Which place is cheaper, Sao Paulo 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 Sao Paulo?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Sao Paulo? 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 Sao Paulo?
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.
Sao Paulo
With a population of around 11 million, and 20 million in the metropolitan area, Sao Paulo is the largest city in Brazil. It's also one of the wealthiest cities in the southern hemisphere, although you don't have to look far to see the income disparities and inequalities that exist. The city is diverse and culturally rich, with excellent food, music, and entertainment.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Malaysia, The Best Tours for Seniors to Malaysia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Brazil, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rio de Janeiro.
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Kota Kinabalu Prices
Malaysia PricesSao Paulo Prices
Brazil Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKota Kinabalu $70Sao Paulo $63
The average daily cost (per person) in Kota Kinabalu is $70, while the average daily cost in Sao Paulo is $63. 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 Sao Paulo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKota Kinabalu $21Sao Paulo $30
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKota Kinabalu $42Sao Paulo $60
Compare Hotels in Kota Kinabalu and Sao Paulo
Looking for a hotel in Kota Kinabalu or Sao Paulo? 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 Sao Paulo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kota Kinabalu $26Sao Paulo $6.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kota Kinabalu
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kota Kinabalu:
- Monsopiad Cultural Village Visit with Private Transfer from Kota Kinabalu: $50
- Borneo to Kota Kinabalu Airport(BKI) - Departure Private Transfer: $37
- Stand Up Paddle Boarding with Sunrise/Sunset Tour at Kota Kinabalu with transfer: $32
- Private Transfer: Kota Kinabalu International Airport to/from Hotel: $30
- Private Departure Transfer : Kota Kinabalu International Airport: $27
- Kota Kinabalu Airport (BKI) Private Transfer to Kota Kinabalu: $25
- Private Transfer from Kota Kinabalu Port to Kota Kinabalu hotels: $24
- Private Transfer- Kota Kinabalu Port to Kota Kinabalu Airport BKI: $24
- Private Transfer from Kota Kota Kinabalu Hotels to Kinabalu Port: $24
- Private Airport Transfer in Kota Kinabalu: $20
- Kota Kinabalu（BKI）: Private Transfer to City Center: $14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sao Paulo
Also for Sao Paulo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Rio de Janeiro Airport (GIG): $18
- Private Transfer to Sao Paulo Airport (GRU)(CGH): $25
- Sao Paulo Airport (GRU) Private Transfer to Sao Paulo City/Hotels: $27
- Private One Way Transfer from Sao Paulo Airport to Sao Paulo: $29
- Private One Way Transfer from Sao Paulo to São Paulo Airport: $29
- Transfer from Sao Paulo City Center to Guarulhos Airport: $38
- Transfer Guarulhos Airport (GRU) to São Paulo City Center: $43
- Receptive and Transfer Airports, Cities and Coast: $44
- Private Arrival Transfer: Congonhas Airport to São Paulo Hotels: $45
- Transfer São Paulo City Center to Guarulhos Airport (GRU): $48
- Private Transfer: São Paulo Hotel to Guarulhos Int. Airport: $50
- Private Transfer GRU Airport São Paulo – Executive Sedan or SUV: $50
Is it cheaper to fly into Kota Kinabalu or Sao Paulo?
Prices for flights to both Sao Paulo 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 $31Sao Paulo $25
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
- Private Cooking Class with Market Visit: $94
- North Borneo Sunset Dinner Cruise: $121
- Kota Kinabalu Night Tour with Dinner & Cultural Dance Show: $143
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sao Paulo
For Sao Paulo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Street Food Tour in São Paulo with a Local Guide: $72
- Paulista Plates São Paulo Food Tour with 12+ Tastings: $89
- 4h Cooking Class in São Paulo with 9 Recipes & Bottomless Drinks: $89
- São Suppers Food Tour with 12+ Tastings: $95
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kota Kinabalu $6.65Sao Paulo $4.05
Tours and Activities in Kota Kinabalu
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kota Kinabalu are as follows:
- Bongawan River Cruise Proboscis Monkey, SkyMirror, Fireflies: $54
- Bongawan Rivercruise a Proboscis Monkey and Fireflies: $78
- Bongawan: River Safari Cruise, Private or Shared Ticket: $48
- Borneo (Klias) River Cruise & Fireflies Tour: $50
- Borneo Combo Adventure: $200
- Cowboy Town & Fireflies River Cruise: $62
- Day Trip to Kinabalu Park and Poring Hot Spring Guided Tour: $70
- Discover Sailing Experience in Tanjung Aru Beach: $88
- Dreamer Island Snorkeling Day Tour: $78
- Essential Half-Day Kota Kinabalu City Highlights and Museum Tour: $83
- From Kota Kinabalu : Kiulu White Water Rafting Tour + meal: $66
- Full Day Bongawan River Cruise with Proboscis Monkey Sightseeing: $57
Tours and Activities in Sao Paulo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sao Paulo.
