Which place is cheaper, Nagano 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 Nagano?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Nagano? 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 Nagano?
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.
Nagano
Nagano city and its surrounding prefecture of Japan is a temple region built around Zenkoji, a 7th century Buddhist temple that overlooks the city. Nagano was also home to the Winter Olympic Games in 1998, with some facilities still existing around town. And then there is the forested mountain Togakushi area to the northwest, which is another draw of Nagano, known for its shrines and status as the home of the Togakure Ninja School.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Malaysia, The Best Tours for Seniors to Malaysia, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan.
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Kota Kinabalu Prices
Malaysia PricesNagano Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKota Kinabalu $68Nagano $109
The average daily cost (per person) in Kota Kinabalu is $68, while the average daily cost in Nagano is $109. 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 Nagano in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKota Kinabalu $21Nagano $63
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKota Kinabalu $42Nagano $126
Compare Hotels in Kota Kinabalu and Nagano
Looking for a hotel in Kota Kinabalu or Nagano? 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 Nagano Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kota Kinabalu $25Nagano $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
- 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 Nagano?
Prices for flights to both Nagano 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 $30Nagano $39
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 $6.43Nagano $8.45
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 $7.18Nagano -
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kota Kinabalu and Nagano, we can see that Nagano 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 Nagano would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nagano 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 Nagano Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kota Kinabalu or Nagano?
Kota Kinabalu has a larger population, and is about 27% larger than the population of Nagano. When comparing the sizes of Kota Kinabalu and Nagano, 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 Nagano?
Nagano 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 Nagano in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Kota Kinabalu as well as Nagano. Kota Kinabalu attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Nagano for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, Kota Kinabalu is generally around the same temperature as Nagano. Daily temperatures in Kota Kinabalu average around 27°C (81°F), and Nagano fluctuates around 25°C (77°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 Nagano. Kota Kinabalu gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nagano receives 136 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Nagano. Kota Kinabalu receives a lot of rain in the summer. Kota Kinabalu usually gets more rain in July than Nagano. Kota Kinabalu gets 255 mm (10 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 222 mm (8.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)Nagano 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Nagano in the Autumn?
Both Nagano 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 Nagano because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Kota Kinabalu is much warmer than Nagano in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kota Kinabalu averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Nagano fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).
Kota Kinabalu usually receives more sunshine than Nagano during autumn. Kota Kinabalu gets 192 hours of sunny skies, while Nagano receives 167 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Nagano. It's quite rainy in Kota Kinabalu. In October, Kota Kinabalu usually receives more rain than Nagano. Kota Kinabalu gets 336 mm (13.2 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 227 mm (9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)Nagano 16°C (60°F)
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Nagano in the Winter?
Both Nagano 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 skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Nagano this time of year.
It's quite cold in Nagano in the winter. In the winter, Kota Kinabalu is much warmer than Nagano. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kota Kinabalu in January average around 26°C (79°F), and Nagano averages at about 2°C (36°F).
In Nagano, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Kota Kinabalu often gets less sunshine than Nagano. Kota Kinabalu gets 181 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nagano receives 212 hours of full sun.
Nagano gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Kota Kinabalu. Kota Kinabalu usually gets less rain in January than Nagano. Kota Kinabalu gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 446 mm (17.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKota Kinabalu 26°C (79°F)Nagano 2°C (36°F)
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Nagano in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Kota Kinabalu and Nagano. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kota Kinabalu year-round. Also, many travelers come to Nagano for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In April, Kota Kinabalu is generally much warmer than Nagano. Daily temperatures in Kota Kinabalu average around 28°C (82°F), and Nagano fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
In Kota Kinabalu, it's very sunny this time of the year. Kota Kinabalu usually receives more sunshine than Nagano during spring. Kota Kinabalu gets 237 hours of sunny skies, while Nagano receives 191 hours of full sun in the spring.
Kota Kinabalu gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Kota Kinabalu usually receives more rain than Nagano. Kota Kinabalu gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKota Kinabalu 28°C (82°F)Nagano 11°C (52°F)
Typical Weather for Nagano and Kota Kinabalu
| Kota Kinabalu | Nagano | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 446 mm (17.5 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (80°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 275 mm (10.8 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 191 mm (7.5 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 16°C (62°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 291 mm (11.5 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 255 mm (10 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 222 mm (8.8 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 285 mm (11.2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 232 mm (9.1 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 336 mm (13.2 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 227 mm (9 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 298 mm (11.7 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 339 mm (13.3 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 440 mm (17.3 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.