Which place is cheaper, Kota Kinabalu or Krabi?
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 Krabi or Kota Kinabalu?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Krabi and Kota Kinabalu can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Krabi or Kota Kinabalu?
Krabi
Krabi is both a large town and region in southern Thailand. While the region is covered in beaches, if you're more interested in immersion in Thai culture than the salty ocean, consider a trip to "Krabi Town". Pronounced "Grabee," this small, but bustling city is just up the river from the coast, and is the gateway to the beaches in the surrounding Province of Krabi (where you'll find famous places such as Railay, Ao Nang, Haad Yao, and plenty of others). Krabi Town is full of hotels, agencies, and western restaurants, but if you look hard enough, you'll easily see the energy and life of Thailand. While there are no beaches in the town itself, there is plenty of Thai culture to experience. There's a good chance you'll be passing through on your way to one of the famous beaches, so take advantage of your brief time here.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Thailand, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Thailand, The Best Luxury Tours to Malaysia, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Malaysia.
-
Krabi Prices
Thailand PricesKota Kinabalu Prices
Malaysia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKrabi $74Kota Kinabalu $68
The average daily cost (per person) in Krabi is $74, while the average daily cost in Kota Kinabalu is $68. 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 Krabi and Kota Kinabalu in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKrabi $42Kota Kinabalu $21
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKrabi $84Kota Kinabalu $42
Compare Hotels in Krabi and Kota Kinabalu
Looking for a hotel in Krabi or Kota Kinabalu? 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: Krabi Hotel Prices and Kota Kinabalu Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Krabi $4.37Kota Kinabalu $25
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Krabi
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Krabi are as follows:
-
Scooter Rental$9.42
-
Short Tuk-Tuk Ride$3.14
-
2 Bottles of Gasoline$2.51
-
Longboat Taxi from Town$6.28
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Krabi
Also for Krabi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Krabi International Airport Arrival Shared Transfer To Ao Nang : $12
- Krabi International Airport Departure Shared Transfer from Aonang: $12
- Krabi Airport (KBV) Private Transfer: $13
- Krabi to Koh Lanta Transfer by Shared Air Conditioned Van: $13
- Ferry Transfer to/from Phi Phi Tonsai or Laem Tong: $14
- Ferry Transfer To or From Phi Phi Don Island: $14
- Shared Van Transfer from Krabi to Koh Lanta with Hotel Drop Off: $15
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Krabi HTL-APT (KBV): $15
- One-Way Ferry Transfer to/from Koh Phi Phi: $16
- Private Transfer : Krabi Hotel to Krabi Airport Departure: $20
- Private Transfer : Krabi Hotel to Krabi Airport Departure: $20
- Private Departure Transfer : Krabi Hotel to Krabi Airport: $20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kota Kinabalu
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kota Kinabalu:
- Transfer from Kota Kinabalu Airport BKI to Kota Kinabalu Port: $25
- Stand Up Paddle Boarding with Sunrise/Sunset Tour at Kota Kinabalu with transfer: $32
- Private Transfer: Kota Kinabalu International Airport to/from Hotel: $20
- Private Transfer- Kota Kinabalu Port to Kota Kinabalu Airport BKI: $25
- Private Transfer- Kota Kinabalu Airport BKI to Kota Kinabalu Port: $25
- Private Transfer from Kota Kinabalu Port to Kota Kinabalu hotels: $25
- Private Transfer from Kota Kinabalu Hotels to Kota Kinabalu Port: $25
- Private Arrival Transfer : Kota Kinabalu International Airport: $30
- Kota Kinabalu（BKI）: Private Transfer to City Center: $14
- Kota Kinabalu to Kota Kinab Airport: Departure Private Transfer: $24
- Kota Kinabalu Hotel to Jetty Round Trip Transfer: $53
- Kota Kinabalu Airport BKI to Borneo - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $77
Is it cheaper to fly into Krabi or Kota Kinabalu?
Prices for flights to both Kota Kinabalu and Krabi 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 dayKrabi $25Kota Kinabalu $30
Typical Food Prices in Krabi
For Krabi, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
-
Casual Lunch (for Two)$7.85
-
Drinks on the Beach$7.54
-
Sit Down Dinner (for Two)$19
-
Nice Dinner (for Two)$35
-
Mango Shake$1.57
-
Pad Thai$3.14
-
Fruit from the Market$1.88
-
Pancakes$3.14
-
Coffee & Cake$2.36
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Krabi
For Krabi, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Snorkeling and Sunset to Krabi 7 Islands by Longtail Boat + Buffet BBQ Dinner: $37
- Hands on Half-day Cooking Class by Authentic Thai Cooking: $39
- 7 Islands Sunset Tour with Buffet Dinner & Night Snorkeling: $39
- Traditional Thai Cooking Class with Smart Cook: $40
- Penny Thai Cooking Class Krabi: $45
- Krabi Kitchens Food Tour with 15 Plus Tastings: $45
- Krabi Bites Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Krabi 7 Island Sunset & BBQ Dinner (Join Tour): $45
- Krabi 7 Islands Snorkeling, Sunset Dinner & Plankton Night : $45
- Thai Charm Cooking School Krabi: $46
- Authentic Thai Cooking Class in Ao Nang: $46
- Kayaking and BBQ Dinner On The Beach Ao Thalane From Krabi: $48
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kota Kinabalu
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kota Kinabalu.
