Which place is cheaper, Byron Bay or Sandakan?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Sandakan or Byron Bay?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Sandakan or Byron Bay? 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 Byron Bay?
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.
Byron Bay
South of Brisbane, off the Pacific Highway, is the coastal town of Byron Bay. It is close to Cape Byron, which is the easternmost point in mainland Australia. Byron Bay makes its way onto most traveler's itineraries because of its wonderful beach activities. The area is world famous for its waves, making it popular with surfers, but it also has incredible scuba diving, whale watching, and a generally relaxed atmosphere. The area continues to rise in popularity with travelers and as such, amenities and facilities are popping up everywhere.
For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Malaysia, The Best Adventure Tours to Malaysia, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Australia, and The Best Contiki Tours to Australia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySandakan $58Byron Bay $139
The average daily cost (per person) in Sandakan is $58, while the average daily cost in Byron Bay is $139. 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 Byron Bay in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSandakan $20Byron Bay $66
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSandakan $40Byron Bay $132
Compare Hotels in Sandakan and Byron Bay
Looking for a hotel in Sandakan or Byron Bay? 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 Byron Bay Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sandakan $33Byron Bay $32
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Byron Bay
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Byron Bay:
- Byron Bay Tandem Skydive with Transfer Options: $240
Is it cheaper to fly into Sandakan or Byron Bay?
Prices for flights to both Byron Bay 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 $19Byron Bay $47
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
Typical Food Prices in Byron Bay
Some typical examples of dining costs in Byron Bay are as follows:
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Dinner at Olivo (for 2)$58
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sandakan $7.19Byron Bay $35
Tours and Activities in Sandakan
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Sandakan are as follows:
- Private Tour: Half Day Sandakan City Tour Including Local Lunch: $51
- Borneo Kinabatangan River Cruise Day Trip: $78
- Kinabatangan River Cruise from Sandakan: $90
- Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre & Sepilok Orang Utan Rehab Centre Tour: $105
- Private Full Day Sepilok Orang Utan, Bornean Sun Bear and Rainforest Discovery Center Tour: $125
- Labuk Proboscis, Sepilok, Sun Bear, Sandakan City Tour & Lunch: $138
- Sepilok Orang Utan & Bornean Sun Bear Centre with Sandakan City Tour with Lunch: $191
- 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
- 2D1N Sandakan Private Tour with Kinabatangan River Cruise: $290
Typical Entertainment Prices in Byron Bay
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Byron Bay are as follows:
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Buddha Gardens Spa (for 2)$123
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Surf Lesson$42
Tours and Activities in Byron Bay
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Byron Bay are as follows:
- LIGHTHOUSE TRAIL Guided Sunrise Tours to Cape Byron Lighthouse: $32
- Skip the Line: Crystal Castle and Shambhala Gardens Admission Ticket: $32
- Brunswick River Scenic Kayak Tour: $39
- Cape Byron Aboriginal Tour: $45
- Broken Head Aboriginal Tour: $45
- Sunset Brunswick River Nature Kayak Tour: $46
- Broken Head Aboriginal Tour: $46
- Cape Byron Aboriginal Tour: $46
- Sunset River Cruise near Byron Bay: $46
- From Byron: Half Day Learn to Surf Tour: $52
- Experience The Thrill Half Day Surf School in Byron Bay: $52
- Group 2.5 Hour Stand-Up Paddle Board Tour: $56
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySandakan $6.59Byron Bay $14
Sample the Local Flavors in Byron Bay
Also in Byron Bay, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Arvo Session Brewery and Distillery Tour: $97
- Afternoon Brewery and Distillery session : $99
- Full-Day Brewery and Distillery Tour with Lunch: $127
- Full Barrel Brewery and Distillery tour: $129
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sandakan and Byron Bay, we can see that Byron Bay 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 Byron Bay 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 Byron Bay would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Byron Bay 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 Byron Bay Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sandakan or Byron Bay?
Sandakan has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Byron Bay. When comparing the sizes of Sandakan and Byron Bay, 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 Byron Bay?
Byron Bay 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 Byron Bay in the Summer?
Both Byron Bay and Sandakan are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Sandakan throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Byron Bay for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
Sandakan is a little warmer than Byron Bay in the summer. The daily temperature in Sandakan averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Byron Bay fluctuates around 23°C (74°F)in January.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Byron Bay. It's quite rainy in Sandakan. In July, Sandakan usually receives more rain than Byron Bayin January. Sandakan gets 195 mm (7.7 in) of rain, while Byron Bay receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuarySandakan 27°C (81°F)Byron Bay 23°C (74°F)
Should I visit Sandakan or Byron Bay in the Autumn?
Both Byron Bay and Sandakan during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Sandakan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Byron Bay because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Sandakan is a little warmer than Byron Bay. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Sandakan in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Byron Bay averages at about 20°C (69°F)in April.
Byron Bay gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Sandakan. Sandakan usually gets more rain in October than Byron Bayin April. Sandakan gets 253 mm (10 in) of rain, while Byron Bay receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilSandakan 28°C (82°F)Byron Bay 20°C (69°F)
Should I visit Sandakan or Byron Bay in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Sandakan and Byron Bay. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Sandakan year-round. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Byron Bay this time of year.
In January, Sandakan is generally much warmer than Byron Bayin July. Daily temperatures in Sandakan average around 26°C (80°F), and Byron Bay fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).
Sandakan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Sandakan usually receives more rain than Byron Bayin July. Sandakan gets 437 mm (17.2 in) of rain, while Byron Bay receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulySandakan 26°C (80°F)Byron Bay 14°C (58°F)
Should I visit Sandakan or Byron Bay in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Sandakan as well as Byron Bay. Sandakan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Byron Bay for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.
Sandakan is a little warmer than Byron Bay in the spring. The daily temperature in Sandakan averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Byron Bay fluctuates around 19°C (67°F)in October.
Sandakan receives a lot of rain in the spring. Sandakan usually gets more rain in April than Byron Bayin October. Sandakan gets 107 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Byron Bay receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberSandakan 28°C (82°F)Byron Bay 19°C (67°F)
Typical Weather for Byron Bay and Sandakan
| Sandakan | Byron Bay | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (80°F) | 437 mm (17.2 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (80°F) | 268 mm (10.6 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 195 mm (7.7 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 213 mm (8.4 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 32 mm (1.2 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 253 mm (10 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 344 mm (13.5 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 462 mm (18.2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 118 mm (4.6 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.