Kota Kinabalu's 2026 population is now estimated at 573,372. In 2020, the population of Kota Kinabalu was 500,400. Kota Kinabalu has grown by 13,341 in the last year, which represents a 2.38% annual change. These population values and projections come from Malaysia district population 2020 adjusted census baseline (DOSM OpenDOSM), Malaysia district population 2021 to 2024 official estimates (DOSM OpenDOSM) and World Population Review Internal Projections .
| City | 2026 Pop. ↓ | Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Petaling | 2,389,126 | 0.62% |
| Kuala Lumpur | 2,111,536 | 1.06% |
| Johor Bahru | 1,846,586 | 1.29% |
| Ulu Langat | 1,568,081 | 1.97% |
| Klang | 1,223,344 | 2.04% |
| Gombak | 999,678 | 0.98% |
| Kinta | 940,702 | 0.94% |
| Seremban | 722,964 | 0.72% |
| Central Malacca | 648,015 | 1.41% |
| Kuching | 633,664 | 0.67% |
| Kota Bharu | 598,202 | 1.23% |
| Kuala Muda | 585,269 | 1.21% |
| Kuantan | 583,223 | 1.04% |
| Northeast Penang | 576,962 | 0.62% |
| Kota Kinabalu | 573,372 | 2.38% |
| Sandakan | 534,785 | 3.48% |
| Batu Pahat | 517,973 | 0.74% |
| Central Seberang Perai | 454,068 | 1.22% |
| Tawau | 435,797 | 2.65% |
| Kota Setar | 385,536 | 0.49% |
