A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Zanzibar vs. Kota Kinabalu for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Zanzibar or Kota Kinabalu?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Zanzibar and Kota Kinabalu can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Zanzibar or Kota Kinabalu?

Zanzibar

Just off the coast of Tanzania lies an entrancing archipelago known as Zanzibar. This gorgeous string of islands is the land of sultans, palaces beaches and spice-filled markets. Once an important trading center, many restorations have been done in recent years to restore Zanzibar to its ancient grandeur - earning its capital city UNESCO World Heritage status in 2000.

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 Eco Tours in Tanzania, The Best Cultural Tours in Tanzania, The Best Luxury Tours to Malaysia, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Malaysia.


Which place is cheaper, Kota Kinabalu or Zanzibar?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Zanzibar is $66, 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 Zanzibar and Kota Kinabalu in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Zanzibar $26
    Kota Kinabalu $21
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Zanzibar $52
    Kota Kinabalu $42
Compare Hotels in Zanzibar and Kota Kinabalu

Looking for a hotel in Zanzibar 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.

Hotels in Zanzibar


Hotels in Kota Kinabalu


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: Zanzibar Hotel Prices and Kota Kinabalu Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Zanzibar $12
    Kota Kinabalu $25

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zanzibar

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zanzibar:

  • Prison Island Half Day Journey With Transfers - Zanzibar: $14
  • Prison Island Excursion Half-Day Tour with Transfer - Zanzibar: $15
  • Prison Island Experience Half Day Trip With Transfer - Zanzibar: $15
  • Prison Island Adventure Half Day Tour With Transfer - Zanzibar: $15
  • Zanzibar Arrival Transfer: Zanzibar Airport to Hotel: $17
  • Prison Island Experience Half Day Tour With Transfer - Zanzibar: $18
  • Zanzibar Airport/Hotels transfer best price: $19
  • Premium Private Transfer in Zanzibar – Airport, Hotels, Beaches: $20
  • Airport Transfer in Zanzibar for Arrivals: $20
  • Guided Tour of Stone Town's Historic Sites + Transfer – Zanzibar: $20
  • Zanzibar Airport Transfers to Hotels : $20
  • Stone Town Historical Walking Tour with Transfers – Zanzibar: $20

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 Zanzibar or Kota Kinabalu?

Prices for flights to both Kota Kinabalu and Zanzibar 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 day
    Zanzibar $30
    Kota Kinabalu $30

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zanzibar

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zanzibar.

  • Zanzibar Traditional Cooking Class: $49
  • Zanzibar Spice Farm Tour and Cooking Class With Lunch: $52
  • Zanzibar Spice Tour & Cooking Class : $59
  • Zanzibar Cooking Class [Swahili food test ] and Spice farm Private tour: $59
  • Spice Tour & Cooking Class in Zanzibar: $60
  • Zanzibar Cooking Lesson: $70
  • Traditional Cooking Class in Zanzibar: $77
  • A Half Day Private Cooking Class At the Spice Farm: $90
  • 5 Hours Guided Spice Tour and Cooking Class in Zanzibar: $101
  • Full-Day Private Tour in Zanzibar with Cooking Class: $110
  • Spice Tour; Secret Garden Restaurant; Stone Town; Dinner at The Rock Restaurant: $130
  • Exclusive Private Sunset Dinner Sail along North Coast Zanzibar: $140

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kota Kinabalu

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kota Kinabalu.

  • Beringgis Mangove Fireflies, Sunset Tour & Dinner: $33
  • Sabah Traditional Authentic Cuisine Cooking Class 3 Hours: $45
  • 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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Zanzibar $13
    Kota Kinabalu $6.43

Tours and Activities in Zanzibar

Here are a few actual costs in Zanzibar for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Zanzibar Organic Spice Farm Tour: $13
  • Zanzibar : Stone Town Tour,history without transport: $14
  • Spice Tour Zanzibar : $15
  • Zanzibar stonetown walking tour with local guide: $18
  • 3 Hours Private Stone Town Walking Tour : $20
  • City tours zanzibar : $20
  • Zanzibar stone town city tour: $20
  • Stone Town tour: $20
  • Zanzibar Green Tour Park Experience: $20
  • Stone Town Historical & Cultural Walking Adventure – Zanzibar: $20
  • Guided Stone Town Tour In Zanzibar: $24
  • Stone Town Tour, Historical & Cultural Landmarks in - Zanzibar: $24

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 Safari Cruise, Private or Shared Ticket: $48
  • 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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Zanzibar $7.20
    Kota Kinabalu $7.18


When comparing the travel costs between Zanzibar and Kota Kinabalu, we can see that Kota Kinabalu 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 Zanzibar is in Africa and Kota Kinabalu is in Asia, 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 Zanzibar Expensive? and Is Kota Kinabalu Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Zanzibar or Kota Kinabalu?

