Which place is cheaper, Kota Kinabalu or Luang Prabang?
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 Luang Prabang or Kota Kinabalu?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Luang Prabang or Kota Kinabalu, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Luang Prabang or Kota Kinabalu?
Luang Prabang
Southeast Asia is a region full of mystical wonders and cultural charm, but nowhere is as charming as the city of Luang Prabang. As the former capital of Laos, Luang Prabang was reopened to tourism in 1989. With that move the city experienced an upswing in revenue and was able to restore and rebuild the beautiful colonial mansions to serve as guesthouses and hotels for the new swarm of tourists.
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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in Laos, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Laos, The Best Luxury Tours to Malaysia, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Malaysia.
-
Luang Prabang Prices
Laos PricesKota Kinabalu Prices
Malaysia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLuang Prabang $18Kota Kinabalu $68
The average daily cost (per person) in Luang Prabang is $18, 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 Luang Prabang and Kota Kinabalu in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLuang Prabang $5.60Kota Kinabalu $21
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLuang Prabang $11Kota Kinabalu $42
Compare Hotels in Luang Prabang and Kota Kinabalu
Looking for a hotel in Luang Prabang 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: Luang Prabang Hotel Prices and Kota Kinabalu Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Luang Prabang $2.07Kota Kinabalu $25
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Luang Prabang
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Luang Prabang are as follows:
-
Tuk Tuk Ride$2.31
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Luang Prabang
Also for Luang Prabang, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Luang Prabang Private Airport transfers: $9.00
- LPQ Airport: Private Transfer to/from Luang Prabang City: $20
- 2D Transfer to Huay Xai by Slow Boat: $61
- 2-Day Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $165
- From 3-Day Oudomxay Town Trip with Transfers: $580
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kota Kinabalu
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kota Kinabalu:
- Kota Kinabalu Airport BKI to Borneo - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $77
- Kota Kinabalu Hotel to Jetty Round Trip Transfer: $53
- Kota Kinab Airport to Kota Kinabalu - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $48
- Kota Kinabalu Airport (BKI) to Borneo - Arrival Private Transfer: $38
- Stand Up Paddle Boarding with Sunrise/Sunset Tour at Kota Kinabalu with transfer: $32
- 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
- Transfer from Kota Kinabalu Airport BKI to Kota Kinabalu Port: $25
- Private Transfer- Kota Kinabalu Airport BKI to Kota Kinabalu Port: $25
- Private Transfer- Kota Kinabalu Port to Kota Kinabalu Airport BKI: $25
- Kota Kinabalu to Kota Kinab Airport: Departure Private Transfer: $24
Is it cheaper to fly into Luang Prabang or Kota Kinabalu?
Prices for flights to both Kota Kinabalu and Luang Prabang 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 dayLuang Prabang $9.25Kota Kinabalu $30
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Luang Prabang
For Luang Prabang, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Luang Prabang Local Market and Morning Food Tour with Drinks: $39
- Bamboo Weaving Workshop & Cooking Class: $44
- Day-time Bamboo weaving & Cooking Classes join-in: $44
- Luangprabang: Dinner with Lao Traditional Dance Performance: $45
- Mekong Meals Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Cooking Class at the Former Royal Palace: $45
- Prabang Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Mekong Meals Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $46
- Laos: Prabang Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $46
- Evening Bamboo weaving & Cooking classes join-in: $47
- Mekong River Sunset & Lao Tasting Dinner: $49
- Evening Cooking Class & Local Baci Ceremony: $51
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.Luang Prabang $2.66Kota Kinabalu $6.43
Tours and Activities in Luang Prabang
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Luang Prabang.
- Shuttle Bus ticket to Kuang Si Waterfalls: $8.00
- Farm Tour and Buffalo Buffet Adventure: $9.00
- Audio-Guided City Tour in Electric Car: $14
- Laos Railway: Train Tickets Easily - Skip the Lines - No worries : $30
- Kuang Si Waterfalls and Hmong Village Half-Day Tour: $30
- Small Group Half Day Luang Prabang city tour: $30
- Sunset Cruise Luang Prabang: $35
- Unwind with a Sunset Cruise on the Mekong River: $35
- UNESCO World Heritage City Highlights Tour: $35
- Full day / Half Day Kayaking and Pak Ou Caves with optional sunset cruise: $41
- From Guided Mountain Bike Tour with Lunch: $42
- Kayak Tour to Pak Ou Caves: $43
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 dayLuang Prabang $1.78Kota Kinabalu $7.18
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Luang Prabang and Kota Kinabalu, we can see that Kota Kinabalu is more expensive. And not only is Luang Prabang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Luang Prabang would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Luang Prabang 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 Kota Kinabalu would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kota Kinabalu than you might in Luang Prabang.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Luang Prabang Expensive? and Is Kota Kinabalu Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Luang Prabang or Kota Kinabalu?
Kota Kinabalu has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Luang Prabang. When comparing the sizes of Luang Prabang 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 Luang Prabang 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 Luang Prabang or Kota Kinabalu in the Summer?
Both Kota Kinabalu and Luang Prabang during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Luang Prabang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kota Kinabalu year-round.
Kota Kinabalu gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Luang Prabang. Luang Prabang usually gets less rain in July than Kota Kinabalu. Luang Prabang gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Kota Kinabalu receives 255 mm (10 in) of rain this time of the year.
In July, Luang Prabang is generally around the same temperature as Kota Kinabalu. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 28°C (82°F), and Kota Kinabalu fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Kota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Kota Kinabalu in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Luang Prabang and Kota Kinabalu. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luang Prabang year-round. Kota Kinabalu attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Kota Kinabalu receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Luang Prabang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Luang Prabang usually receives less rain than Kota Kinabalu. Luang Prabang gets 126 mm (5 in) of rain, while Kota Kinabalu receives 336 mm (13.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
Luang Prabang is around the same temperature as Kota Kinabalu in the autumn. The daily temperature in Luang Prabang averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Kota Kinabalu fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLuang Prabang 26°C (79°F)Kota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Kota Kinabalu in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Luang Prabang as well as Kota Kinabalu. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kota Kinabalu throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Kota Kinabalu. Luang Prabang usually gets less rain in January than Kota Kinabalu. Luang Prabang gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Kota Kinabalu receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the winter, Luang Prabang is cooler than Kota Kinabalu. Typically, the winter temperatures in Luang Prabang in January average around 21°C (70°F), and Kota Kinabalu averages at about 26°C (79°F).
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLuang Prabang 21°C (70°F)Kota Kinabalu 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Kota Kinabalu in the Spring?
Both Kota Kinabalu and Luang Prabang are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Luang Prabang throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Kota Kinabalu because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Kota Kinabalu. It's quite rainy in Luang Prabang. In April, Luang Prabang usually receives around the same amount of rain as Kota Kinabalu. Luang Prabang gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Kota Kinabalu receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
In April, Luang Prabang is generally around the same temperature as Kota Kinabalu. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 28°C (82°F), and Kota Kinabalu fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Kota Kinabalu 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Kota Kinabalu and Luang Prabang
| Luang Prabang | Kota Kinabalu | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) |
| Feb | 23°C (73°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 291 mm (11.5 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 285 mm (11.2 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 126 mm (5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 336 mm (13.2 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 298 mm (11.7 in) |
| Dec | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 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.