Which place is cheaper, Hiroshima or Sandakan?
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 Sandakan or Hiroshima?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Sandakan or Hiroshima? 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 Hiroshima?
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.
Hiroshima
Hiroshima is positioned on the coast of the Seto Inland Sea and is an industrial city made up of many zigzagging rivers and wide boulevard streets. Today Hiroshima is a modern and vibrant city with great food and an energetic nightlife, but the image that remains in most visitor's minds is the Hiroshima of 1945 when it became the horrific sight of the first atomic bomb attack. Hiroshima shares the colorful neon atmosphere of other major Japanese cities and its hard to recognize the city immortalized all those years ago on that fateful day.
For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Malaysia, The Best Adventure Tours to Malaysia, The Best Adventure Tours to Japan, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan.
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Sandakan Prices
Malaysia PricesHiroshima Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySandakan $81Hiroshima $126
The average daily cost (per person) in Sandakan is $81, while the average daily cost in Hiroshima is $126. 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 Hiroshima in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSandakan $23Hiroshima $67
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSandakan $46Hiroshima $134
Compare Hotels in Sandakan and Hiroshima
Looking for a hotel in Sandakan or Hiroshima? 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 Hiroshima Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sandakan $37Hiroshima $10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sandakan
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Sandakan:
- Private 1Way Transfer to/from Sandakan Airport, City or Sepilok: $38
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hiroshima
Also for Hiroshima, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Shared Arrival Transfer : Hiroshima Airport to Hiroshima City: $128
- Shared Departure Transfer : Hiroshima City to Hiroshima Airport: $128
- Private Transfer from Hiroshima Port to Hiroshima Airport (HIJ): $164
- Private Transfer from Hiroshima Airport (HIJ) to Hiroshima Port: $182
- Hiroshima City: Private Transfer to/from Hiroshima Airport: $189
- Iwakuni Airport to/from Hiroshima City Private Transfer: $244
- Private Arrival Transfer From Hiroshima International Airport to Hiroshima City: $272
- Private Transfer Hiroshima Airport: $292
Is it cheaper to fly into Sandakan or Hiroshima?
Prices for flights to both Hiroshima 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 $36Hiroshima $52
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
- Sandakan : Fireflies and Mangrove Cruise with Dinner: $193
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hiroshima
For Hiroshima, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Okonomiyaki Cooking Class with a Local Chef: $59
- Food and Culture Guided Walking Tour with Dinner: $82
- Dinner Cruise on HANAIKADA (Raft-Type Boat) with Scenic View of Miyajima: $100
- Bar Hopping Food Tour: $103
- Hiroshima Bar Hopping Food Tour: $105
- Private Japanese Cooking Class in Hiroshima with Machiko's Family: $108
- Hiroshima Peace Bicycle Tour and Okonomiyaki Dinner: $113
- Best of Hiroshima Food Tour: $182
- Best of Hiroshima Food Tour: $221
- Private Nature, History, and Food Tour: $629
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sandakan $8.15Hiroshima $5.58
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: $112
- Borneo : Orangutan, Proboscis Monkey, and Sun Bear Tour: $338
- Borneo Kinabatangan River Cruise Day Trip: $88
- Borneo Wildlife Tour 2 Days 1 Night At Tanjung Bulat Jungle Camp Kinabatangan: $230
- Borneo Wildlife Tour 3 Days 2 Nights At Tanjung Bulat Jungle Camp Kinabatangan: $260
- Day Trip Sepilok Orang-utan And City Tour (Flight Excluded): $119
- From Sandakan to Kinabatangan River Safari Boat Cruise Day Tour: $163
- From 7 Unmissable Local Stops Private Tour: $82
- Full Day At Sepilok Orangutan, Sun Bear & Sandakan City Tour: $164
- Kinabatangan River Cruise from Sandakan: $90
- Labuk Proboscis, Sepilok, Sun Bear, Sandakan City Tour & Lunch: $147
Tours and Activities in Hiroshima
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Hiroshima.
