transfer from Buenos Aires Airport (AEP): $30
- Buenos Aires Ezeiza Airport Transfer with English speaking driver: $34
- Private Aeroparque (AEP) Airport Transfer TO Buenos Aires City: $35
- Premium Buenos Aires City Tour with Transfer: $41
Is it cheaper to fly into Kota Kinabalu or Buenos Aires, Argentina?
Prices for flights to both Buenos Aires, Argentina 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 $31Buenos Aires, Argentina $7.36
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: $31
- Sabah Traditional Authentic Cuisine Cooking Class 3 Hours: $45
- Klias River Cruise with Dinner and Fireflies: $55
- Kawa Mangrove Cruise & Fireflies with Dinner: $67
- Klias River Dinner Cruise with Firefly Spotting: $72
- Traditional Sabah Cooking Class and Taste Local Flavors: $75
- Ethnic Cooking Class & Upside Down House & 3D Wonders Museum: $92
- North Borneo Sunset Dinner Cruise: $121
- Kota Kinabalu Sunset Cruise with Dinner, Live Band & Hotel Pickup: $140
- Scenic Full Day Klias Mangrove Wildlife and Fireflies with dinner: $153
- Kota Kinabalu Night Tour with Dinner & Cultural Dance Show: $167
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- Argentine Cooking, Wine & Beef Tasting at Argentine Experience: $33
- Piazzolla Tango Show with Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $35
- Tango Porteño Show in Buenos Aires (with optional dinner): $39
- BA: Premium Empanadas Cooking Class in Palermo: $39
- Madero Tango Dance Show with Dinner on Demand: $42
- BA: Premium Empanadas Cooking Class & Wine Tasting in Palermo: $43
- Señor Tango Show with Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $44
- Señor Tango Show with Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $45
- Tango Porteño Show with Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $45
- Early Tango Dinner Show in Buenos Aires: $46
- El Aljibe Tango Show in Buenos Aires with Optional Dinner: $47
- Chacarita Walking Tour - Spooky Cemetery, History & Pizza: $49
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kota Kinabalu $6.62Buenos Aires, Argentina $29
Tours and Activities in Kota Kinabalu
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kota Kinabalu are as follows:
- Sabah Mali-Mali Garden Spa Massage Experience: $27
- Bongawan River Cruise, City Tour & Fireflies: $27
- Private Tour Kampung Gipsi Sabah Cultural Village Kota Kinabalu: $38
- Kota Kinabalu 3 Hour Coastal Fishing and Island Tour: $38
- Kota Kinabalu Filipino Market Night Tour: Seafood & Street Food: $40
- Sky-Mirror Photographing and Proboscis Monkey & Fireflies Watching River-Cruise: $46
- 2 Hour Kota Kinabalu Local Street Food and History Walking Tour: $47
- Mangrove Kayaking Experience in Borneo: $47
- Bongawan: River Safari Cruise, Private or Shared Ticket: $48
- Sabah: Manukan and Sapi Islands Excursion Ticket: $50
- Borneo (Klias) River Cruise & Fireflies Tour: $50
- Kota Kinabalu City Tour: $54
Tours and Activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Here are a few actual costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Self Guided Walking Tour of Buenos Aires with Audio Guide: $5.72
- Buenos Aires Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.00
- Buenos Aires Audio Guided Walking Tour 2h30 and 18 reviews: $6.79
- Heart of Colonial Buenos Aires Walking Audio Tour: $6.99
- Private Shopping Tour with Matu Salcedo: $8.00
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - Discover Caminito and Tango: $11
- Private Tour of San Telmo, Old Town: $12
- Guided tour of the Mate Museum: $13
- Graffiti Tour: $14
- The Time Bomb Ticket Live Percussion Show: $17
- Buenos Aires : Guided Walking Tour of the AMIA.: $18
- Buenos Aires Shopping Tour: $19
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKota Kinabalu $7.40Buenos Aires, Argentina $8.98
Sample the Local Flavors in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Also in Buenos Aires, Argentina, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Argentine Wine Tasting in Caminito with Appetizers Included: $45
- Buenos Aires Full City Tour with Wine Tasting and Stops: $47
- Wine tasting in OASIS Palermo: $55
- Wine Tasting and Local Specialties in Buenos Aires: $56
- Wine Tasting in Palermo, City of Buenos Aires.: $65
- Empanadas & Argentine wine tour: $74
- BA: Wine tour with 5 tasting stops in the heart of Palermo: $78
- Premium Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires: $85
- Malbec Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires Private Experience: $92
- Private Malbec Wine Tasting Experience in Buenos Aires: $95
- Private Walking Tour & Argentine wine Tasting: $103
- Argentinian Private Premium Wine Tasting Live+Guided Walking tour: $106
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kota Kinabalu and Buenos Aires, Argentina, we can see that Kota Kinabalu is more expensive. And not only is Buenos Aires, Argentina much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Kota Kinabalu is in Asia and Buenos Aires, Argentina is in South America, 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Buenos Aires, Argentina 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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 Buenos Aires, Argentina Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kota Kinabalu or Buenos Aires, Argentina?
