Which place is cheaper, Kota Kinabalu or Nha Trang?
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 Nha Trang 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 Nha Trang 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: Nha Trang or Kota Kinabalu?
Nha Trang
For the relaxation of a small beach town, plus the energy of a young city, consider Nha Trang, Vietnam. As the most famous seaside town in Vietnam, Nha Trang is certainly livelier than many other beach resort towns. Visiting this part of Vietnam is not for the faint of heart. These people know the meaning of nightlife - and make the night last as long as they can.
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 Coach Bus Tours in Vietnam, The Best Adventure Tours to Vietnam, The Best Luxury Tours to Malaysia, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Malaysia.
-
Nha Trang Prices
Vietnam PricesKota Kinabalu Prices
Malaysia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNha Trang $48Kota Kinabalu $68
The average daily cost (per person) in Nha Trang is $48, 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 Nha Trang and Kota Kinabalu in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNha Trang $13Kota Kinabalu $21
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNha Trang $26Kota Kinabalu $42
Compare Hotels in Nha Trang and Kota Kinabalu
Looking for a hotel in Nha Trang 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: Nha Trang Hotel Prices and Kota Kinabalu Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Nha Trang $13Kota Kinabalu $25
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Nha Trang
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Nha Trang:
-
Local Bus Ticket$0.11
-
Taxi From Airport$14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nha Trang
Also for Nha Trang, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Dalat to Nha Trang Private Car Transfer: $54
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 Nha Trang or Kota Kinabalu?
Prices for flights to both Kota Kinabalu and Nha Trang 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 dayNha Trang $25Kota Kinabalu $30
Typical Food Prices in Nha Trang
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Nha Trang:
-
Casual Lunch (for Two)$5.31
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.Nha Trang $9.03Kota Kinabalu $6.43
Typical Entertainment Prices in Nha Trang
For Nha Trang, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
-
Po Ngar Cham Entrance (for Two)$1.21
-
Two Rental Lounge Chairs on Beach$2.65
-
Vinpearl Land Amusement Park$17
-
Fairy Spring Waterfall Entrance$0.38
-
Thap Ba Mud Bath$3.79
-
Cyclo Tour of City (One Day)$9.48
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 dayNha Trang $18Kota Kinabalu $7.18
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nha Trang and Kota Kinabalu, we can see that Kota Kinabalu is more expensive. And not only is Nha Trang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Nha Trang would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nha Trang 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 Nha Trang.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Nha Trang Expensive? and Is Kota Kinabalu Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Nha Trang or Kota Kinabalu?
Kota Kinabalu has a larger population, and is about 61% larger than the population of Nha Trang. When comparing the sizes of Nha Trang 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 Nha Trang 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 Nha Trang or Kota Kinabalu in the Summer?
Both Kota Kinabalu and Nha Trang during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Nha Trang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kota Kinabalu year-round.
January to August is the dry season in Nha Trang. September to December is the rainy season in Nha Trang. Kota Kinabalu gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Nha Trang usually gets less rain in July than Kota Kinabalu. Nha Trang gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Kota Kinabalu receives 255 mm (10 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the summer, Nha Trang is around the same temperature as Kota Kinabalu. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nha Trang in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Kota Kinabalu averages at about 27°C (81°F).
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyNha Trang 28°C (82°F)Kota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Nha Trang or Kota Kinabalu in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Nha Trang and Kota Kinabalu. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Nha Trang year-round. Kota Kinabalu attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Also, September to December is the rainy season in Nha Trang. Kota Kinabalu receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Nha Trang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Nha Trang usually receives less rain than Kota Kinabalu. Nha Trang gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Kota Kinabalu receives 336 mm (13.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
In October, Nha Trang is generally around the same temperature as Kota Kinabalu. Daily temperatures in Nha Trang average around 26°C (79°F), and Kota Kinabalu fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberNha Trang 26°C (79°F)Kota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Nha Trang or Kota Kinabalu in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Nha Trang as well as Kota Kinabalu. Nha Trang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kota Kinabalu throughout the year.
Also, January to August in Nha Trang is the dry season. It's quite rainy in Kota Kinabalu. Nha Trang usually gets less rain in January than Kota Kinabalu. Nha Trang gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Kota Kinabalu receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
Nha Trang is around the same temperature as Kota Kinabalu in the winter. The daily temperature in Nha Trang averages around 24°C (75°F) in January, and Kota Kinabalu fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryNha Trang 24°C (75°F)Kota Kinabalu 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Nha Trang or Kota Kinabalu in the Spring?
Both Kota Kinabalu and Nha Trang are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Nha Trang 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. In April, Nha Trang usually receives less rain than Kota Kinabalu. Nha Trang gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Kota Kinabalu receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
In the spring, Nha Trang is around the same temperature as Kota Kinabalu. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nha Trang in April average around 26°C (79°F), and Kota Kinabalu averages at about 28°C (82°F).
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilNha Trang 26°C (79°F)Kota Kinabalu 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Kota Kinabalu and Nha Trang
| Nha Trang | Kota Kinabalu | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Mar | 25°C (77°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 291 mm (11.5 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 150 mm (5.9 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) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 298 mm (11.7 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (75°F) | 170 mm (6.7 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.