Which place is cheaper, Mashiko 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 Mashiko?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Mashiko? 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 Mashiko?
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.
Mashiko
Mashiko is a town in Japan famous for its pottery, called "Mashiko yaki." Large noborigama kilns were first brought to the area in 1853 by immigrant potters from a neighboring community in the Ibaraki prefecture. It is also home to the site of Saimyoji temple, one of the oldest temples in Tochigi prefecture, as well as the shrine of the Utsunomiya han.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Malaysia, The Best Tours for Seniors to Malaysia, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.
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Kota Kinabalu Prices
Malaysia PricesMashiko Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKota Kinabalu $68Mashiko $83
The average daily cost (per person) in Kota Kinabalu is $68, while the average daily cost in Mashiko is $83. 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 Mashiko in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKota Kinabalu $21Mashiko $34
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKota Kinabalu $42Mashiko $68
Compare Hotels in Kota Kinabalu and Mashiko
Looking for a hotel in Kota Kinabalu or Mashiko? 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 $25Mashiko $12
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
- Private Transfer- Kota Kinabalu Airport BKI to Kota Kinabalu Port: $25
- Transfer from 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
Is it cheaper to fly into Kota Kinabalu or Mashiko?
Prices for flights to both Mashiko 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 $30Mashiko $41
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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kota Kinabalu $6.43Mashiko $9.17
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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKota Kinabalu $7.18Mashiko $5.31
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kota Kinabalu and Mashiko, we can see that Mashiko 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 Mashiko would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Mashiko 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 Mashiko Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kota Kinabalu or Mashiko?
Kota Kinabalu has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Mashiko. When comparing the sizes of Kota Kinabalu and Mashiko, 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 Mashiko?
Mashiko 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 Mashiko in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Kota Kinabalu as well as Mashiko. Kota Kinabalu attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Mashiko in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.
Kota Kinabalu is a little warmer than Mashiko in the summer. The daily temperature in Kota Kinabalu averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Mashiko fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kota Kinabalu this time of the year. In the summer, Kota Kinabalu often gets more sunshine than Mashiko. Kota Kinabalu gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mashiko receives 130 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Mashiko. Kota Kinabalu receives a lot of rain in the summer. Kota Kinabalu usually gets more rain in July than Mashiko. Kota Kinabalu gets 255 mm (10 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)Mashiko 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Mashiko in the Autumn?
Both Mashiko 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, most visitors come to Mashiko for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere during these months.
In the autumn, Kota Kinabalu is much warmer than Mashiko. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kota Kinabalu in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Mashiko averages at about 16°C (60°F).
Kota Kinabalu usually receives more sunshine than Mashiko during autumn. Kota Kinabalu gets 192 hours of sunny skies, while Mashiko receives 133 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Mashiko. It's quite rainy in Kota Kinabalu. In October, Kota Kinabalu usually receives more rain than Mashiko. Kota Kinabalu gets 336 mm (13.2 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)Mashiko 16°C (60°F)
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Mashiko in the Winter?
Both Mashiko 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 winter months attract visitors to Mashiko because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Mashiko can be very cold. In January, Kota Kinabalu is generally much warmer than Mashiko. Daily temperatures in Kota Kinabalu average around 26°C (79°F), and Mashiko fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
In the winter, Kota Kinabalu often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Mashiko. Kota Kinabalu gets 181 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mashiko receives 181 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 Mashiko. Kota Kinabalu gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKota Kinabalu 26°C (79°F)Mashiko 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Mashiko in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Kota Kinabalu and Mashiko. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kota Kinabalu year-round. Also, the small town charm are the main draw to Mashiko this time of year.
Kota Kinabalu is much warmer than Mashiko in the spring. The daily temperature in Kota Kinabalu averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Mashiko fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).
In Kota Kinabalu, it's very sunny this time of the year. Kota Kinabalu usually receives more sunshine than Mashiko during spring. Kota Kinabalu gets 237 hours of sunny skies, while Mashiko receives 160 hours of full sun in the spring.
Mashiko 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 around the same amount of rain as Mashiko. Kota Kinabalu gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKota Kinabalu 28°C (82°F)Mashiko 12°C (53°F)
Typical Weather for Mashiko and Kota Kinabalu
| Kota Kinabalu | Mashiko | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (80°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 4°C (38°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 291 mm (11.5 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 175 mm (6.9 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 255 mm (10 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 285 mm (11.2 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 336 mm (13.2 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 298 mm (11.7 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 40 mm (1.6 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.