Which place is cheaper, Kota Kinabalu or Alexandria?
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 Alexandria or Kota Kinabalu?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Alexandria and Kota Kinabalu can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Alexandria or Kota Kinabalu?
Alexandria
There are few cities in the world with a history as rich, deep, tragic and fascinating than Alexandria, Egypt. Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC, Egypt's second largest city has seen the most extreme ups and extreme downs. The city watched the beautiful and iconic Alexandria Lighthouse crumble to the ground after several natural disasters. The Alexandria Library housed their most sacred and historical documents only to be burned to the ground. These structures may be physically gone, but the history remains. Alexandria is a city with an ancient allure that draws in visitors from all over the world. Alexandria is a survivor city ready for a comeback.
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 Luxury Tours to Egypt, The Best Budget Tours to Egypt, The Best Luxury Tours to Malaysia, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Malaysia.
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Alexandria Prices
Egypt PricesKota Kinabalu Prices
Malaysia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAlexandria $29Kota Kinabalu $68
The average daily cost (per person) in Alexandria is $29, 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 Alexandria and Kota Kinabalu in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAlexandria $11Kota Kinabalu $21
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAlexandria $22Kota Kinabalu $42
Compare Hotels in Alexandria and Kota Kinabalu
Looking for a hotel in Alexandria 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: Alexandria Hotel Prices and Kota Kinabalu Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Alexandria $3.92Kota Kinabalu $25
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Alexandria
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Alexandria:
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Taxi to Train Station$0.08
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Alexandria
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Alexandria:
- Private Day Trip To Egyptian Museum, Citadel & Old Cairo By Private Transfers: $8.00
- Private Transfer from or to Borg Al Arab Airport: $14
- Private Airport Transfer in Alexandria: $24
- Private Transfer Alexandria Hotel to Borg El Arab Airport: $24
- Alexandria Airport Departure Transfer: $25
- Alexandria Airport Departure Transfer: $29
- Alexandria to Alexandria Airport (HBE)-Departure Private Transfer: $36
- Private Transfer from Alexandria Airport to Alexandria Hotels: $40
- Private Transfer from Alexandria Port to Alexandria City Hotels: $43
- Private Transfer from Alexandria Airport (HBE) to Alexandria Port: $43
- transfer from Alexandria to Cairo airport, Cairo & Giza hotels: $45
- Pickup Transfers From Alexandria Borg Al Arab Airport To Alexandria Hotel: $50
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 Alexandria or Kota Kinabalu?
Prices for flights to both Kota Kinabalu and Alexandria 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 dayAlexandria $15Kota Kinabalu $30
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Alexandria
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Alexandria.
- Private Full-Day Food Tour of Alexandria with Hotel Pick Up: $33
- Alexandria Food Tour Top Rated: $40
- Food Tour in Alexandria for Lunch or Dinner in The Best Restaurants: $45
- Private Food Tour To The Famous Restaurant In Alexandria : $45
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Alexandria $5.47Kota Kinabalu $6.43
Tours and Activities in Alexandria
Here are a few actual costs in Alexandria for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Alexandria day tour.The catacomb, pompy's pillar,the citedal: $5.00
- Alexandria Free Walking Tour Discover the Hidden Gems: $5.00
- Group Tour to the landmarks of Alexandria from Alexandria city : $20
- Private Day Tour National Museum & Roman Theater & Catacomb In Alexandria: $27
- Private Alexandria Highlights Guided Day Tour: $30
- Alexandria Group Tour from Cairo : $30
- Catacombs of kom el shoqafa Guided Walking Tour: $30
- Alexandria by night private tour by horse carriage ride : $35
- Guided City Walking Tour: $35
- Graeco Roman Museum Guided Walking Tour by a Storyteller: $35
- Alexandria Half day Tour: $35
- Exclusive Tour Alexandria, It's newly opened Greek & Roman Museum: $35
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAlexandria $1.48Kota Kinabalu $7.18
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Alexandria and Kota Kinabalu, we can see that Kota Kinabalu is more expensive. And not only is Alexandria much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Alexandria is in Africa and Kota Kinabalu is in Asia, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Alexandria would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Alexandria 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 Alexandria.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Alexandria Expensive? and Is Kota Kinabalu Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Alexandria or Kota Kinabalu?
Alexandria has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Kota Kinabalu. When comparing the sizes of Alexandria 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 Alexandria 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 Alexandria or Kota Kinabalu in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Alexandria and Kota Kinabalu. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Alexandria 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, Alexandria usually receives less rain than Kota Kinabalu. Alexandria gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Kota Kinabalu receives 255 mm (10 in) of rain each month for the summer.
Alexandria is around the same temperature as Kota Kinabalu in the summer. The daily temperature in Alexandria averages around 26°C (79°F) in July, and Kota Kinabalu fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAlexandria 26°C (79°F)Kota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Alexandria or Kota Kinabalu in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Alexandria as well as Kota Kinabalu. Alexandria 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. Alexandria usually gets less rain in October than Kota Kinabalu. Alexandria gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Kota Kinabalu receives 336 mm (13.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the autumn, Alexandria is cooler than Kota Kinabalu. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Alexandria in October average around 22°C (72°F), and Kota Kinabalu averages at about 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAlexandria 22°C (72°F)Kota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Alexandria or Kota Kinabalu in the Winter?
Both Kota Kinabalu and Alexandria are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Alexandria 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, Alexandria usually receives less rain than Kota Kinabalu. Alexandria gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Kota Kinabalu receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In January, Alexandria is generally much colder than Kota Kinabalu. Daily temperatures in Alexandria average around 13°C (55°F), and Kota Kinabalu fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAlexandria 13°C (55°F)Kota Kinabalu 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Alexandria or Kota Kinabalu in the Spring?
Both Kota Kinabalu and Alexandria during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Alexandria 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. Alexandria usually gets less rain in April than Kota Kinabalu. Alexandria gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Kota Kinabalu receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
Alexandria is cooler than Kota Kinabalu in the spring. The daily temperature in Alexandria averages around 19°C (66°F) in April, and Kota Kinabalu fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAlexandria 19°C (66°F)Kota Kinabalu 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Kota Kinabalu and Alexandria
| Alexandria | Kota Kinabalu | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 13°C (55°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Mar | 16°C (61°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) |
| May | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jun | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 291 mm (11.5 in) |
| Jul | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 285 mm (11.2 in) |
| Oct | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 336 mm (13.2 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 298 mm (11.7 in) |
| Dec | 14°C (57°F) | 50 mm (2 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.