Which place is cheaper, Koh Phi Phi 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.
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Should you visit Kota Kinabalu or Koh Phi Phi?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Koh Phi Phi? 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 Koh Phi Phi?
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.
Koh Phi Phi
The islands of Koh Phi Phi, off the coast of southwestern Thailand, are very popular with travelers because of their unrivaled tropical scenery, clear blue waters, relaxing atmosphere, and undersea attractions. However, in the last decade, Koh Phi Phi has seen a huge surge in tourism, adding to the crowds and pollution of the main (and only populated) island, known as Koh Phi Phi Don.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Malaysia, The Best Tours for Seniors to Malaysia, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Thailand, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Thailand.
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Kota Kinabalu Prices
Malaysia PricesKoh Phi Phi Prices
Thailand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKota Kinabalu $68Koh Phi Phi $95
The average daily cost (per person) in Kota Kinabalu is $68, while the average daily cost in Koh Phi Phi is $95. 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 Koh Phi Phi in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKota Kinabalu $21Koh Phi Phi $50
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKota Kinabalu $42Koh Phi Phi $100
Compare Hotels in Kota Kinabalu and Koh Phi Phi
Looking for a hotel in Kota Kinabalu or Koh Phi Phi? 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 Koh Phi Phi Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kota Kinabalu $25Koh Phi Phi $7.93
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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Koh Phi Phi
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Koh Phi Phi:
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Ferry to Maya Beach (for 2)$17
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Longboat Taxi$3.14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Koh Phi Phi
Also for Koh Phi Phi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Speedboat Transfer Phi Phi Tonsai to Phuket with Dropoff Service: $29
- Easy Island Transfer from Phi Phi Island to Koh Tao: $80
Is it cheaper to fly into Kota Kinabalu or Koh Phi Phi?
Prices for flights to both Koh Phi Phi 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
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Food Meals for one dayKota Kinabalu $30Koh Phi Phi $23
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
Typical Food Prices in Koh Phi Phi
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Koh Phi Phi:
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Crepe$1.88
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Sit Down Lunch$11
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Casual Lunch$6.59
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Coconut Donut$0.31
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Lunch at Mexican Restaurant (for 2)$13
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Sit Down Dinner$16
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Koh Phi Phi
For Koh Phi Phi, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- International Dinner & Cabaret Show - Ala Carte Package: $22
- International Dinner & Cabaret Show - Set Menu Package: $80
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kota Kinabalu $6.43Koh Phi Phi $52
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Koh Phi Phi
For Koh Phi Phi, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Kayak Rental$9.42
Tours and Activities in Koh Phi Phi
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Koh Phi Phi.
- Ferry from Phi Phi Islands to Phuket with Dropoff Service by Royal Jet Cruiser: $15
- Phi Phi Island Half Day Tour From Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $18
- Phi Phi Sunset Longtail Boat Cruise to Maya Bay and Snorkeling: $18
- Phuket Trick Eye Museum Admission Ticket: $19
- Phi Phi Island To Phuket By Phi Phi Cruiser: $19
- Half-Day Phi Phi Island Longtail Boat Tour with Maya Bay Visit: $19
- Koh Phi Phi to Phuket by Phi Phi Cruiser: $19
- Snorkeling Phi Phi Islands Tour From Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $20
- Phuket Trick Eye Museum Admission Ticket (SHA Plus): $22
- Trick Eye Museum at Phuket Admission Ticket: $24
- Half-Day Morning Bamboo Island Tour from Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $25
- Phi Phi Islands Sunset Tour From Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $25
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKota Kinabalu $7.18Koh Phi Phi $6.51
Typical Alcohol Prices in Koh Phi Phi
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Koh Phi Phi from other travelers:
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Mojito Bucket$16
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Banana Daiquiri$6.28
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kota Kinabalu and Koh Phi Phi, we can see that Koh Phi Phi 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 Phi Phi would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Koh Phi Phi 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 Koh Phi Phi Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kota Kinabalu or Koh Phi Phi?
Kota Kinabalu has a larger population, and is about 460 times larger than the population of Koh Phi Phi. When comparing the sizes of Kota Kinabalu and Koh Phi Phi, 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 Koh Phi Phi?
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 Kota Kinabalu or Koh Phi Phi in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Kota Kinabalu as well as Koh Phi Phi. Kota Kinabalu attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Phi Phi throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Koh Phi Phi. Kota Kinabalu receives a lot of rain in the summer. Kota Kinabalu usually gets less rain in July than Koh Phi Phi. Kota Kinabalu gets 255 mm (10 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Koh Phi Phi. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kota Kinabalu this time of the year. In the summer, Kota Kinabalu often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Koh Phi Phi. Kota Kinabalu gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Phi Phi receives 206 hours of full sun.
In July, Kota Kinabalu is generally around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi. Daily temperatures in Kota Kinabalu average around 27°C (81°F), and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)Koh Phi Phi 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Koh Phi Phi in the Autumn?
Both Koh Phi Phi and Kota Kinabalu are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kota Kinabalu throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Phi Phi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in Koh Phi Phi is December to March. The rainy season in Koh Phi Phi is May to November. It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Phi Phi. It's quite rainy in Kota Kinabalu. In October, Kota Kinabalu usually receives more rain than Koh Phi Phi. Kota Kinabalu gets 336 mm (13.2 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
Kota Kinabalu usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Koh Phi Phi during autumn. Kota Kinabalu gets 192 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Phi Phi receives 181 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Kota Kinabalu is around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kota Kinabalu averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)Koh Phi Phi 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Koh Phi Phi in the Winter?
Both Koh Phi Phi and Kota Kinabalu during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Kota Kinabalu because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Phi Phi year-round.
December to March is the dry season in Koh Phi Phi. It rains a lot this time of the year in Kota Kinabalu. Kota Kinabalu usually gets more rain in January than Koh Phi Phi. Kota Kinabalu gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Koh Phi Phi, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Kota Kinabalu often gets less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi. Kota Kinabalu gets 181 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 hours of full sun.
In the winter, Kota Kinabalu is around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kota Kinabalu in January average around 26°C (79°F), and Koh Phi Phi averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKota Kinabalu 26°C (79°F)Koh Phi Phi 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Koh Phi Phi in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Kota Kinabalu and Koh Phi Phi. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kota Kinabalu year-round. Koh Phi Phi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Also, May to November is the rainy season in Koh Phi Phi. Koh Phi Phi receives a lot of rain in the spring. Kota Kinabalu gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Kota Kinabalu usually receives around the same amount of rain as Koh Phi Phi. Kota Kinabalu gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Koh Phi Phi this time of the year. In Kota Kinabalu, it's very sunny this time of the year. Kota Kinabalu usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Koh Phi Phi during spring. Kota Kinabalu gets 237 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Phi Phi receives 249 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Kota Kinabalu is generally around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi. Daily temperatures in Kota Kinabalu average around 28°C (82°F), and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKota Kinabalu 28°C (82°F)Koh Phi Phi 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Koh Phi Phi and Kota Kinabalu
| Kota Kinabalu | Koh Phi Phi | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (80°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 318 mm (12.5 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 291 mm (11.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 279 mm (11 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 255 mm (10 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 262 mm (10.3 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 285 mm (11.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 399 mm (15.7 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 336 mm (13.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 304 mm (12 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 298 mm (11.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 62 mm (2.4 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.