- Free Walking Tour, São Paulo History in the City Center: $3.50
- São Paulo Self-Guided City Walking Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $5.01
- São Paulo Ibirapuera Self-Guided Walking Tour: $5.03
- Downtown São Paulo's Epic History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- Walking Tour Historic Center in São Paulo: $13
- Walking Tour of the Historic Center of Sao Paulo: $20
- Downtown-Center History Walking Tour: $29
- São Paulo Must-see Attractions Walking Tour with a Guide: $29
- Brazil Tropical Fruit Experience in São Paulo: $30
- São Paulo Private Walking Tour with a Local: $35
- Night Walking Tour through the Bars of São Paulo: $37
- Personal aromatic experience in São Paulo: $40
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKota Kinabalu $7.43Sao Paulo $3.53
Sample the Local Flavors in Sao Paulo
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Sao Paulo:
- Pub Crawl in Pinheiros: Explore the Nightlife of São Paulo: $35
- São Paulo Nightlife: Pub Crawl in the City that Never Sleeps!: $59
When comparing the travel costs between Kota Kinabalu and Sao Paulo, 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 Sao Paulo 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 Sao Paulo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kota Kinabalu or Sao Paulo?
Sao Paulo has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Kota Kinabalu. When comparing the sizes of Kota Kinabalu and Sao Paulo, 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 Sao Paulo?
Sao Paulo 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 Sao Paulo in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Kota Kinabalu as well as Sao Paulo. Kota Kinabalu attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Sao Paulo in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
Kota Kinabalu is around the same temperature as Sao Paulo in the summer. The daily temperature in Kota Kinabalu averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 25°C (77°F)in January.
It's quite rainy in Sao Paulo. Kota Kinabalu receives a lot of rain in the summer. Kota Kinabalu usually gets more rain in July than Sao Pauloin January. Kota Kinabalu gets 255 mm (10 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year. October to March in Sao Paulo is the rainy season.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryKota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)Sao Paulo 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Sao Paulo in the Autumn?
Both Sao Paulo 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, most visitors come to Sao Paulo for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.
In the autumn, Kota Kinabalu is a little warmer than Sao Paulo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kota Kinabalu in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Sao Paulo averages at about 22°C (72°F)in April.
It's quite rainy in Kota Kinabalu. In October, Kota Kinabalu usually receives more rain than Sao Pauloin April. Kota Kinabalu gets 336 mm (13.2 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Sao Paulo is June to August.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilKota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)Sao Paulo 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Sao Paulo in the Winter?
Both Sao Paulo 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. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Sao Paulo because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In January, Kota Kinabalu is generally a little warmer than Sao Pauloin July. Daily temperatures in Kota Kinabalu average around 26°C (79°F), and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Kota Kinabalu. Kota Kinabalu usually gets more rain in January than Sao Pauloin July. Kota Kinabalu gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year. June to August is the dry season in Sao Paulo.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyKota Kinabalu 26°C (79°F)Sao Paulo 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Sao Paulo in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Kota Kinabalu and Sao Paulo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kota Kinabalu year-round. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Sao Paulo this time of year.
Kota Kinabalu is a little warmer than Sao Paulo in the spring. The daily temperature in Kota Kinabalu averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 21°C (70°F)in October.
Kota Kinabalu gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Kota Kinabalu usually receives more rain than Sao Pauloin October. Kota Kinabalu gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the spring. Also, October to March is the rainy season in Sao Paulo.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberKota Kinabalu 28°C (82°F)Sao Paulo 21°C (70°F)
Typical Weather for Sao Paulo and Kota Kinabalu
| Kota Kinabalu | Sao Paulo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (80°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 291 mm (11.5 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 255 mm (10 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 285 mm (11.2 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 336 mm (13.2 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 298 mm (11.7 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 150 mm (5.9 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.