A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kota Kinabalu vs. Prague for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Kota Kinabalu or Prague?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Prague? 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 Prague?

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.

Prague

Prague is the capital city of the Czech Republic. It is also the largest city in the country and one of the largest cities in Central Europe. Prague has long enticed travelers for its beautiful architecture, impressive bridges, detailed cathedrals, and fascinating history. Prague is unique in that is remained almost completely undamaged during World War II. The medieval city center still feels like you've stepped back in time. Despite this historic atmosphere, there is still a lot of vibrant energy and you'll find many different live music venues, art galleries, modern restaurants, and unique festivals throughout the year.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Kuala Lumpur, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Malaysia, The Best Budget Tours to Czech Republic, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Czech Republic.


Which place is cheaper, Prague 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.

The average daily cost (per person) in Kota Kinabalu is $70, while the average daily cost in Prague is $140. 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 Prague in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kota Kinabalu $21
    Prague $74
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kota Kinabalu $42
    Prague $148
Compare Hotels in Kota Kinabalu and Prague

Looking for a hotel in Kota Kinabalu or Prague? 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.

Hotels in Kota Kinabalu


Hotels in Prague


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 Prague Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kota Kinabalu $26
    Prague $8.81

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kota Kinabalu

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kota Kinabalu:

  • Private Airport Transfer: BKI Airport ⇄ Kota Kinabalu City(Hotel): $14
  • Kota Kinabalu(BKI): Private Transfer to City Center: $14
  • Kota Kinabalu to Kota Kinab Airport (BKI) Private Transfer: $23
  • Private Transfer from Kota Kota Kinabalu Hotels to Kinabalu Port: $24
  • Private Transfer from Kota Kinabalu Port to Kota Kinabalu hotels: $24
  • Private Transfer- Kota Kinabalu Port to Kota Kinabalu Airport BKI: $24
  • Private Arrival Transfer : Kota Kinabalu International Airport: $27
  • Private Departure Transfer : Kota Kinabalu International Airport: $27
  • Private Transfer: Kota Kinabalu International Airport to/from Hotel: $30
  • Stand Up Paddle Boarding with Sunrise/Sunset Tour at Kota Kinabalu with transfer: $32
  • Borneo to Kota Kinabalu Airport(BKI) - Departure Private Transfer: $37
  • Kota Kinab Airport to Kota Kinabalu - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $46

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Prague

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Prague:

  • Prague Airport Shared Arrival Transfer: $20
  • Transfer from Prague City Center to Vaclav Airport (PRG): $25
  • Private Transfers to the city in Prague: $39
  • Prague Airport Private Departure Transfer: $46
  • Private Departure Transfer: Central Prague to Vaclav Havel Airport: $47
  • Private Prague Airport Transfer with Driver: $48
  • Private ARRIVAL Transfer by LIMOUSINE 3+1pax: $48
  • Prague City Private Transfer to Vaclav Havel Airport PRG: $51
  • Prague Airport (PRG) Departure Transfer from Prague City: $51
  • Arrival Transfer: Prague Airport PRG to Prague by Business Car: $56
  • Private Prague Airport Departure Transfer: $56
  • Airport Transfer: Prague Airport PRG to Prague by Business Car: $56

Is it cheaper to fly into Kota Kinabalu or Prague?

Prices for flights to both Prague 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Kota Kinabalu $31
    Prague $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: $31
  • Sabah Traditional Authentic Cuisine Cooking Class 3 Hours: $45
  • Klias River Cruise with Dinner and Fireflies: $55
  • Kawa Mangrove Cruise & Fireflies with Dinner: $67
  • Klias River Dinner Cruise with Firefly Spotting: $72
  • Traditional Sabah Cooking Class and Taste Local Flavors: $75
  • Ethnic Cooking Class & Upside Down House & 3D Wonders Museum: $92
  • North Borneo Sunset Dinner Cruise: $121
  • Kota Kinabalu Sunset Cruise with Dinner, Live Band & Hotel Pickup: $140
  • Scenic Full Day Klias Mangrove Wildlife and Fireflies with dinner: $153
  • Kota Kinabalu Night Tour with Dinner & Cultural Dance Show: $167

Typical Food Prices in Prague

Some typical examples of dining costs in Prague are as follows:


  • Fruit
    $4.60
  • Lunch for One
    $14
  • Bananas
    $0.65
  • Cookies
    $0.36

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Prague

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Prague.

