Which place is cheaper, Sandakan or Yangon?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Yangon or Sandakan?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Yangon or Sandakan, 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: Yangon or Sandakan?
Yangon
Yangon, formerly known as Rangoon, is the largest city and economic center for the nation of Myanmar, formerly known as Burma. The city is a mix of British, Burmese, Chinese, and Indian influences, and is host to beautiful 19th-century colonial architecture as well as modern skyscrapers. The people of Yangon mainly follow the Buddhist religion and it is common to see monks wandering along the busy streets amidst gilded temples.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Malaysia, and The Best Adventure Tours to Malaysia.
-
Yangon Prices
Myanmar PricesSandakan Prices
Malaysia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayYangon $70Sandakan $86
The average daily cost (per person) in Yangon is $70, while the average daily cost in Sandakan is $86. 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 Yangon and Sandakan in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personYangon $31Sandakan $24
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomYangon $62Sandakan $48
Compare Hotels in Yangon and Sandakan
Looking for a hotel in Yangon or Sandakan? 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.Yangon $2.38Sandakan $39
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Yangon
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Yangon:
- Bagan Airport Transfer with Private Car: $13
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Yangon International Airport (RGN): $23
- Private Arrival Transfer: Yangon International Airport (RGN) to Hotel: $23
- Bagan (Nyaung Oo) Airport Private Transfer: $27
- Private Transfer from or to Rangon International Airport (YIA): $31
- Private Airport Transfer: Yangon Airport (RGN) → Yangon Hotel: $35
- Yangon Airport Private Transfer: $45
- Yangon Airport Private Arrival Transfer: $60
- Private Yangon Departure Transfer: Hotel to Yangon Airport: $80
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sandakan
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Sandakan:
- Private 1Way Transfer to/from Sandakan Airport, City or Sepilok: $39
- Private 1-Way Transfer Sandakan to/from Kinabatangan River: $124
- Private One Way Transfer from Sandakan to Semporna: $242
Is it cheaper to fly into Yangon or Sandakan?
Prices for flights to both Sandakan and Yangon 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 dayYangon $17Sandakan $38
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Yangon
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Yangon.
- Cooking Myanmar Food and Explore Dala: $46
- Cooking class in the down town of Yangon, half day tour (07:30 AM - 12:30 PM): $65
- Cooking Class in Yangon,Myanmar: $67
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
- Sandakan Mangrove Fireflies Dinners Tastings and Cruise: $70
- Sandakan : Fireflies and Mangrove Cruise with Dinner: $193
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Yangon -Sandakan $8.64
Tours and Activities in Yangon
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Yangon are as follows:
- Half-Day Spiritual Shwedagon Pagoda Join in Tour in Yangon: $33
- Walking Tour in Downtown Yangon: $35
- Yangon City Tour With English Speaking Driver: $40
- Bagan Sightseeing Tour by Private Guide and Car: $42
- Discover Bagan Day Tour: $45
- Bagan Temples Tour by Private car and Tour guide.: $46
- Old Bagan Full Day Tour: $46
- Bagan Cultrue Tour: $50
- One Bagan Sightseeing Tour: $52
- Yangon Bike & Bite Tour: $60
- Yangon Evening Street Food and Market Walking Tour: $61
- Must-see Highlights of Half-day Sightseeing Tour: $62
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: $60
- 6 Must-see Local Spots Private Tour with Lunch: $64
- From 7 Unmissable Local Stops Private Tour: $75
- Kinabatangan River Cruise from Sandakan: $90
- Sukau Rainforest Wildlife Journey & Dawn Cruises: $90
- Sandakan Private City Tour, Orangutan, Sun Bears and Rainforest: $95
- Borneo Kinabatangan River Cruise Day Trip: $105
- Local Stories, City, Spice, Cruise, Fireflies Tour: $106
- Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre & Sepilok Orang Utan Rehab Centre Tour: $112
- Day Trip Sepilok Orang-utan And City Tour (Flight Excluded): $119
- Sukau Big 5 Sunset Cruise Day Tour from Sandakan (Small Group): $120
- Private Full Day Sepilok Orang Utan, Bornean Sun Bear and Rainforest Discovery Center Tour: $125
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayYangon -Sandakan $7.92
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Yangon and Sandakan, we can see that Sandakan is more expensive. And not only is Yangon much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Yangon would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Yangon 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 Sandakan would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sandakan than you might in Yangon.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Yangon Expensive? and Is Sandakan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Yangon or Sandakan?
Yangon has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Sandakan. When comparing the sizes of Yangon and Sandakan, 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.