Which place is cheaper, Noosa Heads or Sandakan?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Sandakan or Noosa Heads?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Sandakan or Noosa Heads? 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 Noosa Heads?
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.
Noosa Heads
A town and suburb located on Queensland, Australia's Sunshine Coast, Noosa is best known as a destination of pleasant weather, beautiful beachside scenery, shopping, dining, and outdoor adventure. Some of the top attractions of the area include Noosa National Park and Sunshine Beach.
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 $58Noosa Heads $110
The average daily cost (per person) in Sandakan is $58, while the average daily cost in Noosa Heads is $110. 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 Noosa Heads in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSandakan $20Noosa Heads $58
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSandakan $40Noosa Heads $116
Compare Hotels in Sandakan and Noosa Heads
Looking for a hotel in Sandakan or Noosa Heads? 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 Noosa Heads Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sandakan $33Noosa Heads $17
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Noosa Heads
Also for Noosa Heads, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Sunshine Coast Airport Departure Transfer from Hotels: $18
- Sunshine Coast and Noosa Eumundi Markets Bus Transfer: $32
- Eumundi Markets Bus Transfer from Noosa, Noosaville & Mooloolaba: $32
- Brisbane Airport Departure shuttle Transfer from Sunshine Coast Hotels/addresses: $55
- Australia Zoo Transfer from Noosa, Coolum, Marcoola & Twin Waters: $79
- Private Morning Transfer From Noosa to Rainbow Beach: $89
- Private Transfers from Sunshine Coast Airport to Noosa (4pax): $99
- Private Transfer from Noosa to Sunshine Coast Airport up to 3 pax: $102
- Private Transfers from Sunshine Coast Airport to Noosa (6pax): $116
- Private Transfers from Sunshine Coast Airport to Noosa (8pax): $129
- Private Transfer from Sunshine Coast Airport to Hotels 11 pax: $218
- Premium Airport/ Cruise Terminal Transfers: $234
Is it cheaper to fly into Sandakan or Noosa Heads?
Prices for flights to both Noosa Heads 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 $19Noosa Heads $33
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 Noosa Heads
For Noosa Heads, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Cooking Classes on Witta Maleny Sunshine Coast: $119
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sandakan $7.19Noosa Heads $40
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Noosa Heads
For Noosa Heads, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Surf Lesson$42
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Sea Kayak Tour (for 2)$84
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Sunset Cruise (for 2)$13
Tours and Activities in Noosa Heads
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Noosa Heads.
- 2 Hours Sunset Experience on Noosa River: $21
- The Original 1-Hour Mooloolaba Canal Cruise: $23
- Maleny Botanic Gardens Bird Aviary Experience Ticket: $28
- Sunset Cruise Mooloolaba: $30
- River Cruise on Historical Vessel: $32
- Aquaduck Sunshine Coast - 1hr Mooloolaba Amphibious Tour: $33
- 1 Hour Self Guided Water Bike Tour of the Noosa River: $33
- Seafood Lunch Cruise: $43
- River to River, Land and Sea E-bike Tour in Brisbane: $46
- Bushtucker Cruise: $50
- Sunset Tour with Live Music: $50
- Noosa Oceanrider - Adventure Tour: $52
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySandakan $6.59Noosa Heads $10
Sample the Local Flavors in Noosa Heads
Also in Noosa Heads, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Eumundi Market and Distillery Experience Market Days Wednesday & Saturday: $92
- Sunshine Coast Brewery Tour with Lunch: $162
- Hinterland Cheese & Wine Tasting Tour - with 2 course lunch included: $165
- Sunshine Coast & Noosa Scenic Food & Wine Tour Inc. Lunch: $182
- Noosa Hinterland Tour with Gourmet Lunch, Wine Tasting & Everglades Lake: $191
- Noosa Hinterland Drinks Tour- visit 2 distilleries, a winery and a brewery : $195
- Noosa Hinterland Drinks Private Tour with Gin, Beer, Mead & Wine Tastings: $277
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sandakan and Noosa Heads, we can see that Noosa Heads 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 Noosa Heads 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 Noosa Heads would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Noosa Heads 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 Noosa Heads Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sandakan or Noosa Heads?
Sandakan has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Noosa Heads. When comparing the sizes of Sandakan and Noosa Heads, 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 Noosa Heads?
Noosa Heads 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 Noosa Heads in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Sandakan as well as Noosa Heads. Sandakan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Noosa Heads for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
Sandakan is a little warmer than Noosa Heads in the summer. The daily temperature in Sandakan averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Noosa Heads fluctuates around 20°C (67°F)in January.
It's quite rainy in Noosa Heads. Sandakan receives a lot of rain in the summer. Sandakan usually gets more rain in July than Noosa Headsin January. Sandakan gets 195 mm (7.7 in) of rain, while Noosa Heads receives 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuarySandakan 27°C (81°F)Noosa Heads 20°C (67°F)
Should I visit Sandakan or Noosa Heads in the Autumn?
Both Noosa Heads 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 Noosa Heads because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Sandakan is much warmer than Noosa Heads. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Sandakan in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Noosa Heads averages at about 14°C (58°F)in April.
It's quite rainy in Sandakan. In October, Sandakan usually receives more rain than Noosa Headsin April. Sandakan gets 253 mm (10 in) of rain, while Noosa Heads receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilSandakan 28°C (82°F)Noosa Heads 14°C (58°F)
Should I visit Sandakan or Noosa Heads in the Winter?
Both Noosa Heads 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 Noosa Heads this time of year.
In January, Sandakan is generally much warmer than Noosa Headsin July. Daily temperatures in Sandakan average around 26°C (80°F), and Noosa Heads fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Sandakan. Sandakan usually gets more rain in January than Noosa Headsin July. Sandakan gets 437 mm (17.2 in) of rain, while Noosa Heads receives 57 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulySandakan 26°C (80°F)Noosa Heads 7°C (44°F)
Should I visit Sandakan or Noosa Heads in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Sandakan and Noosa Heads. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Sandakan year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Noosa Heads for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.
Sandakan is much warmer than Noosa Heads in the spring. The daily temperature in Sandakan averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Noosa Heads fluctuates around 14°C (57°F)in October.
Sandakan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Sandakan usually receives more rain than Noosa Headsin October. Sandakan gets 107 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Noosa Heads receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberSandakan 28°C (82°F)Noosa Heads 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Noosa Heads and Sandakan
| Sandakan | Noosa Heads | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (80°F) | 437 mm (17.2 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 109 mm (4.3 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (80°F) | 268 mm (10.6 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 195 mm (7.7 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 57 mm (2.3 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 213 mm (8.4 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 253 mm (10 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 344 mm (13.5 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 462 mm (18.2 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 117 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.