Which place is cheaper, Nanjing or Sandakan?
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 Sandakan or Nanjing?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Sandakan or Nanjing? 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: Sandakan or Nanjing?
Sandakan
Located on the Northeast side of the state of Sabah in Borneo is the city of Sandakan, which is the 2nd largest city in the country. Sandakan was a prosperous port town in the 1800s because of its exports of tobacco, timber, pearls, and ivory. However, this booming town that was formerly the administrative capital in North Borneo was bombed practically out of existence at the end of World War II.
Nanjing
Nanjing is the capital city of the Jiangsu Province on the central eastern coast of China, just north of Shanghai. This historically and culturally rich city lies at the lower end of the Yangtze river, resulting in lush and scenic landscapes. Nanjing is well-known for having many popular historical sites, some of which have been listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites.
For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Malaysia, The Best Adventure Tours to Malaysia, The Best Historical Tours in China, and The Best 10-Day Tours in China.
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Sandakan Prices
Malaysia PricesNanjing Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySandakan $81Nanjing $118
The average daily cost (per person) in Sandakan is $81, while the average daily cost in Nanjing is $118. 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 Sandakan and Nanjing in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSandakan $23Nanjing $47
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSandakan $46Nanjing $94
Compare Hotels in Sandakan and Nanjing
Looking for a hotel in Sandakan or Nanjing? 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: Sandakan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sandakan $37Nanjing $39
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sandakan
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Sandakan:
- Private 1Way Transfer to/from Sandakan Airport, City or Sepilok: $38
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nanjing
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nanjing:
- [Airport transfer] Nanjing Lukou International Airport ⇔ Nanjing city transfer ☆ High reputation for service! <Charter charter>: $27
- Nanjing Lukou Airport Chauffeur Service, Nanjing Airport Transfer, Pickup: $30
- Private Arrival Transfer to Nanjing City from Railway Station : $32
- Nanjing Railway Station Private Arrival Transfer to City Hotels: $35
- Tangshan Hot Spring Spa Resorts Private Transfer from Nanjing City : $44
- Private Departure Transfer from Nanjing City Center to Lukou Int'l Airport: $45
- Private Transfer to Nanjing Railway Station from Lukou Airport : $45
- Nanjing Lukou International Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Center: $45
- Private Nanjing Airport Transfer from City Hotels or Tangshan Hot Spring Resorts: $45
- Nanjing Airport (NKG) to Nanjing - Arrival Private Transfer : $45
- Private Nanjing Airport Transfer to City Center or Tangshan Hot Spring Resorts: $46
- Nanjing Downtown hotels to Lukou Intl Airport (NKG) - Departure Private Transfer: $47
Is it cheaper to fly into Sandakan or Nanjing?
Prices for flights to both Nanjing and Sandakan 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 daySandakan $36Nanjing $49
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sandakan
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Sandakan.
- Mangrove Cruise with Fireflies Tour Including Dinner from Sandakan: $64
- Sandakan : Fireflies and Mangrove Cruise with Dinner: $193
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nanjing
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Nanjing.
