A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Amman vs. Penang for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Amman or Penang?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Amman and Penang. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Amman or Penang?

Amman

Amman is the largest city in of the Hashemite Kingdom of the country of Jordan. It is also the capital city of Jordan and has a population of over four million people. Many people use Amman as a base for venturing out into the rest of Jordan and other surrounding countries. There are many things to see and do in Amman.

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 Jordan, The Best Budget Tours to Jordan, The Best 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia.


Which place is cheaper, Penang or Amman?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Amman is $110, while the average daily cost in Penang is $103. 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 Amman and Penang in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Amman $49
    Penang $49
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Amman $98
    Penang $98
Compare Hotels in Amman and Penang

Looking for a hotel in Amman 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.

Hotels in Amman


Hotels in Penang


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: Amman Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Amman $24
    Penang $12
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Amman

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Amman:


  • Bus Ride (for Two)
    $0.71
  • RIde to Airport
    $28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Amman

Also for Amman, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Amman Airport to Amman Hotel : $20
  • Active Aqaba Private Transfer from to Amman or Airport or Dead Sea: $60
  • Airport Transfer To Dead Sea Hotel: $59
  • Airport Transfer to Any Hotel In Amman: $37
  • Airport Transfers Upon Arrival to Amman City: $68
  • Airport pickup or drop off transfer from or to Amman city: $23
  • Amman Airport (AMM) to Amman Hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $85
  • Amman Airport Private Arrival Transfer: $27
  • Amman Airport Transfer to/from Multi Destinations: $55
  • Amman Airport private Transfers From/To multi destinations : $24
  • Amman Airport: Private Transfer to Amman Hotels: $27
  • Amman Dead Sea Transfer: $110

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Penang

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Penang:


  • Local Bus
    $1.26
  • Island Ferry
    $0.50
  • Bus From Airport to George Town
    $0.57
  • Taxi From Airport to George Town
    $9.64
  • Motorbike Rental (One Day)
    $6.29
  • Bicycle Rental (One Day)
    $2.10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Penang

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Penang:

  • Swettenham Pier to Penang Airport(PEN)-Departure Private Transfer: $38
  • Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal: Transfer to Penang Island: $116
  • Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal, Penang to Kuala Lumpur Hotel (Door to Door) Transfer: $120
  • Swettenham Pier Cruise Port to Penang Island hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $38
  • Swettenham Cruise Port to Penang Island hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $76
  • Private Transfer: Penang International Airport to or from Hotel: $49
  • Private Transfer from Swettenham Cruise Terminal to Penang Island: $38
  • Private Transfer From Penang Airport to Town Area: $26
  • Private Transfer : Penang International Airport Departure: $13
  • Private Transfer - Swettenham Cruise Port to Penang Airport (PEN): $38
  • Private Penang Arrival transfer to Hotel: $12
  • Private Economy Penang Airport Transfer-Departure: $29

Is it cheaper to fly into Amman or Penang?

Prices for flights to both Penang and Amman 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Amman $34
    Penang $33
Typical Food Prices in Amman

For Amman, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Pastries
    $4.23
  • Tea
    $5.64

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Amman

For Amman, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Amman:Home resturant lunch and dinner: $37
  • Private Day or Night Amman Sightseeing - Optional Cooking or Wine Tasting Tour : $51
  • 3 course dinner with a sommelier: $56
  • Private Lunch or Dinner at a Local Traditional Restaurant in Amman: $71
  • Private Jordan Heritage Restaurant Lunch or Dinner Experience : $109
  • 3-Hours Guided Food Tour in Amman: $130
  • Private Jordan Heritage Restaurant Lunch or Dinner with Wine Experience : $173

Typical Food Prices in Penang

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Penang:


  • Snack
    $1.68
  • Dinner at The Suffolk House (for 2)
    $72
  • Lunch at Sakae Sushi (for 2)
    $61
  • Lassy Juice
    $1.47
  • Dinner for 2
    $3.14
  • Street Stall Food
    $0.59
  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    $3.98
  • Italian Lunch (for Two)
    $10

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Penang

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Penang.

  • Penang Food Tour - Georgetown: $62
  • Eat Like A Local: Penang Street Food Tour: $62
  • 3-Hour Heritage on a Plate Dinner Hop in George Town Penang: $65
  • Private Half Day Penang Tasty Local Street Food Tour: $87
  • 4-Hour Georgetown Food Tour: $88
  • Cooking Classes In Penang By Penang Chiak: $93
  • Private Dinner at THE TOP with Skywalk Experience from Penang: $103
  • Chef Samuel's Private Malaysian Cooking Class with Wet Market Tour: $116
  • Food Tour at Penang - Eat Like a Local, Feel Like a Local: $120
  • Experience Malaysia: Authentic Malaysia Cooking Tour: $121
  • Dinner at Penang Hill Including Train Ride: $141
  • Penang's Night Eat-Venture Vespa Food Tour: $160

