Which place is cheaper, Cheju (Jeju) or Kota Kinabalu?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Kota Kinabalu or Cheju (Jeju)?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Cheju (Jeju)? 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 Cheju (Jeju)?
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.
Cheju (Jeju)
Cheju is an island located just off the southern coast of South Korea in the Korean Strait. It is known for its volcanic landscape full of craters and cave-like lava tubes, which many visitors venture to hike and explore. With the main industry invested in tourism, it is a popular vacation spot for Koreans and foreigners alike, and remains the top honeymoon destination for Korean newlyweds.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Malaysia, The Best Tours for Seniors to Malaysia, The Best Cultural Tours in South Korea, and The Best Luxury Tours to South Korea.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKota Kinabalu $49Cheju (Jeju) $72
The average daily cost (per person) in Kota Kinabalu is $49, while the average daily cost in Cheju (Jeju) is $72. 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 Cheju (Jeju) in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKota Kinabalu $18Cheju (Jeju) $46
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKota Kinabalu $36Cheju (Jeju) $92
Compare Hotels in Kota Kinabalu and Cheju (Jeju)
Looking for a hotel in Kota Kinabalu or Cheju (Jeju)? 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 $22Cheju (Jeju) $10
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: $46
- Kota Kinabalu Airport Private Transfer with 1 hour Charter: $12
- Kota Kinabalu Hotel to Jetty Round Trip Transfer: $52
- Kota Kinabalu to Kota Kinab Airport: Departure Private Transfer: $23
- Monsopiad Cultural Village Visit with Private Transfer from Kota Kinabalu: $31
- One Way Transfer from Kota Kinabal Airport to/from Kota Kinabali: $25
- Private Transfer from Kota Kinabalu Port to Kota Kinabalu hotels: $28
- Private Transfer from Kota Kinabalu Port to Kota Kinabalu hotels: $32
- Private Transfer from Kota Kota Kinabalu Hotels to Kinabalu Port: $28
- Private Transfer: Kota Kinabalu International Airport to/from Hotel: $20
- Transfer from Kota Kinabalu Airport BKI to Kota Kinabalu Port: $28
- Transfer from Kota Kinabalu Port to Kota Kinabalu Airport (BKI): $28
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cheju (Jeju)
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cheju (Jeju):
- Jeju Airport Transfer: $20
- Private Transfer From Seogwipo to Jeju Airport in jeju island: $25
- Private Transfer From Jeju Airport to in Seogwipo Jeju Island : $30
- Private Taxi Transfer from Jeju City Downtown to Jeju Airport: $50
- jeju island Private Taxi Hallasan Hiking Trail Transfer - One way: $57
- Private Sightseeing Tour to Jeju Island with Transfer Included: $190
Is it cheaper to fly into Kota Kinabalu or Cheju (Jeju)?
Prices for flights to both Cheju (Jeju) 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 $15Cheju (Jeju) $17
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kota Kinabalu
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kota Kinabalu.
- Private Kinabalu Night Tour with Cultural Show and Dinner: $62
- Kota Kinabalu K2 Fireflies Sunset River Cruise Tour with Dinner: $86
- Ethnic Cooking Class & Upside Down House & 3D Wonders Museum: $92
- Half Day Klias Mangrove Wildlife and Fireflies with dinner: $144
- Kota Kinabalu Sunset Cruise with Buffet Dinner: $187
Typical Food Prices in Cheju (Jeju)
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cheju (Jeju):
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Burger$4.49
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Donkatsu (Charles Restaurant)$7.24
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cheju (Jeju)
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cheju (Jeju).
