Which place is cheaper, Penang or Alexandria?
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 Alexandria or Penang?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Alexandria and Penang can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Alexandria or Penang?
Alexandria
There are few cities in the world with a history as rich, deep, tragic and fascinating than Alexandria, Egypt. Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC, Egypt's second largest city has seen the most extreme ups and extreme downs. The city watched the beautiful and iconic Alexandria Lighthouse crumble to the ground after several natural disasters. The Alexandria Library housed their most sacred and historical documents only to be burned to the ground. These structures may be physically gone, but the history remains. Alexandria is a city with an ancient allure that draws in visitors from all over the world. Alexandria is a survivor city ready for a comeback.
Penang
Just off the northwestern coast of Malaysia is the charming and diverse island state of Penang. As the link between the ancient kingdoms of Asia and Europe's colonial empire, this area is enriched with Malay, Chinese, Indian and European influences. This exciting culture is centered in George Town, the main city of the state.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Egypt, The Best Budget Tours to Egypt, The Best 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia.
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Alexandria Prices
Egypt PricesPenang Prices
Malaysia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAlexandria $28Penang $147
The average daily cost (per person) in Alexandria is $28, while the average daily cost in Penang is $147. 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 Alexandria and Penang in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAlexandria $10Penang $56
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAlexandria $20Penang $112
Compare Hotels in Alexandria and Penang
Looking for a hotel in Alexandria or Penang? 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: Alexandria Hotel Prices and Penang Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Alexandria $3.73Penang $14
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Alexandria
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Alexandria:
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Taxi to Train Station$0.08
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Alexandria
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Alexandria:
- Alexandria Airport (HBE)to Alexandria-Round-Trip Private Transfer: $70
- Alexandria Airport Arrival Transfer: $24
- Alexandria to Alexandria Airport (HBE)-Departure Private Transfer: $35
- From Private One-Way Transfer to Cairo: $94
- Private Airport Transfer in Alexandria: $21
- Private One Way Transfer from Alexandria Hotels to Cairo and Giza Hotels: $80
- Private Transfer Alexandria to Cairo Hotel or Airport: $99
- Private Transfer From Alexandria To Cairo Airport: $240
- Private Transfer from Alexandria Hotels to Alexandria Airport: $30
- Private Transfer from Alexandria Port to Alexandria City Hotels: $42
- Private Transfer from Alexandria Port to Cairo Int Airport (CAI): $224
- Private Transfer from Alexandria to Cairo in Egypt or vice versa: $121
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Penang
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Penang:
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Local Bus$1.45
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Island Ferry$0.58
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Bus From Airport to George Town$0.65
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Taxi From Airport to George Town$11
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Motorbike Rental (One Day)$7.25
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Bicycle Rental (One Day)$2.42
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Penang
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Penang:
- Chauffeur: Penang Island to Singapore Van Transfer: $146
- Penang Airport (PEN) to Penang Island - Arrival Private transfer: $19
- Penang Airport (PEN) to Swettenham Port - Round-Trip Transfer: $44
- Penang Airport Arrival Transfer: $21
- Penang Airport Transfer: $15
- Penang Airport Transfer ( 24/7): $59
- Penang Airport Transfer - Arrival or Departure: $37
- Penang City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur Hotels 1-way Transfer: $125
- Penang City to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $107
- Penang City to Kuala Lumpur City One-way Transfer: $140
- Penang Hotel to Airport Departure Transfer: $23
- Penang Island hotels to Swettenham Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $56
Is it cheaper to fly into Alexandria or Penang?
Prices for flights to both Penang and Alexandria 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 dayAlexandria $14Penang $66
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Alexandria
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Alexandria.
- Half-Day Food Tour in Alexandria, Egypt: $20
- Alexandria Food Tour Top Rated: $40
- Food Tour in Alexandria for Lunch or Dinner in The Best Restaurants: $45
- Alexandria food Tour taste the Egyptian traditional food: $56
- From Giza: Sound&light show, Giza pyramids and Dinner on the Nile: $94
- GEM and Pyramids Tour with Cruise Dinner From Alexandria Port: $120
Typical Food Prices in Penang
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Penang:
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Snack$1.93
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Dinner at The Suffolk House (for 2)$83
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Lunch at Sakae Sushi (for 2)$70
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Lassy Juice$1.69
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Dinner for 2$3.63
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Street Stall Food$0.68
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$4.59
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Italian Lunch (for Two)$12
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Penang
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Penang.
