Which place is cheaper, Zhengzhou 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 Zhengzhou?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Zhengzhou? 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 Zhengzhou?
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.
Zhengzhou
Along the Yellow River, a city from the future and the past resides. Ancient pagodas, futuristic domes, verdant gardens - Zhengzhou is a myriad of many worlds in one urban area. The provincial capital of the Henan Province, Zhengzhou is the encapsulation of a perfect city from its delicate balance of the natural and urban spheres. It was born during the Sui Dynasty, and its actual location was in the modern-day Chenggao. Moreover, Zhengzhou works as the political, economic, technological, and educational center of the province. The city is also one of the eight great ancient capitals of China, with a collection of architecture and art originating during iconic dynasties. These relics of the old world include the Shaolin Monastery, Henan Museum, the Pagoda Forest, the Gaocheng Astronomical Observatory, the Songyue Pagoda, the Emperors of Yan and Huang, and the scenic views of the Yellow River. With over nine million inhabitants, Zhengzhou continues to grow at a thriving rate. It also should be noted that in June 2012, Greater Zhengzhou was named one of the thirteen emerging megacities in China according to the Economist Intelligent Unit. Known internationally for its amazing culmination of culture and history, Zhengzhou is the ideal city for travelers and inhabitants alike.
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 Shanghai, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing.
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Kota Kinabalu Prices
Malaysia PricesZhengzhou Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKota Kinabalu $68Zhengzhou $65
The average daily cost (per person) in Kota Kinabalu is $68, while the average daily cost in Zhengzhou is $65. 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 Zhengzhou in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKota Kinabalu $21Zhengzhou $21
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKota Kinabalu $42Zhengzhou $42
Compare Hotels in Kota Kinabalu and Zhengzhou
Looking for a hotel in Kota Kinabalu or Zhengzhou? 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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kota Kinabalu $25Zhengzhou $14
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 Zhengzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zhengzhou:
- Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport Chauffeur Transfer, Zhengzhou Airport Transfer: $27
- [Airport Transfer] Zhengzhou Xinjiang International Airport Zhengzhou City Transfer There is a reputation for high service! : $27
- Zhengzhou Airport Transfer( Hotel to Airport): $59
- One-Way Private Transfer from Zhengzhou to Kaifeng: $70
- One-Way Private Transfer from Zhengzhou to Luoyang: $80
- Private Transfer from Zhengzhou to Luoyang Longmen Grottoes : $95
- Private Guided Tour/Transfer to Shaolin Temple: $98
- Private transfer to Shaolin Temple from Zhengzhou: $108
- Private Transfer to Shaolin Temple or Dengfeng from Zhengzhou Train station: $132
- Zhengzhou airport or Train Staion Transfer Service: $150
Is it cheaper to fly into Kota Kinabalu or Zhengzhou?
Prices for flights to both Zhengzhou 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 $30Zhengzhou $36
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 Zhengzhou
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zhengzhou.
- Zhengzhou Erqi Square and Night Markets Private Tour including Dinner: $145
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kota Kinabalu $6.43Zhengzhou $5.03
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 Zhengzhou
Here are a few actual costs in Zhengzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Kaifeng city highlights tour with delicious lunch from Zhengzhou: $120
- Shaolin Temple One Day Tour: $125
- Private Independent Tour to Shaolin Temple from Zhengzhou: $126
- All inclusive Anyang Yin Xu ruins and Character Museum day tour from Zhengzhou: $140
- Private Independent Tour to Guoliangcun from Zhengzhou: $158
- Private Independent Tour to Yuntai Mountain from Zhengzhou: $169
- Zhengzhou Private Day Tour to Shaolin Temple and Longmen Grottoes: $175
- Zhengzhou private day tour to Shaolin Temple with Kungfu show: $180
- Independent Tour to Shaolin Temple and Longmen Grottoes from Zhengzhou: $188
- Private Day Tour to Shaolin Temple from Zhengzhou with Flexiable Departure Time: $198
- Datong:HangingTemple&Grotto Private Car with Entrance ticket: $199
- Zhengzhou:Kaifeng Private Day Tour Featuring MUST-SEE Attractions: $209
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKota Kinabalu $7.18Zhengzhou $4.04
When comparing the travel costs between Kota Kinabalu and Zhengzhou, we can see that Kota Kinabalu is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
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 Zhengzhou Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kota Kinabalu or Zhengzhou?
Zhengzhou has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Kota Kinabalu. When comparing the sizes of Kota Kinabalu and Zhengzhou, 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 Zhengzhou?
Zhengzhou 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 Zhengzhou in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Kota Kinabalu and Zhengzhou. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kota Kinabalu year-round.
In the summer, Kota Kinabalu is around the same temperature as Zhengzhou. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kota Kinabalu in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Zhengzhou averages at about 28°C (83°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zhengzhou this time of the year. In Kota Kinabalu, it's very sunny this time of the year. Kota Kinabalu usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Zhengzhou during summer. Kota Kinabalu gets 205 hours of sunny skies, while Zhengzhou receives 215 hours of full sun in the summer.
Zhengzhou 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 Zhengzhou. Kota Kinabalu gets 255 mm (10 in) of rain, while Zhengzhou receives 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)Zhengzhou 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Zhengzhou in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Kota Kinabalu as well as Zhengzhou. Kota Kinabalu attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In October, Kota Kinabalu is generally much warmer than Zhengzhou. Daily temperatures in Kota Kinabalu average around 27°C (81°F), and Zhengzhou fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
In the autumn, Kota Kinabalu often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Zhengzhou. Kota Kinabalu gets 192 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zhengzhou receives 188 hours of full sun.
Kota Kinabalu receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Kota Kinabalu usually gets more rain in October than Zhengzhou. Kota Kinabalu gets 336 mm (13.2 in) of rain, while Zhengzhou receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)Zhengzhou 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Zhengzhou in the Winter?
Both Zhengzhou 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.
Zhengzhou can be very cold during winter. Kota Kinabalu is much warmer than Zhengzhou in the winter. The daily temperature in Kota Kinabalu averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and Zhengzhou fluctuates around 1°C (34°F).
Kota Kinabalu usually receives more sunshine than Zhengzhou during winter. Kota Kinabalu gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while Zhengzhou receives 159 hours of full sun in the winter.
It's quite rainy in Kota Kinabalu. In January, Kota Kinabalu usually receives more rain than Zhengzhou. Kota Kinabalu gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Zhengzhou receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKota Kinabalu 26°C (79°F)Zhengzhou 1°C (34°F)
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Zhengzhou in the Spring?
Both Zhengzhou 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.
In the spring, Kota Kinabalu is much warmer than Zhengzhou. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kota Kinabalu in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Zhengzhou averages at about 16°C (61°F).
In Zhengzhou, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Kota Kinabalu. In the spring, Kota Kinabalu often gets more sunshine than Zhengzhou. Kota Kinabalu gets 237 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zhengzhou receives 201 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 Zhengzhou. Kota Kinabalu gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Zhengzhou receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKota Kinabalu 28°C (82°F)Zhengzhou 16°C (61°F)
Typical Weather for Zhengzhou and Kota Kinabalu
| Kota Kinabalu | Zhengzhou | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (80°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 291 mm (11.5 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 255 mm (10 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 285 mm (11.2 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 336 mm (13.2 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 298 mm (11.7 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 25 mm (1 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 6 mm (0.2 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.