Which place is cheaper, Sandakan or Haifa?
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 Haifa or Sandakan?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Haifa and Sandakan. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Haifa or Sandakan?
Haifa
Located on the northern Mediterranean coast of Israel, Haifa is Israel's third largest city. It is also a beautiful and strategically located city near the border with Lebanon. The population of Haifa, which is approximately 300,000, is surprisingly diverse. There are Jews, Muslim, and Christian Arabs throughout the city. While Haifa is an industrial city with a strong work ethic and a good job base, it is also a beautiful city with many gardens and a stunning coastline. Today the job base has increasingly become technology based with some large companies such as Google and Microsoft offering employment in the area. Haifa University is also the country's top technology university.
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 The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Israel, The Best 2-Week Tours in Israel, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Malaysia, and The Best Adventure Tours to Malaysia.
-
Haifa Prices
Israel PricesSandakan Prices
Malaysia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHaifa $175Sandakan $81
The average daily cost (per person) in Haifa is $175, while the average daily cost in Sandakan is $81. 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 Haifa and Sandakan in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHaifa $84Sandakan $23
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHaifa $168Sandakan $46
Compare Hotels in Haifa and Sandakan
Looking for a hotel in Haifa 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: Haifa Hotel Prices and Sandakan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Haifa $5.57Sandakan $37
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Haifa
Also for Haifa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfers all over the Holyland: Haifa, TLV, Airport, JLM, Jordan: $199
- Private Transfer from Haifa Cruise Port to Tel Aviv Airport (TLV): $235
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sandakan
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Sandakan:
- Private 1Way Transfer to/from Sandakan Airport, City or Sepilok: $38
Is it cheaper to fly into Haifa or Sandakan?
Prices for flights to both Sandakan and Haifa 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 dayHaifa $87Sandakan $36
Typical Food Prices in Haifa
For Haifa, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
-
Dinner$30
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 : Fireflies and Mangrove Cruise with Dinner: $193
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Haifa $6.42Sandakan $8.15
Tours and Activities in Haifa
For Haifa, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Haifa Port Shore Excursion: Nazareth and Sea of Galilee Day Tour from Haifa Port: $120
- Haifa Private Tour: $199
- Guided Walking & Car Tour with Bahai Gardens Entry: $229
- Jerusalem & Bethlehem Tour from Haifa Port 2025 - Small Group: $255
- Jerusalem & Bethlehem Tour from Haifa Port. Private Tour: $287
- Full Day Tour to Nazareth and the Sea of Galilee: $290
- Haifa Port: Full-Day Christianity Tour to Galilee: $501
- Haifa, Acre and Rosh Anikra for Cruises with Licensed Guide: $510
Tours and Activities in Sandakan
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Sandakan are as follows:
- 2D1N Sandakan Private Tour with Kinabatangan River Cruise: $290
- Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre & Sepilok Orang Utan Rehab Centre Tour: $112
- Borneo : Orangutan, Proboscis Monkey, and Sun Bear Tour: $338
- Borneo Kinabatangan River Cruise Day Trip: $88
- Borneo Wildlife Tour 2 Days 1 Night At Tanjung Bulat Jungle Camp Kinabatangan: $230
- Borneo Wildlife Tour 3 Days 2 Nights At Tanjung Bulat Jungle Camp Kinabatangan: $260
- Day Trip Sepilok Orang-utan And City Tour (Flight Excluded): $119
- From Sandakan to Kinabatangan River Safari Boat Cruise Day Tour: $163
- From 7 Unmissable Local Stops Private Tour: $75
- Full Day At Sepilok Orangutan, Sun Bear & Sandakan City Tour: $164
- Kinabatangan River Cruise from Sandakan: $90
- Labuk Proboscis, Sepilok, Sun Bear, Sandakan City Tour & Lunch: $147
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayHaifa $15Sandakan $7.47
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Haifa and Sandakan, we can see that Haifa is more expensive. And not only is Sandakan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Haifa is in Middle East and Sandakan 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 Sandakan would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sandakan 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 Haifa would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Haifa than you might in Sandakan.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Haifa Expensive? and Is Sandakan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Haifa or Sandakan?
Sandakan has a larger population, and is about 47% larger than the population of Haifa. When comparing the sizes of Haifa 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.
When is the best time to visit Haifa or Sandakan?
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 Haifa or Sandakan in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Haifa as well as Sandakan. Haifa attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Sandakan throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Sandakan. Haifa usually gets less rain in July than Sandakan. Haifa gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Sandakan receives 195 mm (7.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sandakan. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Haifa this time of the year. In the summer, Haifa often gets more sunshine than Sandakan. Haifa gets 364 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sandakan receives 221 hours of full sun.
In the summer, Haifa is around the same temperature as Sandakan. Typically, the summer temperatures in Haifa in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Sandakan averages at about 27°C (81°F).
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyHaifa 27°C (81°F)Sandakan 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Haifa or Sandakan in the Autumn?
Both Sandakan and Haifa are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Haifa throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Sandakan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Sandakan. In October, Haifa usually receives less rain than Sandakan. Haifa gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Sandakan receives 253 mm (10 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Haifa. Haifa usually receives more sunshine than Sandakan during autumn. Haifa gets 274 hours of sunny skies, while Sandakan receives 191 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Haifa is generally cooler than Sandakan. Daily temperatures in Haifa average around 24°C (75°F), and Sandakan fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHaifa 24°C (75°F)Sandakan 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Haifa or Sandakan in the Winter?
Both Sandakan and Haifa during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Haifa because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Sandakan year-round.
Sandakan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Haifa. Haifa usually gets less rain in January than Sandakan. Haifa gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Sandakan receives 437 mm (17.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the winter, Haifa often gets more sunshine than Sandakan. Haifa gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sandakan receives 156 hours of full sun.
Haifa is much colder than Sandakan in the winter. The daily temperature in Haifa averages around 14°C (57°F) in January, and Sandakan fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHaifa 14°C (57°F)Sandakan 26°C (80°F)
Should I visit Haifa or Sandakan in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Haifa and Sandakan. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Haifa year-round. Sandakan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Sandakan receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Haifa usually receives less rain than Sandakan. Haifa gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Sandakan receives 107 mm (4.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sandakan this time of the year. In Haifa, it's very sunny this time of the year. Haifa usually receives more sunshine than Sandakan during spring. Haifa gets 269 hours of sunny skies, while Sandakan receives 247 hours of full sun in the spring.
In the spring, Haifa is cooler than Sandakan. Typically, the spring temperatures in Haifa in April average around 19°C (66°F), and Sandakan averages at about 28°C (82°F).
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilHaifa 19°C (66°F)Sandakan 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Sandakan and Haifa
| Haifa | Sandakan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 437 mm (17.2 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 268 mm (10.6 in) |
| Mar | 16°C (61°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) |
| Apr | 19°C (66°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) |
| May | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 195 mm (7.7 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 213 mm (8.4 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) |
| Oct | 24°C (75°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 253 mm (10 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 344 mm (13.5 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 462 mm (18.2 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.