Which place is cheaper, Tokyo 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 Tokyo?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Tokyo? 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 Tokyo?
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.
Tokyo
Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is by far the most populous city in the world with a staggering 37 million people. As a worldwide hub for technology and business, it hosts millions of visitors annually. But Tokyo is not just a place for business trips. With its incredible mixture of historical temples and shrines, remarkably beautiful parks, endless shopping malls, and genuinely wonderful people, Tokyo is a terrific place to visit and to explore.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Malaysia, The Best Tours for Seniors to Malaysia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Japan.
-
Kota Kinabalu Prices
Malaysia PricesTokyo Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKota Kinabalu $70Tokyo $174
The average daily cost (per person) in Kota Kinabalu is $70, while the average daily cost in Tokyo is $174. 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 Tokyo in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKota Kinabalu $21Tokyo $73
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKota Kinabalu $42Tokyo $146
Compare Hotels in Kota Kinabalu and Tokyo
Looking for a hotel in Kota Kinabalu or Tokyo? 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 Tokyo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kota Kinabalu $26Tokyo $16
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 Tokyo
Also for Tokyo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Haneda Airport to Tokyo One Way Transfer: $13
- Tokyo Private Transfer From or To Haneda Airport HND: $33
- HND Airport Private Transfer to/from Tokyo City Center: $45
- DECKS Tokyo Beach & Odaiba 1 Way Door to Door Shared Transfer: $51
- Haneda Airport: 1-Way Shared Shuttle Transfer: $54
- Private transfer from Central Tokyo to Disney Resort: $57
- Tokyo Disneyland/DisneySea: Private Transfer To/From Tokyo Hotels: $59
- Shared Departure Transfer : Central Tokyo Hotel to Haneda Airport: $60
- Shared Arrival Transfer : Haneda Airport to Central Tokyo City: $60
- Airport Shuttle Arrival Transfer : from Haneda Airport to Tokyo City: $60
- Tokyo City: One-Way Private Transfer to/from Yokohama City: $63
- Private One-Way Transfers to/from Yokohama Port: $64
Is it cheaper to fly into Kota Kinabalu or Tokyo?
Prices for flights to both Tokyo 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 $31Tokyo $61
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
Typical Food Prices in Tokyo
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Tokyo:
-
Late Night Noodles$4.95
-
Conveyor Belt Sushi Snack$4.95
-
Meal at Airport$6.45
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tokyo
For Tokyo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Tokyo Tsukiji Fish Market: Traditional Culture & Street Food Tour: $19
- Hide's Table A Unique Dinner Gathering Every Wednesday Night: $19
- Tsukiji Market Culture and Food Tour with 40-Year Resident: $25
- Shinjuku Chef‐Led Night Food Tour — What Guides Don’t Show: $28
- Shinjuku: 7-Dishes vegetarian dinner at a Japanese izakaya: $28
- Shibuya 7-Dishes vegetarian dinner at a Japanese izakaya: $28
- Authentic Homestyle Japanese Cooking Class near Tokyo with Risa: $39
- Giant Sushi Cooking Class: Make a 1.5m Sushi Roll in Tokyo: $41
- Japanese Sushi Cooking Class: $47
- Tokyo Cute Sushi : Kawaii Sushi Cooking Class!: $50
- Tokyo Home Cooking: Choose Your Favorite Japanese Dishes: $55
- Tokyo Sushi Making Experience & Japanese Cooking Class: $57
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kota Kinabalu $6.65Tokyo $65
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 Tokyo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tokyo.
