Which place is cheaper, Kota Kinabalu or Lahore?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Lahore or Kota Kinabalu?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Lahore and Kota Kinabalu. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Lahore or Kota Kinabalu?
Lahore
As Pakistan's second largest city and the capital of the north-eastern Punjab province, Lahore is widely considered the country's cultural capital. Some of its best-known features include the Lahore Fort, Badshahi Mosque and Gurdwara, a mall surrounded by buildings from the British Raj, and many unique markets and neighborhoods.
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 Adventure Tours to Pakistan, The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan, The Best Luxury Tours to Malaysia, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Malaysia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLahore $57Kota Kinabalu $49
The average daily cost (per person) in Lahore is $57, while the average daily cost in Kota Kinabalu is $49. 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 Lahore and Kota Kinabalu in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLahore $37Kota Kinabalu $18
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLahore $74Kota Kinabalu $36
Compare Hotels in Lahore and Kota Kinabalu
Looking for a hotel in Lahore 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: Lahore Hotel Prices and Kota Kinabalu Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Lahore $9.98Kota Kinabalu $22
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lahore
Also for Lahore, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Chauffeur: Lahore International Airport Transfer - Arrival : $30
- Chauffeur: Lahore International Airport Transfer - Departure: $30
- Airport Transfer : $60
- Transit Trip: Lahore Guided Day Trip With Round Trip Airport Transfers: $140
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kota Kinabalu
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kota Kinabalu:
- Kota Kinabalu Hotel to Jetty Round Trip Transfer: $52
- Borneo to Kota Kinabalu Airport(BKI) - Departure Private Transfer: $46
- Private Transfer from Kota Kinabalu Port to Kota Kinabalu hotels: $32
- Private Transfer- Kota Kinabalu Port to Kota Kinabalu Airport BKI: $32
- Monsopiad Cultural Village Visit with Private Transfer from Kota Kinabalu: $31
- Transfer from Kota Kinabalu Port to Kota Kinabalu Airport (BKI): $28
- Transfer from Kota Kinabalu Airport BKI to Kota Kinabalu Port: $28
- Private Transfer from Kota Kinabalu Port to Kota Kinabalu hotels: $28
- Private Transfer from Kota Kota Kinabalu Hotels to Kinabalu Port: $28
- Kota Kinabalu to Kota Kinab Airport: Departure Private Transfer: $23
- Private Transfer: Kota Kinabalu International Airport to/from Hotel: $20
- Kota Kinabalu Airport Private Transfer with 1 hour Charter: $12
Is it cheaper to fly into Lahore or Kota Kinabalu?
Prices for flights to both Kota Kinabalu and Lahore 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 dayLahore $14Kota Kinabalu $15
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lahore
For Lahore, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Street Food Tour of Lahore's Walled City : $85
- Lahore's Complete Night Food Tour: Local Culinary Experience: $110
- Full Day Lahore Private Guided Food Tour: $299
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kota Kinabalu
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kota Kinabalu.
- Private Kinabalu Night Tour with Cultural Show and Dinner: $62
- Kota Kinabalu K2 Fireflies Sunset River Cruise Tour with Dinner: $86
- Half Day Klias Mangrove Wildlife and Fireflies with dinner: $128
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Lahore $5.08Kota Kinabalu $5.67
Tours and Activities in Lahore
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Lahore.
- Lahore Big Bus City Tour: $20
- Lahori Food Experience: $65
- Wahga Border Flag Ceremony & Shalimar Garden Private Tour: $70
- Guided Walking Tour: Walled City of Lahore : $90
- Full Day Private Guided Lahore Sightseeing Tour : $95
- Lahore Walled City Walking Tour: $102
- Rangeela Rikshaw Walled City Guided Tour Lahore : $110
- Rangeela Rickshaw Walled City Guided Tour Lahore : $110
- Private Tour: Lahore Full Day Customized Guided Trip : $120
- 1 Day Rohtas Fort & Khewra Salt Mines Tour: $120
- Lahore City, Fort, Museums and Walled City Exploration Tour: $120
- Private Lahore Full Day Sightseeing Tour with Local Guide: $120
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
- Borneo (Klias) River Cruise & Fireflies Tour: $50
- Borneo Combo Adventure: $200
- Cowboy Town & Fireflies River Cruise: $62
- Cultural Night Tour From Kota Kinabalu : $64
- Day Trip Sepilok Orang-utan And City Tour: $149
- Discover Sailing Experience in Tanjung Aru Beach: $75
- From Kota Kinabalu : Kiulu River White Water Rafting Tour: $131
- Full Day Bongawan River Cruise with Proboscis Monkey Sightseeing: $40
- Full Day River Rafting with ATV Adventure in Kiulu : $293
- Full Day Tour in Mantanani: $140
- Indigenous Weaving Experience: $236
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLahore $4.89Kota Kinabalu $6.34
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lahore and Kota Kinabalu, we can see that Lahore 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 Lahore would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lahore 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 Lahore Expensive? and Is Kota Kinabalu Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Lahore or Kota Kinabalu?
