Which place is cheaper, Nikko 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 Nikko?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Nikko? 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 Nikko?
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.
Nikko
Nikko is a small Japanese city located in the mountains north of Tokyo. It is well-known for the site of Toshogu, a famed Shinto shrine established in 1617, in memory of Tokugawa Ieyasu who was the founding ruler of the Edo Period. The town is situated just outside of Nikko National Park which offers scenic mountain landscapes, lakes, waterfalls, hot springs, wild monkeys, and hiking trails.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Malaysia, The Best Tours for Seniors to Malaysia, The Best 10-Day Tours in Japan, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan.
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Kota Kinabalu Prices
Malaysia PricesNikko Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKota Kinabalu $68Nikko $108
The average daily cost (per person) in Kota Kinabalu is $68, while the average daily cost in Nikko is $108. 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 Nikko in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKota Kinabalu $21Nikko $48
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKota Kinabalu $42Nikko $96
Compare Hotels in Kota Kinabalu and Nikko
Looking for a hotel in Kota Kinabalu or Nikko? 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 Nikko Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kota Kinabalu $25Nikko -
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
Is it cheaper to fly into Kota Kinabalu or Nikko?
Prices for flights to both Nikko 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 $30Nikko $55
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 $6.43Nikko $22
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 Nikko
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Nikko.
- Senjogahara Nature Guide Tour in Nikko: $31
- Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura Admission Ticket: $50
- Oku-Nikko 3-hour Cycling Tour (Half-day) – No lunch: $65
- Nikko Early Morning Tour with English-Speaking Guide: $72
- Bike and Hike on Mt Hangetsu with Outdoor Matcha Experience: $83
- World Heritage Nikko Walking Tour Toshogu and Kanmangafuchi: $89
- Visit the Unexplored Regions of Lake Chuzenji-Scenic Trekking and Rafting Tour: $96
- Hidden Canyoning Adventure in Nikko　: $103
- Bask in the beauty of winter Nikko in this unforgettable ice climbing experience: $116
- Oku-Nikko 5-hour Cycling Tour (Full-day) – Lunch included: $124
- Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $151
- Nikko Private Customizable Half Day Tour: $166
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKota Kinabalu $7.18Nikko $15
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kota Kinabalu and Nikko, we can see that Nikko 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 Nikko would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nikko 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 Nikko Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kota Kinabalu or Nikko?
Kota Kinabalu has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Nikko. When comparing the sizes of Kota Kinabalu and Nikko, 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 Nikko?
Nikko 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 Nikko in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Kota Kinabalu as well as Nikko. Kota Kinabalu attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Nikko for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Kota Kinabalu is around the same temperature as Nikko. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kota Kinabalu in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Nikko averages at about 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 Nikko. Kota Kinabalu gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nikko receives 136 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Nikko. Kota Kinabalu receives a lot of rain in the summer. Kota Kinabalu usually gets more rain in July than Nikko. Kota Kinabalu gets 255 mm (10 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)Nikko 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Nikko in the Autumn?
Both Nikko 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 Nikko because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Kota Kinabalu is generally much warmer than Nikko. Daily temperatures in Kota Kinabalu average around 27°C (81°F), and Nikko fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
Kota Kinabalu usually receives more sunshine than Nikko during autumn. Kota Kinabalu gets 192 hours of sunny skies, while Nikko receives 167 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Nikko. It's quite rainy in Kota Kinabalu. In October, Kota Kinabalu usually receives more rain than Nikko. Kota Kinabalu gets 336 mm (13.2 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)Nikko 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Nikko in the Winter?
Both Nikko 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. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Nikko this time of year.
It's quite cold in Nikko in the winter. Kota Kinabalu is much warmer than Nikko in the winter. The daily temperature in Kota Kinabalu averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and Nikko fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).
In Nikko, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Kota Kinabalu often gets less sunshine than Nikko. Kota Kinabalu gets 181 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nikko receives 212 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 Nikko. Kota Kinabalu gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKota Kinabalu 26°C (79°F)Nikko 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Nikko in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Kota Kinabalu and Nikko. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kota Kinabalu year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Nikko for the small town charm and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Kota Kinabalu is much warmer than Nikko. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kota Kinabalu in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Nikko averages at about 13°C (55°F).
In Kota Kinabalu, it's very sunny this time of the year. Kota Kinabalu usually receives more sunshine than Nikko during spring. Kota Kinabalu gets 237 hours of sunny skies, while Nikko receives 191 hours of full sun in the spring.
Nikko 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 Nikko. Kota Kinabalu gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 108 mm (4.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKota Kinabalu 28°C (82°F)Nikko 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Nikko and Kota Kinabalu
| Kota Kinabalu | Nikko | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (80°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 108 mm (4.2 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 291 mm (11.5 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 206 mm (8.1 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 255 mm (10 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 195 mm (7.7 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 285 mm (11.2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 201 mm (7.9 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 336 mm (13.2 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 298 mm (11.7 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 32 mm (1.2 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.