Which place is cheaper, Kota Kinabalu or Udaipur?
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 Udaipur or Kota Kinabalu?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Udaipur and Kota Kinabalu. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Udaipur or Kota Kinabalu?
Udaipur
Udaipur, also known as the "Venice of the East," is becoming increasingly popular as an Indian wedding destination as well as with travelers searching for a romantic and picturesque city, rich with history, scenic areas, and palaces.
The "City of Lakes" is located in south of Rajasthan. There are a total of ten lakes in the lake system, which are connected and sustain water for drinking, irrigation and industrial use, which contributes to another reason for Udaipur's booming tourism: alcohol.
Udaipur has ideal climate and available water to support a liquor plant while a number of other Indian states ban the consumption of liquor altogether. Many local tourists, such as those from the neighboring dry state of Gujarat on the west, visit Udaipur specifically for this reason, especially considering that Gujarati alcohol prices are much higher and liquor must be purchased through the black market. It's no wonder why Udaipur is the destination for celebrations and vacation.
Udaipur has tropical weather and three main seasons, which are summer, monsoon, and winter. Winter, which takes place between September to March, is the most pleasant time to visit for sunny and warm days and cool nights.
Udaipur was also made famous in the James Bond film Octopussy. Several local hotels show the film nightly.
Kota Kinabalu
Kota Kinabalu, originally Jesselton, is the capital of Sabah, which is on the northern part of the island of Borneo. Kota Kinabalu is located just between the western side of the island and Tambunan Rafflesia Forest Reserve. Most of Kota Kinabalu's historic buildings were destroyed by bombing during World War II, so the city had to be rebuilt. KK, as it's commonly called, is a compact, but booming town today, with its new shopping centers, seaside condominiums, and bustling marketplaces.
For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in India, The Best Adventure Tours to India, The Best Luxury Tours to Malaysia, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Malaysia.
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Udaipur Prices
India PricesKota Kinabalu Prices
Malaysia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayUdaipur $39Kota Kinabalu $68
The average daily cost (per person) in Udaipur is $39, while the average daily cost in Kota Kinabalu is $68. 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 Udaipur and Kota Kinabalu in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personUdaipur $15Kota Kinabalu $21
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomUdaipur $30Kota Kinabalu $42
Compare Hotels in Udaipur and Kota Kinabalu
Looking for a hotel in Udaipur or Kota Kinabalu? 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: Udaipur Hotel Prices and Kota Kinabalu Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Udaipur $6.71Kota Kinabalu $25
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Udaipur
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Udaipur:
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Tuk Tuk Ride$0.45
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Udaipur
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Udaipur:
- Private Transfer From Udaipur Hotel To Udaipur Airport: $14
- Udaipur Airport to Udaipur Hotels drop: Private Transfers: $14
- Private Udaipur Arrival Transfer - Airport to Hotel/Accommodation: $14
- Private Transfer From Udaipur Airport To Udaipur Hotel: $16
- Private Transfer From Udaipur Hotel To Udaipur Airport: $17
- Udaipur Hotels to Udaipur Airport drop: Private Transfers: $17
- Airport Transfer: Maharana Pratap Airport to Hotels in Udaipur: $21
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Udaipur Airport: $23
- Round Trip Transfers to Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace with tickets: $23
- Udaipur Airport Transfers: $27
- Udaipur to Ahmedabad private transfers: $38
- Private Transfer From Udaipur To Jodhpur Via Jain Temple & Kumbhalgarh Fort: $45
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kota Kinabalu
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kota Kinabalu:
- Kota Kinab Airport to Kota Kinabalu - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $48
- Kota Kinabalu Airport (BKI) Private Transfer to Kota Kinabalu: $13
- Kota Kinabalu Airport (BKI) to Borneo - Arrival Private Transfer: $38
- Kota Kinabalu Airport BKI to Borneo - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $77
- Kota Kinabalu Hotel to Jetty Round Trip Transfer: $53
- Kota Kinabalu to Kota Kinab Airport: Departure Private Transfer: $24
- Kota Kinabalu（BKI）: Private Transfer to City Center: $14
- Private Arrival Transfer : Kota Kinabalu International Airport: $30
- Private Transfer from Kota Kinabalu Hotels to Kota Kinabalu Port: $25
- Private Transfer from Kota Kinabalu Port to Kota Kinabalu hotels: $25
- Private Transfer- Kota Kinabalu Airport BKI to Kota Kinabalu Port: $25
- Private Transfer- Kota Kinabalu Port to Kota Kinabalu Airport BKI: $25
Is it cheaper to fly into Udaipur or Kota Kinabalu?
