Which place is cheaper, Penang or Athens?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Athens 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 Athens 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: Athens or Penang?
Athens
Athens is the capital city of Greece and is home to a population of over 3.7 million people. It's most famous as the birthplace of Classical Greece and the history in the city is incomparable to that found anywhere. It became the national capital of the modern Greek State in the 1830s, before which it was just a small village with a very impressive history. The city was redesigned by architects and city planners and incorporated large public squares, lots of green space, and wide avenues. The city has had its ups and downs both economically and politically, but it remains a beautiful and impressive place to explore.
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 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, The Best 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia.
-
Athens Prices
Greece PricesPenang Prices
Malaysia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAthens €154Penang €129
The average daily cost (per person) in Athens is €154, while the average daily cost in Penang is €129. 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 Athens and Penang in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAthens €63Penang €49
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAthens €126Penang €98
Compare Hotels in Athens and Penang
Looking for a hotel in Athens 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: Athens Hotel Prices and Penang Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Athens €27Penang €12
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Athens
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Athens:
-
Airport Bus for Two€6.40
-
Metro€1.50
-
Metro€2.00
-
Metro from Airport to City Center€8.00
-
Taxi from Airport€35
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Athens
Also for Athens, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- "Quick Athens Highlights Tour: Airport or Cruise ship Transfers": $271
- AIRPORT TRANSFER to/from hotel (up 14 in a luxurious Minibus ): $33
- Airport Transfer/ Athens Greece: $74
- Airport Transfer: Athens Airport ATH to Athens by Business Car: $93
- Airport Transfer: Athens Airport ATH to Athens by Luxury Car: $143
- Airport Transfer: Athens Airport ATH to Athens by Luxury Van: $128
- Airport Transfer: Athens to Athens Airport ATH by Luxury Van: $128
- Airport transfer: $199
- Alimos Glyfada Vouliagmeni to Athens Airport Private Transfer: $40
- Arrival Transfer from Αthens Airport to Piraeus Port: $50
- Arrival Transfer from Athens Airport to Athens City: $80
- Arrival Transfer: Athens Airport ATH to Athens by Luxury Van: $128
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Penang
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Penang:
-
Local Bus€1.27
-
Island Ferry€0.51
-
Bus From Airport to George Town€0.57
-
Taxi From Airport to George Town€9.76
-
Motorbike Rental (One Day)€6.37
-
Bicycle Rental (One Day)€2.12
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Penang
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Penang:
- Private Transfer : Penang Hotel/Port to Kuala Lumpur Hotel: $174
- Chauffeur: Penang Island to Singapore Van Transfer: $147
- Penang City to Kuala Lumpur City One-way Transfer: $140
- Penang City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur Airport One-way Transfer: $140
- Penang City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur Hotels 1-way Transfer: $125
- Swettenham Cruise Port to Penang Island hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $113
- Penang City to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $107
- Penang to Kuala Lumpur 1-way Transfer: $107
- Private Half Day Tour to Penang Island with Transfer Included: $80
- Penang Airport Transfer ( 24/7): $59
- Penang Balik Pulau Countryside Morning Cycling with Transfers: $59
- Swettenham Pier Cruise Port to Penang Island hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $56
Is it cheaper to fly into Athens or Penang?
