Which place is cheaper, Shenzhen 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 Shenzhen?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Shenzhen? 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 Shenzhen?
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.
Shenzhen
Located in the Guangdong Province of southeastern China, Shenzhen is a metropolis that connects Hong Kong to China's mainland. It is one of China's most populous cities, inhabited by vast array of people from other Chinese regions. It is perhaps best known for it shopping, collection of amusement parks, green parks, museums and galleries, and a few historic sites. It is on UNESCO's Creative Cities list.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Malaysia, The Best Tours for Seniors to Malaysia, The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, and The Best Cultural Tours in China.
-
Kota Kinabalu Prices
Malaysia PricesShenzhen Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKota Kinabalu $68Shenzhen $140
The average daily cost (per person) in Kota Kinabalu is $68, while the average daily cost in Shenzhen 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 Shenzhen in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKota Kinabalu $21Shenzhen $91
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKota Kinabalu $42Shenzhen $182
Compare Hotels in Kota Kinabalu and Shenzhen
Looking for a hotel in Kota Kinabalu or Shenzhen? 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
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kota Kinabalu $25Shenzhen $15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kota Kinabalu
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kota Kinabalu:
- Transfer from Kota Kinabalu Airport BKI to Kota Kinabalu Port: $25
- Stand Up Paddle Boarding with Sunrise/Sunset Tour at Kota Kinabalu with transfer: $32
- Private Transfer: Kota Kinabalu International Airport to/from Hotel: $20
- Private Transfer- Kota Kinabalu Port to Kota Kinabalu Airport BKI: $25
- Private Transfer- Kota Kinabalu Airport BKI to Kota Kinabalu Port: $25
- Private Transfer from Kota Kinabalu Port to Kota Kinabalu hotels: $25
- Private Transfer from Kota Kinabalu Hotels to Kota Kinabalu Port: $25
- Private Arrival Transfer : Kota Kinabalu International Airport: $30
- Kota Kinabalu（BKI）: Private Transfer to City Center: $14
- Kota Kinabalu to Kota Kinab Airport: Departure Private Transfer: $24
- Kota Kinabalu Hotel to Jetty Round Trip Transfer: $53
- Kota Kinabalu Airport BKI to Borneo - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $77
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Shenzhen
Also for Shenzhen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfers to/from Bao'an Airport(SZX): $20
- shenzhen airport private transfer: $31
- [Airport Transfer] Shenzhen Airport 送 迎 Shenzhen City Transfer High reputation for service! : $32
- A One-Way Disneyland Pick-Up Transfer to Hong Kong Hotel: $33
- Private Transfer in Shenzhen with English Service: $35
- A One-Way Hotel Pick-Up Transfer to Hong Kong Disneyland: $36
- Shenzhen Private Transfer and Ongoing Travel Assistance: $39
- Hong Kong Airport (HKG) to Hong Kong - Arrival Private Transfer: $45
- Private Departure Transfer from Hong Kong to Hong Kong Airport: $45
- Private Transfer - Hong Kong Airport (HKG) to Kai Tak Cruise Port: $47
- Private Transfer - Kai Tak Cruise Port to Hong Kong Airport (HKG): $47
- Shenzhen Bao'an Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Center: $49
Is it cheaper to fly into Kota Kinabalu or Shenzhen?
Prices for flights to both Shenzhen 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 $30Shenzhen $35
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 Shenzhen
For Shenzhen, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Hong Kong Street Food Tour with Locals - Dim Sum, Wonton & more: $53
- Wet market tour & cooking class with local mum: $98
- Explore Hong Kong: Mid-Autumn Festival Food Tour: $103
- Discover Hong Kong’s Hidden Eats on a Tin Hau Food Tour: $109
- Small-Group Hong Kong Island Food Tour: $116
- Traditional Chinese Pun Choi cooking class in Hong Kong: $146
- Private Food Tour in Hong Kong: $148
- Hong Kong Street Food Tour with Local Guide: $149
- The 10 Tastings of Hong Kong With Locals: Private Street Food Tour : $176
- Hong Kong Private & Personalized Food Tour with a Local: $177
- Asian Favorites Cooking Class in Hong Kong (4-Course Meal): $184
- Hong Kong Style Noodles Cooking Class (Includes 4-Course Meal): $184
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kota Kinabalu $6.43Shenzhen $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 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 Shenzhen
For Shenzhen, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Introduction to Hong Kong: Central Tip Based Walking Tour: $2.64
- Day in the life of a Hong Konger: Kowloon Tip Based Walking Tour: $2.64
- Between Two Systems: Hong Kong's Living History Tip Based Tour: $2.64
- Hong kong City Tour w/ Entry Fees & Lunch (2024) | 150+ booked: $2.64
- Hong Kong Observation Wheel Ticket: $5.45
- Hong Kong Airport Express Ticket: $10
- Hong Kong Peak Tram and Sky Terrace 428 Tickets (Optional): $13
- Monopoly Dreams Hong Kong Entry Ticket: $13
- Hong Kong Airport Express Train Tickets(Avoid Heavy Traffic): $15
- Hong Kong Airport Express E-Ticket : $15
- The Victoria Peak Tram Ticket | Hong Kong: $15
- Hong Kong Palace Museum Ticket: $17
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayKota Kinabalu $7.18Shenzhen $19
Sample the Local Flavors in Shenzhen
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Shenzhen:
- Hong Kong Pub Crawl at Lan Kwai Fong (LKF): $46
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kota Kinabalu and Shenzhen, we can see that Shenzhen 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 Shenzhen would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Shenzhen 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 Shenzhen Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kota Kinabalu or Shenzhen?
