Which place is cheaper, Osaka 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 Osaka?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Osaka? 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 Osaka?
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.
Osaka
The third largest city in Japan, Osaka has a lot to offer travelers. It's at the center of the Kansai region, and is a wonderful place to spend a few days. The city sits at the mouth of the Yodo River on Osaka Bay and is a major commercial hub for the country.
Osaka has a humid subtropical climate with four seasons. The winters are mild with January temperatures having an average high of almost 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Snow is very rare. Springs start cool and become hot and humid. This is also the wettest season with the rainiest time being between May and early July. Summers are hot and humid with July temperatures climbing into the high 90s Fahrenheit. The fall season becomes cooler as winter approaches.
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 PricesOsaka Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKota Kinabalu $68Osaka $110
The average daily cost (per person) in Kota Kinabalu is $68, while the average daily cost in Osaka is $110. 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 Osaka in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKota Kinabalu $21Osaka $48
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKota Kinabalu $42Osaka $96
Compare Hotels in Kota Kinabalu and Osaka
Looking for a hotel in Kota Kinabalu or Osaka? 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 Osaka Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kota Kinabalu $25Osaka $14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kota Kinabalu
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kota Kinabalu:
- Transfer from Kota Kinabalu Airport BKI to Kota Kinabalu Port: $25
- Stand Up Paddle Boarding with Sunrise/Sunset Tour at Kota Kinabalu with transfer: $32
- Private Transfer: Kota Kinabalu International Airport to/from Hotel: $20
- Private Transfer- Kota Kinabalu Port to Kota Kinabalu Airport BKI: $25
- Private Transfer- Kota Kinabalu Airport BKI to Kota Kinabalu Port: $25
- Private Transfer from Kota Kinabalu Port to Kota Kinabalu hotels: $25
- Private Transfer from Kota Kinabalu Hotels to Kota Kinabalu Port: $25
- Private Arrival Transfer : Kota Kinabalu International Airport: $30
- Kota Kinabalu（BKI）: Private Transfer to City Center: $14
- Kota Kinabalu to Kota Kinab Airport: Departure Private Transfer: $24
- Kota Kinabalu Hotel to Jetty Round Trip Transfer: $53
- Kota Kinabalu Airport BKI to Borneo - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $77
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Osaka
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Osaka:
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Subway$8.11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Osaka
Also for Osaka, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer between KIX Airport and Osaka City: $14
- Private Transfer to/from Universal Studios Japan: $42
- Itami Airport(ITM): Private Transfer from/to Osaka or Kyoto: $42
- Transfer from Kansai Airport to Osaka City Hotels: $45
- Osaka International Airport (ITM) Private Transfer to Osaka/Kyoto: $46
- Shared Departure Transfer: Osaka City to Osaka Itami Airport: $57
- Osaka : Private One-way Transfers to/from Kansai Airport(KIX): $59
- Kansai Airport（KIX） to or from Osaka Kyoto Private Transfer: $62
- Private Transfer by Sedan from Itami Airport ITM to Osaka City : $65
- Osaka hotels to Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX) - Departure Private Transfer: $69
- Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX) to Osaka hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $69
- Japan Railway Station Shared Departure Transfer : Osaka to Shin Osaka Station: $70
Is it cheaper to fly into Kota Kinabalu or Osaka?