- Sabah Traditional Authentic Cuisine Cooking Class 3 Hours: $29
- Beringgis Mangove Fireflies, Sunset Tour & Dinner: $33
- 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.Krabi $12Kota Kinabalu $6.43
Typical Entertainment Prices in Krabi
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Krabi's activities, tours, and tickets:
-
Thai-English Book$10
-
Thai Massages (for Two)$25
-
Bikini & Sarong$19
-
Yoga Class (1 Hour)$14
-
Backgammon Set (travel size)$7.85
-
Kayak Trip (for Two)$60
Tours and Activities in Krabi
For Krabi, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- DIY tour - Finest selection of Krabi Hidden Gems: $8.17
- Railay Phra Nang and Diamond Cave Sunset tour: $21
- Krabi 4 Islands Snorkeling and Thale Waek Full Day Tour : $21
- ATV Adventure in Krabi Thailand: $22
- Krabi ATV adventure tour 1 Hour : $23
- Blue Dragon Cabaret Ticket Dazzling Night from Krabi: $24
- Klong Root Kayaking and Swimming with ATV Tour From Krabi : $24
- Ao Thalane Kayaking Mangrove Forests Adventure from Krabi : $24
- 4 Islands Day Tour from Krabi: $25
- Krabi 4 Islands Shared Tour with Lunch and Guide: $25
- ATV Adventure in Thrills Await: $28
- Railay Beach and Caves Tour from Ao Nang - Half Day: $28
Tours and Activities in Kota Kinabalu
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kota Kinabalu are as follows:
- Sky-Mirror Photographing and Proboscis Monkey & Fireflies Watching River-Cruise: $46
- Bongawan River Cruise Proboscis Monkey, SkyMirror, Fireflies : $49
- Bongawan: River Safari Cruise, Private or Optional Ticket: $143
- Borneo (Klias) River Cruise & Fireflies Tour: $50
- Cowboy Town & Fireflies River Cruise: $62
- Day Trip to Kinabalu Park and Poring Hot Spring Guided Tour: $70
- From Kota Kinabalu : Kiulu White Water Rafting Tour + meal: $66
- Full Day Bongawan River Cruise with Proboscis Monkey Sightseeing: $55
- Indigenous Weaving Experience: $236
- Island Hopping Tour (2 Island) From Kota Kinabalu: $100
- Island Hopping Tour From Kota Kinabalu (2 island): $90
- Kinabalu National Park Tour: $135
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayKrabi $5.00Kota Kinabalu $7.18
Typical Alcohol Prices in Krabi
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Krabi are as follows:
-
Beer$2.83
-
Cocktails (for Two)$9.42
When comparing the travel costs between Krabi and Kota Kinabalu, we can see that Krabi 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 Krabi Expensive? and Is Kota Kinabalu Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Krabi or Kota Kinabalu?
Kota Kinabalu has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Krabi. When comparing the sizes of Krabi and Kota Kinabalu, 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 Krabi or Kota Kinabalu?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Krabi or Kota Kinabalu in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Krabi as well as Kota Kinabalu. Krabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kota Kinabalu throughout the year.
August to October in Krabi is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Kota Kinabalu. Krabi receives a lot of rain in the summer. Krabi usually gets more rain in July than Kota Kinabalu. Krabi gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Kota Kinabalu receives 255 mm (10 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kota Kinabalu. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Krabi this time of the year. In the summer, Krabi often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kota Kinabalu. Krabi gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kota Kinabalu receives 205 hours of full sun.
In July, Krabi is generally around the same temperature as Kota Kinabalu. Daily temperatures in Krabi average around 28°C (82°F), and Kota Kinabalu fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyKrabi 28°C (82°F)Kota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Krabi or Kota Kinabalu in the Autumn?
Both Kota Kinabalu and Krabi are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Krabi throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Kota Kinabalu because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in Krabi is December to March. The rainy season in Krabi is August to October. It rains a lot this time of the year in Kota Kinabalu. It's quite rainy in Krabi. In October, Krabi usually receives less rain than Kota Kinabalu. Krabi gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Kota Kinabalu receives 336 mm (13.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
Krabi usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kota Kinabalu during autumn. Krabi gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while Kota Kinabalu receives 192 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Krabi is around the same temperature as Kota Kinabalu in the autumn. The daily temperature in Krabi averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Kota Kinabalu fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKrabi 27°C (81°F)Kota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Krabi or Kota Kinabalu in the Winter?
Both Kota Kinabalu and Krabi during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Krabi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kota Kinabalu year-round.
December to March is the dry season in Krabi. Kota Kinabalu gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Krabi usually gets less rain in January than Kota Kinabalu. Krabi gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Kota Kinabalu receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
It's quite sunny in Krabi. In the winter, Krabi often gets more sunshine than Kota Kinabalu. Krabi gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kota Kinabalu receives 181 hours of full sun.
In the winter, Krabi is around the same temperature as Kota Kinabalu. Typically, the winter temperatures in Krabi in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Kota Kinabalu averages at about 26°C (79°F).
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKrabi 28°C (82°F)Kota Kinabalu 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Krabi or Kota Kinabalu in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Krabi and Kota Kinabalu. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Krabi year-round. Kota Kinabalu attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Kota Kinabalu receives a lot of rain in the spring. Krabi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Krabi usually receives around the same amount of rain as Kota Kinabalu. Krabi gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Kota Kinabalu receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kota Kinabalu this time of the year. In Krabi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Krabi usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kota Kinabalu during spring. Krabi gets 249 hours of sunny skies, while Kota Kinabalu receives 237 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Krabi is generally around the same temperature as Kota Kinabalu. Daily temperatures in Krabi average around 29°C (84°F), and Kota Kinabalu fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilKrabi 29°C (84°F)Kota Kinabalu 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Kota Kinabalu and Krabi
| Krabi | Kota Kinabalu | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (83°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (84°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 318 mm (12.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 279 mm (11 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 291 mm (11.5 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 262 mm (10.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 399 mm (15.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 285 mm (11.2 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 304 mm (12 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 336 mm (13.2 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 298 mm (11.7 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 230 mm (9.1 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.