Which place is cheaper, Penang or Aqaba?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Aqaba or Penang?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Aqaba or Penang, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Aqaba or Penang?
Aqaba
Aqaba is a port city in Jordan, in fact, it is the only port city in the country. This city is located on the Gulf of Aqaba on the Red Sea, which is in the southern part of Jordan. The city is still being developed; many of its facilities and infrastructures are being improved. The population of Aqaba is about 190,000 and the city has been key in developing Jordan's economy via trade and tourism.
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.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAqaba $127Penang $103
The average daily cost (per person) in Aqaba is $127, 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 Aqaba and Penang in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAqaba $59Penang $49
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAqaba $118Penang $98
Compare Hotels in Aqaba and Penang
Looking for a hotel in Aqaba 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: Aqaba Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Aqaba $24Penang $12
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aqaba
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aqaba:
- Transfer from Aqaba City Or TalaBay to Petra: $48
- Amman: Day Trip Petra & Wadi Rum Guided Tour with Transfer: $490
- Aqaba Airport transfer to Aqaba City: $25
- Aqaba King Hussein Airport (AQJ): Transfer to Aqaba hotels: $163
- Aqaba King Hussein Airport to Petra Round-Trip Private Transfer: $105
- Aqaba King Hussein Intl Airport to Petra-Arrival Private Transfer: $53
- Aqaba Or Aqaba Airport Private Transfer To Dead Sea, Jordan: $185
- Aqaba Or Aqaba Airport Private Transfer To Petra, Jordan: $105
- Aqaba Or Aqaba Airport Private Transfer To Wadi Rum, Jordan: $60
- Aqaba Port to Wadi Rum Private Transfer: $80
- Aqaba Private Transfer To Wadi Rum, Jordan: $70
- Aqaba Private Transfer from/to Amman, Airport, Dead Sea or K.H.B: $125
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$1.26
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Island Ferry$0.50
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Bus From Airport to George Town$0.57
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Taxi From Airport to George Town$9.64
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Motorbike Rental (One Day)$6.29
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Bicycle Rental (One Day)$2.10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Penang
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Penang:
- Chauffeur: Penang Island to Singapore Van Transfer: $138
- Full-Day Private Transfer in Penang City : $210
- Penang Airport (PEN) to Penang Island - Arrival Private Transfer : $38
- Penang Airport (PEN) to Penang Island - Arrival Private transfer: $43
- Penang Airport (PEN): Transfer to Swettenham Cruise Port: $116
- Penang Airport PEN to Penang Island - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $85
- Penang Airport Transfer ( 24/7): $29
- Penang Airport Transfer to Georgetown/City Hotel or Resort/Beach Hotel: $18
- Penang Airport to Swettenham Cruise Port - Round Trip Transfer: $76
- Penang Airport(PEN) to Penang Island -Round-Trip Private Transfer: $76
- Penang City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur Airport One-way Transfer: $140
- Penang City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur City Hotels One-way Transfer: $140
Is it cheaper to fly into Aqaba or Penang?
Prices for flights to both Penang and Aqaba 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 dayAqaba $42Penang $33
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Aqaba
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Aqaba.
