Largest Cities in Sabah

Top 28 cities ranked by largest cities

Largest Cities Smallest Cities Most Dense Least Dense Highest Income Lowest Income Lowest Unemployment Highest Unemployment Lowest Poverty Highest Poverty Highest Rent Lowest Rent Most Educated Youngest Cities Oldest Cities Safest Cities Highest Crime Warmest Cities Coldest Cities Rainiest Cities Driest Cities

All Countries · Malaysia · Sabah

Largest Cities — Sabah

1 Kota Kinabalu 500,421

2 Sandakan 439,050

3 Tawau 372,615

4 Lahad Datu 105,622

5 Putatan 78,340

6 Donggongon 78,086

7 Keningau 77,650

8 Semporna 62,641

9 Bandar Labuan 54,752

10 Sipitang 39,300

11 Petagas 35,844

12 Kudat 32,393

13 Bandar Nabawan 31,807

14 Tambunan 29,294

15 Kuala Penyu 24,200

16 Ranau 19,294

17 Papar 19,278

18 Beaufort 15,855

19 Kinarut 15,716

20 Kampung Kunak 13,823

21 Kota Belud 12,825

22 Kobang 11,682

23 Kampung Kundassang 11,251

24 Kinabatangan 10,256

25 Taman Rajawali 10,000

26 Bandau 8,716

27 Bongawan 5,594

28 Tenom 5,148

The largest cities in Sabah represent major centers of economic activity, cultural influence, and population growth. Kota Kinabalu leads with a population of 500,421, followed by Sandakan and Tawau. These cities serve as hubs for employment, education, and innovation, attracting residents from across the country and around the world.

Population size is a key indicator of a city's economic influence and infrastructure capacity. Larger cities typically offer more diverse job markets, extensive public transit systems, and a wider range of cultural amenities. 16 dominates the top 10 with 10 cities on the list, reflecting the state's strong economic pull and quality of life.

While large populations bring economic advantages, they also present challenges including higher costs of living, traffic congestion, and housing affordability concerns. Many of these cities have experienced significant growth over the past decade, driven by job opportunities in technology, healthcare, and professional services.

Did You Know?

1. Kota Kinabalu's population is larger than that of many small nations.
2. 16 has 10 cities in the top 10, more than any other state.
3. The top 5 cities combined have a population of 1,496,048.

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