Which place is cheaper, Kota Kinabalu or Da Nang?
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 Da Nang or Kota Kinabalu?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Da Nang 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: Da Nang or Kota Kinabalu?
Da Nang
Halfway between Ho Chi Minh City in the south and Hanoi in the North is the easy-going beach city of Da Nang (or Danang, for some). The third most populated city in Vietnam, Da Nang draws in crowds with its beautiful and calm beaches as well as its history as a French colonial port.
With beaches, mountains, and cityscape, there's bound to be a point of interest for all travelers. Da Nang is also a transit hub to get to the four Vietnamese UNESCO World heritage sites: Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park, Hue, Hoi An, and My Son.
Da Nang experiences wet season from September through March and dry season from April through August with average temperatures of around 80℉.
Da Nang is also known to have some of the friendliest locals, probably due to the peace and quiet and lack of heavy traffic, even in the city.
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 Hanoi, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Ho Chi Minh City, The Best Luxury Tours to Malaysia, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Malaysia.
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Da Nang Prices
Vietnam PricesKota Kinabalu Prices
Malaysia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDa Nang $55Kota Kinabalu $68
The average daily cost (per person) in Da Nang is $55, 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 Da Nang and Kota Kinabalu in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDa Nang $18Kota Kinabalu $21
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDa Nang $36Kota Kinabalu $42
Compare Hotels in Da Nang and Kota Kinabalu
Looking for a hotel in Da Nang 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: Da Nang Hotel Prices and Kota Kinabalu Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Da Nang $11Kota Kinabalu $25
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Da Nang
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Da Nang:
- Transfer from Da Nang Hotel to Airport by Private Car: $5.00
- Da Nang Airport Transfer to Da Nang Hotel by Private Car: $5.00
- Hue Transfer Service to/from Hotel, Airport, Train Station: $7.09
- PRIVATE TRANSFER Da Nang Airport to/from Da Nang & Hoi An hotels: $8.00
- Danang Private Airport Transfer: $9.50
- Hue: Private Transfer to/from Da Nang via Many Attractions: $15
- Hue: Private Transfer to Da Nang with Sightseeing Stops: $15
- Private transfer Danang airport - Hotels in Danang: $15
- Hue: Private Transfer to/from Hoi An via Many Attractions: $16
- Da Nang - Hoi An Airport Transfer: $16
- Hoi An Transfer to/from Hue by Private Car via Hai Van Pass: $18
- From Hue: One-Way Shared Bus Transfer to Hoi An: $19
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kota Kinabalu
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kota Kinabalu:
- Kota Kinabalu Airport (BKI) Private Transfer to Kota Kinabalu: $13
- Kota Kinabalu（BKI）: Private Transfer to City Center: $14
- Private Transfer: Kota Kinabalu International Airport to/from Hotel: $20
- Kota Kinabalu to Kota Kinab Airport: Departure Private Transfer: $24
- Private Transfer from Kota Kinabalu Hotels to Kota Kinabalu Port: $25
- Private Transfer from Kota Kinabalu Port to Kota Kinabalu hotels: $25
- Transfer from Kota Kinabalu Airport BKI to Kota Kinabalu Port: $25
- Private Transfer- Kota Kinabalu Airport BKI to Kota Kinabalu Port: $25
- Private Transfer- Kota Kinabalu Port to Kota Kinabalu Airport BKI: $25
- Private Arrival Transfer : Kota Kinabalu International Airport: $30
- Stand Up Paddle Boarding with Sunrise/Sunset Tour at Kota Kinabalu with transfer: $32
- Kota Kinabalu Airport (BKI) to Borneo - Arrival Private Transfer: $38
Is it cheaper to fly into Da Nang or Kota Kinabalu?
Prices for flights to both Kota Kinabalu and Da Nang 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 dayDa Nang $27Kota Kinabalu $30
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Da Nang
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Da Nang.
