Which place is cheaper, Kota Kinabalu or Koh Samui?
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 Koh Samui or Kota Kinabalu?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Koh Samui 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: Koh Samui or Kota Kinabalu?
Koh Samui
The largest island on the east coast of southern Thailand, Ko Samui (or Koh Samui) sees a good number of visitors every year who come for its lush rainforest, beautiful shores, and undersea wildlife. The size of the island is still small enough to allow visitors to circumnavigate it with a taxi or motorbike in a day, while hikers and outdoor enthusiasts can find plenty of inland activities in the hills and jungle.
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 Tours Under $1000 in Thailand, The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, The Best Luxury Tours to Malaysia, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Malaysia.
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Koh Samui Prices
Thailand PricesKota Kinabalu Prices
Malaysia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKoh Samui $79Kota Kinabalu $68
The average daily cost (per person) in Koh Samui is $79, 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 Koh Samui and Kota Kinabalu in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKoh Samui $26Kota Kinabalu $21
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKoh Samui $52Kota Kinabalu $42
Compare Hotels in Koh Samui and Kota Kinabalu
Looking for a hotel in Koh Samui 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: Koh Samui Hotel Prices and Kota Kinabalu Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Koh Samui $19Kota Kinabalu $25
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Koh Samui
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Koh Samui:
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Scooter Rental$2.36
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Gas for Scooter$1.26
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Airport Taxi$14
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Taxi- Na Thon Pier to Lamai Beach$13
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Minibus- Airport to Chaweng$3.77
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Koh Samui
Also for Koh Samui, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Samui International Airport (USM) Departure Shared Transfer: $9.00
- Koh Samui Airport (USM): Private Transfer within the Island: $12
- Private Airport Transfer in Koh Samui Sedan 1-3 PAX: $14
- Ferry Transfers between Koh Samui and Ko Pha-ngan: $15
- Private Transfer : Koh Samui Airport Arrival to Koh Samui Hotel (SHA Plus): $16
- Private Transfer : Koh Samui Airport Arrival to Koh Samui Hotel (SHA Plus): $16
- Koh Samui Airport Departure – Shared Transfer: $17
- Private Airport Transfer in Koh Samui: $18
- Ko Samui Airport to Ko Samui - Arrival Private Transfer: $18
- Private Transfer from Ko Samui to Ko Samui Airport (USM): $18
- Private Transfer from Ko Samui Port to Ko Samui Airport (USM): $19
- Private Transfer from Ko Samui hotels to Ko Samui Cruise Port: $19
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kota Kinabalu
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kota Kinabalu:
- Kota Kinabalu Airport BKI to Borneo - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $77
- Kota Kinabalu Hotel to Jetty Round Trip Transfer: $53
- Kota Kinab Airport to Kota Kinabalu - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $48
- Kota Kinabalu Airport (BKI) to Borneo - Arrival Private Transfer: $38
- Stand Up Paddle Boarding with Sunrise/Sunset Tour at Kota Kinabalu with transfer: $32
- 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
- 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
- Kota Kinabalu to Kota Kinab Airport: Departure Private Transfer: $24
Is it cheaper to fly into Koh Samui or Kota Kinabalu?
Prices for flights to both Kota Kinabalu and Koh Samui 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 dayKoh Samui $39Kota Kinabalu $30
Typical Food Prices in Koh Samui
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Koh Samui:
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$6.75
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Koh Samui
For Koh Samui, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Sunset Dinner Cruise: $77
- Thai Cooking Class with Local Market Tour in Koh Samui: $79
- Thai Cooking Class with Local Market Tour in Koh Samui: $80
- Cooking Class by Samui Native Instructor Geng and O Family: $81
- Thai Cooking Masterclass by the Sea on Koh Samui: $82
- Sunset Dinner Cruise by Red Baron In Koh Samui : $83
- Cooking Class in Ko Samui for Small Group : $83
- Thai Cooking Class | Since 2012 | Farm to Table: $83
- Koh Samui Sunset Dinner Cruise: $83
- Romantic Evening on Koh Samui’s Sunset Dinner Cruise: $108
- Red Baron : A Sunset Dinner Cruise from Koh Samui with Return Transfer: $115
- Red Baron Sunset Dinner Cruise from Koh Samui with Transfer: $123
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.Koh Samui $12Kota Kinabalu $6.43
Tours and Activities in Koh Samui
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Koh Samui.
