Which place is cheaper, Nanjing 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 Nanjing?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Nanjing? 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 Nanjing?
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.
Nanjing
Nanjing is the capital city of the Jiangsu Province on the central eastern coast of China, just north of Shanghai. This historically and culturally rich city lies at the lower end of the Yangtze river, resulting in lush and scenic landscapes. Nanjing is well-known for having many popular historical sites, some of which have been listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Malaysia, The Best Tours for Seniors to Malaysia, The Best Historical Tours in China, and The Best 10-Day Tours in China.
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Kota Kinabalu Prices
Malaysia PricesNanjing Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKota Kinabalu $68Nanjing $118
The average daily cost (per person) in Kota Kinabalu is $68, while the average daily cost in Nanjing is $118. 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 Nanjing in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKota Kinabalu $21Nanjing $47
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKota Kinabalu $42Nanjing $94
Compare Hotels in Kota Kinabalu and Nanjing
Looking for a hotel in Kota Kinabalu or Nanjing? 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 $25Nanjing $39
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kota Kinabalu
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kota Kinabalu:
- Borneo to Kota Kinabalu Airport(BKI) - Departure Private Transfer: $38
- Kota Kinab Airport to Kota Kinabalu - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $48
- Kota Kinabalu Airport (BKI) Private Transfer to Kota Kinabalu: $13
- Kota Kinabalu Airport (BKI) to Borneo - Arrival Private Transfer: $38
- Kota Kinabalu Airport BKI to Borneo - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $76
- Kota Kinabalu Hotel to Jetty Round Trip Transfer: $53
- Kota Kinabalu to Kota Kinab Airport: Departure Private Transfer: $24
- Kota Kinabalu（BKI）: Private Transfer to City Center: $14
- Malaysia: Sabah Airport Transfer: $14
- 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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nanjing
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nanjing:
- [Airport transfer] Nanjing Lukou International Airport ⇔ Nanjing city transfer ☆ High reputation for service! <Charter charter>: $27
- Nanjing Lukou Airport Chauffeur Service, Nanjing Airport Transfer, Pickup: $30
- Private Arrival Transfer to Nanjing City from Railway Station : $32
- Nanjing Railway Station Private Arrival Transfer to City Hotels: $35
- Tangshan Hot Spring Spa Resorts Private Transfer from Nanjing City : $44
- Private Departure Transfer from Nanjing City Center to Lukou Int'l Airport: $45
- Private Transfer to Nanjing Railway Station from Lukou Airport : $45
- Nanjing Lukou International Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Center: $45
- Private Nanjing Airport Transfer from City Hotels or Tangshan Hot Spring Resorts: $45
- Nanjing Airport (NKG) to Nanjing - Arrival Private Transfer : $45
- Private Nanjing Airport Transfer to City Center or Tangshan Hot Spring Resorts: $46
- Nanjing Downtown hotels to Lukou Intl Airport (NKG) - Departure Private Transfer: $47
Is it cheaper to fly into Kota Kinabalu or Nanjing?
Prices for flights to both Nanjing 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 $30Nanjing $49
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
- 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 Nanjing
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Nanjing.
