Which place is cheaper, Tokyo or Sandakan?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Sandakan or Tokyo?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Sandakan or Tokyo? 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 Tokyo?
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.
Tokyo
Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is by far the most populous city in the world with a staggering 37 million people. As a worldwide hub for technology and business, it hosts millions of visitors annually. But Tokyo is not just a place for business trips. With its incredible mixture of historical temples and shrines, remarkably beautiful parks, endless shopping malls, and genuinely wonderful people, Tokyo is a terrific place to visit and to explore.
For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Malaysia, The Best Adventure Tours to Malaysia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Japan.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySandakan $58Tokyo $157
The average daily cost (per person) in Sandakan is $58, while the average daily cost in Tokyo is $157. 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 Tokyo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSandakan $20Tokyo $76
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSandakan $40Tokyo $152
Compare Hotels in Sandakan and Tokyo
Looking for a hotel in Sandakan or Tokyo? 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 Tokyo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sandakan $33Tokyo $17
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tokyo
Also for Tokyo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Japan Railway Station Shared Departure Transfer : Tokyo City to Tokyo Station: $17
- Haneda Airport: 1-Way Shared Shuttle Transfer: $30
- Private Transfer from Tokyo Port to Tokyo Narita Int Airport(NRT): $33
- Private Transfer from Tokyo Port to Tokyo Narita Airport (NRT): $36
- Private Transfer from Tokyo Port to Tokyo Haneda Int Airport(HND): $38
- Private Transfer from Tokyo city hotels to Tokyo Cruise Port: $38
- Private Transfer from Tokyo Haneda Int Airport(HND) to Tokyo Port: $38
- Private Transfer from Tokyo Cruise Port to Tokyo City Hotels: $38
- Private Transfer from Tokyo Cruise Port to Tokyo hotels: $43
- Private Transfer from Tokyo Port to Tokyo Haneda Int Airport(HND): $43
- One-Way Private Transfer From/To Haneda Airport (HND): $44
- Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) to Tokyo - Arrival Private Transfer: $51
Is it cheaper to fly into Sandakan or Tokyo?
Prices for flights to both Tokyo 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 $19Tokyo $37
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 Tokyo
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Tokyo:
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Late Night Noodles$5.22
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Conveyor Belt Sushi Snack$5.22
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Meal at Airport$6.80
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tokyo
For Tokyo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Takoyaki cooking experience in Kabukicho, Shinjuku: $22
- Easy Ramen Cooking Experience in Kabukicho, Shinjuku: $25
- 2 Hours Japanese Style Pub and Food Tour in Ueno: $33
- 【Contemporary Culture】food tour I Always Visit in Shibuya: $35
- Private Sushi Roll Cooking Class in Japan: $38
- 【Contemporary Culture】Food tour I Always Visit in Shibuya: $38
- Ueno Private Walking Tour and Night Food Tour: $40
- Tokyo Best Cooking Class! Sushi Making Experience in Tsukiji: $52
- Tokyo Best Cooking Class！ Sushi making class in Tsukiji: $55
- Wagyu and 7 Japanese Dishes Cooking Class: $59
- Japanese Traditional Cooking Class: $59
- Tokyo Wagyu Culinary Tour Cooking Culture and Tasting: $65
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sandakan $7.19Tokyo $68
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
Tours and Activities in Tokyo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tokyo.
