Which place is cheaper, Kota Kinabalu or Mombasa?
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 Mombasa 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 Mombasa 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: Mombasa or Kota Kinabalu?
Mombasa
Mombasa is a beautiful, large city on the eastern coast of Kenya, bordering the Indian Ocean. The city is famous for its stunning beaches, friendly locals, and diverse marine life. Mombasa experiences a tropical climate year round, meaning temperatures rarely drop below 70° Fahrenheit. The rainiest months of the year are April and May and the driest months are January and February. Temperatures tend to be more mild from May through October, usually in the 70's and 80's. Temperatures get much warmer from November through April, with daily averages reaching the high 90's.
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 Family-Friendly Tours to Kenya, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Kenya, The Best Luxury Tours to Malaysia, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Malaysia.
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Mombasa Prices
Kenya PricesKota Kinabalu Prices
Malaysia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMombasa $80Kota Kinabalu $68
The average daily cost (per person) in Mombasa is $80, 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 Mombasa and Kota Kinabalu in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMombasa $26Kota Kinabalu $21
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMombasa $52Kota Kinabalu $42
Compare Hotels in Mombasa and Kota Kinabalu
Looking for a hotel in Mombasa 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: Mombasa Hotel Prices and Kota Kinabalu Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Mombasa $18Kota Kinabalu $25
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mombasa
Also for Mombasa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Safe Private Airport Transfer in Mombasa: $19
- Transfer From Mombasa (Moi Airport/SGR) To Diani: $35
- Mombasa Moi Airport (MBA) to Mombasa - Arrival Private Transfer: $37
- Private Transfer from Moi Airport Mombasa (MBA) to Mombasa City: $43
- Private Transfer from Mombasa City to Moi Airport Mombasa (MBA): $43
- DianiBeach: Private Transfer from Airport or Railway Station: $70
- Mombasa Airport (MBA) to Mombasa - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $74
- Private Transfer from Mombasa City Hotels to Mombasa Cruise Port: $79
- Private Transfer from Mombasa Cruise Port to Mombasa City Hotels: $79
- Mombasa Airport Private Transfer to Diani Beach: $81
- Mombasa Airport Private Transfers To Vipingo & Kilifi Hotels: $95
- Private Day Tour of Mombasa City with Transfers: $104
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 Mombasa or Kota Kinabalu?
Prices for flights to both Kota Kinabalu and Mombasa 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 dayMombasa $41Kota Kinabalu $30
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mombasa
For Mombasa, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Special African Dinner: $46
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.Mombasa $18Kota Kinabalu $6.43
Tours and Activities in Mombasa
For Mombasa, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Mombasa Guided City Tour Experience: $25
- Tusks, Fort Jesus, Old Town, Beach and City Tour: $30
- Mombasa city tour: $30
- Fort Jesus Museum Walking Tour in Mombasa: $35
- Private Mombasa Food & Sightseeing Tour: $35
- Mombasa City Tour : $40
- Half day Mombasa City Tour: $42
- Haller Park Tour observing hippos, giraffes, birds, monkeys, crocs & others: $45
- Half-Day Scenic Bike Tour: $48
- Private Mombasa City Tour Watamu Diani and Malindi: $50
- Walking Tour Through Old Town Mombasa and Fort Jesus: $50
- Bus Tickets from Mombasa to Nairobi: $55
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 Shared Ticket: $48
- 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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMombasa $8.79Kota Kinabalu $7.18
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mombasa and Kota Kinabalu, we can see that Mombasa is more expensive. And not only is Kota Kinabalu much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Mombasa is in Africa and Kota Kinabalu is in Asia, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Mombasa would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Mombasa 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 Mombasa Expensive? and Is Kota Kinabalu Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Mombasa or Kota Kinabalu?
Mombasa has a larger population, and is about 75% larger than the population of Kota Kinabalu. When comparing the sizes of Mombasa 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 Mombasa 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 Mombasa or Kota Kinabalu in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Mombasa as well as Kota Kinabalu. Mombasa 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. Mombasa usually gets less rain in July than Kota Kinabalu. Mombasa gets 80 mm (3.1 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 Mombasa this time of the year. In the summer, Mombasa often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kota Kinabalu. Mombasa gets 216 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kota Kinabalu receives 205 hours of full sun.
In the summer, Mombasa is cooler than Kota Kinabalu. Typically, the summer temperatures in Mombasa in July average around 24°C (75°F), and Kota Kinabalu averages at about 27°C (81°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMombasa 24°C (75°F)Kota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Mombasa or Kota Kinabalu in the Autumn?
Both Kota Kinabalu and Mombasa are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Mombasa 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 Mombasa. In October, Mombasa usually receives less rain than Kota Kinabalu. Mombasa gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Kota Kinabalu receives 336 mm (13.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mombasa. Mombasa usually receives more sunshine than Kota Kinabalu during autumn. Mombasa gets 291 hours of sunny skies, while Kota Kinabalu receives 192 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Mombasa is generally around the same temperature as Kota Kinabalu. Daily temperatures in Mombasa average around 26°C (79°F), and Kota Kinabalu fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMombasa 26°C (79°F)Kota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Mombasa or Kota Kinabalu in the Winter?
Both Kota Kinabalu and Mombasa during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Mombasa 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. Mombasa usually gets less rain in January than Kota Kinabalu. Mombasa gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Kota Kinabalu receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
It's quite sunny in Mombasa. In the winter, Mombasa often gets more sunshine than Kota Kinabalu. Mombasa gets 283 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kota Kinabalu receives 181 hours of full sun.
Mombasa is around the same temperature as Kota Kinabalu in the winter. The daily temperature in Mombasa averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and Kota Kinabalu fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMombasa 27°C (81°F)Kota Kinabalu 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Mombasa or Kota Kinabalu in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Mombasa and Kota Kinabalu. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Mombasa 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. Mombasa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Mombasa usually receives more rain than Kota Kinabalu. Mombasa gets 150 mm (5.9 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 Mombasa, it's very sunny this time of the year. Mombasa usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kota Kinabalu during spring. Mombasa gets 230 hours of sunny skies, while Kota Kinabalu receives 237 hours of full sun in the spring.
In the spring, Mombasa is around the same temperature as Kota Kinabalu. Typically, the spring temperatures in Mombasa in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Kota Kinabalu averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMombasa 27°C (81°F)Kota Kinabalu 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Kota Kinabalu and Mombasa
| Mombasa | Kota Kinabalu | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) |
| May | 26°C (79°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (75°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 291 mm (11.5 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (75°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (77°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 285 mm (11.2 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 336 mm (13.2 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 298 mm (11.7 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 100 mm (3.9 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.