Which place is cheaper, Tianjin 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 Tianjin?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Sandakan or Tianjin? 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 Tianjin?
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.
Tianjin
Tianjin is a large metropolis on the north east coast of China. This ancient city, which dates back to prehistoric times, is one of five National Central Cities of China and is rich in culture and history. Tianjin is most famous for its beautiful walking streets and history of European concession territories.
Tianjin experiences hot and humid summers, with temperatures reaching 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Winters are cool and dry with temperatures around 15° (F). Spring and Autumn tend to be the best times to visit as weather is a little more mild, although Spring has a tendency to be a little rainy.
For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Malaysia, The Best Adventure Tours to Malaysia, The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, and The Best Cultural Tours in China.
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Sandakan Prices
Malaysia PricesTianjin Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySandakan $81Tianjin $92
The average daily cost (per person) in Sandakan is $81, while the average daily cost in Tianjin is $92. 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 Tianjin in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSandakan $23Tianjin $35
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSandakan $46Tianjin $70
Compare Hotels in Sandakan and Tianjin
Looking for a hotel in Sandakan or Tianjin? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sandakan $37Tianjin $37
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 Tianjin
Also for Tianjin, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- [Airport Transfer] Tianjin Airport ⇔ Tianjin City Transfer ☆ High reputation for service <Charter charter>: $13
- Tianjin Binhai Airport(TSN) to Tianjin - Arrival Private Transfer: $24
- Tianjin Binhai International Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Area : $29
- Tianjin Cruise Port Private Transfer to Binhai Railway Station: $32
- Tianjin Railway Station Private Transfer to Cruise Port: $32
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Tianjin Binhai International Airport (TSN): $39
- Private Arrival Transfer: Tianjin Binhai International Airport (TSN) to Hotel: $39
- Tianjin Airport (TSN) to Tianjin RoundTrip Private Transfer: $48
- Tianjin Cruise Port Transfer To Tianjin Airport one way private transfer: $50
- Private Tianjin Transfer to Xingang International Cruise Port from City Hotels: $60
- Private Arrival Transfer: Tianjin Cruise Port to Train Stations (Tianjin/Tanggu): $63
- Private Transfer from Tianjin Cruise Port to Tianjin City Hotels: $73
Is it cheaper to fly into Sandakan or Tianjin?
Prices for flights to both Tianjin 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 $36Tianjin $36
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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sandakan $8.15Tianjin $10
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 Tianjin
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tianjin.
- Tianjin International Cruise Home Port to Beijing Airport/City Tr: $119
- Guided Day Tour to Tianjin Downtown with Lunch: $148
- Private Tianjin City Night Tour with Haihe River Cruise: $176
- 5-Hour Private Tianjin Shopping Tour from Tianjin Cruise Port: $179
- Tianjin Cruise Port To Beijing Capital Airport With the English Speaking Driver: $187
- Private Tianjin City Highlight Day Tour: $188
- Tianjin Port-up To Beijing City Self-Guide Tour and Drop-off at Beijing Hotel: $192
- 4-Hour Tianjin Shore Excursion to Shijia Mansion with Bullet Train Experience: $210
- Tianjin Shore Excursion: Huangyaguan Great Wall Private Day Tour: $214
- Tianjin Private Walking Tour Guided by a Lady Worked in Europe: $215
- Private Tianjin Shopping Tour: $218
- All-inclusive Day Tour: China House, Five Avenues, Ancient Street & Tianjin Eye: $224
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySandakan $7.47Tianjin $11
When comparing the travel costs between Sandakan and Tianjin, we can see that Tianjin is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Sandakan Expensive? and Is Tianjin Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sandakan or Tianjin?
Tianjin has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Sandakan. When comparing the sizes of Sandakan and Tianjin, 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 Tianjin?
Tianjin 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 Tianjin in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Sandakan as well as Tianjin. Sandakan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In July, Sandakan is generally around the same temperature as Tianjin. Daily temperatures in Sandakan average around 27°C (81°F), and Tianjin fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tianjin. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sandakan this time of the year. In the summer, Sandakan often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Tianjin. Sandakan gets 221 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tianjin receives 224 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Tianjin. Sandakan receives a lot of rain in the summer. Sandakan usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Tianjin. Sandakan gets 195 mm (7.7 in) of rain, while Tianjin receives 185 mm (7.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySandakan 27°C (81°F)Tianjin 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Sandakan or Tianjin in the Autumn?
Both Tianjin and Sandakan are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Sandakan throughout the year.
Sandakan is much warmer than Tianjin in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sandakan averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Tianjin fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).
It's quite sunny in Tianjin. Sandakan usually receives less sunshine than Tianjin during autumn. Sandakan gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Tianjin receives 227 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It's quite rainy in Sandakan. In October, Sandakan usually receives more rain than Tianjin. Sandakan gets 253 mm (10 in) of rain, while Tianjin receives 21 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSandakan 28°C (82°F)Tianjin 15°C (58°F)
Should I visit Sandakan or Tianjin in the Winter?
Both Tianjin 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.
Tianjin can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Sandakan is much warmer than Tianjin. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sandakan in January average around 26°C (80°F), and Tianjin averages at about -3°C (27°F).
In Tianjin, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Sandakan often gets less sunshine than Tianjin. Sandakan gets 156 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tianjin receives 201 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Sandakan. Sandakan usually gets more rain in January than Tianjin. Sandakan gets 437 mm (17.2 in) of rain, while Tianjin receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySandakan 26°C (80°F)Tianjin -3°C (27°F)
Should I visit Sandakan or Tianjin in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Sandakan and Tianjin. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Sandakan year-round.
In April, Sandakan is generally much warmer than Tianjin. Daily temperatures in Sandakan average around 28°C (82°F), and Tianjin fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tianjin this time of the year. In Sandakan, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sandakan usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Tianjin during spring. Sandakan gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Tianjin receives 247 hours of full sun in the spring.
Sandakan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Sandakan usually receives more rain than Tianjin. Sandakan gets 107 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Tianjin receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSandakan 28°C (82°F)Tianjin 14°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Tianjin and Sandakan
| Sandakan | Tianjin | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (80°F) | 437 mm (17.2 in) | -3°C (27°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (80°F) | 268 mm (10.6 in) | -1°C (31°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 9 mm (0.3 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 25 mm (1 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 195 mm (7.7 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 185 mm (7.3 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 213 mm (8.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 155 mm (6.1 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 253 mm (10 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 344 mm (13.5 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 462 mm (18.2 in) | -1°C (31°F) | 4 mm (0.2 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.