Which place is cheaper, Kota Kinabalu or Nakhon Ratchasima?
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 Nakhon Ratchasima or Kota Kinabalu?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Nakhon Ratchasima or Kota Kinabalu, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Nakhon Ratchasima or Kota Kinabalu?
Nakhon Ratchasima
If you're planning on traveling from Bangkok to Isaan, you'll likely make Nakhon Ratchasima your pit stop or home base. However, there is so much more to this sprawling metropolis than just a layover. Underneath the chaos of it all, is a charming and traditional Thai city.
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 for Seniors to Thailand, The Best Contiki Tours to Thailand, The Best Luxury Tours to Malaysia, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Malaysia.
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Nakhon Ratchasima Prices
Thailand PricesKota Kinabalu Prices
Malaysia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNakhon Ratchasima $58Kota Kinabalu $68
The average daily cost (per person) in Nakhon Ratchasima is $58, 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 Nakhon Ratchasima and Kota Kinabalu in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNakhon Ratchasima $22Kota Kinabalu $21
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNakhon Ratchasima $44Kota Kinabalu $42
Compare Hotels in Nakhon Ratchasima and Kota Kinabalu
Looking for a hotel in Nakhon Ratchasima 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: Nakhon Ratchasima Hotel Prices and Kota Kinabalu Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Nakhon Ratchasima $5.19Kota Kinabalu $25
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Nakhon Ratchasima
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Nakhon Ratchasima:
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Tuk Tuk$1.57
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Bus to Vientiane$1.57
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
Is it cheaper to fly into Nakhon Ratchasima or Kota Kinabalu?
Prices for flights to both Kota Kinabalu and Nakhon Ratchasima 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 dayNakhon Ratchasima $30Kota Kinabalu $30
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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Nakhon Ratchasima $6.68Kota Kinabalu $6.43
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 Optional Ticket: $143
- 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 dayNakhon Ratchasima $12Kota Kinabalu $7.18
When comparing the travel costs between Nakhon Ratchasima and Kota Kinabalu, we can see that Kota Kinabalu is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Nakhon Ratchasima Expensive? and Is Kota Kinabalu Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Nakhon Ratchasima or Kota Kinabalu?
Kota Kinabalu has a larger population, and is about 457330 times larger than the population of Nakhon Ratchasima. When comparing the sizes of Nakhon Ratchasima 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 Nakhon Ratchasima 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 Nakhon Ratchasima or Kota Kinabalu in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Nakhon Ratchasima as well as Kota Kinabalu. Nakhon Ratchasima attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kota Kinabalu throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Kota Kinabalu. Nakhon Ratchasima receives a lot of rain in the summer. Nakhon Ratchasima usually gets less rain in July than Kota Kinabalu. Nakhon Ratchasima gets 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Kota Kinabalu receives 255 mm (10 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the summer, Nakhon Ratchasima is around the same temperature as Kota Kinabalu. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nakhon Ratchasima in July average around 30°C (86°F), and Kota Kinabalu averages at about 27°C (81°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyNakhon Ratchasima 30°C (86°F)Kota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Nakhon Ratchasima or Kota Kinabalu in the Autumn?
Both Kota Kinabalu and Nakhon Ratchasima are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Nakhon Ratchasima 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. It's quite rainy in Nakhon Ratchasima. In October, Nakhon Ratchasima usually receives less rain than Kota Kinabalu. Nakhon Ratchasima gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Kota Kinabalu receives 336 mm (13.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
In October, Nakhon Ratchasima is generally around the same temperature as Kota Kinabalu. Daily temperatures in Nakhon Ratchasima average around 28°C (82°F), and Kota Kinabalu fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberNakhon Ratchasima 28°C (82°F)Kota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Nakhon Ratchasima or Kota Kinabalu in the Winter?
Both Kota Kinabalu and Nakhon Ratchasima during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Nakhon Ratchasima 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. Nakhon Ratchasima usually gets less rain in January than Kota Kinabalu. Nakhon Ratchasima gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Kota Kinabalu receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
Nakhon Ratchasima is around the same temperature as Kota Kinabalu in the winter. The daily temperature in Nakhon Ratchasima averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Kota Kinabalu fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryNakhon Ratchasima 25°C (77°F)Kota Kinabalu 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Nakhon Ratchasima or Kota Kinabalu in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Nakhon Ratchasima and Kota Kinabalu. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Nakhon Ratchasima year-round. Kota Kinabalu attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Kota Kinabalu receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Nakhon Ratchasima usually receives less rain than Kota Kinabalu. Nakhon Ratchasima gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Kota Kinabalu receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
The heat can be very extreme in Nakhon Ratchasima. In the spring, Nakhon Ratchasima is a little warmer than Kota Kinabalu. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nakhon Ratchasima in April average around 31°C (89°F), and Kota Kinabalu averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilNakhon Ratchasima 31°C (89°F)Kota Kinabalu 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Kota Kinabalu and Nakhon Ratchasima
| Nakhon Ratchasima | Kota Kinabalu | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Mar | 30°C (86°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (89°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (87°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 291 mm (11.5 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (86°F) | 123 mm (4.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Aug | 30°C (85°F) | 128 mm (5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 244 mm (9.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 285 mm (11.2 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 336 mm (13.2 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 298 mm (11.7 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (76°F) | 4 mm (0.2 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.