A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kota Kinabalu vs. Wuhu for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Kota Kinabalu or Wuhu?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Wuhu? 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 Wuhu?

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.

Wuhu

The city of Wuhu is located in the southeast of the Anhui province of China. It lies on the south bank of the Yangtze River, and about 74 miles from the capital city of Hefei. It is made of floodplains, terraces and low hills, and its plentiful water supply makes it the perfect spot for fish and rice production.

The area has a subtropical climate with a humid monsoon season. When planning your trip, remember that the rainy season is from spring to early winter with the heaviest rainfall from mid-June to early July. So the best trips will be in autumn when it is nice and cool, and the chrysanthemums are in bloom.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Malaysia, The Best Tours for Seniors to Malaysia, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Lhasa, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Shanghai.


Which place is cheaper, Wuhu 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.

The average daily cost (per person) in Kota Kinabalu is $68, while the average daily cost in Wuhu is $116. 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 Wuhu in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kota Kinabalu $21
    Wuhu $30
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kota Kinabalu $42
    Wuhu $60
Compare Hotels in Kota Kinabalu and Wuhu

Looking for a hotel in Kota Kinabalu or Wuhu? 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.

Hotels in Kota Kinabalu


Hotels in Wuhu


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 $25
    Wuhu $26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kota Kinabalu

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kota Kinabalu:

  • Kota Kinabalu Airport (BKI) Private Transfer to Kota Kinabalu: $13
  • Kota Kinabalu(BKI): Private Transfer to City Center: $14
  • Private Transfer: Kota Kinabalu International Airport to/from Hotel: $20
  • Kota Kinabalu to Kota Kinab Airport: Departure Private Transfer: $24
  • Private Transfer from Kota Kinabalu Hotels to Kota Kinabalu Port: $25
  • Private Transfer from Kota Kinabalu Port to Kota Kinabalu hotels: $25
  • Private Transfer- Kota Kinabalu Airport BKI to Kota Kinabalu Port: $25
  • Transfer from Kota Kinabalu Airport BKI to Kota Kinabalu Port: $25
  • Private Transfer- Kota Kinabalu Port to Kota Kinabalu Airport BKI: $25
  • Private Arrival Transfer : Kota Kinabalu International Airport: $30
  • Stand Up Paddle Boarding with Sunrise/Sunset Tour at Kota Kinabalu with transfer: $32
  • Kota Kinabalu Airport (BKI) to Borneo - Arrival Private Transfer: $38

Is it cheaper to fly into Kota Kinabalu or Wuhu?

Prices for flights to both Wuhu 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 day
    Kota Kinabalu $30
    Wuhu $68

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kota Kinabalu $6.43
    Wuhu $18

Tours and Activities in Kota Kinabalu

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kota Kinabalu are as follows:

  • Bongawan Proboscis and Fireflies Cruise Tour: $32
  • Sail and Catch Boat fishing Tour of the Coast of Kota Kinabalu: $41
  • Night Glow Stand Up Paddle Experience in Kota Kinabalu: $44
  • 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
  • Bongawan River Cruise Proboscis Monkey, SkyMirror, Fireflies : $49
  • Sabah: Manukan and Sapi Islands Excursion Ticket: $50
  • Borneo (Klias) River Cruise & Fireflies Tour: $50
  • Private Guided E-Foil Experience in Tanjung Aru Beach: $54
  • Full Day Bongawan River Cruise with Proboscis Monkey Sightseeing: $55
  • Pulau Sapi & Manukan Sabah Shared Activity Adventure: $57

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kota Kinabalu $7.18
    Wuhu $8.21


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kota Kinabalu and Wuhu, we can see that Wuhu 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 Wuhu would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Wuhu 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 Wuhu Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Kota Kinabalu or Wuhu?

Wuhu has a larger population, and is about 11% larger than the population of Kota Kinabalu. When comparing the sizes of Kota Kinabalu and Wuhu, 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 Wuhu?

Wuhu 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 Wuhu in the Summer?

Both Wuhu and Kota Kinabalu are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kota Kinabalu throughout the year.

Kota Kinabalu is around the same temperature as Wuhu in the summer. The daily temperature in Kota Kinabalu averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Wuhu fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Wuhu. It's quite rainy in Kota Kinabalu. In July, Kota Kinabalu usually receives more rain than Wuhu. Kota Kinabalu gets 255 mm (10 in) of rain, while Wuhu receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Kota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F) 
    Wuhu 28°C (83°F)

Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Wuhu in the Autumn?

Both Wuhu and Kota Kinabalu during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Kota Kinabalu because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the autumn, Kota Kinabalu is much warmer than Wuhu. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kota Kinabalu in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Wuhu averages at about 17°C (63°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kota Kinabalu. Kota Kinabalu usually gets more rain in October than Wuhu. Kota Kinabalu gets 336 mm (13.2 in) of rain, while Wuhu receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Kota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F) 
    Wuhu 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Wuhu in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Kota Kinabalu and Wuhu. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kota Kinabalu year-round.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Wuhu. In January, Kota Kinabalu is generally much warmer than Wuhu. Daily temperatures in Kota Kinabalu average around 26°C (79°F), and Wuhu fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Kota Kinabalu gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Kota Kinabalu usually receives more rain than Wuhu. Kota Kinabalu gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Wuhu receives 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Kota Kinabalu 26°C (79°F) 
    Wuhu 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Wuhu in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Kota Kinabalu as well as Wuhu. Kota Kinabalu attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Kota Kinabalu is much warmer than Wuhu in the spring. The daily temperature in Kota Kinabalu averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Wuhu fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

It's quite rainy in Wuhu. Kota Kinabalu receives a lot of rain in the spring. Kota Kinabalu usually gets more rain in April than Wuhu. Kota Kinabalu gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Wuhu receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Kota Kinabalu 28°C (82°F) 
    Wuhu 15°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Wuhu and Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu Wuhu
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (79°F) 129 mm (5.1 in) 3°C (37°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)
Feb 26°C (80°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 4°C (40°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Mar 27°C (81°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 9°C (48°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 28°C (82°F) 112 mm (4.4 in) 15°C (60°F) 101 mm (4 in)
May 28°C (82°F) 226 mm (8.9 in) 21°C (69°F) 88 mm (3.5 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 291 mm (11.5 in) 25°C (77°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 255 mm (10 in) 28°C (83°F) 174 mm (6.9 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 260 mm (10.2 in) 28°C (83°F) 158 mm (6.2 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 285 mm (11.2 in) 23°C (74°F) 105 mm (4.1 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 336 mm (13.2 in) 17°C (63°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 298 mm (11.7 in) 11°C (52°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Dec 27°C (80°F) 230 mm (9.1 in) 5°C (41°F) 25 mm (1 in)