Shenzhen has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Kota Kinabalu. When comparing the sizes of Kota Kinabalu and Shenzhen, 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 Shenzhen?
Shenzhen 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 Shenzhen in the Summer?
Both Shenzhen and Kota Kinabalu during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Kota Kinabalu because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Kota Kinabalu is around the same temperature as Shenzhen in the summer. The daily temperature in Kota Kinabalu averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Shenzhen fluctuates around 30°C (85°F).
In Shenzhen, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Kota Kinabalu. In the summer, Kota Kinabalu often gets less sunshine than Shenzhen. Kota Kinabalu gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shenzhen receives 231 hours of full sun.
Shenzhen 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 less rain in July than Shenzhen. Kota Kinabalu gets 255 mm (10 in) of rain, while Shenzhen receives 323 mm (12.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyKota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)Shenzhen 30°C (85°F)
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Shenzhen in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Kota Kinabalu and Shenzhen. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kota Kinabalu year-round.
In the autumn, Kota Kinabalu is around the same temperature as Shenzhen. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kota Kinabalu in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Shenzhen averages at about 26°C (78°F).
Kota Kinabalu usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Shenzhen during autumn. Kota Kinabalu gets 192 hours of sunny skies, while Shenzhen receives 190 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Shenzhen receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Kota Kinabalu gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Kota Kinabalu usually receives more rain than Shenzhen. Kota Kinabalu gets 336 mm (13.2 in) of rain, while Shenzhen receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)Shenzhen 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Shenzhen in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Kota Kinabalu as well as Shenzhen. Kota Kinabalu attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Kota Kinabalu is generally much warmer than Shenzhen. Daily temperatures in Kota Kinabalu average around 26°C (79°F), and Shenzhen fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).
In the winter, Kota Kinabalu often gets more sunshine than Shenzhen. Kota Kinabalu gets 181 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shenzhen receives 140 hours of full sun.
Kota Kinabalu receives a lot of rain in the winter. Kota Kinabalu usually gets more rain in January than Shenzhen. Kota Kinabalu gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Shenzhen receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKota Kinabalu 26°C (79°F)Shenzhen 16°C (60°F)
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Shenzhen in the Spring?
Both Shenzhen and Kota Kinabalu are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kota Kinabalu throughout the year.
Kota Kinabalu is a little warmer than Shenzhen in the spring. The daily temperature in Kota Kinabalu averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Shenzhen fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kota Kinabalu. Kota Kinabalu usually receives more sunshine than Shenzhen during spring. Kota Kinabalu gets 237 hours of sunny skies, while Shenzhen receives 95 hours of full sun in the spring.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Shenzhen. It's quite rainy in Kota Kinabalu. In April, Kota Kinabalu usually receives less rain than Shenzhen. Kota Kinabalu gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Shenzhen receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilKota Kinabalu 28°C (82°F)Shenzhen 23°C (73°F)
Typical Weather for Shenzhen and Kota Kinabalu
| Kota Kinabalu | Shenzhen | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (80°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 154 mm (6.1 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 325 mm (12.8 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 291 mm (11.5 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 382 mm (15 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 255 mm (10 in) | 30°C (85°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 393 mm (15.5 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 285 mm (11.2 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 300 mm (11.8 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 336 mm (13.2 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 298 mm (11.7 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 27 mm (1.1 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.