Lahore has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Kota Kinabalu. When comparing the sizes of Lahore 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 Lahore or Kota Kinabalu?
Lahore 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 Lahore or Kota Kinabalu in the Summer?
Both Kota Kinabalu and Lahore during the summer are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kota Kinabalu year-round.
Lahore can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Lahore is generally a little warmer than Kota Kinabalu. Daily temperatures in Lahore average around 33°C (91°F), and Kota Kinabalu fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
In Kota Kinabalu, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Lahore. In the summer, Lahore often gets more sunshine than Kota Kinabalu. Lahore gets 228 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kota Kinabalu receives 205 hours of full sun.
Kota Kinabalu gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Lahore. Lahore usually gets less rain in July than Kota Kinabalu. Lahore gets 202 mm (8 in) of rain, while Kota Kinabalu receives 255 mm (10 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLahore 33°C (91°F)Kota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Lahore or Kota Kinabalu in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Lahore and Kota Kinabalu. Kota Kinabalu attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Lahore is around the same temperature as Kota Kinabalu in the autumn. The daily temperature in Lahore averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Kota Kinabalu fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
In Lahore, it's very sunny this time of the year. Lahore usually receives more sunshine than Kota Kinabalu during autumn. Lahore gets 290 hours of sunny skies, while Kota Kinabalu receives 192 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Kota Kinabalu receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Lahore usually receives less rain than Kota Kinabalu. Lahore gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Kota Kinabalu receives 336 mm (13.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLahore 27°C (81°F)Kota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Lahore or Kota Kinabalu in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Lahore as well as Kota Kinabalu. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kota Kinabalu throughout the year.
In the winter, Lahore is much colder than Kota Kinabalu. Typically, the winter temperatures in Lahore in January average around 14°C (58°F), and Kota Kinabalu averages at about 26°C (79°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lahore this time of the year. In the winter, Lahore often gets more sunshine than Kota Kinabalu. Lahore gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kota Kinabalu receives 181 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Kota Kinabalu. Lahore usually gets less rain in January than Kota Kinabalu. Lahore gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Kota Kinabalu receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLahore 14°C (58°F)Kota Kinabalu 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Lahore or Kota Kinabalu in the Spring?
Both Kota Kinabalu and Lahore are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Kota Kinabalu because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In April, Lahore is generally around the same temperature as Kota Kinabalu. Daily temperatures in Lahore average around 28°C (83°F), and Kota Kinabalu fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
It's quite sunny in Kota Kinabalu. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lahore. Lahore usually receives more sunshine than Kota Kinabalu during spring. Lahore gets 278 hours of sunny skies, while Kota Kinabalu receives 237 hours of full sun in the spring.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Kota Kinabalu. In April, Lahore usually receives less rain than Kota Kinabalu. Lahore gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Kota Kinabalu receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLahore 28°C (83°F)Kota Kinabalu 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Kota Kinabalu and Lahore
| Lahore | Kota Kinabalu | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (58°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) |
| Feb | 17°C (62°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Mar | 22°C (72°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (83°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) |
| May | 33°C (91°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jun | 35°C (96°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 291 mm (11.5 in) |
| Jul | 33°C (91°F) | 202 mm (8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Aug | 32°C (90°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) |
| Sep | 31°C (88°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 285 mm (11.2 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 336 mm (13.2 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (70°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 298 mm (11.7 in) |
| Dec | 16°C (60°F) | 14 mm (0.5 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.