Which place is cheaper, Dalian 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 Dalian?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Dalian? 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 Dalian?
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.
Dalian
Dalian, China is a very large peninsula city located in the southernmost part of the Liaoning Province in northeast China. The area has a wealth of history, with roots in Russian and Japanese rule, resulting in unique architecture and many universities that attract foreign students and teachers. Dalian is also known for their beautiful green spaces and relaxing beaches which juxtapose a lot of the more industrial cities found throughout other areas of northern China.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Malaysia, The Best Tours for Seniors to Malaysia, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in China.
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Kota Kinabalu Prices
Malaysia PricesDalian Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKota Kinabalu $68Dalian $124
The average daily cost (per person) in Kota Kinabalu is $68, while the average daily cost in Dalian is $124. 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 Dalian in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKota Kinabalu $21Dalian $55
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKota Kinabalu $42Dalian $110
Compare Hotels in Kota Kinabalu and Dalian
Looking for a hotel in Kota Kinabalu or Dalian? 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 $25Dalian $41
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kota Kinabalu
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kota Kinabalu:
- Kota Kinabalu Airport BKI to Borneo - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $77
- Kota Kinabalu Hotel to Jetty Round Trip Transfer: $53
- Kota Kinab Airport to Kota Kinabalu - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $48
- Kota Kinabalu Airport (BKI) to Borneo - Arrival Private Transfer: $38
- Stand Up Paddle Boarding with Sunrise/Sunset Tour at Kota Kinabalu with transfer: $32
- Private Arrival Transfer : Kota Kinabalu International Airport: $30
- Private Transfer from Kota Kinabalu Hotels to Kota Kinabalu Port: $25
- Private Transfer from Kota Kinabalu Port to Kota Kinabalu hotels: $25
- Transfer from Kota Kinabalu Airport BKI to Kota Kinabalu Port: $25
- Private Transfer- Kota Kinabalu Airport BKI to Kota Kinabalu Port: $25
- Private Transfer- Kota Kinabalu Port to Kota Kinabalu Airport BKI: $25
- Kota Kinabalu to Kota Kinab Airport: Departure Private Transfer: $24
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dalian
Also for Dalian, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport Chauffeur Service , to Dalian Transfer: $27
- Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport Chauffeur Service , to Dalian Transfer: $40
Is it cheaper to fly into Kota Kinabalu or Dalian?
Prices for flights to both Dalian 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 $30Dalian $48
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kota Kinabalu
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kota Kinabalu.
- Sabah Traditional Authentic Cuisine Cooking Class 3 Hours: $29
- Beringgis Mangove Fireflies, Sunset Tour & Dinner: $33
- Klias River Cruise with Dinner and Fireflies: $55
- Kawa Mangrove Cruise & Fireflies with Dinner: $67
- Ethnic Cooking Class & Upside Down House & 3D Wonders Museum: $92
- Taste Of Borneo Cooking Class: $95
- North Borneo Sunset Dinner Cruise: $121
- Kota Kinabalu Night Tour with Dinner & Cultural Dance Show: $138
- Kota Kinabalu Sunset Cruise with Buffet Dinner: $187
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kota Kinabalu $6.43Dalian $4.86
Tours and Activities in Kota Kinabalu
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kota Kinabalu are as follows:
- Sky-Mirror Photographing and Proboscis Monkey & Fireflies Watching River-Cruise: $46
- Bongawan River Cruise Proboscis Monkey, SkyMirror, Fireflies : $49
- Bongawan: River Safari Cruise, Private or Optional Ticket: $143
- Borneo (Klias) River Cruise & Fireflies Tour: $50
- Cowboy Town & Fireflies River Cruise: $62
- Day Trip to Kinabalu Park and Poring Hot Spring Guided Tour: $70
- From Kota Kinabalu : Kiulu White Water Rafting Tour + meal: $66
- Full Day Bongawan River Cruise with Proboscis Monkey Sightseeing: $55
- Indigenous Weaving Experience: $236
- Island Hopping Tour (2 Island) From Kota Kinabalu: $100
- Island Hopping Tour From Kota Kinabalu (2 island): $90
- Kinabalu National Park Tour: $135
Tours and Activities in Dalian
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Dalian.
- Seaside and Skyline A Scenic Walking Tour of Dalian: $150
- Dalian City Private Day Tour in Your Way: $250
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKota Kinabalu $7.18Dalian $6.41
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kota Kinabalu and Dalian, we can see that Dalian 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 Dalian would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dalian 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 Dalian Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kota Kinabalu or Dalian?
Dalian has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Kota Kinabalu. When comparing the sizes of Kota Kinabalu and Dalian, 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 Dalian?
Dalian 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 Dalian in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Kota Kinabalu as well as Dalian. Kota Kinabalu attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Kota Kinabalu is a little warmer than Dalian in the summer. The daily temperature in Kota Kinabalu averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Dalian fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
It's quite rainy in Dalian. Kota Kinabalu receives a lot of rain in the summer. Kota Kinabalu usually gets more rain in July than Dalian. Kota Kinabalu gets 255 mm (10 in) of rain, while Dalian receives 202 mm (8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)Dalian 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Dalian in the Autumn?
Both Dalian and Kota Kinabalu are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kota Kinabalu throughout the year.
In the autumn, Kota Kinabalu is much warmer than Dalian. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kota Kinabalu in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Dalian averages at about 15°C (58°F).
It's quite rainy in Kota Kinabalu. In October, Kota Kinabalu usually receives more rain than Dalian. Kota Kinabalu gets 336 mm (13.2 in) of rain, while Dalian receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)Dalian 15°C (58°F)
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Dalian in the Winter?
Both Dalian and Kota Kinabalu during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Kota Kinabalu because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Dalian can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Kota Kinabalu is generally much warmer than Dalian. Daily temperatures in Kota Kinabalu average around 26°C (79°F), and Dalian fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Kota Kinabalu. Kota Kinabalu usually gets more rain in January than Dalian. Kota Kinabalu gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Dalian receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKota Kinabalu 26°C (79°F)Dalian -4°C (25°F)
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Dalian in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Kota Kinabalu and Dalian. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kota Kinabalu year-round.
Kota Kinabalu is much warmer than Dalian in the spring. The daily temperature in Kota Kinabalu averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Dalian fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
Kota Kinabalu gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Kota Kinabalu usually receives more rain than Dalian. Kota Kinabalu gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Dalian receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKota Kinabalu 28°C (82°F)Dalian 11°C (51°F)
Typical Weather for Dalian and Kota Kinabalu
| Kota Kinabalu | Dalian | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) | -4°C (25°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (80°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | -2°C (28°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 4°C (38°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 291 mm (11.5 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 255 mm (10 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 202 mm (8 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 285 mm (11.2 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 336 mm (13.2 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 298 mm (11.7 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) | -0°C (32°F) | 6 mm (0.2 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.