- 3-Hour Nanjing Authentic Local Food Tour by Public Transportation: $93
- Flexible Private Nanjing City Night Tour with Dinner Option : $112
- Private Amazing Nanjing Airport Layover Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $181
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kota Kinabalu $6.43Nanjing $9.41
Tours and Activities in Kota Kinabalu
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kota Kinabalu are as follows:
- Bongawan Proboscis and Fireflies Cruise Tour: $32
- Sail and Catch Boat fishing Tour of the Coast of Kota Kinabalu: $41
- Night Glow Stand Up Paddle Experience in Kota Kinabalu: $44
- Sky-Mirror Photographing and Proboscis Monkey & Fireflies Watching River-Cruise: $46
- Mangrove Kayaking Experience in Borneo: $47
- Bongawan: River Safari Cruise, Private or Shared Ticket: $48
- Bongawan River Cruise Proboscis Monkey, SkyMirror, Fireflies : $49
- Sabah: Manukan and Sapi Islands Excursion Ticket: $50
- Borneo (Klias) River Cruise & Fireflies Tour: $50
- Private Guided E-Foil Experience in Tanjung Aru Beach: $54
- Kota Kinabalu City Tour: $54
- Full Day Bongawan River Cruise with Proboscis Monkey Sightseeing: $55
Tours and Activities in Nanjing
Here are a few actual costs in Nanjing for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Qixia Mountain Ticket for Adult: $20
- Night Cruise on Outer Qinhuai River for Adults: $20
- Flexible Private Nanjing Independent Tour : $63
- Nanjing Self-Guided Day Tour with Private Car and Driver Service: $72
- Nanjing Private English Tour Guide Service: $75
- Private Amazing Nanjing City Day Tour in Your Way: $75
- Nanjing Professional English Tour Guide Service: $91
- 3-Hour Local Food Tasting Tour: $93
- Nanjing Private Day Tour With Must-Visit Attractions: $100
- Half-Day Nanjing City Private Flexible Tour : $109
- 4-Hour Nanjing City Private Tailor-Made Tour in Your Way : $109
- 6-Hour Private Tour of Xiaoling Tomb,City Wall & Memorial Hall : $115
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKota Kinabalu $7.18Nanjing $9.61
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kota Kinabalu and Nanjing, we can see that Nanjing 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 Nanjing would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nanjing 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 Nanjing Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kota Kinabalu or Nanjing?
Nanjing has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Kota Kinabalu. When comparing the sizes of Kota Kinabalu and Nanjing, 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 Nanjing?
Nanjing 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 Nanjing in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Kota Kinabalu and Nanjing. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kota Kinabalu year-round.
In July, Kota Kinabalu is generally around the same temperature as Nanjing. Daily temperatures in Kota Kinabalu average around 27°C (81°F), and Nanjing fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
Nanjing receives a lot of rain in the summer. Kota Kinabalu gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Kota Kinabalu usually receives more rain than Nanjing. Kota Kinabalu gets 255 mm (10 in) of rain, while Nanjing receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)Nanjing 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Nanjing in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Kota Kinabalu as well as Nanjing. Kota Kinabalu attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Kota Kinabalu is much warmer than Nanjing in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kota Kinabalu averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Nanjing fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).
Kota Kinabalu receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Kota Kinabalu usually gets more rain in October than Nanjing. Kota Kinabalu gets 336 mm (13.2 in) of rain, while Nanjing receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)Nanjing 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Nanjing in the Winter?
Both Nanjing and Kota Kinabalu are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kota Kinabalu throughout the year.
Nanjing can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Kota Kinabalu is much warmer than Nanjing. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kota Kinabalu in January average around 26°C (79°F), and Nanjing averages at about 3°C (37°F).
It's quite rainy in Kota Kinabalu. In January, Kota Kinabalu usually receives more rain than Nanjing. Kota Kinabalu gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Nanjing receives 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKota Kinabalu 26°C (79°F)Nanjing 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Nanjing in the Spring?
Both Nanjing and Kota Kinabalu during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Kota Kinabalu because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In April, Kota Kinabalu is generally much warmer than Nanjing. Daily temperatures in Kota Kinabalu average around 28°C (82°F), and Nanjing fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).
Nanjing 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 more rain in April than Nanjing. Kota Kinabalu gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Nanjing receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKota Kinabalu 28°C (82°F)Nanjing 15°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Nanjing and Kota Kinabalu
| Kota Kinabalu | Nanjing | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (80°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 291 mm (11.5 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 255 mm (10 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 174 mm (6.9 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 285 mm (11.2 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 336 mm (13.2 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 298 mm (11.7 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 25 mm (1 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.