Buenos Aires, Argentina has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Kota Kinabalu. When comparing the sizes of Kota Kinabalu and Buenos Aires, Argentina, 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina?
Buenos Aires, Argentina 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Kota Kinabalu and Buenos Aires, Argentina. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kota Kinabalu year-round.
In July, Kota Kinabalu is generally around the same temperature as Buenos Aires, Argentinain January. Daily temperatures in Kota Kinabalu average around 27°C (81°F), and Buenos Aires, Argentina fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Buenos Aires, Argentina this time of the year. In Kota Kinabalu, it's very sunny this time of the year. Kota Kinabalu usually receives less sunshine than Buenos Aires, Argentina during summer. Kota Kinabalu gets 205 hours of sunny skies, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 279 hours of full sun in the summer.
Buenos Aires, Argentina receives a lot of rain in the summer. Kota Kinabalu gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Kota Kinabalu usually receives more rain than Buenos Aires, Argentinain January. Kota Kinabalu gets 255 mm (10 in) of rain, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryKota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)Buenos Aires, Argentina 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Buenos Aires, Argentina in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Kota Kinabalu as well as Buenos Aires, Argentina. Kota Kinabalu attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Kota Kinabalu is a little warmer than Buenos Aires, Argentina in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kota Kinabalu averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Buenos Aires, Argentina fluctuates around 18°C (65°F)in April.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In the autumn, Kota Kinabalu often gets less sunshine than Buenos Aires, Argentinain April. Kota Kinabalu gets 192 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 220 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Kota Kinabalu receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Kota Kinabalu usually gets more rain in October than Buenos Aires, Argentinain April. Kota Kinabalu gets 336 mm (13.2 in) of rain, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilKota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)Buenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Buenos Aires, Argentina in the Winter?
Both Buenos Aires, Argentina 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.
In the winter, Kota Kinabalu is much warmer than Buenos Aires, Argentina. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kota Kinabalu in January average around 26°C (79°F), and Buenos Aires, Argentina averages at about 12°C (53°F)in July.
Kota Kinabalu usually receives more sunshine than Buenos Aires, Argentina during winter. Kota Kinabalu gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 143 hours of full sun in the winter.
It's quite rainy in Kota Kinabalu. In January, Kota Kinabalu usually receives more rain than Buenos Aires, Argentinain July. Kota Kinabalu gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyKota Kinabalu 26°C (79°F)Buenos Aires, Argentina 12°C (53°F)
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Buenos Aires, Argentina in the Spring?
Both Buenos Aires, Argentina 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 Buenos Aires, Argentinain October. Daily temperatures in Kota Kinabalu average around 28°C (82°F), and Buenos Aires, Argentina fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
In Buenos Aires, Argentina, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Kota Kinabalu. In the spring, Kota Kinabalu often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Buenos Aires, Argentinain October. Kota Kinabalu gets 237 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 227 hours of full sun.
Buenos Aires, Argentina gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Kota Kinabalu. Kota Kinabalu usually gets less rain in April than Buenos Aires, Argentinain October. Kota Kinabalu gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberKota Kinabalu 28°C (82°F)Buenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (64°F)
Typical Weather for Buenos Aires, Argentina and Kota Kinabalu
| Kota Kinabalu | Buenos Aires, Argentina | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (80°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 291 mm (11.5 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 255 mm (10 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 285 mm (11.2 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 336 mm (13.2 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 298 mm (11.7 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 104 mm (4.1 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.