- 3-Hour Nanjing Authentic Local Food Tour by Public Transportation: $93
- Flexible Private Nanjing City Night Tour with Dinner Option : $112
- Private Amazing Nanjing Airport Layover Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $181
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sandakan $8.15Nanjing $9.41
Tours and Activities in Sandakan
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Sandakan are as follows:
- Private Tour: Half Day Sandakan City Tour Including Local Lunch: $60
- Private Sandakan City Must See 6 Highlights Tour with Guide & Car: $63
- From 7 Unmissable Local Stops Private Tour: $75
- Sukau Rainforest Wildlife and Dawn Cruises Tour in Sandakan: $83
- Borneo Kinabatangan River Cruise Day Trip: $88
- Sandakan Private City Tour Orangutan Sun Bears and Rainforest: $89
- Kinabatangan River Cruise from Sandakan: $90
- Sukau Rainforest Wildlife Journey & Dawn Cruises: $90
- Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre & Sepilok Orang Utan Rehab Centre Tour: $112
- Day Trip Sepilok Orang-utan And City Tour (Flight Excluded): $119
- Private Full Day Sepilok Orang Utan, Bornean Sun Bear and Rainforest Discovery Center Tour: $125
- Labuk Proboscis, Sepilok, Sun Bear, Sandakan City Tour & Lunch: $147
Tours and Activities in Nanjing
Here are a few actual costs in Nanjing for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Qixia Mountain Ticket for Adult: $20
- Night Cruise on Outer Qinhuai River for Adults: $20
- Flexible Private Nanjing Independent Tour : $63
- Nanjing Self-Guided Day Tour with Private Car and Driver Service: $72
- Nanjing Private English Tour Guide Service: $75
- Private Amazing Nanjing City Day Tour in Your Way: $75
- Nanjing Professional English Tour Guide Service: $91
- 3-Hour Local Food Tasting Tour: $93
- Nanjing Private Day Tour With Must-Visit Attractions: $100
- Half-Day Nanjing City Private Flexible Tour : $109
- 4-Hour Nanjing City Private Tailor-Made Tour in Your Way : $109
- 6-Hour Private Tour of Xiaoling Tomb,City Wall & Memorial Hall : $115
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySandakan $7.47Nanjing $9.61
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sandakan and Nanjing, we can see that Nanjing is more expensive. And not only is Sandakan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Sandakan would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sandakan 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 Nanjing would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nanjing than you might in Sandakan.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Sandakan Expensive? and Is Nanjing Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sandakan or Nanjing?
Nanjing has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Sandakan. When comparing the sizes of Sandakan and Nanjing, 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 Sandakan or Nanjing?
Nanjing has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Sandakan experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Sandakan or Nanjing in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Sandakan and Nanjing. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Sandakan year-round.
Sandakan is around the same temperature as Nanjing in the summer. The daily temperature in Sandakan averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Nanjing fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
Nanjing receives a lot of rain in the summer. Sandakan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Sandakan usually receives more rain than Nanjing. Sandakan gets 195 mm (7.7 in) of rain, while Nanjing receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySandakan 27°C (81°F)Nanjing 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Sandakan or Nanjing in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Sandakan as well as Nanjing. Sandakan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the autumn, Sandakan is much warmer than Nanjing. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Sandakan in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Nanjing averages at about 17°C (63°F).
Sandakan receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Sandakan usually gets more rain in October than Nanjing. Sandakan gets 253 mm (10 in) of rain, while Nanjing receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSandakan 28°C (82°F)Nanjing 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Sandakan or Nanjing in the Winter?
Both Nanjing and Sandakan are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Sandakan throughout the year.
Nanjing can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Sandakan is generally much warmer than Nanjing. Daily temperatures in Sandakan average around 26°C (80°F), and Nanjing fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).
It's quite rainy in Sandakan. In January, Sandakan usually receives more rain than Nanjing. Sandakan gets 437 mm (17.2 in) of rain, while Nanjing receives 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySandakan 26°C (80°F)Nanjing 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Sandakan or Nanjing in the Spring?
Both Nanjing and Sandakan during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Sandakan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Sandakan is much warmer than Nanjing in the spring. The daily temperature in Sandakan averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Nanjing fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).
Nanjing gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Sandakan. Sandakan usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Nanjing. Sandakan gets 107 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Nanjing receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSandakan 28°C (82°F)Nanjing 15°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Nanjing and Sandakan
| Sandakan | Nanjing | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (80°F) | 437 mm (17.2 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (80°F) | 268 mm (10.6 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 195 mm (7.7 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 174 mm (6.9 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 213 mm (8.4 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 253 mm (10 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 344 mm (13.5 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 462 mm (18.2 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 25 mm (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.