- Suhaila (connecting through cooking): $50
- Explore Wadi Rum: Jeep Tour, Bed and Breakfast, and Dinner: $64
- 4 hour desert jeep tour with overnight in beduin camp including dinner&breakfast: $85
- Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight + Dinner in Bedouin Camp: $87
- Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight in Bedouin Camp & Dinner : $88
- 2 Day Wadi Rum Tour: Traditional Dinner and Starlit Cave Camp: $115
- Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight + Dinner Under the Stars: $135
- From Wadi Rum Full-Day Private Jeep Tour with Dinner: $169
- From Aqaba to Wadi Rum ,Jeep Tour with Dinner (Half Day): $185
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$1.68
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Dinner at The Suffolk House (for 2)$72
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Lunch at Sakae Sushi (for 2)$61
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Lassy Juice$1.47
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Dinner for 2$3.14
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Street Stall Food$0.59
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$3.98
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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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Aqaba $54Penang $49
Tours and Activities in Aqaba
Here are a few actual costs in Aqaba for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Turgut camp with tour: $15
- 3-Hour Shore Dive or Snorkel Experiences in Aqaba: $30
- Glass-Bottom Boat 2-hours Tour and Coral-Reef Viewing from Aqaba: $30
- Stargazing Adventure in Jordan: $30
- 2 Hour Jeep Tour - Wadi Rum Desert & Canyon: $35
- 2 Hours Morning or Sunset Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $35
- Full Day Private Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum: $36
- Discover Aqaba in Style: A 3-h City Tour by Car with meal: $37
- Walking Tour History ,Culture & Food: $37
- Jeep Tours in Wadi Rum with Bedouin Guide 2,3,4,5 hours | Magic Bedouin Star: $38
- Mosaic Art Experience: $38
- 4-hour sunset tour of desert highlights: $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$6.50
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Trishaw Tour (One Hour)$6.29
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Fort Cornwallis Entrance$0.42
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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:
- Asia Camera Museum Admission Ticket: $5.38
- Malaysia: The Blue Mansion - Daily Tour: $5.67
- Tech Dome Entrance Ticket: $6.11
- Guided Tour of Cheong Fatt Tze's Blue Mansion in George Town: $6.35
- Tropical Spice Garden E-Ticket: $7.17
- Skip the Line: Admission Ticket - General: $7.18
- TeddyVille Museum Penang Malaysia Entry Ticket: $8.27
- Penang Hill Funicular Ticket: $8.35
- Wonderfood Museum in Penang Admission Ticket: $8.54
- Wonderfood Museum in Penang Admission Ticket: $8.71
- Admission Ticket for Dark Mansion Glow-in-the-Dark Museum in Penang: $8.80
- Penang Street Food in Georgetown and History Walking Audio Tour: $10
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAqaba $9.07Penang $15
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$1.68
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Aqaba and Penang, we can see that Aqaba is more expensive. And not only is Penang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Aqaba is in Middle East 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 Penang would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Penang 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 Aqaba would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Aqaba than you might in Penang.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Aqaba Expensive? and Is Penang Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Aqaba or Penang?
Penang has a larger population, and is about 88% larger than the population of Aqaba. When comparing the sizes of Aqaba 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 Aqaba 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 Aqaba or Penang in the Summer?
Both Penang and Aqaba are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Aqaba 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, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Penang. Aqaba gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Penang receives 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
It's quite sunny in Penang. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Aqaba. Aqaba usually receives more sunshine than Penang during summer. Aqaba gets 384 hours of sunny skies, while Penang receives 211 hours of full sun in the summer.
The heat can be very extreme in Aqaba. In the summer, Aqaba is a little warmer than Penang. Typically, the summer temperatures in Aqaba in July average around 33°C (91°F), and Penang averages at about 27°C (81°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAqaba 33°C (91°F)Penang 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Penang in the Autumn?
Both Penang and Aqaba during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Aqaba 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. Aqaba usually gets less rain in October than Penang. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Penang receives 340 mm (13.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
In October, Aqaba is generally around the same temperature as Penang. Daily temperatures in Aqaba average around 26°C (79°F), and Penang fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAqaba 26°C (79°F)Penang 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Penang in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Aqaba and Penang. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Aqaba year-round. Penang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Penang. Aqaba gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Penang receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
Aqaba is much colder than Penang in the winter. The daily temperature in Aqaba averages around 14°C (57°F) in January, and Penang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAqaba 14°C (57°F)Penang 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Penang in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Aqaba as well as Penang. Aqaba 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. Aqaba usually gets less rain in April than Penang. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Penang receives 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Penang. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Aqaba this time of the year. In the spring, Aqaba often gets more sunshine than Penang. Aqaba gets 282 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Penang receives 218 hours of full sun.
In the spring, Aqaba is cooler than Penang. Typically, the spring temperatures in Aqaba in April average around 24°C (75°F), and Penang averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAqaba 24°C (75°F)Penang 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Penang and Aqaba
| Aqaba | Penang | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 19°C (66°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Apr | 24°C (75°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) |
| Jun | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Jul | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) |
| Aug | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Sep | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 330 mm (13 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 340 mm (13.4 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 3 mm (0.1 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.