- Imperial Palace or Edo Castle Time Trip Learning Walking Tour: $3.15
- Tokyo Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.00
- Shinjuku Kabukicho Night Walking Tour: $6.30
- Tokyo Walking Tour 2h15 and 19 audio reviews: $6.70
- Cross Roppongi Karaoke Nightclub Ticket (For Foreign): $6.76
- Tokyo Fuji Art Museum Admission Ticket + Special Exhibition (when being held): $7.56
- TOKYO Audio Guide Tour in The East Gardens of the Imperial Palace: $7.56
- Tokyo Metro Subway Ticket: $8.85
- Tokyo / Shibuya / Yokohama Tours! Choose, Explore and Enjoy!: $10
- Shibuya drinking tour: $10
- Kadokawa Culture Museum Standard Ticket: $11
- Tokyo Hakone Kyoto Nara Osaka and Hiroshima AI Audio Tour: $12
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayKota Kinabalu $7.43Tokyo $31
Typical Alcohol Prices in Tokyo
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Tokyo:
-
Sake$3.71
Sample the Local Flavors in Tokyo
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Tokyo:
- Tokyo Pub Crawl: Unique Japanese Drinks in Shimokitazawa: $34
- 3 Hours Pub Crawl Welcome Guided Tour in Shibuya: $35
- 3-Hour Tokyo Pub Crawl Nightlife Welcome Guided Tour in Shibuya: $46
- Unique Brewery Tour and One-of-a-Kind Sake Tasting Near Tokyo: $62
- Mt. Fuji & Hakushu Distillery Whisky Museum Bus Tour from Tokyo: $88
- Tokyo Shinjuku Gay Bar Crawl with Drinks: $90
- Shibuya Bar Crawl Tour -3 Drinks & Local Foods-: $101
- Shinjuku Bar Crawl Tour -3 Drinks & Local foods-: $101
- Private Sake Tasting at 300 Years Old Sake Brewery in Tokyo: $120
- Private Shinjuku Nightlife Walking Tour & Golden-Gai Bar Crawl: $145
- Japanese Sake Brewery Visit and Tasting in Kanagawa: $150
- Tokyo Harajuku Night Pub Crawl with Locals – Snack Bars & Karaoke: $164
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kota Kinabalu and Tokyo, we can see that Tokyo 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 Tokyo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tokyo 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 Tokyo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kota Kinabalu or Tokyo?
Tokyo has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Kota Kinabalu. When comparing the sizes of Kota Kinabalu and Tokyo, 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 Tokyo?
Tokyo 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 Tokyo in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Kota Kinabalu as well as Tokyo. Kota Kinabalu attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Tokyo this time of year.
Kota Kinabalu is around the same temperature as Tokyo in the summer. The daily temperature in Kota Kinabalu averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Tokyo fluctuates around 26°C (78°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 Tokyo. Kota Kinabalu gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tokyo receives 137 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Tokyo. Kota Kinabalu receives a lot of rain in the summer. Kota Kinabalu usually gets more rain in July than Tokyo. Kota Kinabalu gets 255 mm (10 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyKota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)Tokyo 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Tokyo in the Autumn?
Both Tokyo 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, many travelers come to Tokyo for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Kota Kinabalu is much warmer than Tokyo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kota Kinabalu in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Tokyo averages at about 18°C (64°F).
Kota Kinabalu usually receives more sunshine than Tokyo during autumn. Kota Kinabalu gets 192 hours of sunny skies, while Tokyo receives 129 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Tokyo. It's quite rainy in Kota Kinabalu. In October, Kota Kinabalu usually receives more rain than Tokyo. Kota Kinabalu gets 336 mm (13.2 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)Tokyo 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Tokyo in the Winter?
Both Tokyo 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. Furthermore, many visitors come to Tokyo in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In January, Kota Kinabalu is generally much warmer than Tokyo. Daily temperatures in Kota Kinabalu average around 26°C (79°F), and Tokyo fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).
In the winter, Kota Kinabalu often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Tokyo. Kota Kinabalu gets 181 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tokyo receives 175 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Kota Kinabalu. Kota Kinabalu usually gets more rain in January than Tokyo. Kota Kinabalu gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKota Kinabalu 26°C (79°F)Tokyo 5°C (42°F)
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Tokyo in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Kota Kinabalu and Tokyo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kota Kinabalu year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Tokyo for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.
Kota Kinabalu is much warmer than Tokyo in the spring. The daily temperature in Kota Kinabalu averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Tokyo fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).
In Kota Kinabalu, it's very sunny this time of the year. Kota Kinabalu usually receives more sunshine than Tokyo during spring. Kota Kinabalu gets 237 hours of sunny skies, while Tokyo receives 161 hours of full sun in the spring.
Tokyo receives a lot of rain in the spring. Kota Kinabalu gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Kota Kinabalu usually receives less rain than Tokyo. Kota Kinabalu gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilKota Kinabalu 28°C (82°F)Tokyo 14°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Tokyo and Kota Kinabalu
| Kota Kinabalu | Tokyo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) | 5°C (42°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (80°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 291 mm (11.5 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 186 mm (7.3 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 255 mm (10 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 285 mm (11.2 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 180 mm (7.1 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 336 mm (13.2 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 298 mm (11.7 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 46 mm (1.8 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.