Which place is cheaper, Zhengzhou or Sandakan?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Sandakan or Zhengzhou?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Sandakan or Zhengzhou? 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 Zhengzhou?
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.
Zhengzhou
Along the Yellow River, a city from the future and the past resides. Ancient pagodas, futuristic domes, verdant gardens - Zhengzhou is a myriad of many worlds in one urban area. The provincial capital of the Henan Province, Zhengzhou is the encapsulation of a perfect city from its delicate balance of the natural and urban spheres. It was born during the Sui Dynasty, and its actual location was in the modern-day Chenggao. Moreover, Zhengzhou works as the political, economic, technological, and educational center of the province. The city is also one of the eight great ancient capitals of China, with a collection of architecture and art originating during iconic dynasties. These relics of the old world include the Shaolin Monastery, Henan Museum, the Pagoda Forest, the Gaocheng Astronomical Observatory, the Songyue Pagoda, the Emperors of Yan and Huang, and the scenic views of the Yellow River. With over nine million inhabitants, Zhengzhou continues to grow at a thriving rate. It also should be noted that in June 2012, Greater Zhengzhou was named one of the thirteen emerging megacities in China according to the Economist Intelligent Unit. Known internationally for its amazing culmination of culture and history, Zhengzhou is the ideal city for travelers and inhabitants alike.
For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Malaysia, The Best Adventure Tours to Malaysia, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Shanghai, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySandakan $58Zhengzhou $98
The average daily cost (per person) in Sandakan is $58, while the average daily cost in Zhengzhou is $98. 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 Zhengzhou in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSandakan $20Zhengzhou $36
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSandakan $40Zhengzhou $72
Compare Hotels in Sandakan and Zhengzhou
Looking for a hotel in Sandakan or Zhengzhou? 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
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sandakan $33Zhengzhou $63
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zhengzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zhengzhou:
- Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport Chauffeur Transfer, Zhengzhou Airport Transfer: $27
- [Airport Transfer] Zhengzhou Xinjiang International Airport Zhengzhou City Transfer There is a reputation for high service! : $27
- Zhengzhou Special Car Service, Zhengzhou Airport Transfer: $27
- Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport Chauffeur Transfer, Zhengzhou Airport Transfer: $31
- Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport Chauffeur Transfer , Zhengzhou Airport Transfer : $53
- Zhengzhou Airport Transfer( Hotel to Airport): $59
- Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport Chauffeur Transfer , Zhengzhou Airport Transfer : $65
- One-Way Private Transfer from Zhengzhou to Kaifeng: $70
- One-Way Private Transfer from Zhengzhou to Luoyang: $80
- Private Transfer from Zhengzhou to Luoyang Longmen Grottoes : $95
- Private Guided Tour/Transfer to Shaolin Temple: $98
- Private transfer to Shaolin Temple from Zhengzhou: $108
Is it cheaper to fly into Sandakan or Zhengzhou?
Prices for flights to both Zhengzhou 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
-
Food Meals for one daySandakan $19Zhengzhou $28
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 Zhengzhou
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zhengzhou.
