Which place is cheaper, Osaka or Sandakan?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Sandakan or Osaka?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Sandakan or Osaka? 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 Osaka?
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.
Osaka
The third largest city in Japan, Osaka has a lot to offer travelers. It's at the center of the Kansai region, and is a wonderful place to spend a few days. The city sits at the mouth of the Yodo River on Osaka Bay and is a major commercial hub for the country.
Osaka has a humid subtropical climate with four seasons. The winters are mild with January temperatures having an average high of almost 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Snow is very rare. Springs start cool and become hot and humid. This is also the wettest season with the rainiest time being between May and early July. Summers are hot and humid with July temperatures climbing into the high 90s Fahrenheit. The fall season becomes cooler as winter approaches.
For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Malaysia, The Best Adventure Tours to Malaysia, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySandakan $58Osaka $88
The average daily cost (per person) in Sandakan is $58, while the average daily cost in Osaka is $88. 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 Osaka in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSandakan $20Osaka $45
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSandakan $40Osaka $90
Compare Hotels in Sandakan and Osaka
Looking for a hotel in Sandakan or Osaka? 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 Osaka Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sandakan $33Osaka $14
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Osaka
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Osaka:
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Subway$7.83
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Osaka
Also for Osaka, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Osaka Itami Airport to/from Osaka City: Shared Transfer: $23
- Shared Arrival Transfer: Osaka Itami Airport to Osaka City: $25
- Private Transfer by Sedan from Itama Airport ITM to Osaka City : $58
- Kuchu Teien Observatory Ticket with Private Transfer: $62
- Private Transfer from Osaka Cruise Port to Osaka city hotels: $66
- Osaka Int Airport (ITM) to Osaka city - Arrival Private Transfer: $66
- Private Transfer from Osaka Airport (ITM) to Osaka Cruise Port: $66
- Shared Arrival Transfer: Osaka Itami Airport to Kyoto City: $66
- Airport Transfer from Osaka city to Kansai airport: $68
- Osaka to Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX) - Departure Private Transfer: $70
- TeamLab Botanical Garden Ticket and Private Transfer: $71
- Private Transfer from Osaka Port to Osaka Kansai Int Airport: $71
Is it cheaper to fly into Sandakan or Osaka?
Prices for flights to both Osaka 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 $19Osaka $25
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 Osaka
For Osaka, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Osaka:Food Tour & Shopping(Grand Opening Limited Time Offer): $25
- 2-Hour Kuromon Market Walking Street Food Tour: $26
- Private Takoyaki Cooking Class by Natives in Osaka: $36
- Japanese home cooking class in Osaka Umeda: $45
- Osaka Okonomiyaki Cooking Experience!: $49
- Ramen and Gyoza Cooking Class in Dotonbori: $61
- Kimono experience and Japanese home-cooking lesson Osaka: $63
- Osaka Authentic Tempura & Miso Soup Japan Cooking Class: $64
- RAMEN and 2 types GYOZA (dumplings) Cooking Class: $65
- Three Types of RAMEN Cooking Class: $65
- Kimono experience and Japanese home-cooking lesson Osaka Umeda : $65
- Ramen and Gyoza Cooking Class in Osaka Dotonbori: $66
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sandakan $7.19Osaka $20
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 Osaka
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Osaka's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Osaka Aquarium (for 2)$30
Tours and Activities in Osaka
For Osaka, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Osaka Castle: Museum and Tower Entry Ticket: $3.79
- Table Tennis Experience with Local Players: $4.42
- Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum Entrance Ticket: $4.42
- Ryurei Teicha: Chanoyu (Tea Ceremony) Experience in Osaka: $5.05
- Osaka Sakishima Observatory Advance Ticket: $5.68
- Dotonbori District Sightseeing Cruise & Beer Discount: $7.58
- Tsutenkaku Entry Ticket: $7.67
- Umeda Sky Building E-Ticket: $9.47
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
- Abeno Harukas 300 Observatory E-Ticket: $11
- Abeno Harukas 300 Observatory Entry Ticket: $12
- Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum:Ukiyo-e Woodblock Printing Experience: $12
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySandakan $6.59Osaka $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Osaka
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Osaka:
- Osaka Namba Hidden Places Bar Crawl: $16
- Osaka Pub Crawl and Nightlife Tour: $23
- Namba Pub Bar Crawl with a Local Guide: $30
- Osaka Evening: Ultimate Pub Bar Crawl with an Expert Local Guide: $32
- Local Bar Crawl in Dotombori and Uranamba Area: $38
- Osaka Local Bar Crawl in Dotombori & Uranamba Area: $39
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sandakan and Osaka, we can see that Osaka 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 Osaka would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Osaka 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 Osaka Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sandakan or Osaka?
Osaka has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Sandakan. When comparing the sizes of Sandakan and Osaka, 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 Osaka?
Osaka 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 Osaka in the Summer?
Both Osaka 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. Also, many visitors come to Osaka in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Sandakan is around the same temperature as Osaka. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sandakan in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Osaka averages at about 28°C (82°F).
It's quite sunny in Sandakan. In the summer, Sandakan often gets more sunshine than Osaka. Sandakan gets 221 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Osaka receives 183 hours of full sun.
Osaka 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 July than Osaka. Sandakan gets 195 mm (7.7 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySandakan 27°C (81°F)Osaka 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Sandakan or Osaka in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Sandakan and Osaka. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Sandakan year-round. Also, most visitors come to Osaka for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.
In October, Sandakan is generally a little warmer than Osaka. Daily temperatures in Sandakan average around 28°C (82°F), and Osaka fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
Sandakan usually receives more sunshine than Osaka during autumn. Sandakan gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Osaka receives 159 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Osaka receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Sandakan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Sandakan usually receives more rain than Osaka. Sandakan gets 253 mm (10 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSandakan 28°C (82°F)Osaka 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Sandakan or Osaka in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Sandakan as well as Osaka. Sandakan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Osaka because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Sandakan is much warmer than Osaka in the winter. The daily temperature in Sandakan averages around 26°C (80°F) in January, and Osaka fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).
In the winter, Sandakan often gets more sunshine than Osaka. Sandakan gets 156 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Osaka receives 140 hours of full sun.
Sandakan receives a lot of rain in the winter. Sandakan usually gets more rain in January than Osaka. Sandakan gets 437 mm (17.2 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySandakan 26°C (80°F)Osaka 6°C (42°F)
Should I visit Sandakan or Osaka in the Spring?
Both Osaka 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, the activities around the city are the main draw to Osaka this time of year.
In the spring, Sandakan is much warmer than Osaka. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sandakan in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Osaka averages at about 15°C (59°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sandakan. Sandakan usually receives more sunshine than Osaka during spring. Sandakan gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Osaka receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Osaka. It's quite rainy in Sandakan. In April, Sandakan usually receives less rain than Osaka. Sandakan gets 107 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSandakan 28°C (82°F)Osaka 15°C (59°F)
Typical Weather for Osaka and Sandakan
| Sandakan | Osaka | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (80°F) | 437 mm (17.2 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (80°F) | 268 mm (10.6 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 204 mm (8 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 195 mm (7.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 213 mm (8.4 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 253 mm (10 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 344 mm (13.5 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 462 mm (18.2 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 35 mm (1.4 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.