Which place is cheaper, Sydney 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 Sydney?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Sydney? 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 Sydney?
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.
Sydney
Sydney, known as the harbour city, is the most famous and frequently visited city in Australia. It is at the economical and cultural heart of the country, and is one of the most beautiful and livable cities in the world. It's situated on the water with stunning views of the famous harbour throughout the city. It's most famous landmarks include the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. It is also very close wonderful beaches, parks, and nature.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Malaysia, The Best Tours for Seniors to Malaysia, The Best Contiki Tours to Australia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Australia.
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Kota Kinabalu Prices
Malaysia PricesSydney Prices
Australia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKota Kinabalu $69Sydney $218
The average daily cost (per person) in Kota Kinabalu is $69, while the average daily cost in Sydney is $218. 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 Sydney in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKota Kinabalu $21Sydney $108
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKota Kinabalu $42Sydney $216
Compare Hotels in Kota Kinabalu and Sydney
Looking for a hotel in Kota Kinabalu or Sydney? 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 Sydney Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kota Kinabalu $26Sydney $16
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: $37
- Kota Kinab. Airport to Kota Kinabalu - Arrival Private Transfer: $23
- Kota Kinabalu Airport (BKI) Private Transfer to Kota Kinabalu: $25
- Kota Kinabalu（BKI）: Private Transfer to City Center: $14
- Monsopiad Cultural Village Visit with Private Transfer from Kota Kinabalu: $50
- Private Airport Transfer in Kota Kinabalu: $20
- Private Departure Transfer : Kota Kinabalu International Airport: $27
- Private Transfer: Kota Kinabalu International Airport to/from Hotel: $30
- Stand Up Paddle Boarding with Sunrise/Sunset Tour at Kota Kinabalu with transfer: $32
- Transfer from Kota Kinabalu Airport BKI to Kota Kinabalu Port: $24
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Sydney
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Sydney:
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Taxi Ride$14
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Taxi to Airport$17
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sydney
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Sydney:
- Transfer Between Airport & Hotels or Cruise Terminal: $13
- Sydney Port Arrival Transfer: Cruise Port to City Hotel: $26
- Shuttle Transfer from Cruise Ship Terminal at Circular Quay to Sydney Airport: $26
- Sydney Port Private Departure Transfer: City Hotel to Cruise Port: $32
- Sydney Airport Vip Transfer to city: $36
- SYD Airport to Sydney City Centre Private Transfer: $37
- Airport Shuttle Transfer to and from CBD Hotels: $40
- Private Transfer from Kembla Cruise Port to Sydney Airport (SYD): $50
- Private Transfer from Sydney City Hotel to Sydney Cruise Port: $50
- Private Transfer from Sydney Airport (SYD) to Kembla Cruise Port: $50
- Sydney Airport Transfers & Sydney CBD: $53
- Private Airport Transfers Sydney to Chauffeur Driven Luxury Car: $56
Is it cheaper to fly into Kota Kinabalu or Sydney?
Prices for flights to both Sydney 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 $30Sydney $81
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: $32
- 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: $91
- Ethnic Cooking Class & Upside Down House & 3D Wonders Museum: $92
- North Borneo Sunset Dinner Cruise: $121
- Kota Kinabalu Night Tour with Dinner & Cultural Dance Show: $143
Typical Food Prices in Sydney
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Sydney:
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Tea$2.76
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Lunch Special$10
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Food/Drink Coogie Beach$10
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Meat Pies$3.45
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sydney
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Sydney.
- Vivid Festival of Light Harbor Cruise with Dinner: $36
- City Highlights Walking Food Tour with Harbor Cruise: $45
- Vivid Sydney Dinner Cruises: $46
- Roti Making Class with 5-Course Dinner: $50
- Harbour Dinner Cruise with Buffet: $50
- Sydney Harbour Discovery Dinner Cruise Scenic Sights and Buffet: $53
- Foraging Food Tour Sydney Native Aussie Food: $53
- Twilight Dinner Cruise on Coral Trekker: $59
- Harbor Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $59
- Sydney Harbour Tall Ship Twilight Dinner Cruise: $63
- Tall Ship Harbour Twilight Dinner Cruise: $72
- Sydney Harbour: Latin Fiesta Dinner Cruise: $73
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kota Kinabalu $6.54Sydney $33
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
- Pulau Sapi & Manukan Sabah Shared Activity Adventure: $43
- Sky-Mirror Photographing and Proboscis Monkey & Fireflies Watching River-Cruise: $46
- 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
- Kota Kinabalu City Tour: $54
- Bongawan River Cruise Proboscis Monkey, SkyMirror, Fireflies: $54
- Full Day Bongawan River Cruise with Proboscis Monkey Sightseeing: $57
- Klias Wildlife Safari River Cruise from Kota Kinabalu: $58
Typical Entertainment Prices in Sydney
Here are a few typical costs in Sydney for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Theatre Show$31
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Sydney Tower Visit (for 2)$32
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Blue Mountain Tour/Featherdale Park (for 2)$131
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Powerhouse Museum$10
Tours and Activities in Sydney
Here are a few actual costs in Sydney for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Sydney's Lavender Bay: An Audio Tour by ABC Broadcaster: $6.99
- Sydney Walking Tour 3h00 and 18 audio reviews: $7.66
- Sydney Ghost Tour: $8.00
- Sydney Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self Guided Walking Tour: $8.15
- Sydney Cockatoo Island Escape: Convict Adventure Game: $8.15
- Sydney Walking Tour with Audioguide on Your Smartphone: $12
- From Foundations to Skylines: A Self Guided Sydney Walking Tour: $15