Prices for flights to both Kota Kinabalu and Udaipur 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 dayUdaipur $18Kota Kinabalu $30
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Udaipur
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Udaipur.
- Cooking class and dinner with Rekha family with full meals: $16
- Durga Cooking Class: $16
- Learn Cooking class + Meals with Spice & Veg Market visits: $28
- Kusum's Cooking lesson : $57
- Jag Mandir Island Dinner with Boat Ride transfers: $104
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kota Kinabalu
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kota Kinabalu.
- Sabah Traditional Authentic Cuisine Cooking Class 3 Hours: $29
- Beringgis Mangove Fireflies, Sunset Tour & Dinner: $33
- Klias River Cruise with Dinner and Fireflies: $55
- Kawa Mangrove Cruise & Fireflies with Dinner: $67
- Ethnic Cooking Class & Upside Down House & 3D Wonders Museum: $92
- Taste Of Borneo Cooking Class: $95
- North Borneo Sunset Dinner Cruise: $121
- Kota Kinabalu Night Tour with Dinner & Cultural Dance Show: $138
- Kota Kinabalu Sunset Cruise with Buffet Dinner: $187
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Udaipur $6.80Kota Kinabalu $6.43
Typical Entertainment Prices in Udaipur
Here are a few typical costs in Udaipur for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Palace Entrance Fee$1.14
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Lake Boat Tour$2.27
Tours and Activities in Udaipur
Here are a few actual costs in Udaipur for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Sunrise Taj Mahal Tour from Delhi By Car- All Inclusive.: $4.96
- Delwara Handicraft Experience: $8.67
- Jaipur City Full Day Tour By Tuk-Tuk: $9.24
- Udaipur Walking Tour(2 Hours Guided Walk): $9.24
- Full-Day Private Udaipur Three wheeled Tuk Tuk Sightseeing : $10
- Savor a Handcrafted Indian Meal at Home The Dining Experience: $11
- Udaipur Heritage City and Local Market Walking tour: $11
- Private Udaipur Sightseeing Tour by Tuk-Tuk or Car with Driver: $12
- Heritage & Cultural Walk of Udaipur (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour): $13
- Agra: Baby Taj and Mehtab Bagh Sunset Viewpoint Tour: $14
- Udaipur Full Day Sightseeing Tour By Tuk Tuk: $15
- Udaipur Half Day City Tour by Tuk Tuk: $16
Tours and Activities in Kota Kinabalu
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kota Kinabalu are as follows:
- Bongawan Proboscis and Fireflies Cruise Tour: $32
- Sail and Catch Boat fishing Tour of the Coast of Kota Kinabalu: $41
- Night Glow Stand Up Paddle Experience in Kota Kinabalu: $44
- Sky-Mirror Photographing and Proboscis Monkey & Fireflies Watching River-Cruise: $46
- Mangrove Kayaking Experience in Borneo: $47
- Bongawan River Cruise Proboscis Monkey, SkyMirror, Fireflies : $49
- Sabah: Manukan and Sapi Islands Excursion Ticket: $50
- Borneo (Klias) River Cruise & Fireflies Tour: $50
- Private Guided E-Foil Experience in Tanjung Aru Beach: $54
- Full Day Bongawan River Cruise with Proboscis Monkey Sightseeing: $55
- Pulau Sapi & Manukan Sabah Shared Activity Adventure: $57
- Klias Wildlife Safari River Cruise from Kota Kinabalu: $58
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayUdaipur $8.46Kota Kinabalu $7.18
Sample the Local Flavors in Udaipur
Also in Udaipur, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Pub Crawl Udaipur: $37
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Udaipur and Kota Kinabalu, we can see that Kota Kinabalu is more expensive. And not only is Udaipur much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Udaipur would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Udaipur 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 Kota Kinabalu would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kota Kinabalu than you might in Udaipur.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Udaipur Expensive? and Is Kota Kinabalu Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Udaipur or Kota Kinabalu?
Kota Kinabalu has a larger population, and is about 8% larger than the population of Udaipur. When comparing the sizes of Udaipur and Kota Kinabalu, 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.
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.