  • Anti Tour Prague - Self Guided Beer and Food Tour: $17
  • Prague Comedy Walking Tour with Unlimited Drinks & Dinner: $56
  • Prague Sightseeing Boat Cruise with Buffet Dinner: $60
  • Folklore Dinner with Unlimited Drinks 4course Menu: $65
  • Prague 5 Courses Medieval Dinner and Live Performances: $73
  • Small-Group Local Pubs Walking Tour And Traditional Czech Dinner: $74
  • Prague Old Town And Beer Walking Tour Including Dinner: $80
  • Folkloric Dinner with Transfer: $80
  • 3-Hour Prague by Night Dinner Cruise: $81
  • Folklore Evening with Music and Dinner: $86
  • Prague Crystal Dinner: 3-Hour Panoramic Glass Boat Cruise: $93
  • PragueWay Food Tour: Hidden Flavors & Scenic Views: $95

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kota Kinabalu $6.62
    Prague $18

Tours and Activities in Kota Kinabalu

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kota Kinabalu are as follows:

  • Sabah Mali-Mali Garden Spa Massage Experience: $27
  • Bongawan River Cruise, City Tour & Fireflies: $27
  • Private Tour Kampung Gipsi Sabah Cultural Village Kota Kinabalu: $38
  • Kota Kinabalu 3 Hour Coastal Fishing and Island Tour: $38
  • Kota Kinabalu Filipino Market Night Tour: Seafood & Street Food: $40
  • Sky-Mirror Photographing and Proboscis Monkey & Fireflies Watching River-Cruise: $46
  • 2 Hour Kota Kinabalu Local Street Food and History Walking Tour: $47
  • Mangrove Kayaking Experience in Borneo: $47
  • Bongawan: River Safari Cruise, Private or Shared Ticket: $48
  • Sabah: Manukan and Sapi Islands Excursion Ticket: $50
  • Borneo (Klias) River Cruise & Fireflies Tour: $50
  • Kota Kinabalu City Tour: $54

Typical Entertainment Prices in Prague

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Prague are as follows:


  • Opera Tickets
    $4.60
  • Two Tickets for Charles Bridge Tower
    $6.45
  • Image Theatre for Two
    $44

Tours and Activities in Prague

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Prague are as follows:

  • Electric Trike Tour in Prague - City Sightseeing & Fun Riding: $3.42
  • Grand City Tour of Prague on Retro Styled E-Bike: $3.42
  • Prague Panoramic Views Live Guided Tour on Trike EBike EScooter: $3.42
  • Grand City Tour on E-Trike in Prague: $3.42
  • Prague's Viewpoints & Sightseeing on Comfortable E-bike: $3.42
  • Prague's Panoramic Viewpoints & Sightseeing on Electric Trike: $3.42
  • Prague on Stylish Retro styled E-Bike - Viewpoints & Sightseeing: $3.42
  • Prague Scavenger Hunt & Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour: $3.42
  • Scenic Panoramic views e-Scooter/ eBike Guided Tour of Prague: $3.42
  • Prague Segway Fun & Beer tour with a guide: $3.43
  • Prague Castle E-scooter Tour: $3.43
  • Prague Castle Tour: $3.43

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kota Kinabalu $7.40
    Prague $12

Typical Alcohol Prices in Prague

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Prague from other travelers:


  • A Bottle of Wine
    $7.32

Sample the Local Flavors in Prague

Also in Prague, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Prague Blaze Pub Crawl 2hr Unlimited Drinks and Top Club Entry: $37
  • Drunken Monkey Blaze Pub Crawl: 2hr Unlimited Drinks & Club EP!C: $37
  • Prague Pub Crawl with Unlimited Drinks & 5 Story Club Entry: $39
  • Pub Crawl: 2Hour Open Bar, Welcome Shots & VIP Club-Limited Spots: $43
  • 2.5-Hour Prague Wine Tasting Walking Tour: $50
  • Prague Historic Pub Tour with Drinks Included: $62
  • Brewery tour in the center of Prague: $66
  • Prague Microbrewery Tour and Beer Tasting: $72
  • COUNTRY BIKE TOUR TO UNETICE BREWERY. Bike / e-Bike tour: $74
  • Czech Local Wine Tasting in Grape & Sour: $80
  • Prague Private Brewery Tour: $86
  • Strahov Monastery and Brewery Experience with Pickup: $90


