Which place is cheaper, Coffs Harbour or Tanah Rata?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Tanah Rata or Coffs Harbour?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Tanah Rata or Coffs Harbour? 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: Tanah Rata or Coffs Harbour?
Tanah Rata
Tanah Rata is one of the main tourist towns in the Cameron Highlands. The Cameron Highlands are in western Malaysia and are a popular retreat for Malaysian residents and international travelers alike. The area's higher elevation offers an often much needed break from the country's oppressive heat. It also has a beautiful setting that is rich in agriculture and has rolling hills that are beautifully covered in tea plantations. Tanah Rata has many of the area's tourist amenities. ATMS, banks, and the area's main hospital are all found in town. For some, the area feels too touristy, but if you linger longer, and explore on your own, you can easily escape the mass tourism and see the area for what it is.
Coffs Harbour
Coffs Harbour is in New South Wales between Brisbane and Sydney. Historically, Coffs Harbour has been a popular vacation destination among families, particularly Australian families. Most visitors today are families that are carrying on a longstanding tradition and bringing their children to the holiday destination of their childhood. You'll also find backpackers who spend up to a week here, dividing the trip between Sydney and Brisbane. The area has a well established tourist infrastructure that is not as trendy as that in Byron Bay, but it remains a wonderful community to visit if you're not looking for the party atmosphere.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia, The Best Adventure Tours to Australia, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Australia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayTanah Rata $137Coffs Harbour $135
The average daily cost (per person) in Tanah Rata is $137, while the average daily cost in Coffs Harbour is $135. 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 Tanah Rata and Coffs Harbour in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTanah Rata $67Coffs Harbour $63
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTanah Rata $134Coffs Harbour $126
Compare Hotels in Tanah Rata and Coffs Harbour
Looking for a hotel in Tanah Rata or Coffs Harbour? 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: Tanah Rata Hotel Prices and Coffs Harbour Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Tanah Rata $29Coffs Harbour $22
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tanah Rata
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tanah Rata:
- Departure Transfer from Cameron Highland to KLIA/KLIA2: $169
- Chauffeur: Cameron Highlands to Singapore Van Transfer: $118
- CameronHighland CityHotel to KualaLumpur Airport One-way Transfer: $109
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $93
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $93
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur Airport Departure Transfer: $110
- Cameron Highlands Hotels to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $94
- Cameron Highlands City to Kuala Lumpur City One-way Transfer: $92
- Cameron Highlands City To Kuala Lumpur City Transfer: $94
- Cameron Highland to KUL Hotel (One Way Transfer): $153
Is it cheaper to fly into Tanah Rata or Coffs Harbour?
Prices for flights to both Coffs Harbour and Tanah Rata 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 dayTanah Rata $44Coffs Harbour $51
Typical Food Prices in Tanah Rata
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Tanah Rata:
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Dinner for Two$5.66
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Dessert$0.63
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Lunch$3.98
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Afternoon tea$3.88
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Tanah Rata $34Coffs Harbour $41
Typical Entertainment Prices in Tanah Rata
Here are a few typical costs in Tanah Rata for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Tea Factory Visit$5.66
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Tour of Orang Asli Village$21
Tours and Activities in Tanah Rata
Here are a few actual costs in Tanah Rata for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Cameron Highlands Sightseing Tour: $33
- Cameron Highlands City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur Airport EN-ROUTE Batu Caves Tour: $110
- Cameron Highlands City to Kuala Lumpur Airport EN-ROUTE Batu Caves Tour: $109
- Cameron Highlands Full Day Tour: $75
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur International Airport EN-ROUTE Batu Caves Tour: $110
- Cameron Highlands: Agro Delight Tour: $61
- Special Cameron Highlands ~ Day tour;Solo;Couple;Group: $292
Typical Entertainment Prices in Coffs Harbour
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Coffs Harbour's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Surfing Museum (for 2)$7.14
Tours and Activities in Coffs Harbour
For Coffs Harbour, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Daytime Kayak Eco Tour of New South Wales: $40
- Sunset Kayak Eco Tour with Marine Scientist: $40
- Coffs Harbour Whale Watch Experience: $63
- Sunset Experience: $77
- Rainforest & Waterfall Experience: $126
- Coastal Adventure: $126
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayTanah Rata $19Coffs Harbour $8.34
When comparing the travel costs between Tanah Rata and Coffs Harbour, we can see that Tanah Rata 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. Even though Tanah Rata is in Asia and Coffs Harbour is in Pacific, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Tanah Rata Expensive? and Is Coffs Harbour Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Tanah Rata or Coffs Harbour?
Coffs Harbour has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Tanah Rata. When comparing the sizes of Tanah Rata and Coffs Harbour, 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 Tanah Rata or Coffs Harbour?
Coffs Harbour has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Tanah Rata experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Tanah Rata or Coffs Harbour in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Tanah Rata as well as Coffs Harbour. Tanah Rata attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Coffs Harbour for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Tanah Rata is a little warmer than Coffs Harbour. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tanah Rata in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Coffs Harbour averages at about 23°C (74°F)in January.
It's quite rainy in Coffs Harbour. Tanah Rata usually gets less rain in July than Coffs Harbourin January. Tanah Rata gets 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Coffs Harbour receives 187 mm (7.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryTanah Rata 27°C (81°F)Coffs Harbour 23°C (74°F)
Should I visit Tanah Rata or Coffs Harbour in the Autumn?
Both Coffs Harbour and Tanah Rata are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Tanah Rata throughout the year. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Coffs Harbour because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Tanah Rata is generally a little warmer than Coffs Harbourin April. Daily temperatures in Tanah Rata average around 27°C (81°F), and Coffs Harbour fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Coffs Harbour. It's quite rainy in Tanah Rata. In October, Tanah Rata usually receives more rain than Coffs Harbourin April. Tanah Rata gets 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Coffs Harbour receives 215 mm (8.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilTanah Rata 27°C (81°F)Coffs Harbour 20°C (67°F)
Should I visit Tanah Rata or Coffs Harbour in the Winter?
Both Coffs Harbour and Tanah Rata during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Tanah Rata because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Coffs Harbour this time of year.
Tanah Rata is much warmer than Coffs Harbour in the winter. The daily temperature in Tanah Rata averages around 27°C (80°F) in January, and Coffs Harbour fluctuates around 13°C (55°F)in July.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Tanah Rata. Tanah Rata usually gets more rain in January than Coffs Harbourin July. Tanah Rata gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Coffs Harbour receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyTanah Rata 27°C (80°F)Coffs Harbour 13°C (55°F)
Should I visit Tanah Rata or Coffs Harbour in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Tanah Rata and Coffs Harbour. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Tanah Rata year-round. Also, many travelers come to Coffs Harbour for the beaches and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Tanah Rata is a little warmer than Coffs Harbour. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tanah Rata in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Coffs Harbour averages at about 19°C (66°F)in October.
Coffs Harbour receives a lot of rain in the spring. Tanah Rata gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Tanah Rata usually receives more rain than Coffs Harbourin October. Tanah Rata gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Coffs Harbour receives 103 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberTanah Rata 28°C (82°F)Coffs Harbour 19°C (66°F)
Typical Weather for Coffs Harbour and Tanah Rata
| Tanah Rata | Coffs Harbour | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (80°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 187 mm (7.4 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 195 mm (7.7 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 241 mm (9.5 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 215 mm (8.5 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 177 mm (7 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 126 mm (5 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 16°C (62°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 270 mm (10.6 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 136 mm (5.4 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 143 mm (5.6 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.