Which place is cheaper, Copenhagen 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.
Jump to 
Should you visit Kota Kinabalu or Copenhagen?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Copenhagen? 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 Copenhagen?
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.
Copenhagen
Copenhagen is the capital city of Denmark. It has a small town vibe but is still a cosmopolitan city with lots of shopping, culture, and nightlife. It's a very safe and comfortable city that is easy to explore on foot. Copenhagen is the birthplace of many old fairytales, but also has modern, world class architecture and a liberal vibe. The people of Copenhagen are diverse and international. Most residents are Danes, but some come from Germany and Sweden and there are also many Middle Eastern immigrants.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Kuala Lumpur, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Malaysia, The Best Adventure Tours to Denmark, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Denmark.
-
Kota Kinabalu Prices
Malaysia PricesCopenhagen Prices
Denmark Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKota Kinabalu $70Copenhagen $266
The average daily cost (per person) in Kota Kinabalu is $70, while the average daily cost in Copenhagen is $266. 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 Copenhagen in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKota Kinabalu $21Copenhagen $94
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKota Kinabalu $42Copenhagen $188
Compare Hotels in Kota Kinabalu and Copenhagen
Looking for a hotel in Kota Kinabalu or Copenhagen? 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 Copenhagen Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kota Kinabalu $26Copenhagen $75
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kota Kinabalu
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kota Kinabalu:
- Stand Up Paddle Boarding with Sunrise/Sunset Tour at Kota Kinabalu with transfer: $32
- Private Transfer: Kota Kinabalu International Airport to/from Hotel: $30
- Private Transfer- Kota Kinabalu Port to Kota Kinabalu Airport BKI: $24
- Private Transfer from Kota Kota Kinabalu Hotels to Kinabalu Port: $24
- Private Transfer from Kota Kinabalu Port to Kota Kinabalu hotels: $24
- Private Departure Transfer : Kota Kinabalu International Airport: $27
- Private Arrival Transfer : Kota Kinabalu International Airport: $27
- Private Airport Transfer: BKI Airport ⇄ Kota Kinabalu City(Hotel): $14
- Kota Kinabalu（BKI）: Private Transfer to City Center: $14
- Kota Kinabalu to Kota Kinab Airport (BKI) Private Transfer: $23
- Kota Kinab Airport to Kota Kinabalu - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $46
- Borneo to Kota Kinabalu Airport(BKI) - Departure Private Transfer: $37
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Copenhagen
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Copenhagen:
-
Bicycle Renting$65
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Copenhagen
Also for Copenhagen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Denmark Copenhagen Airport Private Transfer From To City Center: $43
- Copenhagen Private Transfer from Copenhagen city centre to Copenhagen airport: $85
- Kastrup hotel/address to Malmö City - Private Arrival Transfer: $101
- Copenhagen Roskilde Airport (RKE) to Copenhagen Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $114
- Private Transfer from Roskilde Airport (RKE) to Copenhagen Port: $116
- Copenhagen Port to Copenhagen hotel or address - Arrival Private Transfer: $117
- Private transfer Copenhagen airport, Port to or from the city: $119
- Copenhagen Port to Copenhagen Airport (CPH)- Departure Private Transfer: $122
- Private Transfer from Copenhagen Port to Copenhagen hotel/address: $122
- Private Transfer from Copenhagen Hotels to Copenhagen Port: $122
- Private Transfer from Copenhagen Airport to Copenhagen Port: $122
- Copenhagen Airport (CPH) to Copenhagen Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $122
Is it cheaper to fly into Kota Kinabalu or Copenhagen?
