Which place is cheaper, Sapporo 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 Sapporo?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Sapporo? 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 Sapporo?
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.
Sapporo
Capital of the northern Japanese island Hokkaido, Sapporo is a city surrounded by mountains and known for its beer, skiing, and annual snow festival with stunning ice sculptures. As host to the 1972 Winter Olympics, the city limits are dotted with ski jumps, hills, and popular ski resorts still in use today.
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 PricesSapporo Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKota Kinabalu $68Sapporo $132
The average daily cost (per person) in Kota Kinabalu is $68, while the average daily cost in Sapporo is $132. 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 Sapporo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKota Kinabalu $21Sapporo $65
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKota Kinabalu $42Sapporo $130
Compare Hotels in Kota Kinabalu and Sapporo
Looking for a hotel in Kota Kinabalu or Sapporo? 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 Sapporo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kota Kinabalu $25Sapporo $16
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sapporo
Also for Sapporo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Shin Chitose Airport to/from Sapporo City: Shared Transfer: $93
- Private Transfer from Sapporo City Hotels to Otaru Cruise Port: $113
- Sapporo City: Private Transfer to/from New Chitose Airport: $132
- Airport Transfer! Hotel in center of Sapporo to New Chitose Airport (CTS): $140
- Private Departure Transfer : Sapporo City to New Chitose Airport: $237
- Private Transfer from Muroran Cruise Port to Sapporo Airport(CTS): $274
- New Chitose Airport (CTS) Private Transfer: $284
Is it cheaper to fly into Kota Kinabalu or Sapporo?
Prices for flights to both Sapporo 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 $30Sapporo $54
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kota Kinabalu
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kota Kinabalu.
- Sabah Traditional Authentic Cuisine Cooking Class 3 Hours: $29
- Beringgis Mangove Fireflies, Sunset Tour & Dinner: $33
- 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 Sapporo
For Sapporo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Private Japanese Cooking Class in Sapporo with Local Host Kanae: $72
- Japanese Cooking Class in the Heart of Sapporo with Sakura: $72
- Private Market Tour and Cooking Class with Kanae, a Sapporo Local: $82
- Sapporo Bar Hopping Food Tour: $97
- Hands-on Japanese Home Cooking Class in Sapporo with Noriko: $108
- Sapporo Night Food Tour: 3 Hidden Restaurants with a Foodie Guide: $218
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kota Kinabalu $6.43Sapporo $17
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 Optional Ticket: $143
- 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 Sapporo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sapporo.
- JR Tower Observatory Admission Ticket: $4.33
- Historical Village of Hokkaido Entry Ticket: $6.76
- Sapporo TV Tower Admission Ticket: $6.76
- JR Tower Observation Deck T38 Ticket in Hokkaido: $9.00
- Sapporo Highlights: Golden Route Morning Guided Walking Tour: $30
- Sapporo Highlights: Golden Route Morning Walking Tour: $31
- Hokkaido Shrine Tour with Rituals, History & Sweets: $43
- Beer Museum Tour with Tasting of Local Brews: $49
- Tour of the Historic Red Brick Government Office: $50
- Sapporo Afternoon Walking Tour 2h 30mins: $55
- Sapporo Walking Tour: $61
- Authentic Nijo Market Seafood Lunch & History Tour: $64
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKota Kinabalu $7.18Sapporo $8.26
Sample the Local Flavors in Sapporo
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Sapporo:
- Sapporo Tour in the Port City of Otaru and Local beer brewery: $174
- 1-Day Tour The port city of Otaru & Local Brewery: $178
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kota Kinabalu and Sapporo, we can see that Sapporo 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 Sapporo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sapporo 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 Sapporo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kota Kinabalu or Sapporo?
Sapporo has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Kota Kinabalu. When comparing the sizes of Kota Kinabalu and Sapporo, 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 Sapporo?
Sapporo 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 Sapporo in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Kota Kinabalu as well as Sapporo. Kota Kinabalu attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Sapporo for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
Kota Kinabalu is a little warmer than Sapporo in the summer. The daily temperature in Kota Kinabalu averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Sapporo fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kota Kinabalu this time of the year. In the summer, Kota Kinabalu often gets more sunshine than Sapporo. Kota Kinabalu gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sapporo receives 179 hours of full sun.
Kota Kinabalu receives a lot of rain in the summer. Kota Kinabalu usually gets more rain in July than Sapporo. Kota Kinabalu gets 255 mm (10 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)Sapporo 21°C (69°F)
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Sapporo in the Autumn?
Both Sapporo 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, the autumn months attract visitors to Sapporo because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
In the autumn, Kota Kinabalu is much warmer than Sapporo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kota Kinabalu in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Sapporo averages at about 11°C (52°F).
Kota Kinabalu usually receives more sunshine than Sapporo during autumn. Kota Kinabalu gets 192 hours of sunny skies, while Sapporo receives 156 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Sapporo. It's quite rainy in Kota Kinabalu. In October, Kota Kinabalu usually receives more rain than Sapporo. Kota Kinabalu gets 336 mm (13.2 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)Sapporo 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Sapporo in the Winter?
Both Sapporo 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 skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Sapporo this time of year.
It's quite cold in Sapporo in the winter. In January, Kota Kinabalu is generally much warmer than Sapporo. Daily temperatures in Kota Kinabalu average around 26°C (79°F), and Sapporo fluctuates around -5°C (24°F).
In the winter, Kota Kinabalu often gets more sunshine than Sapporo. Kota Kinabalu gets 181 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sapporo receives 99 hours of full sun.
Sapporo 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 January than Sapporo. Kota Kinabalu gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKota Kinabalu 26°C (79°F)Sapporo -5°C (24°F)
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Sapporo in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Kota Kinabalu and Sapporo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kota Kinabalu year-round. Also, many travelers come to Sapporo for the activities around the city.
Kota Kinabalu is much warmer than Sapporo in the spring. The daily temperature in Kota Kinabalu averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Sapporo fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).
In Kota Kinabalu, it's very sunny this time of the year. Kota Kinabalu usually receives more sunshine than Sapporo during spring. Kota Kinabalu gets 237 hours of sunny skies, while Sapporo receives 183 hours of full sun in the spring.
Kota Kinabalu gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Kota Kinabalu usually receives more rain than Sapporo. Kota Kinabalu gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKota Kinabalu 28°C (82°F)Sapporo 7°C (44°F)
Typical Weather for Sapporo and Kota Kinabalu
| Kota Kinabalu | Sapporo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) | -5°C (24°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (80°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | -4°C (24°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | -0°C (32°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 291 mm (11.5 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 255 mm (10 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 285 mm (11.2 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 336 mm (13.2 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 298 mm (11.7 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) | -1°C (30°F) | 100 mm (3.9 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.