Which place is cheaper, Quito 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.
Jump to 
Should you visit Kota Kinabalu or Quito?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Quito? 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 Quito?
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.
Quito
Nestled between two mountain ranges lies the world's highest capital city, Quito, Ecuador. For history lovers, Quito is a very desirable destination as it's home to the Quito Historic Center – one of the largest and best-preserved historic centers in the Americas.
Even though Quito is full of people – in fact, it's the second most populous city in the country – very few of its inhabitants speak English. Luckily, however, the citizens of Quito tend to speak a slower and more clear Spanish than surrounding areas. This is the perfect place to practice what you read in your Intro to Spanish book.
Before visiting Quito, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, give yourself a few days to grow accustomed to the elevation. Staying 9,350 feet above sea level takes some getting used to. Second, don't be fooled into thinking that just because you're visiting a town on the equator that you'll need all your summer clothes. Because of the city's elevation, the area keeps a relatively cool climate year round.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Malaysia, The Best Tours for Seniors to Malaysia, The Best Adventure Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Eco Tours in Ecuador.
-
Kota Kinabalu Prices
Malaysia PricesQuito Prices
Ecuador Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKota Kinabalu $70Quito $66
The average daily cost (per person) in Kota Kinabalu is $70, while the average daily cost in Quito is $66. 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 Quito in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKota Kinabalu $21Quito $22
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKota Kinabalu $42Quito $44
Compare Hotels in Kota Kinabalu and Quito
Looking for a hotel in Kota Kinabalu or Quito? 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 Quito Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kota Kinabalu $26Quito $6.99
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 - Arrival Private Transfer: $24
- Kota Kinabalu Airport (BKI) Private Transfer to Kota Kinabalu: $25
- Kota Kinabalu（BKI）: Private Transfer to City Center: $14
- Private Airport Transfer: BKI Airport ⇄ Kota Kinabalu City(Hotel): $14
- Private Departure Transfer : Kota Kinabalu International Airport: $27
- Private Transfer from Kota Kinabalu Port to Kota Kinabalu hotels: $25
- Private Transfer from Kota Kinabalu Port to Kota Kinabalu hotels: $25
- Private Transfer from Kota Kota Kinabalu Hotels to Kinabalu Port: $25
- Private Transfer- Kota Kinabalu Airport BKI to Kota Kinabalu Port: $25
- Transfer from Kota Kinabalu Port to Kota Kinabalu Airport (BKI): $25
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Quito
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Quito:
-
Taxi from Bus Terminal to Hotel$10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Quito
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Quito:
- Private Departure Transfer from Quito to the Airport - One Way: $20
- Quito hotels to Mariscal Sucre Quito Airport (UIO) - Departure Private Transfer: $21
- Quito hotels to Quito Airport (UIO) - Departure Private Transfer: $24
- Quito Airport ↔ Quito Hotels Private Transfer Service: $27
- Quito PRIVATE Arrival Transfer from Airport to Hotels: $28
- Quito PRIVATE Arrival Transfer from Airport to Hotels: $28
- Custom Transfers Across Ecuador (quote required): $30
- Transfer Out from Quito to the Airport: $30
- Private Transfer from the Airport to the city: $32
- Transfers To and From the Airport in Quito Ecuador: $35
- Private Transfer from/to Airport: $35
- Transfer Private Airport–Hotel in Quito: $39
Is it cheaper to fly into Kota Kinabalu or Quito?
Prices for flights to both Quito 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 dayKota Kinabalu $31Quito $34
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
- Kota Kinabalu Klias River Cruise with Dinner and Fireflies Tour: $72
- Traditional Sabah Cooking Class and Taste Local Flavors: $75
- North Borneo Sunset Dinner Cruise: $121
- Kota Kinabalu Night Tour with Dinner & Cultural Dance Show: $142
- Kota Kinabalu Sunset Cruise with Dinner, Live Band & Hotel Pickup: $189
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Quito
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Quito.
- 3 Hours Local Food Tour in Quito: $38
- Guilty Pleasures Walking Food Tours in Quito: $45
- Quito Eats Food Tour with 14+ Tastings: $55
- Quito Kitchens Food Tour with 14+ Tastings: $55
- From Cayambe Traditional Cooking Class with Transfers: $60
- Quito Best Street Food Tour with a Local Guide: $66
- Food Tour in quaint old town with tastings and lunch: $71
- Street Food Tour with Private Transport: $79
- Hidden Gems Food Tour with Cacao Tasting and Culture: $87
- Cooking Class with Chef, Market Tour & Transportation: $88
- Cooking Class with a chef and local market including hotel pickup: $89
- Private Famous Food Tour of Historic Old Town in Quito: $95
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kota Kinabalu $6.62Quito $16
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: $28
- Private Tour Kampung Gipsi Sabah Cultural Village Kota Kinabalu: $38
- Kota Kinabalu 3 Hour Coastal Fishing and Island Tour: $38
- 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
- Bongawan River Cruise Proboscis Monkey, SkyMirror, Fireflies: $54
- Full Day Bongawan River Cruise with Proboscis Monkey Sightseeing: $56
Typical Entertainment Prices in Quito
Here are a few typical costs in Quito for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
-
Entrance to Guyasimine Museum for Two$8.00
Tours and Activities in Quito
Here are a few actual costs in Quito for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Quito Old Town Free walking tour English small group Cacao Taste!: $5.00
- Quito Old Town English tour small groups Cacao Taste!: $5.00
- Quito Old Town Walking tour small groups Chocolate taste included: $5.00
- Quito Audio Guided Walking Tour 2h10 and 19 audio reviews: $6.94
- Quito City Tour Double Decker Bus: $15
- Night Tour in Quito with free time at Old Town: $15
- 2.5-Hour City Bus Tour: $15
- Discover the heart of the Historic Center - Walking tour: $25
- Instagram walking tour in Quito's Historic Center: $26
- Quito's Cultural Tour & Indigenous Perspectives of Old Town: $27
- Quito Old Town Tour: History, Market Visit & Ice Cream Tasting: $29
- Old Town Walking Tour with Basilica Church Visit: $30
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayKota Kinabalu $7.40Quito $17
Typical Alcohol Prices in Quito
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Quito from other travelers:
-
Beers for Two$9.00
Sample the Local Flavors in Quito
Also in Quito, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Ecuador Spirit Craft Brewery Tasting and Latitude 0 Private Tour: $155
When comparing the travel costs between Kota Kinabalu and Quito, we can see that Kota Kinabalu is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Kota Kinabalu is in Asia and Quito is in South America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
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 Quito Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kota Kinabalu or Quito?
Quito has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Kota Kinabalu. When comparing the sizes of Kota Kinabalu and Quito, 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.
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.