- Tickets & Tours at Art Gallery of New South Wales: $17
- Razor Gangs True Crime Tour: $17
- Aboriginal Art Exhibition Ticket, Art Gallery of NSW: $17
- Self-Guided Walking Tour in Hidden Trails of The Rocks of Sydney: $18
- Allianz Stadium Guided Tour: $18
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKota Kinabalu $7.30Sydney $16
Typical Alcohol Prices in Sydney
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Sydney:
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Wine$11
Sample the Local Flavors in Sydney
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Sydney:
- Big Night Out Pub Crawl: $28
- Big Night Out Pub Crawl with Local Party Hosts: $32
- Private Wine Tasting at The Rocks: $46
- Sydney The Rocks Historical Pub Tour: $84
- From: Sydney - Hunter Valley Wine Tasting Guided Day Tour: $89
- Sydney Beer and Brewery Tour: $109
- Brewery, Winery, and Distillery Tasting Tour: $112
- From Full-Day Hunter Valley Wine Tour & Lunch: $145
- From Hunter Valley Wine Tasting Day Tour: $145
- From Hunter Valley Multi-Brewery Tour with Lunch: $149
- From All Inclusive Boutique Hunter Valley Wine Tour: $155
- Hunter Valley: Wine Tour with 3 Tastings and Garden Lunch: $155
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kota Kinabalu and Sydney, we can see that Sydney 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 Sydney is in Pacific, 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 Sydney would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sydney 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 Sydney Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kota Kinabalu or Sydney?
Sydney has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Kota Kinabalu. When comparing the sizes of Kota Kinabalu and Sydney, 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 Sydney?
Sydney 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 Sydney in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Kota Kinabalu and Sydney. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kota Kinabalu year-round. Also, many visitors come to Sydney in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
Kota Kinabalu is a little warmer than Sydney in the summer. The daily temperature in Kota Kinabalu averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Sydney fluctuates around 23°C (73°F)in January.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sydney this time of the year. In Kota Kinabalu, it's very sunny this time of the year. Kota Kinabalu usually receives less sunshine than Sydney during summer. Kota Kinabalu gets 205 hours of sunny skies, while Sydney receives 236 hours of full sun in the summer.
Sydney receives a lot of rain in the summer. Kota Kinabalu gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Kota Kinabalu usually receives more rain than Sydneyin January. Kota Kinabalu gets 255 mm (10 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryKota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)Sydney 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Sydney in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Kota Kinabalu as well as Sydney. Kota Kinabalu attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Sydney for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In the autumn, Kota Kinabalu is a little warmer than Sydney. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kota Kinabalu in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Sydney averages at about 19°C (65°F)in April.
In the autumn, Kota Kinabalu often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Sydneyin April. Kota Kinabalu gets 192 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sydney receives 195 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Sydney. Kota Kinabalu receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Kota Kinabalu usually gets more rain in October than Sydneyin April. Kota Kinabalu gets 336 mm (13.2 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilKota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)Sydney 19°C (65°F)
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Sydney in the Winter?
Both Sydney and Kota Kinabalu are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kota Kinabalu throughout the year. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Sydney because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In January, Kota Kinabalu is generally much warmer than Sydneyin July. Daily temperatures in Kota Kinabalu average around 26°C (79°F), and Sydney fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).
It's quite sunny in Sydney. Kota Kinabalu usually receives less sunshine than Sydney during winter. Kota Kinabalu gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while Sydney receives 208 hours of full sun in the winter.
It's quite rainy in Kota Kinabalu. In January, Kota Kinabalu usually receives more rain than Sydneyin July. Kota Kinabalu gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyKota Kinabalu 26°C (79°F)Sydney 12°C (53°F)
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Sydney in the Spring?
Both Sydney and Kota Kinabalu during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Kota Kinabalu because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Sydney this time of year.
Kota Kinabalu is much warmer than Sydney in the spring. The daily temperature in Kota Kinabalu averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Sydney fluctuates around 18°C (64°F)in October.
In Sydney, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Kota Kinabalu. In the spring, Kota Kinabalu often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Sydneyin October. Kota Kinabalu gets 237 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sydney receives 240 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Kota Kinabalu. Kota Kinabalu usually gets more rain in April than Sydneyin October. Kota Kinabalu gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberKota Kinabalu 28°C (82°F)Sydney 18°C (64°F)
Typical Weather for Sydney and Kota Kinabalu
| Kota Kinabalu | Sydney | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (80°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 291 mm (11.5 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 128 mm (5 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 255 mm (10 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 285 mm (11.2 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 336 mm (13.2 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 298 mm (11.7 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 81 mm (3.2 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.