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kota Kinabalu and Prague, we can see that Prague is more expensive. And not only is Kota Kinabalu much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Kota Kinabalu is in Asia and Prague is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Prague would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Prague 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 Prague Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Kota Kinabalu or Prague?

Prague has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Kota Kinabalu. When comparing the sizes of Kota Kinabalu and Prague, 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 Prague?

Prague 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 Prague in the Summer?

Both Prague and Kota Kinabalu are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kota Kinabalu throughout the year. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Prague because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Kota Kinabalu is generally a little warmer than Prague. Daily temperatures in Kota Kinabalu average around 27°C (81°F), and Prague fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

It's quite sunny in Prague. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kota Kinabalu. Kota Kinabalu usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Prague during summer. Kota Kinabalu gets 205 hours of sunny skies, while Prague receives 216 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Kota Kinabalu. In July, Kota Kinabalu usually receives more rain than Prague. Kota Kinabalu gets 255 mm (10 in) of rain, while Prague receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Kota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F) 
    Prague 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Prague in the Autumn?

Both Prague and Kota Kinabalu during the autumn 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 city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Prague this time of year.

Kota Kinabalu is much warmer than Prague in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kota Kinabalu averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Prague fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Kota Kinabalu often gets more sunshine than Prague. Kota Kinabalu gets 192 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Prague receives 124 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kota Kinabalu. Kota Kinabalu usually gets more rain in October than Prague. Kota Kinabalu gets 336 mm (13.2 in) of rain, while Prague receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Kota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F) 
    Prague 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Prague in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Kota Kinabalu and Prague. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kota Kinabalu year-round. Also, many travelers come to Prague for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Prague. In the winter, Kota Kinabalu is much warmer than Prague. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kota Kinabalu in January average around 26°C (79°F), and Prague averages at about 1°C (33°F).

Kota Kinabalu usually receives more sunshine than Prague during winter. Kota Kinabalu gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while Prague receives 49 hours of full sun in the winter.

Kota Kinabalu gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Kota Kinabalu usually receives more rain than Prague. Kota Kinabalu gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Prague receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Kota Kinabalu 26°C (79°F) 
    Prague 1°C (33°F)

Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Prague in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Kota Kinabalu as well as Prague. Kota Kinabalu attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Prague in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Kota Kinabalu is generally much warmer than Prague. Daily temperatures in Kota Kinabalu average around 28°C (82°F), and Prague fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kota Kinabalu this time of the year. In the spring, Kota Kinabalu often gets more sunshine than Prague. Kota Kinabalu gets 237 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Prague receives 145 hours of full sun.

Kota Kinabalu receives a lot of rain in the spring. Kota Kinabalu usually gets more rain in April than Prague. Kota Kinabalu gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Prague receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Kota Kinabalu 28°C (82°F) 
    Prague 10°C (49°F)

Typical Weather for Prague and Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu Prague
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (79°F) 129 mm (5.1 in) 1°C (33°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 26°C (80°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 2°C (35°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Mar 27°C (81°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 6°C (42°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Apr 28°C (82°F) 112 mm (4.4 in) 10°C (49°F) 51 mm (2 in)
May 28°C (82°F) 226 mm (8.9 in) 14°C (57°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 291 mm (11.5 in) 18°C (64°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 255 mm (10 in) 19°C (66°F) 70 mm (2.7 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 260 mm (10.2 in) 19°C (66°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 285 mm (11.2 in) 16°C (60°F) 52 mm (2.1 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 336 mm (13.2 in) 11°C (52°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 298 mm (11.7 in) 6°C (43°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Dec 27°C (80°F) 230 mm (9.1 in) 2°C (36°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)