Which place is cheaper, Kota Kinabalu or Paphos?
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 Paphos or Kota Kinabalu?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Paphos 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: Paphos or Kota Kinabalu?
Paphos
Located on the southwestern tip of Cyprus, Paphos has many different archaeological sights and it is renowned as the birthplace of the Greek goddess Aphrodite. The town is situated between the coast and the Troodos Mountains and it has grown in recent years as a tourist destination. As such, the local government has made efforts to improve the quality of the tourism infrastructure including investing in hotels, restaurants and transportation. There is also a commercial center to the city as well as a newly built "promenade" that travels from the marina along a long coastal path. This route offers excellent views, especially during the morning or evening hours when the sun is low.
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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Cyprus, The Best Tours for Seniors to Cyprus, The Best Luxury Tours to Malaysia, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Malaysia.
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Paphos Prices
Cyprus PricesKota Kinabalu Prices
Malaysia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPaphos €125Kota Kinabalu €57
The average daily cost (per person) in Paphos is €125, while the average daily cost in Kota Kinabalu is €57. 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 Paphos and Kota Kinabalu in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPaphos €48Kota Kinabalu €17
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPaphos €96Kota Kinabalu €34
Compare Hotels in Paphos and Kota Kinabalu
Looking for a hotel in Paphos 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: Paphos Hotel Prices and Kota Kinabalu Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Paphos €12Kota Kinabalu €21
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Paphos
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Paphos:
- Shared shuttle transfer from Hotels to Paphos Airport: $17
- Blue Lagoon Boat Cruise with Bus Transfer: $30
- Blue Lagoon Sunset Cruise from Paphos with Transfers: $30
- Paphos Blue Lagoon Cruise: Slide, Music & Hotel Transfer: $34
- Blue Lagoon cruise: giant slide, music & Paphos hotel transfers: $35
- Blue Lagoon Boat Cruise with Bus Transfer from Paphos: $42
- Blue Lagoon Pafos to Latchi, bus transfer+ Boat trip H/D: $42
- Paphos to Paphos Int Airport (PFO) - Departure Private Transfer: $43
- Blue Lagoon trip with Transfer from Paphos including 1 hour swim : $45
- Blue Lagoon: 3 Hours Afternoon Cruise with transfer from Paphos: $46
- Private Airport Transfer from Hotel to Paphos Airport in a 4-seater taxi: $46
- Private Transfer from Paphos Airport to Paphos City: $51
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kota Kinabalu
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kota Kinabalu:
- Borneo to Kota Kinabalu Airport(BKI) - Departure Private Transfer: $38
- Kota Kinab Airport to Kota Kinabalu - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $48
- Kota Kinabalu Airport (BKI) Private Transfer to Kota Kinabalu: $13
- Kota Kinabalu Airport (BKI) to Borneo - Arrival Private Transfer: $38
- Kota Kinabalu Airport BKI to Borneo - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $76
- Kota Kinabalu Hotel to Jetty Round Trip Transfer: $53
- Kota Kinabalu to Kota Kinab Airport: Departure Private Transfer: $24
- Kota Kinabalu（BKI）: Private Transfer to City Center: $14
- Malaysia: Sabah Airport Transfer: $14
- 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
Is it cheaper to fly into Paphos or Kota Kinabalu?
Prices for flights to both Kota Kinabalu and Paphos 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 dayPaphos €65Kota Kinabalu €25
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Paphos
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Paphos.
