Which place is cheaper, Saint Thomas 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 Saint Thomas?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Saint Thomas? 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 Saint Thomas?
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.
Saint Thomas
Saint Thomas is a beautiful island in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Together with St. John, St. Croix, and Water Island, it forms the unincorporated territory of the United States. The island is also home to the territorial capital and port of Charlotte Amalie. The island's population is just over 50,000, which is slightly less than half of the territory's total population.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Malaysia, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Malaysia.
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Kota Kinabalu Prices
Malaysia PricesSaint Thomas Prices
USVI Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKota Kinabalu $68Saint Thomas $258
The average daily cost (per person) in Kota Kinabalu is $68, while the average daily cost in Saint Thomas is $258. 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 Saint Thomas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKota Kinabalu $21Saint Thomas $131
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKota Kinabalu $42Saint Thomas $262
Compare Hotels in Kota Kinabalu and Saint Thomas
Looking for a hotel in Kota Kinabalu or Saint Thomas? 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 $25Saint Thomas $37
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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Saint Thomas
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Saint Thomas are as follows:
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Scooter Rental$65
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Taxi Ride$5.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Saint Thomas
Also for Saint Thomas, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer from Cyril E. King Airport(STT) to Charlotte Amalie Port: $83
- VI Top Taxi and Tours - St. Thomas - Airport Transfer to Red Hook Ferry: $90
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI- St.Thomas Airport Transfer to Bolongo Bay / Limetree: $110
- Vi Top Taxi & Tours -Airport Transfer to Bolongo Bay/ Limetree: $110
- PARADISE TAXI & TOURS USVI-St.Thomas-Airport Transfer to Marriott Frenchman Cove: $110
- St.Thomas to St.Thomas Airport (STT) - Departure Private Transfer: $115
- Private Ground Transfers: $120
- Exclusive Airport Transfers (up to 4 persons) One-Way: $135
- St.Thomas island to Cyril E. King Airport(STT)-Departure Transfer: $135
- St. Thomas USVI Airport Transfer to the Redhook Ferry: $144
- St. Thomas USVI Airport Transfer to The Ritz Carlton Resort: $144
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI- St. Thomas - Airport Transfer to Red Hook Ferry: $160
Is it cheaper to fly into Kota Kinabalu or Saint Thomas?
Prices for flights to both Saint Thomas 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 $30Saint Thomas $94
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 Saint Thomas
For Saint Thomas, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Flavors: Cultural Cooking Class, St Thomas, USVI, USA : $81
- St. John Sail with Bar and Hors d'Oeuvres to Lovango Dinner: $119
- Sunset & Harbor Lights Dinner Sail from the Marriott's Frenchman's Cove: $119
- Afternoon Snorkel, Pizza & Sunset Tour departing from St. Thomas & St. John: $120
- Local Experience, St. John U.S. Virgin Islands Food Tour: $125
- Pizza Pi Shuttle (Official) - Jet Ski Trip St Thomas: $148
- St. John PiZZA Pi Snorkel Sail with Beach Stop, Lunch & Open Bar - Westin: $149
- Christmas Cove and Pizza Pi Happy Hour Sail Tour: $185
- Turtles, Pizza Pi & Sunset trip: $295
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kota Kinabalu $6.43Saint Thomas $60
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
Tours and Activities in Saint Thomas
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Saint Thomas.
- Nature and Sightseeing Tour at Phantasea Tropical Botanical Garden: $16
- Children's Treasure Hunt Walking Tour: $25
- Coral World Ocean Park General Admission Ticket: $29
- Cruise Ship Shuttle to Ferry going to St. John: $34
- Rum Tasting Experience in the Old Barrel House: $35
- Admission Ticket to Coral World & Coki Point Beach with Snorkeling: $40
- St. Thomas Sightseeing Tour with a Guide: $40
- Guided Tour of Coral World Ocean Park & Happy Hour: $40
- St. Thomas Ghost Tour of Historic Charlotte Amalie : $41
- Prince taxi & Tours St.Thomas Virgin Islands-Island Scenic Tour: $45
- Guided Kayak Tour from Margaritaville: $48
- Guided Kayak Tour from Elysian: $48
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKota Kinabalu $7.18Saint Thomas $27
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kota Kinabalu and Saint Thomas, we can see that Saint Thomas 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 Saint Thomas is in Caribbean Islands, 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 Saint Thomas would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Saint Thomas 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 Saint Thomas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kota Kinabalu or Saint Thomas?
Kota Kinabalu has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Saint Thomas. When comparing the sizes of Kota Kinabalu and Saint Thomas, 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 Saint Thomas?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Saint Thomas in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Kota Kinabalu as well as Saint Thomas. Kota Kinabalu attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Thomas throughout the year.
Kota Kinabalu receives a lot of rain in the summer. Kota Kinabalu usually gets more rain in July than Saint Thomas. Kota Kinabalu gets 255 mm (10 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Thomas. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kota Kinabalu this time of the year. In the summer, Kota Kinabalu often gets less sunshine than Saint Thomas. Kota Kinabalu gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 287 hours of full sun.
In the summer, Kota Kinabalu is around the same temperature as Saint Thomas. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kota Kinabalu in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Saint Thomas averages at about 29°C (83°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)Saint Thomas 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Saint Thomas in the Autumn?
Both Saint Thomas 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. Plenty of visitors come to Saint Thomas because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint Thomas. It's quite rainy in Kota Kinabalu. In October, Kota Kinabalu usually receives more rain than Saint Thomas. Kota Kinabalu gets 336 mm (13.2 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
It's quite sunny in Saint Thomas. Kota Kinabalu usually receives less sunshine than Saint Thomas during autumn. Kota Kinabalu gets 192 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 235 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Kota Kinabalu is generally around the same temperature as Saint Thomas. Daily temperatures in Kota Kinabalu average around 27°C (81°F), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)Saint Thomas 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Saint Thomas in the Winter?
Both Saint Thomas 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Thomas year-round.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Kota Kinabalu. Kota Kinabalu usually gets more rain in January than Saint Thomas. Kota Kinabalu gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Saint Thomas, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Kota Kinabalu often gets less sunshine than Saint Thomas. Kota Kinabalu gets 181 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 240 hours of full sun.
Kota Kinabalu is around the same temperature as Saint Thomas in the winter. The daily temperature in Kota Kinabalu averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKota Kinabalu 26°C (79°F)Saint Thomas 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Saint Thomas in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Kota Kinabalu and Saint Thomas. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kota Kinabalu year-round. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Kota Kinabalu gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Kota Kinabalu usually receives more rain than Saint Thomas. Kota Kinabalu gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Thomas this time of the year. In Kota Kinabalu, it's very sunny this time of the year. Kota Kinabalu usually receives less sunshine than Saint Thomas during spring. Kota Kinabalu gets 237 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 272 hours of full sun in the spring.
In the spring, Kota Kinabalu is around the same temperature as Saint Thomas. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kota Kinabalu in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Saint Thomas averages at about 27°C (80°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKota Kinabalu 28°C (82°F)Saint Thomas 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Saint Thomas and Kota Kinabalu
| Kota Kinabalu | Saint Thomas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (80°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 291 mm (11.5 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 255 mm (10 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 285 mm (11.2 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 336 mm (13.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 298 mm (11.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 71 mm (2.8 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.