Which place is cheaper, Kota Kinabalu or Chumphon?
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 Chumphon or Kota Kinabalu?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Chumphon or Kota Kinabalu? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Chumphon or Kota Kinabalu?
Chumphon
Sometimes tourism has a tendency to spoil the natural beauty of a place. This is not the case in the magical city of Chumphon, Thailand. As the gateway to the Chumphon Archipelago, this city has maintained natural, untouched beauty. Its miles of coastline are full of fine beaches with fishing, swimming and a number of other activities.
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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Chiang Mai, The Best 10-Day Tours from Bangkok, The Best Luxury Tours to Malaysia, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Malaysia.
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Chumphon Prices
Thailand PricesKota Kinabalu Prices
Malaysia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChumphon $51Kota Kinabalu $68
The average daily cost (per person) in Chumphon is $51, 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 Chumphon and Kota Kinabalu in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChumphon $18Kota Kinabalu $21
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChumphon $36Kota Kinabalu $42
Compare Hotels in Chumphon and Kota Kinabalu
Looking for a hotel in Chumphon 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: Chumphon Hotel Prices and Kota Kinabalu Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Chumphon $7.28Kota Kinabalu $25
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kota Kinabalu
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kota Kinabalu:
- Transfer from Kota Kinabalu Airport BKI to Kota Kinabalu Port: $25
- Stand Up Paddle Boarding with Sunrise/Sunset Tour at Kota Kinabalu with transfer: $32
- Private Transfer: Kota Kinabalu International Airport to/from Hotel: $20
- Private Transfer- Kota Kinabalu Port to Kota Kinabalu Airport BKI: $25
- Private Transfer- Kota Kinabalu Airport BKI to Kota Kinabalu Port: $25
- Private Transfer from Kota Kinabalu Port to Kota Kinabalu hotels: $25
- Private Transfer from Kota Kinabalu Hotels to Kota Kinabalu Port: $25
- Private Arrival Transfer : Kota Kinabalu International Airport: $30
- Kota Kinabalu（BKI）: Private Transfer to City Center: $14
- Kota Kinabalu to Kota Kinab Airport: Departure Private Transfer: $24
- Kota Kinabalu Hotel to Jetty Round Trip Transfer: $53
- Kota Kinabalu Airport BKI to Borneo - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $77
Is it cheaper to fly into Chumphon or Kota Kinabalu?
Prices for flights to both Kota Kinabalu and Chumphon 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 dayChumphon $25Kota Kinabalu $30
Typical Food Prices in Chumphon
For Chumphon, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Ice Cream$0.19
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Fruit at the Market$0.63
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Breakfast$1.26
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.Chumphon $12Kota Kinabalu $6.43
Tours and Activities in Chumphon
For Chumphon, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Unique Yoga Private Class Experience in Chumphon: $87
- Jet Ski Adventure with Island Trip Option: $93
Tours and Activities in Kota Kinabalu
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kota Kinabalu are as follows:
- Sky-Mirror Photographing and Proboscis Monkey & Fireflies Watching River-Cruise: $46
- Bongawan River Cruise Proboscis Monkey, SkyMirror, Fireflies : $49
- Bongawan: River Safari Cruise, Private or Shared Ticket: $48
- Borneo (Klias) River Cruise & Fireflies Tour: $50
- Cowboy Town & Fireflies River Cruise: $62
- Day Trip to Kinabalu Park and Poring Hot Spring Guided Tour: $70
- From Kota Kinabalu : Kiulu White Water Rafting Tour + meal: $66
- Full Day Bongawan River Cruise with Proboscis Monkey Sightseeing: $55
- Indigenous Weaving Experience: $236
- Island Hopping Tour (2 Island) From Kota Kinabalu: $100
- Island Hopping Tour From Kota Kinabalu (2 island): $90
- Kinabalu National Park Tour: $135
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayChumphon $13Kota Kinabalu $7.18
Typical Alcohol Prices in Chumphon
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Chumphon are as follows:
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Beer (2)$4.40
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chumphon and Kota Kinabalu, we can see that Kota Kinabalu is more expensive. And not only is Chumphon much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Chumphon would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chumphon 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 Chumphon.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Chumphon Expensive? and Is Kota Kinabalu Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Chumphon or Kota Kinabalu?
Kota Kinabalu has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Chumphon. When comparing the sizes of Chumphon 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 Chumphon or Kota Kinabalu?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Chumphon or Kota Kinabalu in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Chumphon as well as Kota Kinabalu. Chumphon 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. Chumphon receives a lot of rain in the summer. Chumphon usually gets less rain in July than Kota Kinabalu. Chumphon gets 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Kota Kinabalu receives 255 mm (10 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kota Kinabalu. In the summer, Chumphon often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kota Kinabalu. Chumphon gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kota Kinabalu receives 205 hours of full sun.
In July, Chumphon is generally around the same temperature as Kota Kinabalu. Daily temperatures in Chumphon average around 28°C (82°F), and Kota Kinabalu fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyChumphon 28°C (82°F)Kota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Chumphon or Kota Kinabalu in the Autumn?
Both Kota Kinabalu and Chumphon are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Chumphon 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 Chumphon. In October, Chumphon usually receives less rain than Kota Kinabalu. Chumphon gets 276 mm (10.9 in) of rain, while Kota Kinabalu receives 336 mm (13.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
Chumphon usually receives less sunshine than Kota Kinabalu during autumn. Chumphon gets 167 hours of sunny skies, while Kota Kinabalu receives 192 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Chumphon is around the same temperature as Kota Kinabalu in the autumn. The daily temperature in Chumphon averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Kota Kinabalu fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberChumphon 27°C (81°F)Kota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Chumphon or Kota Kinabalu in the Winter?
Both Kota Kinabalu and Chumphon during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Chumphon 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. Chumphon usually gets less rain in January than Kota Kinabalu. Chumphon gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Kota Kinabalu receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
It's quite sunny in Chumphon. In the winter, Chumphon often gets more sunshine than Kota Kinabalu. Chumphon gets 255 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kota Kinabalu receives 181 hours of full sun.
In the winter, Chumphon is around the same temperature as Kota Kinabalu. Typically, the winter temperatures in Chumphon in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Kota Kinabalu averages at about 26°C (79°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryChumphon 25°C (77°F)Kota Kinabalu 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Chumphon or Kota Kinabalu in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Chumphon and Kota Kinabalu. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Chumphon year-round. Kota Kinabalu attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Kota Kinabalu receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Chumphon usually receives less rain than Kota Kinabalu. Chumphon gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Kota Kinabalu receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kota Kinabalu this time of the year. In Chumphon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chumphon usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kota Kinabalu during spring. Chumphon gets 239 hours of sunny skies, while Kota Kinabalu receives 237 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Chumphon is generally around the same temperature as Kota Kinabalu. Daily temperatures in Chumphon average around 29°C (84°F), and Kota Kinabalu fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilChumphon 29°C (84°F)Kota Kinabalu 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Kota Kinabalu and Chumphon
| Chumphon | Kota Kinabalu | |||
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| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (80°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 189 mm (7.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 174 mm (6.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 291 mm (11.5 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 174 mm (6.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 206 mm (8.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 285 mm (11.2 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 276 mm (10.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 336 mm (13.2 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 380 mm (15 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 298 mm (11.7 in) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 118 mm (4.6 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.