- Japan: Zen and Tea Ceremony Audio Guided Tour: $3.16
- Ancient Orient Museum Admission Ticket: $3.79
- Samurai and Bushido Audio Guided Tour: $4.55
- 24-hour, 48-hour, or 72-hour Subway Ticket: $5.05
- Akihabara Walking Tour with Otaku and Photography: $6.31
- Akihabara (Tokyo): English Audio Guide Tour: $6.32
- Harajuku: Audio Guide Tour of Takeshita Street: $6.32
- Local Food and Bar Tour in Ginza: $6.32
- Audio Guide Tour: Deeper Experience of Shinjuku Sightseeing: $6.32
- Asakusa（Tokyo）: Smartphone Audio Guide Tour: $6.32
- Shibuya Sightseeing with an Audio Guide: $6.32
- Ueno: Self-Guided Tour of Ameyoko and Hidden Gems: $6.32
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySandakan $6.59Tokyo $33
Typical Alcohol Prices in Tokyo
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Tokyo:
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Sake$3.91
Sample the Local Flavors in Tokyo
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Tokyo:
- Tokyo Pub Crawl: $25
- 3-Hour Tokyo Pub Crawl Weekly Welcome Guided Tour in Shibuya: $52
- Private Shinjuku Nightlife Walking Tour & Golden-Gai Bar Crawl: $79
- barhopping tour&bar crawl in Retro Town Shimokitazawa: $82
- Toshimaya Sake Brewery Tour with Sake Tasting: $88
- Tokyo | 3 Hours Brewery Tour with Sake Sommelier: $101
- Private Sake Tasting at 300 Years Old Sake Brewery in Tokyo : $104
- 【Harajuku】Night Pub Crawl with Local Japanese: $125
- Private Local Craft Brewery Tour in Tokyo: $150
- Wooden Barrel Sake Brewery Tour and Unlimited Tasting Near Tokyo: $161
- Private Walking Tour with Sake Brewery Visit in Chichibu: $190
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sandakan and Tokyo, we can see that Tokyo 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 Tokyo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tokyo 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 Tokyo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sandakan or Tokyo?
Tokyo has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Sandakan. When comparing the sizes of Sandakan and Tokyo, 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 Tokyo?
Tokyo 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 Tokyo in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Sandakan as well as Tokyo. Sandakan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Tokyo this time of year.
In the summer, Sandakan is around the same temperature as Tokyo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sandakan in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Tokyo averages at about 26°C (78°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 Tokyo. Sandakan gets 221 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tokyo receives 137 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Tokyo. Sandakan receives a lot of rain in the summer. Sandakan usually gets more rain in July than Tokyo. Sandakan gets 195 mm (7.7 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySandakan 27°C (81°F)Tokyo 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Sandakan or Tokyo in the Autumn?
Both Tokyo 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, many travelers come to Tokyo for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Sandakan is generally much warmer than Tokyo. Daily temperatures in Sandakan average around 28°C (82°F), and Tokyo fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
Sandakan usually receives more sunshine than Tokyo during autumn. Sandakan gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Tokyo receives 129 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Tokyo. It's quite rainy in Sandakan. In October, Sandakan usually receives more rain than Tokyo. Sandakan gets 253 mm (10 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSandakan 28°C (82°F)Tokyo 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Sandakan or Tokyo in the Winter?
Both Tokyo 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. Also, many visitors come to Tokyo in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Sandakan is much warmer than Tokyo in the winter. The daily temperature in Sandakan averages around 26°C (80°F) in January, and Tokyo fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).
In the winter, Sandakan often gets less sunshine than Tokyo. Sandakan gets 156 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tokyo receives 175 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Sandakan. Sandakan usually gets more rain in January than Tokyo. Sandakan gets 437 mm (17.2 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySandakan 26°C (80°F)Tokyo 5°C (42°F)
Should I visit Sandakan or Tokyo in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Sandakan and Tokyo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Sandakan year-round. Also, most visitors come to Tokyo for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.
In the spring, Sandakan is much warmer than Tokyo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sandakan in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Tokyo averages at about 14°C (58°F).
In Sandakan, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sandakan usually receives more sunshine than Tokyo during spring. Sandakan gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Tokyo receives 161 hours of full sun in the spring.
Tokyo 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 Tokyo. Sandakan gets 107 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSandakan 28°C (82°F)Tokyo 14°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Tokyo and Sandakan
| Sandakan | Tokyo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (80°F) | 437 mm (17.2 in) | 5°C (42°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (80°F) | 268 mm (10.6 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 186 mm (7.3 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 195 mm (7.7 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 213 mm (8.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 180 mm (7.1 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 253 mm (10 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 344 mm (13.5 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 462 mm (18.2 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 46 mm (1.8 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.