Which place is cheaper, Byron Bay or Kota Kinabalu?
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 Kota Kinabalu or Byron Bay?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Byron Bay? 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: Kota Kinabalu or Byron Bay?
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.
Byron Bay
South of Brisbane, off the Pacific Highway, is the coastal town of Byron Bay. It is close to Cape Byron, which is the easternmost point in mainland Australia. Byron Bay makes its way onto most traveler's itineraries because of its wonderful beach activities. The area is world famous for its waves, making it popular with surfers, but it also has incredible scuba diving, whale watching, and a generally relaxed atmosphere. The area continues to rise in popularity with travelers and as such, amenities and facilities are popping up everywhere.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Malaysia, The Best Tours for Seniors to Malaysia, The Best Walking Tours in Australia, and The Best Eco Tours in Australia.
-
Kota Kinabalu Prices
Malaysia PricesByron Bay Prices
Australia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKota Kinabalu $68Byron Bay $175
The average daily cost (per person) in Kota Kinabalu is $68, while the average daily cost in Byron Bay is $175. 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 Kota Kinabalu and Byron Bay in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKota Kinabalu $21Byron Bay $67
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKota Kinabalu $42Byron Bay $134
Compare Hotels in Kota Kinabalu and Byron Bay
Looking for a hotel in Kota Kinabalu or Byron Bay? 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: Kota Kinabalu Hotel Prices and Byron Bay Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kota Kinabalu $25Byron Bay $32
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 Kota Kinabalu or Byron Bay?
Prices for flights to both Byron Bay and Kota Kinabalu 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 dayKota Kinabalu $30Byron Bay $83
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kota Kinabalu
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kota Kinabalu.
- Sabah Traditional Authentic Cuisine Cooking Class 3 Hours: $29
- Beringgis Mangove Fireflies, Sunset Tour & Dinner: $33
- 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
Typical Food Prices in Byron Bay
Some typical examples of dining costs in Byron Bay are as follows:
-
Dinner at Olivo (for 2)$59
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Byron Bay
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Byron Bay.
- Bangalow Native Bush Food Tour: $50
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kota Kinabalu $6.43Byron Bay $36
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 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
- Klias Wildlife Safari River Cruise from Kota Kinabalu: $58
Typical Entertainment Prices in Byron Bay
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Byron Bay are as follows:
-
Buddha Gardens Spa (for 2)$124
-
Surf Lesson$43
Tours and Activities in Byron Bay
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Byron Bay are as follows:
- Skip the Line: Crystal Castle and Shambhala Gardens Admission Ticket: $33
- Brunswick River Scenic Kayak Tour: $40
- WANDER BYRON Guided Sunrise Tours to Cape Byron Lighthouse: $46
- Sunset River Cruise near Byron Bay: $47
- Broken Head Aboriginal Tour: $49
- Cape Byron Aboriginal Tour: $49
- Broken Head Aboriginal Tour: $50
- Byron Bay Private Bike Tour : $50
- Cape Byron Aboriginal Tour: $50
- Group 2.5 Hour Stand-Up Paddle Board Tour: $56
- Experience The Thrill Half Day Surf School in Byron Bay: $57
- Stand-Up Paddle Board Tour in Byron Bay: $57
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayKota Kinabalu $7.18Byron Bay $14
Sample the Local Flavors in Byron Bay
Also in Byron Bay, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Arvo Session Brewery and Distillery Tour: $98
- Afternoon Brewery and Distillery session : $104
- Full-Day Brewery and Distillery Tour with Lunch: $135
- Full Barrel Brewery and Distillery tour: $137
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kota Kinabalu and Byron Bay, we can see that Byron Bay is more expensive. And not only is Kota Kinabalu much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Kota Kinabalu is in Asia and Byron Bay is in Pacific, 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 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 Byron Bay would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Byron Bay 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 Kota Kinabalu Expensive? and Is Byron Bay Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kota Kinabalu or Byron Bay?
Kota Kinabalu has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Byron Bay. When comparing the sizes of Kota Kinabalu and Byron Bay, 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 Kota Kinabalu or Byron Bay?
Byron Bay has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Kota Kinabalu experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Byron Bay in the Summer?
Both Byron Bay and Kota Kinabalu are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kota Kinabalu throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Byron Bay for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, Kota Kinabalu is generally a little warmer than Byron Bayin January. Daily temperatures in Kota Kinabalu average around 27°C (81°F), and Byron Bay fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Byron Bay. It's quite rainy in Kota Kinabalu. In July, Kota Kinabalu usually receives more rain than Byron Bayin January. Kota Kinabalu gets 255 mm (10 in) of rain, while Byron Bay receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryKota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)Byron Bay 23°C (74°F)
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Byron Bay in the Autumn?
Both Byron Bay and Kota Kinabalu during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Kota Kinabalu because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Byron Bay because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.
Kota Kinabalu is a little warmer than Byron Bay in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kota Kinabalu averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Byron Bay fluctuates around 20°C (69°F)in April.
Byron Bay gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Kota Kinabalu. Kota Kinabalu usually gets more rain in October than Byron Bayin April. Kota Kinabalu gets 336 mm (13.2 in) of rain, while Byron Bay receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilKota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)Byron Bay 20°C (69°F)
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Byron Bay in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Kota Kinabalu and Byron Bay. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kota Kinabalu year-round. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Byron Bay this time of year.
In the winter, Kota Kinabalu is much warmer than Byron Bay. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kota Kinabalu in January average around 26°C (79°F), and Byron Bay averages at about 14°C (58°F)in July.
Kota Kinabalu gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Kota Kinabalu usually receives more rain than Byron Bayin July. Kota Kinabalu gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Byron Bay receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyKota Kinabalu 26°C (79°F)Byron Bay 14°C (58°F)
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Byron Bay in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Kota Kinabalu as well as Byron Bay. Kota Kinabalu attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Byron Bay for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.
In April, Kota Kinabalu is generally a little warmer than Byron Bayin October. Daily temperatures in Kota Kinabalu average around 28°C (82°F), and Byron Bay fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).
Kota Kinabalu receives a lot of rain in the spring. Kota Kinabalu usually gets more rain in April than Byron Bayin October. Kota Kinabalu gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Byron Bay receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberKota Kinabalu 28°C (82°F)Byron Bay 19°C (67°F)
Typical Weather for Byron Bay and Kota Kinabalu
| Kota Kinabalu | Byron Bay | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (80°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 291 mm (11.5 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 255 mm (10 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 285 mm (11.2 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 32 mm (1.2 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 336 mm (13.2 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 298 mm (11.7 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 118 mm (4.6 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.