- Coconut Soap Making Demo and Experience Koh Samui: $2.39
- Kanchanaburi Mallika City Thai Cultural Tour Experience: $7.97
- Sky Bicycle Jungle Adventure Tour from Koh Samui : $18
- Samui: Double Seater Karting: Share the Driving Experience: $22
- Top Sights of Samui City Tour: $25
- Koh Samui Sightseeing Tour by Minivan: $25
- Koh Samui Sightseeing Tour Around The Island : $27
- 4-Hour Day Tour in Koh Samui: $27
- Elephant Sanctuary Entry and Feeding Experience: $28
- High Speed Karting Fun Adventure at EasyKart from Koh Samui: $29
- Koh Samui City & Temples Tour with Na Muang Waterfall: $29
- Angthong National Marine Park by Highsea Tour (Official): $30
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 dayKoh Samui $5.33Kota Kinabalu $7.18
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koh Samui and Kota Kinabalu, we can see that Koh Samui 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 Koh Samui would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Koh Samui 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 Koh Samui Expensive? and Is Kota Kinabalu Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Koh Samui or Kota Kinabalu?
Kota Kinabalu has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Koh Samui. When comparing the sizes of Koh Samui 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 Koh Samui 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 Koh Samui or Kota Kinabalu in the Summer?
Both Kota Kinabalu and Koh Samui during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Samui 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. It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Samui. Koh Samui usually gets less rain in July than Kota Kinabalu. Koh Samui gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Kota Kinabalu receives 255 mm (10 in) of rain this time of the year.
Koh Samui is cooler than Kota Kinabalu in the summer. The daily temperature in Koh Samui averages around 24°C (76°F) in July, and Kota Kinabalu fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKoh Samui 24°C (76°F)Kota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Koh Samui or Kota Kinabalu in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Samui and Kota Kinabalu. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Samui year-round. Kota Kinabalu attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
December to February in Koh Samui is the dry season. Also, October to December is the rainy season in Koh Samui. Kota Kinabalu receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Koh Samui gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Koh Samui usually receives less rain than Kota Kinabalu. Koh Samui gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Kota Kinabalu receives 336 mm (13.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
In the autumn, Koh Samui is cooler than Kota Kinabalu. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Koh Samui in October average around 24°C (75°F), and Kota Kinabalu averages at about 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKoh Samui 24°C (75°F)Kota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Koh Samui or Kota Kinabalu in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Koh Samui as well as Kota Kinabalu. Koh Samui attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kota Kinabalu throughout the year.
Also, December to February in Koh Samui is the dry season. It's quite rainy in Kota Kinabalu. Koh Samui usually gets less rain in January than Kota Kinabalu. Koh Samui gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Kota Kinabalu receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
In January, Koh Samui is generally cooler than Kota Kinabalu. Daily temperatures in Koh Samui average around 22°C (72°F), and Kota Kinabalu fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKoh Samui 22°C (72°F)Kota Kinabalu 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Koh Samui or Kota Kinabalu in the Spring?
Both Kota Kinabalu and Koh Samui are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Samui 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 April, Koh Samui usually receives less rain than Kota Kinabalu. Koh Samui gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Kota Kinabalu receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
Koh Samui is cooler than Kota Kinabalu in the spring. The daily temperature in Koh Samui averages around 24°C (76°F) in April, and Kota Kinabalu fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKoh Samui 24°C (76°F)Kota Kinabalu 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Kota Kinabalu and Koh Samui
| Koh Samui | Kota Kinabalu | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) |
| Feb | 22°C (72°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (74°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 24°C (76°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 291 mm (11.5 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (76°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (76°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 285 mm (11.2 in) |
| Oct | 24°C (75°F) | 240 mm (9.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 336 mm (13.2 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (74°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 298 mm (11.7 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 134 mm (5.3 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.