Which place is cheaper, Kota Kinabalu or Manila?
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 Manila 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 Manila and Kota Kinabalu can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Manila or Kota Kinabalu?
Manila
A sprawling metropolis that is home to more than 12 million people, Manila is one huge, misunderstood concrete jungle, full of diverse cultures, traffic, pollution, restaurants, shopping malls, noise and nightlife. If you're looking to soak in culture and feel the vibe of a place rather than seeking a city that specifically caters to tourists, Manila is the place to be. Capital of the Philippines, Manila is also the center for education, business, and transportation.
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 2-Week Tours in Philippines, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Philippines, The Best Luxury Tours to Malaysia, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Malaysia.
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Manila Prices
Philippines PricesKota Kinabalu Prices
Malaysia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayManila $106Kota Kinabalu $68
The average daily cost (per person) in Manila is $106, 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 Manila and Kota Kinabalu in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personManila $54Kota Kinabalu $21
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomManila $108Kota Kinabalu $42
Compare Hotels in Manila and Kota Kinabalu
Looking for a hotel in Manila 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: Manila Hotel Prices and Kota Kinabalu Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Manila $14Kota Kinabalu $25
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Manila
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Manila:
- MNL Airport to City Centre Private Transfer: $13
- Manila Airport Chauffeur service Manila Airport private Transfer : $20
- Private One-way Transfer From Manila To Manila Airport: $24
- Manila Int Airport (MNL) to Manila - Arrival Private Transfer: $26
- Private Transfer from Manila Airport (MNL) to Manila Cruise Port: $29
- Private Transfer from Manila Cruise Port to Manila Airport (MNL): $29
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Manila HTL-APT (MNL): $30
- Manila Ninoy Aquino Airport (MNL) Private Transfer to Manila City: $30
- Manila International Airport Private Transfer To & From City: $30
- Manila Airport Transfer: $38
- Manila Private Airport Transfer: Comfortable & Affordable: $38
- Manila Airports Quality Safe and Reliable Airport Transfer: $40
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kota Kinabalu
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kota Kinabalu:
- Kota Kinabalu Airport (BKI) Private Transfer to Kota Kinabalu: $13
- Kota Kinabalu（BKI）: Private Transfer to City Center: $14
- Private Transfer: Kota Kinabalu International Airport to/from Hotel: $20
- Kota Kinabalu to Kota Kinab Airport: Departure Private Transfer: $24
- 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
- Transfer from Kota Kinabalu Airport BKI to Kota Kinabalu Port: $25
- Private Transfer- Kota Kinabalu Port to Kota Kinabalu Airport BKI: $25
- Private Arrival Transfer : Kota Kinabalu International Airport: $30
- Stand Up Paddle Boarding with Sunrise/Sunset Tour at Kota Kinabalu with transfer: $32
- Kota Kinabalu Airport (BKI) to Borneo - Arrival Private Transfer: $38
Is it cheaper to fly into Manila or Kota Kinabalu?
Prices for flights to both Kota Kinabalu and Manila 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 dayManila $31Kota Kinabalu $30
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Manila
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Manila.
- Ugbo Manila Street Food Tour with Tuktuk Ride: $60
- ⭐ Manila Street Food Tour in the Downtown, Eat and Drink⭐: $62
- Manila Food Tour: Explore World's Oldest Chinatown: $65
- Manila Food Tour: Introduction to Philippine Street Food: $65
- Guided Food Tour of Binondo with Tastings: $65
- Street Food tour & Local Jeepney, Tuktuk Ride: $66
- Binondo Chinatown Food Tour with Free Food Samples: $70
- Manila Chinatown Food Tour with Local Guide: $71
- Authentic Manila Chinatown Food Tour Exploration : $75
- Intramuros and Chinatown Food Tour with Food Samples: $80
- Cultural Dance Show with Dinner in Manila: $120
- Day Tour in Manilas History and Savor a Cultural Dinner: $175
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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Manila $19Kota Kinabalu $6.43
Tours and Activities in Manila
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Manila are as follows:
- Skip the Line: Hike Eat Swim at Mount Purro Nature Reserve Ticket: $22
- A Night in Old Intramuros Walking Tour: $23
- Fort Santiago Guided Tour: $25
- Explore the Urban Art of Mural and Street Art Tour: $25
- Viva Old Intramuros Walking Tour: $27
- The Dessert Museum Entry Ticket: $27
- Historical Bamboo Bike Tour in Intramuros: $30
- Old Manila Intramuros Area Walking Tour: $30
- Manila night cruise, night life, foodie tour and 3d theather: $32
- Guided Sunset Bamboo Bike Tour in Intramuros: $34
- Intramuros Night Bamboo Bike Tour: $34
- Experience Intramuros with Bamboo Bicycle - Ecotours: $37
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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayManila $9.90Kota Kinabalu $7.18
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Manila and Kota Kinabalu, we can see that Manila 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 Manila would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Manila 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 Manila Expensive? and Is Kota Kinabalu Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Manila or Kota Kinabalu?
Manila has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Kota Kinabalu. When comparing the sizes of Manila 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 Manila or Kota Kinabalu?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Manila or Kota Kinabalu in the Summer?
Both Kota Kinabalu and Manila are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Manila 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 Manila. In July, Manila usually receives more rain than Kota Kinabalu. Manila gets 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain, while Kota Kinabalu receives 255 mm (10 in) of rain each month for the summer.
Manila is around the same temperature as Kota Kinabalu in the summer. The daily temperature in Manila averages around 27°C (80°F) in July, and Kota Kinabalu fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyManila 27°C (80°F)Kota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Manila or Kota Kinabalu in the Autumn?
Both Kota Kinabalu and Manila during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Manila 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 Manila. Manila usually gets less rain in October than Kota Kinabalu. Manila gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Kota Kinabalu receives 336 mm (13.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the autumn, Manila is around the same temperature as Kota Kinabalu. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Manila in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Kota Kinabalu averages at about 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberManila 26°C (79°F)Kota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Manila or Kota Kinabalu in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Manila and Kota Kinabalu. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Manila year-round. Kota Kinabalu attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Kota Kinabalu receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Manila usually receives less rain than Kota Kinabalu. Manila gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Kota Kinabalu receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In January, Manila is generally around the same temperature as Kota Kinabalu. Daily temperatures in Manila average around 24°C (76°F), and Kota Kinabalu fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryManila 24°C (76°F)Kota Kinabalu 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Manila or Kota Kinabalu in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Manila as well as Kota Kinabalu. Manila 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. Manila usually gets less rain in April than Kota Kinabalu. Manila gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Kota Kinabalu receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
Manila is around the same temperature as Kota Kinabalu in the spring. The daily temperature in Manila averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Kota Kinabalu fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilManila 29°C (84°F)Kota Kinabalu 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Kota Kinabalu and Manila
| Manila | Kota Kinabalu | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (76°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (80°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 303 mm (11.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 291 mm (11.5 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (80°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (80°F) | 452 mm (17.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (80°F) | 357 mm (14.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 285 mm (11.2 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 336 mm (13.2 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 298 mm (11.7 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 50 mm (2 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.