Which place is cheaper, Kota Kinabalu or Vientiane?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Vientiane or Kota Kinabalu?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Vientiane or Kota Kinabalu, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Vientiane or Kota Kinabalu?
Vientiane
You wouldn't expect the capital city to have such a relaxing environment, but in Vientiane, Laos you can sit back and take in the beautiful scenery without feeling pressure to see every little thing. With Vientiane, what you see is what you get.
While picturesque temples and markets line the streets, the city is still experiencing a successful building boom. Even the Presidential Palace has undergone some hefty renovations.
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 The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Laos, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Laos, The Best Luxury Tours to Malaysia, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Malaysia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVientiane $15Kota Kinabalu $49
The average daily cost (per person) in Vientiane is $15, while the average daily cost in Kota Kinabalu is $49. 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 Vientiane and Kota Kinabalu in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVientiane $6.01Kota Kinabalu $18
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVientiane $12Kota Kinabalu $36
Compare Hotels in Vientiane and Kota Kinabalu
Looking for a hotel in Vientiane 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: Vientiane Hotel Prices and Kota Kinabalu Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Vientiane $2.08Kota Kinabalu $22
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Vientiane
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Vientiane are as follows:
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Tuk Tuk Ride$4.24
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vientiane
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Vientiane:
- Private Transfer in Laos: $5.00
- Vientiane Private Airport and Hotel Transfers: $9.00
- Vientiane Airport Transfer: Wattay airport to hotel - Private transfer: $15
- Vientian Private Airport Transfer - Wattay Airport: $15
- Wattay Airport (VTE): Private Transfer to/from Vientiane: $29
- Vientiane - Hanoi Sleeping Bus Transfer : $63
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kota Kinabalu
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kota Kinabalu:
- Kota Kinabalu Airport Private Transfer with 1 hour Charter: $12
- Private Transfer: Kota Kinabalu International Airport to/from Hotel: $20
- Kota Kinabalu to Kota Kinab Airport: Departure Private Transfer: $23
- One Way Transfer from Kota Kinabal Airport to/from Kota Kinabali: $25
- Transfer from Kota Kinabalu Port to Kota Kinabalu Airport (BKI): $28
- Private Transfer from Kota Kota Kinabalu Hotels to Kinabalu Port: $28
- Private Transfer from Kota Kinabalu Port to Kota Kinabalu hotels: $28
- Transfer from Kota Kinabalu Airport BKI to Kota Kinabalu Port: $28
- Monsopiad Cultural Village Visit with Private Transfer from Kota Kinabalu: $31
- Private Transfer from Kota Kinabalu Port to Kota Kinabalu hotels: $32
- Borneo to Kota Kinabalu Airport(BKI) - Departure Private Transfer: $46
- Kota Kinabalu Hotel to Jetty Round Trip Transfer: $52
Is it cheaper to fly into Vientiane or Kota Kinabalu?
Prices for flights to both Kota Kinabalu and Vientiane 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 dayVientiane $6.32Kota Kinabalu $15
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Vientiane
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Vientiane.
- Private Evening Food Tour of Laos: $70
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kota Kinabalu
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kota Kinabalu.
- Private Kinabalu Night Tour with Cultural Show and Dinner: $62
- Kota Kinabalu K2 Fireflies Sunset River Cruise Tour with Dinner: $86
- Ethnic Cooking Class & Upside Down House & 3D Wonders Museum: $92
- Half Day Klias Mangrove Wildlife and Fireflies with dinner: $144
- Kota Kinabalu Sunset Cruise with Buffet Dinner: $187
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Vientiane $3.54Kota Kinabalu $5.67
Tours and Activities in Vientiane
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Vientiane are as follows:
- Vientiane ATV and Canopy Walking Experience: $48
- Vientiane Sky Luge and Roller Zipline Experience: $55
- From Hue: Hue to Vientiane Bus tickets: $62
- Half-Day Vientiane City Bike Tour: $67
- Vientiane Half-Day City Tour: $69
- Guided Vientiane City and Buddha Park Full-Day Tour: $81
- Private Custom Tour with a Local Guide in Vientiane: $82
- Vientiane City Day Tour and Buddha Park Visit with Lunch: $88
- 2 Days Private Tour in Vientiane and Vang Vieng: $90
- Private Vientiane Tour - include Buddha Park: $100
- Private Tour: Full-day Vientiane's Must-See Sights and River Sunset with Lunch: $101
- Private Tour: Half-day City Guided Tour of Vientiane: $113
Tours and Activities in Kota Kinabalu
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kota Kinabalu are as follows:
- Kota Kinabalu Historical Photo Walking Tour: $37
- Private Half Day Kota Kinabalu City Tour: $38
- Full Day Bongawan River Cruise with Proboscis Monkey Sightseeing: $40
- Sky-Mirror Photographing and Proboscis Monkey & Fireflies Watching River-Cruise: $46
- Private Guided E-Foil Experience in Tanjung Aru Beach: $47
- Borneo (Klias) River Cruise & Fireflies Tour: $50
- Kota Kinabalu City Tour: $54
- Mari-Mari Cultural Village Tour Including Lunch: $55
- Klias Wildlife Safari River Cruise from Kota Kinabalu: $58
- Cowboy Town & Fireflies River Cruise: $62
- Cultural Night Tour From Kota Kinabalu : $64
- Sunset Charter Cruise Experience in Kota Kinabalu: $69
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVientiane $2.35Kota Kinabalu $6.34
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vientiane and Kota Kinabalu, we can see that Kota Kinabalu is more expensive. And not only is Vientiane much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Vientiane would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Vientiane 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 Vientiane.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Vientiane Expensive? and Is Kota Kinabalu Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Vientiane or Kota Kinabalu?