- Cooking Korean Cuisine and Dinner at Jeju Seaside Sunset Terrace: $108
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kota Kinabalu $5.67Cheju (Jeju) $5.49
Tours and Activities in Kota Kinabalu
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kota Kinabalu are as follows:
- Kota Kinabalu Historical Photo Walking Tour: $37
- Private Half Day Kota Kinabalu City Tour: $38
- Full Day Bongawan River Cruise with Proboscis Monkey Sightseeing: $40
- Sky-Mirror Photographing and Proboscis Monkey & Fireflies Watching River-Cruise: $46
- Private Guided E-Foil Experience in Tanjung Aru Beach: $47
- Borneo (Klias) River Cruise & Fireflies Tour: $50
- Kota Kinabalu City Tour: $54
- Mari-Mari Cultural Village Tour Including Lunch: $55
- Klias Wildlife Safari River Cruise from Kota Kinabalu: $58
- Cowboy Town & Fireflies River Cruise: $62
- Cultural Night Tour From Kota Kinabalu : $64
- Sunset Charter Cruise Experience in Kota Kinabalu: $69
Tours and Activities in Cheju (Jeju)
Here are a few actual costs in Cheju (Jeju) for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Visitors to Jeju Glass Museum and Experience: $25
- [Jeju] Hanbok Rental Experience/Korean Traditional Clothes Rental Shop: $30
- [Jeju] Woman Diver Haenyeo Traditional Clothes Rental Experience: $32
- Full-Day Private Jumbo taxi Tour - East of Jeju Island (UNESCO): $55
- Seogwipo(the southern city of Jeju) Art Museum Walking Tour: $55
- Seogwipo (The Southern City of Jeju) Jungmun Area Walking Tour: $55
- jeju Private Day Taxi tour - West of Jeju Island: $60
- Seogwipo(The southern city of Jeju)City Walking Tours with Sunset: $60
- Jeju island Southern Unesco Mt.halla ONE day Bus Tour: $63
- Private Tour Cheonjeyeon Falls & Osulloc Museum in Jeju Island : $65
- Jeju island Eastern UNESCO site Full Day Guided Tour: $66
- Jeju Eastern Must visit Unesco Bus Tour: $66
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKota Kinabalu $6.34Cheju (Jeju) $7.12
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kota Kinabalu and Cheju (Jeju), we can see that Cheju (Jeju) 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 Cheju (Jeju) would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cheju (Jeju) 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 Cheju (Jeju) Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kota Kinabalu or Cheju (Jeju)?
Kota Kinabalu has a larger population, and is about 12% larger than the population of Cheju (Jeju). When comparing the sizes of Kota Kinabalu and Cheju (Jeju), 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 Cheju (Jeju)?
Cheju (Jeju) 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 Cheju (Jeju) in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Kota Kinabalu and Cheju (Jeju). Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kota Kinabalu year-round.
In the summer, Kota Kinabalu is around the same temperature as Cheju (Jeju). Typically, the summer temperatures in Kota Kinabalu in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Cheju (Jeju) averages at about 26°C (79°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cheju (Jeju) this time of the year. In Kota Kinabalu, it's very sunny this time of the year. Kota Kinabalu usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cheju (Jeju) during summer. Kota Kinabalu gets 205 hours of sunny skies, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 209 hours of full sun in the summer.
Cheju (Jeju) 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 Cheju (Jeju). Kota Kinabalu gets 255 mm (10 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 230 mm (9.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)Cheju (Jeju) 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Cheju (Jeju) in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Kota Kinabalu as well as Cheju (Jeju). Kota Kinabalu attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In October, Kota Kinabalu is generally much warmer than Cheju (Jeju). Daily temperatures in Kota Kinabalu average around 27°C (81°F), and Cheju (Jeju) fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
In the autumn, Kota Kinabalu often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cheju (Jeju). Kota Kinabalu gets 192 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 179 hours of full sun.
Kota Kinabalu receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Kota Kinabalu usually gets more rain in October than Cheju (Jeju). Kota Kinabalu gets 336 mm (13.2 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)Cheju (Jeju) 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Cheju (Jeju) in the Winter?
Both Cheju (Jeju) 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.
Kota Kinabalu is much warmer than Cheju (Jeju) in the winter. The daily temperature in Kota Kinabalu averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and Cheju (Jeju) fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).
Kota Kinabalu usually receives more sunshine than Cheju (Jeju) during winter. Kota Kinabalu gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 75 hours of full sun in the winter.
It's quite rainy in Kota Kinabalu. In January, Kota Kinabalu usually receives more rain than Cheju (Jeju). Kota Kinabalu gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKota Kinabalu 26°C (79°F)Cheju (Jeju) 5°C (41°F)
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Cheju (Jeju) in the Spring?
Both Cheju (Jeju) 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 the spring, Kota Kinabalu is much warmer than Cheju (Jeju). Typically, the spring temperatures in Kota Kinabalu in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Cheju (Jeju) averages at about 13°C (56°F).
It's quite sunny in Kota Kinabalu. In the spring, Kota Kinabalu often gets more sunshine than Cheju (Jeju). Kota Kinabalu gets 237 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 190 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 Cheju (Jeju). Kota Kinabalu gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKota Kinabalu 28°C (82°F)Cheju (Jeju) 13°C (56°F)
Typical Weather for Cheju (Jeju) and Kota Kinabalu
| Kota Kinabalu | Cheju (Jeju) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (80°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 291 mm (11.5 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 184 mm (7.2 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 255 mm (10 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 241 mm (9.5 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 285 mm (11.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 179 mm (7 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 336 mm (13.2 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 298 mm (11.7 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 50 mm (2 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.