Which place is cheaper, Adelaide or Sandakan?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Sandakan or Adelaide?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Sandakan or Adelaide? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Sandakan or Adelaide?
Sandakan
Located on the Northeast side of the state of Sabah in Borneo is the city of Sandakan, which is the 2nd largest city in the country. Sandakan was a prosperous port town in the 1800s because of its exports of tobacco, timber, pearls, and ivory. However, this booming town that was formerly the administrative capital in North Borneo was bombed practically out of existence at the end of World War II.
Adelaide
Adelaide is the often overlooked capital city of the State of South Australia. It's also the fifth largest city in the country. Despite being skipped by most travelers, Adelaide is an interesting city to explore and has a decent amount to offer open minded travelers. It has some fascinating architecture, unique shopping, and wonderful cafes and restaurants. Part of the appeal of Adelaide is its location in the midst of Australia's wine regions, including McLaren Vale, Barossa Valley, and Clare Valley. Any of these destinations could be visited as a day trip from Adelaide.
For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Malaysia, The Best Adventure Tours to Malaysia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Australia, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Sydney.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySandakan $58Adelaide $109
The average daily cost (per person) in Sandakan is $58, while the average daily cost in Adelaide is $109. 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 Sandakan and Adelaide in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSandakan $20Adelaide $65
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSandakan $40Adelaide $130
Compare Hotels in Sandakan and Adelaide
Looking for a hotel in Sandakan or Adelaide? 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: Sandakan Hotel Prices and Adelaide Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sandakan $33Adelaide $18
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Adelaide
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Adelaide are as follows:
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Shuttle from the Train Station$3.57
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Adelaide
Also for Adelaide, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Adelaide Airport(ADL)to Adelaide city - Arrival Private Transfer: $38
- Adelaide Airport: One-Way Private Transfer to Adelaide: $57
- Arrival Private Transfers: Adelaide Airport ADL to Adelaide in Business Car: $62
- Private Arrival Transfer: Adelaide Airport to Hotel: $66
- Adelaide Airport (ADL) to Adelaide - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $76
- Departure Private Transfers: Adelaide to Adelaide Airport ADL in Luxury Van: $92
- Adelaide Airport Transfers : Adelaide City to Airport ADL in Luxury Car: $106
- Adelaide Private Airport and City Transfer: $109
- Adelaide Airport (ADL): Private Transfer to Adelaide hotels: $218
- One Day Kangaroo Island Sip & See tour with return ferry transfers from Adelaide: $246
- Adelaide Airport (ADL): Private Transfer to Adelaide Port: $252
- Adelaide Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Adelaide city: $252
Is it cheaper to fly into Sandakan or Adelaide?
Prices for flights to both Adelaide and Sandakan 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 daySandakan $19Adelaide $31
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sandakan
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Sandakan.
- Mangrove Cruise with Fireflies Tour Including Dinner from Sandakan: $64
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Adelaide
For Adelaide, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- HandleBar Bike Tour with Pub Stops & Dinner Option: $23
- Local Food Tour and Tastings with Guide: $78
- Cooking classes Goolwa: $129
- Small-Group River Murray Dark Sky and Sunset Tour with Dinner: $192
- Pipi Catching and Cooking Experience in Goolwa : $230
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sandakan $7.19Adelaide $13
Tours and Activities in Sandakan
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Sandakan are as follows:
- 2D1N Sandakan Private Tour with Kinabatangan River Cruise: $290
- Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre & Sepilok Orang Utan Rehab Centre Tour: $105
- Borneo Kinabatangan River Cruise Day Trip: $78
- Borneo Wildlife Tour 2 Days 1 Night At Tanjung Bulat Jungle Camp Kinabatangan: $197
- Borneo Wildlife Tour 3 Days 2 Nights At Tanjung Bulat Jungle Camp Kinabatangan: $241
- Kinabatangan River Cruise from Sandakan: $90
- Labuk Proboscis, Sepilok, Sun Bear, Sandakan City Tour & Lunch: $138
- Private Full Day Sepilok Orang Utan, Bornean Sun Bear and Rainforest Discovery Center Tour: $125
- Private Tour: Half Day Sandakan City Tour Including Local Lunch: $51
- Sepilok Orang Utan & Bornean Sun Bear Centre with Sandakan City Tour with Lunch: $191
Tours and Activities in Adelaide
For Adelaide, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Adelaide Self-Guided Audio Tour: $1.00
- Queer Adelaide History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
- River Torrens Popeye Sightseeing Cruise: $17
- Torrens River Cruise in Adelaide: $17
- Adelaide Oval Stadium Guided Tour: $18
- Adelaide Oval Stadium Tour: $19
- An exciting, Tree Top Adventure for Our Littlest Adventurers : $23
- River Torrens Popeye Devonshire Tea Cruise: $25
- Adelaide Walking Tour: Hills, Squares and Parklands: $27
- Adelaide Gaol Adults Ghost Tour & Investigation: $28
- City Highlights Walking Tour with Guide: $29
- Private Home Style Indian Dining Experience: $30
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySandakan $6.59Adelaide $22
Sample the Local Flavors in Adelaide
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Adelaide:
- Private Pinot Noir Wine Tasting & Platter in Adelaide Hills: $30
- River Torrens Desserts And Wine Tour: $42
- McLaren Vale and Glenelg Wine Tasting Tour: $52
