Which place is cheaper, Yokohama 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 Yokohama?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Yokohama? 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 Yokohama?
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.
Yokohama
Located on the western coast of Tokyo Bay just south of Tokyo, Yokohama is Japan's second largest city and one of the most-visited cities by foreigners. It features one of the largest Chinatown's in the world as well as many parks and architectural landmarks.
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 Tokyo, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo.
-
Kota Kinabalu Prices
Malaysia PricesYokohama Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKota Kinabalu $68Yokohama $156
The average daily cost (per person) in Kota Kinabalu is $68, while the average daily cost in Yokohama is $156. 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 Yokohama in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKota Kinabalu $21Yokohama $72
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKota Kinabalu $42Yokohama $144
Compare Hotels in Kota Kinabalu and Yokohama
Looking for a hotel in Kota Kinabalu or Yokohama? 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 Yokohama Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kota Kinabalu $25Yokohama $21
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kota Kinabalu
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kota Kinabalu:
- Kota Kinab Airport to Kota Kinabalu - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $48
- Kota Kinabalu Airport (BKI) Private Transfer to Kota Kinabalu: $13
- Kota Kinabalu Airport (BKI) to Borneo - Arrival Private Transfer: $38
- Kota Kinabalu Airport BKI to Borneo - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $77
- Kota Kinabalu Hotel to Jetty Round Trip Transfer: $53
- Kota Kinabalu to Kota Kinab Airport: Departure Private Transfer: $24
- Kota Kinabalu（BKI）: Private Transfer to City Center: $14
- 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
- Private Transfer- Kota Kinabalu Airport BKI to Kota Kinabalu Port: $25
- Private Transfer- Kota Kinabalu Port to Kota Kinabalu Airport BKI: $25
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Yokohama
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Yokohama:
- Tokyo: Haneda Airport(HND) Private Transfer to/from Yokohama: $52
- Yokohama Private Transfer: Tokyo City, Narita and Haneda Airport: $65
- Tokyo: Private Transfer to/from Yokohama Port: $84
- Narita Airport: Private One-Way Transfer to/from Yokohama: $93
- Yokohama Port to Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) - Private Transfer : $120
- Shuttle Van Transfer, Yokohama(Port)⇒Tokyo, Narita, Haneda, TDR: $127
- Yokohama ⇆ Tokyo, Narita & Haneda Airport Private Transfer: $127
- Yokohama City: Private transfer to/from Haneda Airport: $128
- Shuttle Van Transfer, Haneda, Narita and Tokyo⇒Yokohama City: $132
- Yokohama Cruise Port to Narita Airport NRT - Private Transfer : $147
- Private Transfer from Yokohama Cruise Port to Tokyo: $147
- Private Transfer from Tokyo City to Narita Airport Vice Versa: $195
Is it cheaper to fly into Kota Kinabalu or Yokohama?
Prices for flights to both Yokohama 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 $30Yokohama $66
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 Yokohama
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Yokohama.
- Tokyo: Shinjuku Local Eats, Street Food Tour & Culture Walk: $25
- TAKOYAKI Cooking Class with All-you-can-drink in Tokyo, Roppongi: $61
- Private Local Food Tour in Ginza and Shinbashi: $62
- DIY Sushi Cooking Class at Izakaya in Yokohama: $68
- Yokohama Manga Art & Japanese Cooking Experience: $81
- Sushi & Gyoza Cooking with Matcha Experience: $81
- 3-Hour Shared Halal-Friendly Japanese Cooking Class in Tokyo: $85
- Miso Ramen Gyoza and Matcha Cooking Class Professional Teacher: $101
- Sakuragicho/Noge Walking & Local Food Tour: $134
- Tokyo: Best Ginza Food Tour at 3 Local Eateries: $150
- Experience Izakaya With A Mini Food Tour Of Tokyo: $172
- Traditional Japanese Home Cooking from a Chef in Shibuya: $174
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kota Kinabalu $6.43Yokohama $31
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
Tours and Activities in Yokohama
Here are a few actual costs in Yokohama for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Tokyo Shinjuku: WARP Nightclub Admission Ticket (For Foreign): $6.95
- Marine Tower Observation Floor Ticket: $8.11
- Yokohama Fantasy GPS App Walking Tour Mobile Game: $14
- Local kawaii craft Tour: $14
- Ginza Tokyo : Easy Matcha Green Tea Experience: $14
- Tokyo Host Club Experience with English Guide: $14
- Tokyo City View Observation Deck Adventure Ticket: $19
- Roppongi Hills Tokyo City View Observatory Deck Admission Ticket: $20
- Tokyo Walking Tour with Licensed Guide Shinjuku: $21
- Find Yokohama's Hidden Gem: Walking Tour with Local Guide: $24
- Matcha experience in Ginza (Includes sushi toy ＆ Japanese sweets): $26
- Roppongi Hills Tokyo City View Observatory Deck Ticket: $27
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayKota Kinabalu $7.18Yokohama $18
Sample the Local Flavors in Yokohama
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Yokohama:
- Tokyo Pub Crawl: $26
- Tokyo Roppongi Burlesque show: $42
- Tantra Tokyo Burlesque Show Club: $83
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kota Kinabalu and Yokohama, we can see that Yokohama 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 Yokohama would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Yokohama 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 Yokohama Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kota Kinabalu or Yokohama?