- Tasty Dinner Da Nang on Han River Cruise by Yatch & Champa Show: $17
- Poseidon Cruise with Dinner and Dragon Bridge Show: $17
- HộiAnTrà Quế farming &Cooking Class-BasketBoat Ride,Crab fishing: $26
- Eco Cooking Class and Basket boat tour from Da Nang/ Hoi An: $29
- Da Nang Food Tour Motorbike & Sightseeing By Ao Dai Lady Rider: $38
- 5 traditional dishes Da Nang cooking class with market trip: $39
- Seafood dinner, night market, sightseeing by night: $39
- Happy Cooking Class in Danang : $39
- Da Nang Evening Food Tour: $47
- 6-Hour Cooking Class in Danang (JDN1): $50
- Discover Da Nang by Night on a Private Food Tour: $53
- Hue Countryside Bike Tour & Cooking Class: $71
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.Da Nang $13Kota Kinabalu $6.43
Tours and Activities in Da Nang
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Da Nang are as follows:
- Han River by night on boat cruise in Da Nang: $5.50
- Day Tour to Bana Hills with Golden Bridge: $7.76
- Ba Na Hills & Golden Bridge Tour from Da Nang: $8.54
- Experience Da Nang Han River Local Cruise by Night: $9.00
- Explore Hue: 3 Highlights Tour then Depart to Hoi An: $11
- Combo Dragon Cruise by Yatch-Tasty Local Beer & Champa Dance: $17
- Beautiful Night Cruise Experience in Han River Da Nang: $18
- Exploring Beautiful Charming Da Nang Show Ticket: $19
- Full Day Golden Bridge and Ba Na Hills Small Group Tour: $21
- Marble Mountains - Am Phu Cave - Monkey Mountain Sunset tour : $22
- Da Nang Street Food Private Tour With Female Tour Guide: $25
- Danang City Full Day Tours: $25
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 dayDa Nang $8.91Kota Kinabalu $7.18
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Da Nang and Kota Kinabalu, we can see that Kota Kinabalu is more expensive. And not only is Da Nang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Da Nang would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Da Nang 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 Da Nang.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Da Nang Expensive? and Is Kota Kinabalu Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Da Nang or Kota Kinabalu?
Da Nang has a larger population, and is about 65% larger than the population of Kota Kinabalu. When comparing the sizes of Da Nang 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 Da Nang 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 Da Nang or Kota Kinabalu in the Summer?
Both Kota Kinabalu and Da Nang are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Da Nang throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Kota Kinabalu because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in Da Nang is January to July. The rainy season in Da Nang is August to December. It rains a lot this time of the year in Kota Kinabalu. In July, Da Nang usually receives less rain than Kota Kinabalu. Da Nang gets 71 mm (2.8 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. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Da Nang. Da Nang usually receives more sunshine than Kota Kinabalu during summer. Da Nang gets 242 hours of sunny skies, while Kota Kinabalu receives 205 hours of full sun in the summer.
In the summer, Da Nang is around the same temperature as Kota Kinabalu. Typically, the summer temperatures in Da Nang in July average around 29°C (85°F), and Kota Kinabalu averages at about 27°C (81°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyDa Nang 29°C (85°F)Kota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Da Nang or Kota Kinabalu in the Autumn?
Both Kota Kinabalu and Da Nang during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Da Nang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kota Kinabalu year-round.
August to December is the rainy season in Da Nang. Kota Kinabalu gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Da Nang. Da Nang usually gets more rain in October than Kota Kinabalu. Da Nang gets 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain, while Kota Kinabalu receives 336 mm (13.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the autumn, Da Nang often gets less sunshine than Kota Kinabalu. Da Nang gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kota Kinabalu receives 192 hours of full sun.
In October, Da Nang is generally around the same temperature as Kota Kinabalu. Daily temperatures in Da Nang average around 25°C (78°F), and Kota Kinabalu fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberDa Nang 25°C (78°F)Kota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Da Nang or Kota Kinabalu in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Da Nang and Kota Kinabalu. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Da Nang year-round. Kota Kinabalu attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
January to July in Da Nang is the dry season. Kota Kinabalu receives a lot of rain in the winter. Da Nang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Da Nang usually receives less rain than Kota Kinabalu. Da Nang gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Kota Kinabalu receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
Da Nang usually receives less sunshine than Kota Kinabalu during winter. Da Nang gets 136 hours of sunny skies, while Kota Kinabalu receives 181 hours of full sun in the winter.
Da Nang is cooler than Kota Kinabalu in the winter. The daily temperature in Da Nang averages around 22°C (71°F) in January, and Kota Kinabalu fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDa Nang 22°C (71°F)Kota Kinabalu 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Da Nang or Kota Kinabalu in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Da Nang as well as Kota Kinabalu. Da Nang 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. Da Nang usually gets less rain in April than Kota Kinabalu. Da Nang gets 33 mm (1.3 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 Da Nang this time of the year. In the spring, Da Nang often gets less sunshine than Kota Kinabalu. Da Nang gets 210 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kota Kinabalu receives 237 hours of full sun.
In the spring, Da Nang is around the same temperature as Kota Kinabalu. Typically, the spring temperatures in Da Nang in April average around 26°C (80°F), and Kota Kinabalu averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilDa Nang 26°C (80°F)Kota Kinabalu 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Kota Kinabalu and Da Nang
| Da Nang | Kota Kinabalu | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 22°C (71°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) |
| Feb | 23°C (73°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Mar | 24°C (75°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (80°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (85°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 291 mm (11.5 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (85°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 331 mm (13 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 285 mm (11.2 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (78°F) | 613 mm (24.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 336 mm (13.2 in) |
| Nov | 24°C (76°F) | 376 mm (14.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 298 mm (11.7 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 223 mm (8.8 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.