- Zhengzhou Erqi Square and Night Markets Private Tour including Dinner: $145
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sandakan $7.19Zhengzhou $8.18
Tours and Activities in Sandakan
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Sandakan are as follows:
- Private Tour: Half Day Sandakan City Tour Including Local Lunch: $51
- Borneo Kinabatangan River Cruise Day Trip: $78
- Kinabatangan River Cruise from Sandakan: $90
- Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre & Sepilok Orang Utan Rehab Centre Tour: $105
- Private Full Day Sepilok Orang Utan, Bornean Sun Bear and Rainforest Discovery Center Tour: $125
- Labuk Proboscis, Sepilok, Sun Bear, Sandakan City Tour & Lunch: $138
- Sepilok Orang Utan & Bornean Sun Bear Centre with Sandakan City Tour with Lunch: $191
- 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
- 2D1N Sandakan Private Tour with Kinabatangan River Cruise: $290
Tours and Activities in Zhengzhou
Here are a few actual costs in Zhengzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Kaifeng City Highlights Independant Tour from Zhengzhou: $80
- Private Independent Tour to Shaolin Temple from Zhengzhou: $126
- Private Independent Tour to Yuntai Mountain from Zhengzhou: $169
- Independent Tour to Shaolin Temple and Longmen Grottoes from Zhengzhou: $188
- Private Day Tour to Shaolin Temple from Zhengzhou with Flexiable Departure Time: $198
- All inclusive Anyang Yin Xu ruins and Character Museum day tour from Zhengzhou: $209
- Zhengzhou Yellow River Scenic Spots Private Tour : $209
- Private Day Tour to Luoyang Longmen Grottoes from Zhengzhou: $210
- Zhengzhou Private Half-Day Tour: Shaolin Temple & Kungfu Show: $222
- Private Tour to Zhongyue Temple and Shaolin Temple from Zhengzhou: $233
- Private Day Tour to Shaolin Temple and Songyang Academy from Zhengzhou: $233
- Private Full-Day Tour to Shaolin Temple and Mt.Song from Zhengzhou: $238
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one daySandakan $6.59Zhengzhou $6.31
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sandakan and Zhengzhou, we can see that Zhengzhou 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 Zhengzhou would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zhengzhou 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 Zhengzhou Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sandakan or Zhengzhou?
Zhengzhou has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Sandakan. When comparing the sizes of Sandakan and Zhengzhou, 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 Zhengzhou?
Zhengzhou 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 Zhengzhou in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Sandakan and Zhengzhou. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Sandakan year-round.
In July, Sandakan is generally around the same temperature as Zhengzhou. Daily temperatures in Sandakan average around 27°C (81°F), and Zhengzhou fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zhengzhou 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 Zhengzhou during summer. Sandakan gets 221 hours of sunny skies, while Zhengzhou receives 215 hours of full sun in the summer.
Zhengzhou receives a lot of rain in the summer. Sandakan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Sandakan usually receives more rain than Zhengzhou. Sandakan gets 195 mm (7.7 in) of rain, while Zhengzhou receives 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulySandakan 27°C (81°F)Zhengzhou 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Sandakan or Zhengzhou in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Sandakan as well as Zhengzhou. Sandakan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Sandakan is much warmer than Zhengzhou in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sandakan averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Zhengzhou fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
In the autumn, Sandakan often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Zhengzhou. Sandakan gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zhengzhou receives 188 hours of full sun.
Sandakan receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Sandakan usually gets more rain in October than Zhengzhou. Sandakan gets 253 mm (10 in) of rain, while Zhengzhou receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSandakan 28°C (82°F)Zhengzhou 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Sandakan or Zhengzhou in the Winter?
Both Zhengzhou and Sandakan are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Sandakan throughout the year.
Zhengzhou can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Sandakan is much warmer than Zhengzhou. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sandakan in January average around 26°C (80°F), and Zhengzhou averages at about 1°C (34°F).
Sandakan usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Zhengzhou during winter. Sandakan gets 156 hours of sunny skies, while Zhengzhou receives 159 hours of full sun in the winter.
It's quite rainy in Sandakan. In January, Sandakan usually receives more rain than Zhengzhou. Sandakan gets 437 mm (17.2 in) of rain, while Zhengzhou receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySandakan 26°C (80°F)Zhengzhou 1°C (34°F)
Should I visit Sandakan or Zhengzhou in the Spring?
Both Zhengzhou and Sandakan during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Sandakan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In April, Sandakan is generally much warmer than Zhengzhou. Daily temperatures in Sandakan average around 28°C (82°F), and Zhengzhou fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
In Zhengzhou, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Sandakan. In the spring, Sandakan often gets more sunshine than Zhengzhou. Sandakan gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zhengzhou receives 201 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Sandakan. Sandakan usually gets more rain in April than Zhengzhou. Sandakan gets 107 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Zhengzhou receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilSandakan 28°C (82°F)Zhengzhou 16°C (61°F)
Typical Weather for Zhengzhou and Sandakan
| Sandakan | Zhengzhou | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (80°F) | 437 mm (17.2 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (80°F) | 268 mm (10.6 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 195 mm (7.7 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 213 mm (8.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 253 mm (10 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 344 mm (13.5 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 25 mm (1 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 462 mm (18.2 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 6 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.