Which place is cheaper, Hiroshima 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 Hiroshima?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Hiroshima? 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 Hiroshima?
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.
Hiroshima
Hiroshima is positioned on the coast of the Seto Inland Sea and is an industrial city made up of many zigzagging rivers and wide boulevard streets. Today Hiroshima is a modern and vibrant city with great food and an energetic nightlife, but the image that remains in most visitor's minds is the Hiroshima of 1945 when it became the horrific sight of the first atomic bomb attack. Hiroshima shares the colorful neon atmosphere of other major Japanese cities and its hard to recognize the city immortalized all those years ago on that fateful day.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Malaysia, The Best Tours for Seniors to Malaysia, The Best Adventure Tours to Japan, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan.
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Kota Kinabalu Prices
Malaysia PricesHiroshima Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKota Kinabalu $68Hiroshima $126
The average daily cost (per person) in Kota Kinabalu is $68, while the average daily cost in Hiroshima is $126. 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 Hiroshima in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKota Kinabalu $21Hiroshima $67
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKota Kinabalu $42Hiroshima $134
Compare Hotels in Kota Kinabalu and Hiroshima
Looking for a hotel in Kota Kinabalu or Hiroshima? 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 Hiroshima Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kota Kinabalu $25Hiroshima $10
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 Hiroshima
Also for Hiroshima, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Shared Arrival Transfer : Hiroshima Airport to Hiroshima City: $128
- Shared Departure Transfer : Hiroshima City to Hiroshima Airport: $128
- Private Transfer from Hiroshima Port to Hiroshima Airport (HIJ): $164
- Private Transfer from Hiroshima Airport (HIJ) to Hiroshima Port: $182
- Hiroshima City: Private Transfer to/from Hiroshima Airport: $189
- Iwakuni Airport to/from Hiroshima City Private Transfer: $244
- Private Arrival Transfer From Hiroshima International Airport to Hiroshima City: $272
- Private Transfer Hiroshima Airport: $292
Is it cheaper to fly into Kota Kinabalu or Hiroshima?
Prices for flights to both Hiroshima 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 $30Hiroshima $52
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: $33
- Sabah Traditional Authentic Cuisine Cooking Class 3 Hours: $45
- 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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hiroshima
For Hiroshima, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Okonomiyaki Cooking Class with a Local Chef: $59
- Food and Culture Guided Walking Tour with Dinner: $82
- Dinner Cruise on HANAIKADA (Raft-Type Boat) with Scenic View of Miyajima: $100
- Bar Hopping Food Tour: $103
- Hiroshima Bar Hopping Food Tour: $105
- Private Japanese Cooking Class in Hiroshima with Machiko's Family: $108
- Hiroshima Peace Bicycle Tour and Okonomiyaki Dinner: $113
- Best of Hiroshima Food Tour: $182
- Best of Hiroshima Food Tour: $221
- Private Nature, History, and Food Tour: $629
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kota Kinabalu $6.43Hiroshima $5.58
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 Shared Ticket: $48
- 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 Hiroshima
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Hiroshima.
- LAGOON Nightclub Admission Ticket(For Foreign): $6.76
- Hiroshima:Visit Tourist Pass(1, 2, 3day and 3day middlearea): $6.76
- Hiroshima Kagura Performance Entry Ticket: $12
- HIROSHIMA ORIZURU TOWER Admission Ticket: $16
- Abacus & Calligraphy Experience Near Hiroshima Peace Park: $20
- Abacus & Calligraphy Experience Near Hiroshima Peace Park: $21
- Peace Memorial Park Guided Walking Tour: $23
- Hiroshima Experience: History, Culture & Nature Tour: $23
- Hiroshima Peace Walking Tour with Expert Guide: $23
- Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park: A Guided Tour: $24
- Peace Memorial Park and Atomic Bomb Dome Tour: $24
- Hiroshima Path to Peace Group Walking Tour: $27
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKota Kinabalu $7.18Hiroshima $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Hiroshima
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Hiroshima:
- Visit behind the Scenes: Hiroshima Saijo Sake Brewery Tour: $124
- Half-Day Saijo Tour Sake Tasting and Brewery Tour in Hiroshima: $131
- Private Goma Fire Ritual, Lunch & Sake Brewery Visits : $200
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kota Kinabalu and Hiroshima, we can see that Hiroshima 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 Hiroshima would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hiroshima 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 Hiroshima Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kota Kinabalu or Hiroshima?
Hiroshima has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Kota Kinabalu. When comparing the sizes of Kota Kinabalu and Hiroshima, 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 Hiroshima?
Hiroshima 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 Hiroshima in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Kota Kinabalu as well as Hiroshima. Kota Kinabalu attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Hiroshima for the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Kota Kinabalu is around the same temperature as Hiroshima. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kota Kinabalu in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Hiroshima averages at about 26°C (79°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kota Kinabalu this time of the year. In the summer, Kota Kinabalu often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hiroshima. Kota Kinabalu gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hiroshima receives 194 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Hiroshima. Kota Kinabalu receives a lot of rain in the summer. Kota Kinabalu usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Hiroshima. Kota Kinabalu gets 255 mm (10 in) of rain, while Hiroshima receives 238 mm (9.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)Hiroshima 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Hiroshima in the Autumn?
Both Hiroshima 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. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Hiroshima because of the shopping scene.
In October, Kota Kinabalu is generally much warmer than Hiroshima. Daily temperatures in Kota Kinabalu average around 27°C (81°F), and Hiroshima fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).
Kota Kinabalu usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hiroshima during autumn. Kota Kinabalu gets 192 hours of sunny skies, while Hiroshima receives 193 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Hiroshima. It's quite rainy in Kota Kinabalu. In October, Kota Kinabalu usually receives more rain than Hiroshima. Kota Kinabalu gets 336 mm (13.2 in) of rain, while Hiroshima receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)Hiroshima 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Hiroshima in the Winter?
Both Hiroshima 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. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Hiroshima this time of year.
It's quite cold in Hiroshima in the winter. Kota Kinabalu is much warmer than Hiroshima in the winter. The daily temperature in Kota Kinabalu averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and Hiroshima fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).
In the winter, Kota Kinabalu often gets more sunshine than Hiroshima. Kota Kinabalu gets 181 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hiroshima receives 153 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Kota Kinabalu. Kota Kinabalu usually gets more rain in January than Hiroshima. Kota Kinabalu gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Hiroshima receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKota Kinabalu 26°C (79°F)Hiroshima 4°C (40°F)
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Hiroshima in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Kota Kinabalu and Hiroshima. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kota Kinabalu year-round.
In the spring, Kota Kinabalu is much warmer than Hiroshima. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kota Kinabalu in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Hiroshima averages at about 14°C (56°F).
In Kota Kinabalu, it's very sunny this time of the year. Kota Kinabalu usually receives more sunshine than Hiroshima during spring. Kota Kinabalu gets 237 hours of sunny skies, while Hiroshima receives 193 hours of full sun in the spring.
Hiroshima receives a lot of rain in the spring. Kota Kinabalu gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Kota Kinabalu usually receives less rain than Hiroshima. Kota Kinabalu gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Hiroshima receives 168 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKota Kinabalu 28°C (82°F)Hiroshima 14°C (56°F)
Typical Weather for Hiroshima and Kota Kinabalu
| Kota Kinabalu | Hiroshima | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (80°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) | 14°C (56°F) | 168 mm (6.6 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 291 mm (11.5 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 255 mm (10 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 238 mm (9.4 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 285 mm (11.2 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 185 mm (7.3 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 336 mm (13.2 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 298 mm (11.7 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 37 mm (1.5 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.