Prices for flights to both Osaka 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 $30Osaka $45
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 Osaka
For Osaka, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- PICCADILLY PREMIUM DINNER SHOW&NIGHTCLUB with Tasting: $17
- Takoyaki DIY Cooking in the Heart of Osaka: $30
- 1.5 Hour Food Tour at the Kuromon Market in Osaka: $34
- Kobe Beef Bowl Cooking Class in Osaka Afternoon : $41
- Experience Cooking Takoyaki in its Birthplace, Osaka: $45
- Cooking Class for Osaka Style Kushikatsu & Tonjiru (with Onigiri): $45
- Osaka Okonomiyaki Cooking Experience!: $51
- Private Food Tour & Bar Hopping in Namba: $52
- Family Friendly Osaka Tempura Cooking Class: $54
- Osaka Cooking for Japanese Pescatarian dishes: $55
- Discover Osaka Cuisine through Cooking Class Experience: $55
- Deep Backstreet Osaka Tours (Option to add Dinner): $55
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kota Kinabalu $6.43Osaka $21
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Osaka
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Osaka's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Osaka Aquarium (for 2)$31
Tours and Activities in Osaka
For Osaka, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Osaka Shinsaibashi: AMMONA Nightclub Entry Ticket (For Foreign): $6.83
- Osaka Dotonbori: GIRAFFE Nightclub Admission Ticket (For Foreign): $6.88
- Osaka Umeda: OWL Nightclub Admission Ticket (For Foreign): $6.88
- PICCADILLY PREMIUM Live Show & Nightclub Admission Tickets: $6.88
- Osaka Food Quest: Self-Guided Culinary & History Adventure: $7.16
- HEP Ferris Wheel Osaka Entry Ticket: $11
- Osaka Castle Entry Ticket: $13
- Osaka Castle Admission Ticket: $13
- Osaka Hidden Gems Tour: Tennoji & Oldest Temple with Audio Guide: $14
- Osaka Oracle GPS App Walking Tour Mobile Game: $14
- Osaka Dotonbori Wonder Cruise: $14
- Osaka Abeno Harukas 300 Observatory ETicket: $14
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKota Kinabalu $7.18Osaka $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Osaka
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Osaka:
- Osaka Pub Crawl and Nightlife Tour: $24
- Nada Gogo Sake Brewery Tour in Kobe from Osaka: $259
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kota Kinabalu and Osaka, we can see that Osaka 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 Osaka would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Osaka 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 Osaka Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kota Kinabalu or Osaka?
Osaka has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Kota Kinabalu. When comparing the sizes of Kota Kinabalu and Osaka, 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 Osaka?
Osaka 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 Osaka in the Summer?
Both Osaka and Kota Kinabalu during the summer 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, many visitors come to Osaka in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
Kota Kinabalu is around the same temperature as Osaka in the summer. The daily temperature in Kota Kinabalu averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Osaka fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
It's quite sunny in Kota Kinabalu. In the summer, Kota Kinabalu often gets more sunshine than Osaka. Kota Kinabalu gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Osaka receives 183 hours of full sun.
Osaka 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 July than Osaka. Kota Kinabalu gets 255 mm (10 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)Osaka 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Osaka in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Kota Kinabalu and Osaka. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kota Kinabalu year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Osaka for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.
In the autumn, Kota Kinabalu is a little warmer than Osaka. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kota Kinabalu in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Osaka averages at about 19°C (66°F).
Kota Kinabalu usually receives more sunshine than Osaka during autumn. Kota Kinabalu gets 192 hours of sunny skies, while Osaka receives 159 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Osaka receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Kota Kinabalu gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Kota Kinabalu usually receives more rain than Osaka. Kota Kinabalu gets 336 mm (13.2 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)Osaka 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Osaka in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Kota Kinabalu as well as Osaka. Kota Kinabalu attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Osaka because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In January, Kota Kinabalu is generally much warmer than Osaka. Daily temperatures in Kota Kinabalu average around 26°C (79°F), and Osaka fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).
In the winter, Kota Kinabalu often gets more sunshine than Osaka. Kota Kinabalu gets 181 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Osaka receives 140 hours of full sun.
Kota Kinabalu receives a lot of rain in the winter. Kota Kinabalu usually gets more rain in January than Osaka. Kota Kinabalu gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKota Kinabalu 26°C (79°F)Osaka 6°C (42°F)
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Osaka in the Spring?
Both Osaka and Kota Kinabalu are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kota Kinabalu throughout the year. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Osaka this time of year.
Kota Kinabalu is much warmer than Osaka in the spring. The daily temperature in Kota Kinabalu averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Osaka fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kota Kinabalu. Kota Kinabalu usually receives more sunshine than Osaka during spring. Kota Kinabalu gets 237 hours of sunny skies, while Osaka receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Osaka. It's quite rainy in Kota Kinabalu. In April, Kota Kinabalu usually receives less rain than Osaka. Kota Kinabalu gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKota Kinabalu 28°C (82°F)Osaka 15°C (59°F)
Typical Weather for Osaka and Kota Kinabalu
| Kota Kinabalu | Osaka | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (80°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 291 mm (11.5 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 204 mm (8 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 255 mm (10 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 285 mm (11.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 336 mm (13.2 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 298 mm (11.7 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 35 mm (1.4 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.