- McLaren Vale and Glenelg Wine Tasting and Sightseeing (Half-day Afternoon): $52
- Highlights, Hahndorf, & McLaren Vale Wine Tastings: $78
- Adelaide Highlights, Hahndorf & McLaren Vale Wine Tasting and Sightseeing Tour: $79
- The Barossa Valley Premium Wine Tour with Lunch: $110
- From Barossa Valley Food and Wine Tour: $110
- Barossa Valley Full-Day Wine Tasting Tour: $112
- Barossa Valley Food and Wine Tour: $131
- Barossa Small Group Wine Tours - Local Guide: $131
- Adelaide Hills Full Day Wine Tour: $131
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sandakan and Adelaide, we can see that Adelaide is more expensive. And not only is Sandakan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Sandakan is in Asia and Adelaide is in Pacific, 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 Sandakan would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sandakan 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 Adelaide would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Adelaide than you might in Sandakan.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Sandakan Expensive? and Is Adelaide Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sandakan or Adelaide?
Adelaide has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Sandakan. When comparing the sizes of Sandakan and Adelaide, 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 Sandakan or Adelaide?
Adelaide has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Sandakan experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Sandakan or Adelaide in the Summer?
Both Adelaide and Sandakan during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Sandakan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, most visitors come to Adelaide for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, Sandakan is generally a little warmer than Adelaidein January. Daily temperatures in Sandakan average around 27°C (81°F), and Adelaide fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
In Adelaide, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Sandakan. In the summer, Sandakan often gets less sunshine than Adelaidein January. Sandakan gets 221 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Adelaide receives 330 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Sandakan. Sandakan usually gets more rain in July than Adelaidein January. Sandakan gets 195 mm (7.7 in) of rain, while Adelaide receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuarySandakan 27°C (81°F)Adelaide 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Sandakan or Adelaide in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Sandakan and Adelaide. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Sandakan year-round. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Adelaide because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.
Sandakan is much warmer than Adelaide in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sandakan averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Adelaide fluctuates around 18°C (64°F)in April.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Adelaide this time of the year. Sandakan usually receives less sunshine than Adelaide during autumn. Sandakan gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Adelaide receives 215 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Sandakan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Sandakan usually receives more rain than Adelaidein April. Sandakan gets 253 mm (10 in) of rain, while Adelaide receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilSandakan 28°C (82°F)Adelaide 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Sandakan or Adelaide in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Sandakan as well as Adelaide. Sandakan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Adelaide this time of year.
In the winter, Sandakan is much warmer than Adelaide. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sandakan in January average around 26°C (80°F), and Adelaide averages at about 11°C (52°F)in July.
In the winter, Sandakan often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Adelaidein July. Sandakan gets 156 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Adelaide receives 159 hours of full sun.
Sandakan receives a lot of rain in the winter. Sandakan usually gets more rain in January than Adelaidein July. Sandakan gets 437 mm (17.2 in) of rain, while Adelaide receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulySandakan 26°C (80°F)Adelaide 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Sandakan or Adelaide in the Spring?
Both Adelaide and Sandakan are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Sandakan throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Adelaide for the beaches.
In April, Sandakan is generally much warmer than Adelaidein October. Daily temperatures in Sandakan average around 28°C (82°F), and Adelaide fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
It's quite sunny in Adelaide. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sandakan. Sandakan usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Adelaide during spring. Sandakan gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Adelaide receives 256 hours of full sun in the spring.
It's quite rainy in Sandakan. In April, Sandakan usually receives more rain than Adelaidein October. Sandakan gets 107 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Adelaide receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberSandakan 28°C (82°F)Adelaide 16°C (61°F)
Typical Weather for Adelaide and Sandakan
| Sandakan | Adelaide | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (80°F) | 437 mm (17.2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (80°F) | 268 mm (10.6 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 195 mm (7.7 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 213 mm (8.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 253 mm (10 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 344 mm (13.5 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 462 mm (18.2 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 25 mm (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.