- Penang Food Tour : A Feast That Taste Like History : 17+ Tasting: $48
- Good Morning Penang Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $49
- Penang Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $49
- Private Half-Day Hawker Trails Food Tour in George Town: $51
- Local Street Food Tour in Georgetown Penang: $62
- Penang Food Tour - Georgetown: $62
- Eat Like A Local: Penang Street Food Tour: $64
- 3-Hour Heritage on a Plate Dinner Hop in George Town Penang: $65
- Authentic Local Food Tour with Scenic Walk: $89
- Malay Culinary Journey Cooking Class for the Adventurous Foodie: $92
- Penang Cooking Class:Dive into Malaysian Cuisine with PenangChiak: $94
- Private Half Day Penang Tasty Local Street Food Tour: $99
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Alexandria $5.21Penang $56
Tours and Activities in Alexandria
Here are a few actual costs in Alexandria for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Tour to The Qaitbay Citadel in Alexandria: $19
- Group Tour to the landmarks of Alexandria from Alexandria city: $20
- Half Day Tour to Bibliotheca Alexandrina: $22
- Alexandria Walking Tour-Walk Like Egyptian: $23
- Catacombs of kom el shoqafa Guided Walking Tour: $30
- Graeco Roman Museum Guided Walking Tour by a Storyteller: $35
- Guided City Walking Tour: $35
- Private Alexandria Highlights Guided Day Tour: $35
- Alexandria by night private tour by horse carriage ride: $35
- Rosetta Day Tour from Alexandria Islamic architecture: $37
- Alexandria Day Tour Visit the Tob attractions of Alexandria City: $40
- Alexandria Library Exclusive Guided Walking Tour: $40
Typical Entertainment Prices in Penang
Here are a few typical costs in Penang for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Butterfly Gardens$7.49
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Trishaw Tour (One Hour)$7.25
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Fort Cornwallis Entrance$0.48
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Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi Entrance$2.42
Tours and Activities in Penang
Here are a few actual costs in Penang for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Guided Tour of Cheong Fatt Tze's Blue Mansion in George Town: $6.35
- Tech Dome Entrance Ticket: $6.92
- Tropical Spice Garden Entrance Ticket & Guided Tours: $8.15
- The Vanilla Village Farm Tour by Kairos: $9.39
- Penang Hill Funicular Ticket - Non-Malaysian: $11
- Malaysia: Penang Habitat Entry Ticket: $15
- Malaysia: Discover Nature's Wonders with Entopia Entry Ticket: $16
- The Top Komtar Penang Observation Deck and Rainbow Skywalk Ticket: $21
- Entopia Penang Admission Ticket: $22
- Penang Rainbow Skywalk at The Top Komtar Observation Deck Tickets: $22
- Half-Day Penang Countryside Cycling Tour: $33
- Rise of World Heritage City Penang Walking Heritage Tour: $40
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAlexandria $1.41Penang $18
Typical Alcohol Prices in Penang
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Penang:
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Beer$1.93
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Alexandria and Penang, we can see that Penang is more expensive. And not only is Alexandria much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Alexandria is in Africa and Penang 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 Alexandria would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Alexandria 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 Penang would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Penang than you might in Alexandria.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Alexandria Expensive? and Is Penang Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Alexandria or Penang?
Alexandria has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Penang. When comparing the sizes of Alexandria and Penang, 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 Alexandria or Penang?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Alexandria or Penang in the Summer?
Both Penang and Alexandria are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Alexandria throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Penang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Penang. In July, Alexandria usually receives less rain than Penang. Alexandria gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Penang receives 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
Alexandria is around the same temperature as Penang in the summer. The daily temperature in Alexandria averages around 26°C (79°F) in July, and Penang fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAlexandria 26°C (79°F)Penang 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Alexandria or Penang in the Autumn?
Both Penang and Alexandria during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Alexandria because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Penang year-round.
Penang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Alexandria usually gets less rain in October than Penang. Alexandria gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Penang receives 340 mm (13.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the autumn, Alexandria is cooler than Penang. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Alexandria in October average around 22°C (72°F), and Penang averages at about 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAlexandria 22°C (72°F)Penang 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Alexandria or Penang in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Alexandria and Penang. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Alexandria year-round. Penang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Alexandria usually receives less rain than Penang. Alexandria gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Penang receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In January, Alexandria is generally much colder than Penang. Daily temperatures in Alexandria average around 13°C (55°F), and Penang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAlexandria 13°C (55°F)Penang 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Alexandria or Penang in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Alexandria as well as Penang. Alexandria attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Penang throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Penang. Alexandria usually gets less rain in April than Penang. Alexandria gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Penang receives 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
Alexandria is cooler than Penang in the spring. The daily temperature in Alexandria averages around 19°C (66°F) in April, and Penang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAlexandria 19°C (66°F)Penang 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Penang and Alexandria
| Alexandria | Penang | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 13°C (55°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 16°C (61°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Apr | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) |
| May | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) |
| Jun | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Jul | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 330 mm (13 in) |
| Oct | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 340 mm (13.4 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) |
| Dec | 14°C (57°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 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.