Kota Kinabalu has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Vientiane. When comparing the sizes of Vientiane 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.
When is the best time to visit Vientiane or Kota Kinabalu?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Vientiane or Kota Kinabalu in the Summer?
Both Kota Kinabalu and Vientiane are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vientiane throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Kota Kinabalu because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Kota Kinabalu. It's quite rainy in Vientiane. In July, Vientiane usually receives around the same amount of rain as Kota Kinabalu. Vientiane gets 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain, while Kota Kinabalu receives 255 mm (10 in) of rain each month for the summer.
It's quite sunny in Kota Kinabalu. Vientiane usually receives less sunshine than Kota Kinabalu during summer. Vientiane gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Kota Kinabalu receives 205 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Vientiane is generally around the same temperature as Kota Kinabalu. Daily temperatures in Vientiane average around 30°C (85°F), and Kota Kinabalu fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyVientiane 30°C (85°F)Kota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Kota Kinabalu in the Autumn?
Both Kota Kinabalu and Vientiane during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Vientiane because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kota Kinabalu year-round.
Kota Kinabalu gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Vientiane usually gets less rain in October than Kota Kinabalu. Vientiane gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Kota Kinabalu receives 336 mm (13.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
It's quite sunny in Vientiane. In the autumn, Vientiane often gets more sunshine than Kota Kinabalu. Vientiane gets 222 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kota Kinabalu receives 192 hours of full sun.
Vientiane is around the same temperature as Kota Kinabalu in the autumn. The daily temperature in Vientiane averages around 28°C (83°F) in October, and Kota Kinabalu fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVientiane 28°C (83°F)Kota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Kota Kinabalu in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Vientiane and Kota Kinabalu. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vientiane year-round. Kota Kinabalu attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Kota Kinabalu receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Vientiane usually receives less rain than Kota Kinabalu. Vientiane gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Kota Kinabalu receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In Vientiane, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vientiane usually receives more sunshine than Kota Kinabalu during winter. Vientiane gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Kota Kinabalu receives 181 hours of full sun in the winter.
In the winter, Vientiane is cooler than Kota Kinabalu. Typically, the winter temperatures in Vientiane in January average around 24°C (75°F), and Kota Kinabalu averages at about 26°C (79°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVientiane 24°C (75°F)Kota Kinabalu 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Kota Kinabalu in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Vientiane as well as Kota Kinabalu. Vientiane attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kota Kinabalu throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Kota Kinabalu. Vientiane usually gets less rain in April than Kota Kinabalu. Vientiane gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Kota Kinabalu receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kota Kinabalu. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vientiane this time of the year. In the spring, Vientiane often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kota Kinabalu. Vientiane gets 230 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kota Kinabalu receives 237 hours of full sun.
Vientiane can become quite hot in the spring. In April, Vientiane is generally a little warmer than Kota Kinabalu. Daily temperatures in Vientiane average around 31°C (88°F), and Kota Kinabalu fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilVientiane 31°C (88°F)Kota Kinabalu 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Kota Kinabalu and Vientiane
| Vientiane | Kota Kinabalu | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (85°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (88°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) |
| May | 30°C (87°F) | 255 mm (10 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (86°F) | 273 mm (10.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 291 mm (11.5 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (85°F) | 266 mm (10.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 295 mm (11.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 285 mm (11.2 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (83°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 336 mm (13.2 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 298 mm (11.7 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (74°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 230 mm (9.1 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.