Which place is cheaper, Plzen 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 Plzen?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Plzen? 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 Plzen?
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.
Plzen
Renowned as the home of the pilsner beer, Plzen is a city located in the West Bohemia region of the Czech Republic. Beyond beer, it also features a number of impressive landmarks some of which include St. Bartholomew's Cathedral and the Great Synagogue.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Malaysia, The Best Tours for Seniors to Malaysia, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Czech Republic, and The Best Cultural Tours in Czech Republic.
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Kota Kinabalu Prices
Malaysia PricesPlzen Prices
Czech Republic Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKota Kinabalu $68Plzen $142
The average daily cost (per person) in Kota Kinabalu is $68, while the average daily cost in Plzen is $142. 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 Plzen in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKota Kinabalu $21Plzen $70
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKota Kinabalu $42Plzen $140
Compare Hotels in Kota Kinabalu and Plzen
Looking for a hotel in Kota Kinabalu or Plzen? 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 Plzen Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kota Kinabalu $25Plzen $9.51
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
- Malaysia: Sabah Airport Transfer: $14
- Private Transfer: Kota Kinabalu International Airport to/from Hotel: $20
- Kota Kinabalu to Kota Kinab Airport: Departure Private Transfer: $24
- Transfer from Kota Kinabalu Airport BKI to Kota Kinabalu Port: $25
- 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
- Stand Up Paddle Boarding with Sunrise/Sunset Tour at Kota Kinabalu with transfer: $32
- Borneo to Kota Kinabalu Airport(BKI) - Departure Private Transfer: $38
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Plzen
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Plzen:
- Private Transfer from Pilsen to Prague: $96
- Private Transfer from Pilsen to Prague with 2 hours for sightseeing: $127
- Private Transfer from Pilsen(Plzen) to Prague: $296
Is it cheaper to fly into Kota Kinabalu or Plzen?
Prices for flights to both Plzen 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 $30Plzen $61
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
- 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.Kota Kinabalu $6.43Plzen $25
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
- Kota Kinabalu City Tour: $54
- Full Day Bongawan River Cruise with Proboscis Monkey Sightseeing: $55
Tours and Activities in Plzen
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Plzen are as follows:
- An Audio Tour of the City of Beer: Pilsen's History and Legends: $8.99
- Experience Pilsen through Digital Audio Guide in English: $11
- Pilsen Private Walking Tour: $250
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKota Kinabalu $7.18Plzen $27
Sample the Local Flavors in Plzen
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Plzen:
- Pilsen Highlights Small-Group Tour and Pilsner Brewery Tour including Lunch and Beer Tasting: $118
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kota Kinabalu and Plzen, we can see that Plzen 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 Plzen is in Europe, 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 Plzen would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Plzen 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 Plzen Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kota Kinabalu or Plzen?
Kota Kinabalu has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Plzen. When comparing the sizes of Kota Kinabalu and Plzen, 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 Plzen?
Plzen 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 Plzen in the Summer?
Both Plzen 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.
In the summer, Kota Kinabalu is a little warmer than Plzen. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kota Kinabalu in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Plzen averages at about 20°C (67°F).
It's quite sunny in Plzen. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kota Kinabalu. Kota Kinabalu usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Plzen during summer. Kota Kinabalu gets 205 hours of sunny skies, while Plzen receives 212 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's quite rainy in Kota Kinabalu. In July, Kota Kinabalu usually receives more rain than Plzen. Kota Kinabalu gets 255 mm (10 in) of rain, while Plzen receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)Plzen 20°C (67°F)
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Plzen in the Autumn?
Both Plzen 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.
In October, Kota Kinabalu is generally much warmer than Plzen. Daily temperatures in Kota Kinabalu average around 27°C (81°F), and Plzen fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
In the autumn, Kota Kinabalu often gets more sunshine than Plzen. Kota Kinabalu gets 192 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plzen receives 120 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Kota Kinabalu. Kota Kinabalu usually gets more rain in October than Plzen. Kota Kinabalu gets 336 mm (13.2 in) of rain, while Plzen receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)Plzen 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Plzen in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Kota Kinabalu and Plzen. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kota Kinabalu year-round.
It's quite cold in Plzen in the winter. Kota Kinabalu is much warmer than Plzen in the winter. The daily temperature in Kota Kinabalu averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and Plzen fluctuates around -1°C (31°F).
Kota Kinabalu usually receives more sunshine than Plzen during winter. Kota Kinabalu gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while Plzen receives 45 hours of full sun in the winter.
Kota Kinabalu gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Kota Kinabalu usually receives more rain than Plzen. Kota Kinabalu gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Plzen receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKota Kinabalu 26°C (79°F)Plzen -1°C (31°F)
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Plzen in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Kota Kinabalu as well as Plzen. Kota Kinabalu attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the spring, Kota Kinabalu is much warmer than Plzen. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kota Kinabalu in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Plzen averages at about 11°C (51°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kota Kinabalu this time of the year. In the spring, Kota Kinabalu often gets more sunshine than Plzen. Kota Kinabalu gets 237 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plzen receives 164 hours of full sun.
Kota Kinabalu receives a lot of rain in the spring. Kota Kinabalu usually gets more rain in April than Plzen. Kota Kinabalu gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Plzen receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKota Kinabalu 28°C (82°F)Plzen 11°C (51°F)
Typical Weather for Plzen and Kota Kinabalu
| Kota Kinabalu | Plzen | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) | -1°C (31°F) | 25 mm (1 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (80°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 291 mm (11.5 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 255 mm (10 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 285 mm (11.2 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 336 mm (13.2 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 298 mm (11.7 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 23 mm (0.9 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.