Prices for flights to both Copenhagen 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 dayKota Kinabalu $31Copenhagen $111
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
Typical Food Prices in Copenhagen
For Copenhagen, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
-
Hot Dogs$15
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Copenhagen
For Copenhagen, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Best Copenhagen Food Tour with 5+ Tastings of Danish Foods: $102
- Copenhagen : Best Street Food Tour With A Local Guide: $104
- Food Tour with 6+ Tastings of Danish Classics: $106
- Copenhagen Dinner Experience with Local Seniors: $106
- Copenhagen Small-Group Food Tour: From Smørrebrød to Pastry: $107
- Copenhagen Culinary Food Tour with 6+ Tastings of Danish Classics: $109
- Copenhagen Modern Food Tour: $149
- Original Copenhagen food tour: 8 tastings, full meal & VIP access: $149
- Modern City Food Tour: $149
- E-Bike Guided Food Tour with 3 stops: $188
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kota Kinabalu $6.62Copenhagen $32
Tours and Activities in Kota Kinabalu
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kota Kinabalu are as follows:
- 2 Hour Kota Kinabalu Local Street Food and History Walking Tour: $47
- Bongawan River Cruise Proboscis Monkey, SkyMirror, Fireflies: $54
- Bongawan: River Safari Cruise, Private or Shared Ticket: $48
- Borneo (Klias) River Cruise & Fireflies Tour: $50
- Borneo Combo Adventure: $200
- Cowboy Town & Fireflies River Cruise: $62
- Day Trip to Kinabalu Park and Poring Hot Spring Guided Tour: $70
- Discover Sailing Experience in Tanjung Aru Beach: $88
- From Kota Kinabalu : Kiulu White Water Rafting Tour + meal: $66
- Full Day Bongawan River Cruise with Proboscis Monkey Sightseeing: $56
- Full Day Tour in Mantanani: $150
- Guided Snorkeling Tour & Lunch at Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park: $70
Typical Entertainment Prices in Copenhagen
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Copenhagen's activities, tours, and tickets:
-
Boat Tour$9.03
-
Coffee$14
Tours and Activities in Copenhagen
For Copenhagen, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Self-Guided Tour In Copenhagen with 100 Captivating Audio Stories: $3.42
- Copenhagen Scavenger Hunt & Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour: $3.42
- Copenhagen Zoo Tower Entry Ticket: $3.92
- Copenhagen's Royal History: A Self-Guided Walking Tour: $5.00
- Copenhagen Self Guided Audio Experience: $6.00
- Luggage Pickup for Cruise travelers: $6.75
- Copenhagen Audio Guided Walking Tour 3h30 and 29 reviews: $6.91
- Castle Island’s Royal History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Slotsholmen: $7.99
- Copenhagen Exploration Game and City Tour on your Phone: $9.14
- Copenhagen History and Folklore Self Guided Audio Walking Tour: $9.75
- Frederiksborg Castle and Gardens: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
- The Philosopher's Last Walk: An audio tour on the life of Søren Kierkegaard: $9.99
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayKota Kinabalu $7.40Copenhagen $14
Sample the Local Flavors in Copenhagen
Also in Copenhagen, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Guided Party Pub Crawl with 4 Shots and 1 Drink: $47
- Vejrhøj Arch Hike with Wine Tasting & Lunch: $251
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kota Kinabalu and Copenhagen, we can see that Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kota Kinabalu or Copenhagen?
Copenhagen has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Kota Kinabalu. When comparing the sizes of Kota Kinabalu and Copenhagen, 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 Copenhagen?
Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen in the Summer?
Both Copenhagen and Kota Kinabalu during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Kota Kinabalu because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Copenhagen for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, Kota Kinabalu is generally much warmer than Copenhagen. Daily temperatures in Kota Kinabalu average around 27°C (81°F), and Copenhagen fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Kota Kinabalu. Kota Kinabalu usually gets more rain in July than Copenhagen. Kota Kinabalu gets 255 mm (10 in) of rain, while Copenhagen receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyKota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)Copenhagen 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Copenhagen in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Kota Kinabalu and Copenhagen. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kota Kinabalu year-round. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Copenhagen because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Kota Kinabalu is much warmer than Copenhagen in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kota Kinabalu averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Copenhagen fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).
Kota Kinabalu gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Kota Kinabalu usually receives more rain than Copenhagen. Kota Kinabalu gets 336 mm (13.2 in) of rain, while Copenhagen receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)Copenhagen 10°C (50°F)
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Copenhagen in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Kota Kinabalu as well as Copenhagen. Kota Kinabalu attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Copenhagen this time of year.
It's quite cold in Copenhagen in the winter. In the winter, Kota Kinabalu is much warmer than Copenhagen. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kota Kinabalu in January average around 26°C (79°F), and Copenhagen averages at about 1°C (33°F).
Kota Kinabalu receives a lot of rain in the winter. Kota Kinabalu usually gets more rain in January than Copenhagen. Kota Kinabalu gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Copenhagen receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKota Kinabalu 26°C (79°F)Copenhagen 1°C (33°F)
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Copenhagen in the Spring?
Both Copenhagen and Kota Kinabalu are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kota Kinabalu throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Copenhagen for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In April, Kota Kinabalu is generally much warmer than Copenhagen. Daily temperatures in Kota Kinabalu average around 28°C (82°F), and Copenhagen fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).
It's quite rainy in Kota Kinabalu. In April, Kota Kinabalu usually receives more rain than Copenhagen. Kota Kinabalu gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Copenhagen receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilKota Kinabalu 28°C (82°F)Copenhagen 7°C (45°F)
Typical Weather for Copenhagen and Kota Kinabalu
| Kota Kinabalu | Copenhagen | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) | 1°C (33°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (80°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 1°C (33°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 291 mm (11.5 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 255 mm (10 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 285 mm (11.2 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 336 mm (13.2 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 298 mm (11.7 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 58 mm (2.3 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.