Kota Kinabalu has a larger population, and is about 13% larger than the population of Zanzibar. When comparing the sizes of Zanzibar 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 Zanzibar 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 Zanzibar or Kota Kinabalu in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Zanzibar and Kota Kinabalu. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Zanzibar year-round. Kota Kinabalu attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Kota Kinabalu receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Zanzibar usually receives less rain than Kota Kinabalu. Zanzibar gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Kota Kinabalu receives 255 mm (10 in) of rain each month for the summer.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kota Kinabalu this time of the year. In Zanzibar, it's very sunny this time of the year. Zanzibar usually receives more sunshine than Kota Kinabalu during summer. Zanzibar gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Kota Kinabalu receives 205 hours of full sun in the summer.

Zanzibar is around the same temperature as Kota Kinabalu in the summer. The daily temperature in Zanzibar averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Kota Kinabalu fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Zanzibar 25°C (77°F) 
    Kota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Zanzibar or Kota Kinabalu in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Zanzibar as well as Kota Kinabalu. Zanzibar 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. Zanzibar usually gets less rain in October than Kota Kinabalu. Zanzibar gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Kota Kinabalu receives 336 mm (13.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zanzibar this time of the year. In the autumn, Zanzibar often gets more sunshine than Kota Kinabalu. Zanzibar gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kota Kinabalu receives 192 hours of full sun.

In the autumn, Zanzibar is around the same temperature as Kota Kinabalu. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Zanzibar in October average around 25°C (78°F), and Kota Kinabalu averages at about 27°C (81°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Zanzibar 25°C (78°F) 
    Kota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Zanzibar or Kota Kinabalu in the Winter?

Both Kota Kinabalu and Zanzibar are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Zanzibar 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. In January, Zanzibar usually receives less rain than Kota Kinabalu. Zanzibar gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Kota Kinabalu receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zanzibar. Zanzibar usually receives more sunshine than Kota Kinabalu during winter. Zanzibar gets 236 hours of sunny skies, while Kota Kinabalu receives 181 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Zanzibar is generally around the same temperature as Kota Kinabalu. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 28°C (82°F), and Kota Kinabalu fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Zanzibar 28°C (82°F) 
    Kota Kinabalu 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Zanzibar or Kota Kinabalu in the Spring?

Both Kota Kinabalu and Zanzibar during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Zanzibar 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. It rains a lot this time of the year in Zanzibar. Zanzibar usually gets more rain in April than Kota Kinabalu. Zanzibar gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Kota Kinabalu receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Kota Kinabalu, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Zanzibar often gets less sunshine than Kota Kinabalu. Zanzibar gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kota Kinabalu receives 237 hours of full sun.

Zanzibar is around the same temperature as Kota Kinabalu in the spring. The daily temperature in Zanzibar averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Kota Kinabalu fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Zanzibar 27°C (81°F) 
    Kota Kinabalu 28°C (82°F)

Typical Weather for Kota Kinabalu and Zanzibar

Zanzibar Kota Kinabalu
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 26°C (79°F) 129 mm (5.1 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 52 mm (2 in) 26°C (80°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Mar 28°C (83°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 269 mm (10.6 in) 28°C (82°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
May 26°C (78°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 28°C (82°F) 226 mm (8.9 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 28°C (82°F) 291 mm (11.5 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 255 mm (10 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 260 mm (10.2 in)
Sep 25°C (76°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 285 mm (11.2 in)
Oct 25°C (78°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 27°C (81°F) 336 mm (13.2 in)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 298 mm (11.7 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 27°C (80°F) 230 mm (9.1 in)