Which place is cheaper, Kota Kinabalu or Khao Lak?
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 Khao Lak 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 Khao Lak 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: Khao Lak or Kota Kinabalu?
Khao Lak
Resiliency and relaxation. Those are the two words used to describe one of Thailand's most breathtaking cities. Khao Lak is located in southern Thailand, and when the tsunami of 2004 hit, this area saw the most damage. With more than 4,000 fatalities, 3,000 still unaccounted for and enormous structural damages, many thought Khao Lak would not be able to bounce back. They have proved everyone wrong with a strong and impressive recovery. Now it has returned to its status of vacation hotspot. Unlike neighboring Phuket, though, the resorts in Khao Lak are designed for families and some peace and quiet.
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 Family-Friendly Tours to Thailand, The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand, The Best Luxury Tours to Malaysia, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Malaysia.
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Khao Lak Prices
Thailand PricesKota Kinabalu Prices
Malaysia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKhao Lak $155Kota Kinabalu $68
The average daily cost (per person) in Khao Lak is $155, 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 Khao Lak and Kota Kinabalu in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKhao Lak $59Kota Kinabalu $21
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKhao Lak $118Kota Kinabalu $42
Compare Hotels in Khao Lak and Kota Kinabalu
Looking for a hotel in Khao Lak 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: Khao Lak Hotel Prices and Kota Kinabalu Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Khao Lak $60Kota Kinabalu $25
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Khao Lak
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Khao Lak:
- 30-Minutes Guided Tour & Transfer to Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary: $48
- Private Transfer from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak: $51
- 2-Hour Guided Eco-Tour & Transfer to Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary: $73
- Transfer from Khao Lak Hotel to Phuket Airport: $75
- Khao Lak River Tubing with Music, Drink, and Transfer: $95
- Carnival Magic Phuket Show Ticket with Transfer from Khao Lak: $97
- Private Transfer from Khao Lak to Phuket (HKT) Airport: $110
- Transfer Service from Khao Lak Hotel to Krabi / Aonang: $119
- Similan Island Snorkeling Adventure -Full-Day Tour with Transfers: $137
- Khao Lak any hotel to Koh Lanta any hotel Private transfer: $198
- Private Transfer Between Ko Lanta and Khao Lak: $242
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 Khao Lak or Kota Kinabalu?
Prices for flights to both Kota Kinabalu and Khao Lak 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 dayKhao Lak $61Kota Kinabalu $30
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Khao Lak
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Khao Lak.
- Thai Cooking Class in Khao Lak by Amazon Prime Series Chef: $59
- Riverside Thai Cooking Half Day Class: $65
- Khao Lak Thai Cooking Class with Market Tour & Your Own Menu: $89
- Authentic Thai Cooking in Khao Lak – Market Tour & Flexible Menu: $89
- Khao Sok Local Life Adventure & Traditional Cooking Class: $102
- ATV Quad Bike Excursion to Stunning Waterfalls with Dinner: $111
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.Khao Lak $22Kota Kinabalu $6.43
Tours and Activities in Khao Lak
Here are a few actual costs in Khao Lak for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Khao Lak Ethical Elephant Sanctuary Conservation Experience: $25
- Bamboo Rafting and Sea Turtle Conservation Center Half Day Tour From Khao Lak: $43
- Guide Tour to Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary in Small Group: $52
- 1-Hour Guided Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary Observation Tour: $57
- Sky Rock Khaolak Jungle Adventure: $68
- Historical And Cultural Day Tour To Takuapa Old Town From Khao Lak: $69
- Full-Day Temple Tour Including Dragon Cave from Khao Lak: $76
- James Bond Island Adventure Tour from Khao Lak including Sea Canoeing & Lunch: $77
- Khao Lak Eco Exploration Raft Ride & Discover Tour: $80
- Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary Visit & River Tubing Tour: $80
- 30 Minutes Khaolak ATV Quadbike & Waterfall Adventure: $80
- Half day Bamboo Rafting Tour with Lunch: $80
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 dayKhao Lak $15Kota Kinabalu $7.18
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Khao Lak and Kota Kinabalu, we can see that Khao Lak is more expensive. And not only is Kota Kinabalu much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Kota Kinabalu would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kota Kinabalu 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 Khao Lak would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Khao Lak than you might in Kota Kinabalu.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Khao Lak Expensive? and Is Kota Kinabalu Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Khao Lak or Kota Kinabalu?
