Which place is cheaper, Rotorua 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 Rotorua?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Rotorua? 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 Rotorua?
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.
Rotorua
Located on the banks of Lake Rotorua, Rotorua is famous as the thermal wonderland of New Zealand. The area has a variety of geothermal sights, but it is also close to several lakes and has more traditional activities as well, including fishing, boating and white water rafting.
Rotorua is located in the Taupo Volcanic Zone, which is the largest volcano in the area. There are four major volcanic calderas that now have lakes, and several other volcanoes in the area. Rotorua sits on top of a thermal hot spring, and there are many vents and hot pools throughout the area. Many of the hot pools and sights are located within parks, with some of the best being Waimangu Volcanic Valley, Rainbow Springs Nature Park, and Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland.
Rotorua has a warm, temperate climate. Because of the area's inland location, it has less wind than many places in New Zealand. Temperatures during the winter months can fall to below freezing, but snow is incredibly rare.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Malaysia, The Best Tours for Seniors to Malaysia, The Best 2-Week Tours in New Zealand, and The Best Bicycle Tours in New Zealand.
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Kota Kinabalu Prices
Malaysia PricesRotorua Prices
New Zealand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKota Kinabalu $68Rotorua $114
The average daily cost (per person) in Kota Kinabalu is $68, while the average daily cost in Rotorua is $114. 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 Rotorua in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKota Kinabalu $21Rotorua $48
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKota Kinabalu $42Rotorua $96
Compare Hotels in Kota Kinabalu and Rotorua
Looking for a hotel in Kota Kinabalu or Rotorua? 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 Rotorua Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kota Kinabalu $25Rotorua $4.99
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kota Kinabalu
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kota Kinabalu:
- Transfer from Kota Kinabalu Airport BKI to Kota Kinabalu Port: $25
- Stand Up Paddle Boarding with Sunrise/Sunset Tour at Kota Kinabalu with transfer: $32
- Private Transfer: Kota Kinabalu International Airport to/from Hotel: $20
- Private Transfer- Kota Kinabalu Port to Kota Kinabalu Airport BKI: $25
- Private Transfer- Kota Kinabalu Airport BKI to Kota Kinabalu Port: $25
- Private Transfer from Kota Kinabalu Port to Kota Kinabalu hotels: $25
- Private Transfer from Kota Kinabalu Hotels to Kota Kinabalu Port: $25
- Private Arrival Transfer : Kota Kinabalu International Airport: $30
- Kota Kinabalu（BKI）: Private Transfer to City Center: $14
- Kota Kinabalu to Kota Kinab Airport: Departure Private Transfer: $24
- Kota Kinabalu Hotel to Jetty Round Trip Transfer: $53
- Kota Kinabalu Airport BKI to Borneo - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $77
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rotorua
Also for Rotorua, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Rotorua to Auckland Afternoon Transfer with Waitomo Glow Worms: $194
Is it cheaper to fly into Kota Kinabalu or Rotorua?
Prices for flights to both Rotorua 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 $30Rotorua $50
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rotorua
For Rotorua, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Mitai Maori Village: Cultural Experience and Dinner Buffet: $98
- Te Puia: Te Pō Indigenous Evening Experience - Haka + Dinner: $113
- Te Puia: Te Pō Indigenous Evening Experience with Dinner: $117
- Lake Rotoiti Evening Kayak Tour including Hot Springs, Glowworm Caves and BBQ Dinner: $130
- Te Pa Tu Māori Cultural Experience with Dinner: $156
- Te Puia: Te Pō Indigenous Combo - Tour, Dinner + Haka: $161
- Evening Starlight Gourmet Kayak Tour with dinner: $202
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kota Kinabalu $6.43Rotorua $34
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 Rotorua
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Rotorua's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Lunch Out for Two$27
Tours and Activities in Rotorua
For Rotorua, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Mini Golf Experience: $12
- Whaka Geothermal Trails Self-Guided Tour: $25
- Jade Carving Experience at a Local Studio: $26
- Mountain Jade Highlights Tour: $27
- Whakarewarewa Village Guided Tour: $28
- Whakarewarewa Village Guided Tour: $29
- Geothermal Mineral Baths Experience: Pavilion Pools for 12+: $29
- Geothermal Adults Only Mineral Bathing - Pavilion Pools Bathing Ticket: $30
- Authentic Kiwi Farm Experience at the Agrodome: $34
- Waimangu Volcanic Valley Ticket & Self-Guided Walk: $38
- The National Kiwi Hatchery Kiwi Encounter Tour: $38
- Waimangu Volcanic Valley Entry Ticket: $38
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKota Kinabalu $7.18Rotorua $12
Typical Alcohol Prices in Rotorua
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Rotorua:
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Bottle of Wine$11
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kota Kinabalu and Rotorua, we can see that Rotorua 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 Rotorua 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 Rotorua would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rotorua 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 Rotorua Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kota Kinabalu or Rotorua?
Kota Kinabalu has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Rotorua. When comparing the sizes of Kota Kinabalu and Rotorua, 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 Rotorua?
Rotorua 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 Rotorua in the Summer?
Both Rotorua and Kota Kinabalu during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Kota Kinabalu because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, most visitors come to Rotorua for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
Kota Kinabalu is much warmer than Rotorua in the summer. The daily temperature in Kota Kinabalu averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Rotorua fluctuates around 12°C (54°F)in January.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Kota Kinabalu. Kota Kinabalu usually gets more rain in July than Rotoruain January. Kota Kinabalu gets 255 mm (10 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryKota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)Rotorua 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Rotorua in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Kota Kinabalu and Rotorua. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kota Kinabalu year-round. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Rotorua because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Kota Kinabalu is much warmer than Rotorua. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kota Kinabalu in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Rotorua averages at about 16°C (61°F)in April.
Kota Kinabalu gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Kota Kinabalu usually receives more rain than Rotoruain April. Kota Kinabalu gets 336 mm (13.2 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilKota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)Rotorua 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Rotorua in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Kota Kinabalu as well as Rotorua. Kota Kinabalu attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Rotorua this time of year.
In January, Kota Kinabalu is generally around the same temperature as Rotoruain July. Daily temperatures in Kota Kinabalu average around 26°C (79°F), and Rotorua fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
Kota Kinabalu receives a lot of rain in the winter. Kota Kinabalu usually gets more rain in January than Rotoruain July. Kota Kinabalu gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyKota Kinabalu 26°C (79°F)Rotorua 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Rotorua in the Spring?
Both Rotorua and Kota Kinabalu are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kota Kinabalu throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Rotorua for the natural beauty.
Kota Kinabalu is a little warmer than Rotorua in the spring. The daily temperature in Kota Kinabalu averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Rotorua fluctuates around 19°C (66°F)in October.
It's quite rainy in Kota Kinabalu. In April, Kota Kinabalu usually receives more rain than Rotoruain October. Kota Kinabalu gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberKota Kinabalu 28°C (82°F)Rotorua 19°C (66°F)
Typical Weather for Rotorua and Kota Kinabalu
| Kota Kinabalu | Rotorua | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (80°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 291 mm (11.5 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 255 mm (10 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 285 mm (11.2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 336 mm (13.2 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 298 mm (11.7 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 41 mm (1.6 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.