- LAGOON Nightclub Admission Ticket(For Foreign): $6.76
- Hiroshima:Visit Tourist Pass(1, 2, 3day and 3day middlearea): $6.76
- Hiroshima Kagura Performance Entry Ticket: $12
- HIROSHIMA ORIZURU TOWER Admission Ticket: $16
- Abacus & Calligraphy Experience Near Hiroshima Peace Park: $20
- Abacus & Calligraphy Experience Near Hiroshima Peace Park: $21
- Peace Memorial Park Guided Walking Tour: $23
- Hiroshima Experience: History, Culture & Nature Tour: $23
- Hiroshima Peace Walking Tour with Expert Guide: $23
- Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park: A Guided Tour: $24
- Peace Memorial Park and Atomic Bomb Dome Tour: $24
- Hiroshima Path to Peace Group Walking Tour: $27
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySandakan $7.47Hiroshima $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Hiroshima
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Hiroshima:
- Visit behind the Scenes: Hiroshima Saijo Sake Brewery Tour: $124
- Half-Day Saijo Tour Sake Tasting and Brewery Tour in Hiroshima: $131
- Private Goma Fire Ritual, Lunch & Sake Brewery Visits : $200
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sandakan and Hiroshima, we can see that Hiroshima is more expensive. And not only is Sandakan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Hiroshima would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hiroshima 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 Hiroshima Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sandakan or Hiroshima?
Hiroshima has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Sandakan. When comparing the sizes of Sandakan and Hiroshima, 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 Hiroshima?
Hiroshima 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 Hiroshima in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Sandakan as well as Hiroshima. Sandakan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Hiroshima for the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, Sandakan is generally around the same temperature as Hiroshima. Daily temperatures in Sandakan average around 27°C (81°F), and Hiroshima fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sandakan this time of the year. In the summer, Sandakan often gets more sunshine than Hiroshima. Sandakan gets 221 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hiroshima receives 194 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Hiroshima. Sandakan receives a lot of rain in the summer. Sandakan usually gets less rain in July than Hiroshima. Sandakan gets 195 mm (7.7 in) of rain, while Hiroshima receives 238 mm (9.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySandakan 27°C (81°F)Hiroshima 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Sandakan or Hiroshima in the Autumn?
Both Hiroshima and Sandakan are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Sandakan throughout the year. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Hiroshima because of the shopping scene.
Sandakan is much warmer than Hiroshima in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sandakan averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Hiroshima fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).
Sandakan usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hiroshima during autumn. Sandakan gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Hiroshima receives 193 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Hiroshima. It's quite rainy in Sandakan. In October, Sandakan usually receives more rain than Hiroshima. Sandakan gets 253 mm (10 in) of rain, while Hiroshima receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSandakan 28°C (82°F)Hiroshima 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Sandakan or Hiroshima in the Winter?
Both Hiroshima and Sandakan during the winter 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 museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Hiroshima this time of year.
It's quite cold in Hiroshima in the winter. In the winter, Sandakan is much warmer than Hiroshima. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sandakan in January average around 26°C (80°F), and Hiroshima averages at about 4°C (40°F).
In the winter, Sandakan often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hiroshima. Sandakan gets 156 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hiroshima receives 153 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Sandakan. Sandakan usually gets more rain in January than Hiroshima. Sandakan gets 437 mm (17.2 in) of rain, while Hiroshima receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySandakan 26°C (80°F)Hiroshima 4°C (40°F)
Should I visit Sandakan or Hiroshima in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Sandakan and Hiroshima. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Sandakan year-round.
In April, Sandakan is generally much warmer than Hiroshima. Daily temperatures in Sandakan average around 28°C (82°F), and Hiroshima fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).
In Sandakan, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sandakan usually receives more sunshine than Hiroshima during spring. Sandakan gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Hiroshima receives 193 hours of full sun in the spring.
Hiroshima receives a lot of rain in the spring. Sandakan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Sandakan usually receives less rain than Hiroshima. Sandakan gets 107 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Hiroshima receives 168 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSandakan 28°C (82°F)Hiroshima 14°C (56°F)
Typical Weather for Hiroshima and Sandakan
| Sandakan | Hiroshima | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (80°F) | 437 mm (17.2 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (80°F) | 268 mm (10.6 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) | 14°C (56°F) | 168 mm (6.6 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 195 mm (7.7 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 238 mm (9.4 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 213 mm (8.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 185 mm (7.3 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 253 mm (10 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 344 mm (13.5 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 462 mm (18.2 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 37 mm (1.5 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.