- From Sunset Drink at Aphrodite's Rock & Folk Dinner: $62
- Wave Dancer Fireworks, Buffet Dinner & Show Cruise: $73
- Cyprus: Cooking Class-Mousaka, Tzatziki & Greek Salad: $88
- Moussaka Cooking Class at a Wine Village Villa in Paphos: $226
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.Paphos €12Kota Kinabalu €5.46
Tours and Activities in Paphos
Here are a few actual costs in Paphos for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Blue Lagoon Mediterranean One Boat Cruise from Latchi: $21
- Pafos Zoo Ticket: $22
- The Yellow Glass-Bottom Boat Cruise Swim & Snorkel: $23
- Paphos Sunset Cruise Swim Snorkel & Jump into the Golden Hour : $24
- From Limassol Experience: $29
- Latchi to Blue Lagoon Glass Bottom+slide Boat Tour: $30
- Blue Lagoon Cruise with Sightseeing from Latchi Harbour : $30
- Nafsika II Half Day Cruise Swimming to blue lagoon water slide : $30
- Latchi Blue Lagoon Cruise: $36
- Akamas, Baths of Aphrodite and Blue Lagoon Day Tour: $41
- Turtle Watching Cruise,Snorkelling Adventure &Sunset: $41
- Yellow Submarine Swim Cruise with Unlimited Drinks: $41
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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPaphos €9.98Kota Kinabalu €6.10
Sample the Local Flavors in Paphos
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Paphos:
- Afternoon Tour to Agios Neophytos Monastery with Wine Tasting: $44
- Paphos - Troodos Mountains 4x4 Tour with Free Wine Tasting: $70
- Troodos Mountains Jeep Tour with Wine Tasting: $73
- Wine tasting on-board the Demetris Chara BBQboat BlueLagoon tours: $89
- Local Wineries Tour with Wine Tastings: $111
- Troodos Mountains Vino Venture: All Inclusive Full Day Wine Tour: $138
- Private Wine Tour with Tastings and Winery Visits: $762
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Paphos and Kota Kinabalu, we can see that Paphos is more expensive. And not only is Kota Kinabalu much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Paphos is in Europe and Kota Kinabalu is in Asia, 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 Paphos would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Paphos 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 Paphos Expensive? and Is Kota Kinabalu Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Paphos or Kota Kinabalu?
Kota Kinabalu has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Paphos. When comparing the sizes of Paphos 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 Paphos or Kota Kinabalu?
Paphos 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 Paphos or Kota Kinabalu in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Paphos and Kota Kinabalu. Many visitors come to Paphos in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Kota Kinabalu attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In July, Paphos is generally around the same temperature as Kota Kinabalu. Daily temperatures in Paphos average around 27°C (80°F), and Kota Kinabalu fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kota Kinabalu this time of the year. In Paphos, it's very sunny this time of the year. Paphos usually receives more sunshine than Kota Kinabalu during summer. Paphos gets 388 hours of sunny skies, while Kota Kinabalu receives 205 hours of full sun in the summer.
Kota Kinabalu receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Paphos usually receives less rain than Kota Kinabalu. Paphos gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Kota Kinabalu receives 255 mm (10 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPaphos 27°C (80°F)Kota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Paphos or Kota Kinabalu in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Paphos as well as Kota Kinabalu. Most visitors come to Paphos for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kota Kinabalu throughout the year.
Paphos is cooler than Kota Kinabalu in the autumn. The daily temperature in Paphos averages around 21°C (70°F) in October, and Kota Kinabalu fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Paphos this time of the year. In the autumn, Paphos often gets more sunshine than Kota Kinabalu. Paphos gets 270 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kota Kinabalu receives 192 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Kota Kinabalu. Paphos usually gets less rain in October than Kota Kinabalu. Paphos gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Kota Kinabalu receives 336 mm (13.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPaphos 21°C (70°F)Kota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Paphos or Kota Kinabalu in the Winter?
Both Kota Kinabalu and Paphos are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Paphos because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Plenty of visitors come to Kota Kinabalu because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the winter, Paphos is much colder than Kota Kinabalu. Typically, the winter temperatures in Paphos in January average around 12°C (53°F), and Kota Kinabalu averages at about 26°C (79°F).
Paphos usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kota Kinabalu during winter. Paphos gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Kota Kinabalu receives 181 hours of full sun in the winter.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Kota Kinabalu. In January, Paphos usually receives less rain than Kota Kinabalu. Paphos gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Kota Kinabalu receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPaphos 12°C (53°F)Kota Kinabalu 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Paphos or Kota Kinabalu in the Spring?
Both Kota Kinabalu and Paphos during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Paphos this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kota Kinabalu year-round.
In April, Paphos is generally much colder than Kota Kinabalu. Daily temperatures in Paphos average around 17°C (62°F), and Kota Kinabalu fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
In Kota Kinabalu, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Paphos. In the spring, Paphos often gets more sunshine than Kota Kinabalu. Paphos gets 270 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kota Kinabalu receives 237 hours of full sun.
Kota Kinabalu gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Paphos usually gets less rain in April than Kota Kinabalu. Paphos gets 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Kota Kinabalu receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPaphos 17°C (62°F)Kota Kinabalu 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Kota Kinabalu and Paphos
| Paphos | Kota Kinabalu | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (53°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) |
| Feb | 12°C (54°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Mar | 13°C (56°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (62°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) |
| May | 20°C (69°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (75°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 291 mm (11.5 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (80°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (80°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 285 mm (11.2 in) |
| Oct | 21°C (70°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 336 mm (13.2 in) |
| Nov | 17°C (62°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 298 mm (11.7 in) |
| Dec | 13°C (56°F) | 76 mm (3 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.