Kota Kinabalu has a larger population, and is about 270 times larger than the population of Khao Lak. When comparing the sizes of Khao Lak 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 Khao Lak 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 Khao Lak or Kota Kinabalu in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Khao Lak and Kota Kinabalu. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Khao Lak 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. Khao Lak gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Khao Lak usually receives more rain than Kota Kinabalu. Khao Lak gets 284 mm (11.2 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 Khao Lak, it's very sunny this time of the year. Khao Lak usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kota Kinabalu during summer. Khao Lak gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Kota Kinabalu receives 205 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Khao Lak is generally around the same temperature as Kota Kinabalu. Daily temperatures in Khao Lak average around 28°C (82°F), and Kota Kinabalu fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKhao Lak 28°C (82°F)Kota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Khao Lak or Kota Kinabalu in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Khao Lak as well as Kota Kinabalu. Khao Lak attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kota Kinabalu throughout the year.
Also, November to April in Khao Lak is the dry season. May to October in Khao Lak is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Kota Kinabalu. Khao Lak receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Khao Lak usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Kota Kinabalu. Khao Lak gets 351 mm (13.8 in) of rain, while Kota Kinabalu receives 336 mm (13.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the autumn, Khao Lak often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kota Kinabalu. Khao Lak gets 181 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kota Kinabalu receives 192 hours of full sun.
Khao Lak is around the same temperature as Kota Kinabalu in the autumn. The daily temperature in Khao Lak averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Kota Kinabalu fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKhao Lak 27°C (81°F)Kota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Khao Lak or Kota Kinabalu in the Winter?
Both Kota Kinabalu and Khao Lak are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Khao Lak 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, Khao Lak usually receives less rain than Kota Kinabalu. Khao Lak gets 42 mm (1.7 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 Khao Lak. Khao Lak usually receives more sunshine than Kota Kinabalu during winter. Khao Lak gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Kota Kinabalu receives 181 hours of full sun in the winter.
In the winter, Khao Lak is around the same temperature as Kota Kinabalu. Typically, the winter temperatures in Khao Lak in January average around 27°C (80°F), and Kota Kinabalu averages at about 26°C (79°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKhao Lak 27°C (80°F)Kota Kinabalu 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Khao Lak or Kota Kinabalu in the Spring?
Both Kota Kinabalu and Khao Lak during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Khao Lak because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kota Kinabalu year-round.
November to April is the dry season in Khao Lak. May to October is the rainy season in Khao Lak. Kota Kinabalu gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Khao Lak. Khao Lak usually gets more rain in April than Kota Kinabalu. Khao Lak gets 157 mm (6.2 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. It's quite sunny in Khao Lak. In the spring, Khao Lak often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kota Kinabalu. Khao Lak gets 249 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kota Kinabalu receives 237 hours of full sun.
In April, Khao Lak is generally around the same temperature as Kota Kinabalu. Daily temperatures in Khao Lak average around 29°C (83°F), and Kota Kinabalu fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKhao Lak 29°C (83°F)Kota Kinabalu 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Kota Kinabalu and Khao Lak
| Khao Lak | Kota Kinabalu | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (80°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (83°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 345 mm (13.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 286 mm (11.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 291 mm (11.5 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 284 mm (11.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 272 mm (10.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 417 mm (16.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 285 mm (11.2 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 351 mm (13.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 336 mm (13.2 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 298 mm (11.7 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 71 mm (2.8 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.