Yokohama has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Kota Kinabalu. When comparing the sizes of Kota Kinabalu and Yokohama, 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 Yokohama?
Yokohama 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 Yokohama in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Kota Kinabalu and Yokohama. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kota Kinabalu year-round. Also, many visitors come to Yokohama in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Kota Kinabalu is around the same temperature as Yokohama. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kota Kinabalu in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Yokohama averages at about 25°C (78°F).
In Kota Kinabalu, it's very sunny this time of the year. Kota Kinabalu usually receives more sunshine than Yokohama during summer. Kota Kinabalu gets 205 hours of sunny skies, while Yokohama receives 137 hours of full sun in the summer.
Yokohama 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 Yokohama. Kota Kinabalu gets 255 mm (10 in) of rain, while Yokohama receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyKota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)Yokohama 25°C (78°F)
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Yokohama in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Kota Kinabalu as well as Yokohama. Kota Kinabalu attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Yokohama for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.
In October, Kota Kinabalu is generally much warmer than Yokohama. Daily temperatures in Kota Kinabalu average around 27°C (81°F), and Yokohama fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
In the autumn, Kota Kinabalu often gets more sunshine than Yokohama. Kota Kinabalu gets 192 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Yokohama receives 129 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Yokohama. Kota Kinabalu receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Kota Kinabalu usually gets more rain in October than Yokohama. Kota Kinabalu gets 336 mm (13.2 in) of rain, while Yokohama receives 175 mm (6.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)Yokohama 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Yokohama in the Winter?
Both Yokohama 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 Yokohama because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Kota Kinabalu is much warmer than Yokohama in the winter. The daily temperature in Kota Kinabalu averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and Yokohama fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).
Kota Kinabalu usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Yokohama during winter. Kota Kinabalu gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while Yokohama receives 175 hours of full sun in the winter.
It's quite rainy in Kota Kinabalu. In January, Kota Kinabalu usually receives more rain than Yokohama. Kota Kinabalu gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Yokohama receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKota Kinabalu 26°C (79°F)Yokohama 6°C (42°F)
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Yokohama in the Spring?
Both Yokohama 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 activities around the city are the main draw to Yokohama this time of year.
In the spring, Kota Kinabalu is much warmer than Yokohama. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kota Kinabalu in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Yokohama averages at about 14°C (58°F).
It's quite sunny in Kota Kinabalu. In the spring, Kota Kinabalu often gets more sunshine than Yokohama. Kota Kinabalu gets 237 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Yokohama receives 161 hours of full sun.
Yokohama 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 April than Yokohama. Kota Kinabalu gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Yokohama receives 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilKota Kinabalu 28°C (82°F)Yokohama 14°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Yokohama and Kota Kinabalu
| Kota Kinabalu | Yokohama | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (80°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 153 mm (6 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 291 mm (11.5 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 221 mm (8.7 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 255 mm (10 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 138 mm (5.4 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) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 336 mm (13.2 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 175 mm (6.9 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 298 mm (11.7 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 50 mm (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.