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Amman $32
    Penang $49

Tours and Activities in Amman

For Amman, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • the apple bottom jeans experience 3: $1.14
  • Discover the hidden gems of Amman's Rainbow street on a self-guided audio tour: $5.00
  • JR The Wine Experience: $26
  • Amman Safe Tour: Authentic Cuisine, Local Experience & Souv.: $35
  • Private Sightseeing City Tour: $40
  • Amman : Must-See attractions Private walking tour: $43
  • History & Culture Immersion, City Tour Of Amman : $43
  • Half Day Private Tour to Iraq al-Amir (Qasr al-‘Abed): $45
  • Half Day Private tour to Dead Sea From Amman. : $50
  • Half Day Tour: Jerash From Amman.: $52
  • Downtown (Amman city) sightseeing 5 hours : $53
  • From Private Jerash, Ajloun Castle, and Umm Qais Tour: $53

Typical Entertainment Prices in Penang

Here are a few typical costs in Penang for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Butterfly Gardens
    $6.50
  • Trishaw Tour (One Hour)
    $6.29
  • Fort Cornwallis Entrance
    $0.42
  • Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi Entrance
    $2.10

Tours and Activities in Penang

Here are a few actual costs in Penang for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Penang City Temple Tour with Penang Hill(Fast Lane) & Kek Lok Si: $100
  • 4 Hour Food and Heritage Walking Tour in Penang George Town: $75
  • 4-Hour Heritage Walking Tour of Georgetown: $58
  • 6-Hours Penang Private Tour: $151
  • Admission Ticket for Dark Mansion Glow-in-the-Dark Museum in Penang: $8.80
  • Asia Camera Museum Admission Ticket: $5.38
  • Countryside Cycling Tour by Matahari: $82
  • Discover Georgetown Heritage Private Tour in Penang: $51
  • Discover Penang City Tour: $47
  • Discover Penang City in Amazing Tour: $82
  • Enjoy Hill & Temple Sightseeing Tour - Penang City: $68
  • Entopia Butterfly Farm & Tropical Spice Garden Tour: $81

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Amman $14
    Penang $15

Typical Alcohol Prices in Penang

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Penang:


  • Beer
    $1.68


When comparing the travel costs between Amman and Penang, we can see that Amman is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Amman is in Middle East and Penang is in Asia, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Amman Expensive? and Is Penang Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Amman or Penang?

Amman has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Penang. When comparing the sizes of Amman 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 Amman or Penang?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.

Should I visit Amman or Penang in the Summer?

Both Penang and Amman during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Amman 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. Amman usually gets less rain in July than Penang. Amman gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Penang receives 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Penang, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Amman. In the summer, Amman often gets more sunshine than Penang. Amman gets 364 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Penang receives 211 hours of full sun.

In the summer, Amman is around the same temperature as Penang. Typically, the summer temperatures in Amman in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Penang averages at about 27°C (81°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Amman 25°C (77°F) 
    Penang 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Amman or Penang in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Amman and Penang. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Amman year-round. Penang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Penang receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Amman usually receives less rain than Penang. Amman gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Penang receives 340 mm (13.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

In October, Amman is generally cooler than Penang. Daily temperatures in Amman average around 20°C (68°F), and Penang fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Amman 20°C (68°F) 
    Penang 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Amman or Penang in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Amman as well as Penang. Amman attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Penang throughout the year.

Amman receives a lot of rain in the winter. Amman usually gets more rain in January than Penang. Amman gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Penang receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Amman is much colder than Penang in the winter. The daily temperature in Amman averages around 8°C (46°F) in January, and Penang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Amman 8°C (46°F) 
    Penang 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Amman or Penang in the Spring?

Both Penang and Amman are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Amman 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 April, Amman usually receives less rain than Penang. Amman gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Penang receives 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

It's quite sunny in Penang. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Amman. Amman usually receives more sunshine than Penang during spring. Amman gets 269 hours of sunny skies, while Penang receives 218 hours of full sun in the spring.

In the spring, Amman is much colder than Penang. Typically, the spring temperatures in Amman in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Penang averages at about 28°C (82°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Amman 16°C (61°F) 
    Penang 28°C (82°F)

Typical Weather for Penang and Amman

Amman Penang
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 8°C (46°F) 149 mm (5.9 in) 28°C (82°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Feb 9°C (48°F) 98 mm (3.9 in) 28°C (82°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 28°C (82°F) 240 mm (9.4 in)
May 21°C (70°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 240 mm (9.4 in)
Jun 24°C (75°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 170 mm (6.7 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 210 mm (8.3 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 330 mm (13 in)
Oct 20°C (68°F) 26 mm (1 in) 27°C (81°F) 340 mm (13.4 in)
Nov 14°C (57°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 230 mm (9.1 in)
Dec 10°C (50°F) 138 mm (5.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)