Prices for flights to both Penang and Athens 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 dayAthens €64Penang €58
Typical Food Prices in Athens
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Athens:
-
Ice cream€3.00
-
Souvlaki€2.20
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Athens
For Athens, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Athens Street Food Tour: Explore City's Iconic Eateries: $67
- Street Food Tour - Sample the Food the Locals Love: $69
- Cooking Class & Meal at a Roof Garden in Athens: $69
- Traditional Greek Cooking Class and Organic Lunch on Poros: $76
- Athens Street Food Tour: Taste the best street food: $80
- Athens Walking Food Tour with Visit to Varvakios Central Market: $81
- Classic Cooking Class with Market Visit and Wine: $81
- Sunset Tour to Temple of Poseidon with Dinner Stop from Athens: $81
- Small Group Greek Traditional Food Tour in Athens 20+ Tastings: $82
- Taste of Athens Small-Group Food Tour: $82
- Athens Food Tour: Flavors of Asia Minor (private group): $82
- Cook Like a Greek in Athens Hands On Cooking Class with Wine: $84
Typical Food Prices in Penang
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Penang:
-
Snack€1.70
-
Dinner at The Suffolk House (for 2)€73
-
Lunch at Sakae Sushi (for 2)€61
-
Lassy Juice€1.49
-
Dinner for 2€3.18
-
Street Stall Food€0.59
-
Casual Lunch (for Two)€4.03
-
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 : 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
- Penang Food Tour - Georgetown: $62
- Local Street Food Tour in Georgetown Penang: $62
- 3-Hour Heritage on a Plate Dinner Hop in George Town Penang: $65
- Eat Like A Local: Penang Street Food Tour: $65
- Authentic Local Food Tour with Scenic Walk: $89
- Penang Cooking Class:Dive into Malaysian Cuisine with PenangChiak: $94
- Private Half Day Penang Tasty Local Street Food Tour: $99
- Malay Culinary Journey Cooking Class for the Adventurous Foodie: $102
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Athens €36Penang €49
Tours and Activities in Athens
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Athens.
- Self-Guided Tour In Athens With 100 Captivating Audio Stories: $3.51
- Ancient Athens Scavenger Hunt & Self-Guided Walking Tour: $3.51
- Athens Walking Tour: Self-Guided City Game: $4.97
- A Neoclassical Capital: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.50
- Athens Interactive City Tour: $8.21
- Athens Walking Tour: Self-Guided City Game: $8.96
- Acropolis of Athens Self-Guided Tour with 3D & Audio (No Ticket): $9.37
- Self-Guided Greece Grand Tour with Audio Guide: $9.39
- Athens, Delphi, Olympia, Epidaurus, Mycenae, Corinth Tour: $12
- Athens Walking Tour with Audio Guide on Your Smartphone: $12
- Traditional Greek Food: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Athens: $12
- Ferry Boat Ticket to/from Methana: $13
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€6.58
-
Trishaw Tour (One Hour)€6.37
-
Fort Cornwallis Entrance€0.42
-
Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi Entrance€2.12
Tours and Activities in Penang
Here are a few actual costs in Penang for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 4-Hour Private Heritage Tour in George Town: $70
- 6 Hours Highlights of Penang Shared Tour: $75
- 8 Hours of Penang Tour: $60
- Back of the Bike Street Food Experience – Real Penang!: $119
- Best of Historical George Town Half Day Tour: $80
- Bukit Merah Orang Utan and Penang City Private Tour: $140
- Chinese Clan Secrets and History Guided Walking Tour in Penang: $56
- Countryside Cycling Tour. T1.0 by Matahari: $100
- Culture, Faith and Trade: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of George Town: $5.00
- Customizable Penang Private Tour (8hrs usage): $65
- Day Tour of Penang with Train Ride To Penang Hill: $170
- Discover Penang City Tour: $51
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayAthens €23Penang €16
Sample the Local Flavors in Athens
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Athens:
- The Original Athens Pub Crawl: $11
- Experience Ouzo Tasting at Athens Oldest Distillery: $28
- Athens Exclusive Hellenic Wine Tasting Experience at Brettos: $37
- Athens Rooftop Pub Crawl w/ Acropolis Views & Party: $41
- Athens Small Group Wine Tasting with a Sommelier: $53
- Athens bar crawl: $59
- Acropolis Private Wine Tasting @ Finewine store: $66
- Athens Olive oil Honey and Wine Tasting with Snacks Experience: $76
- Athens Boutique Wine Tasting: $79
- Small-Group Wine Tour in Athens with Tasting: $92
- Wine tasting tour of Athens Greece: $124
- Athens Wine Tour: Wine museum and Wine Tasting with Food Pairings: $129
Typical Alcohol Prices in Penang
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Penang:
-
Beer€1.70
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Athens and Penang, we can see that Athens is more expensive. And not only is Penang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Athens is in Europe 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 Athens would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Athens 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 Athens Expensive? and Is Penang Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Athens or Penang?
Athens has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Penang. When comparing the sizes of Athens 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 Athens or Penang?
Athens has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Penang experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Athens or Penang in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Athens as well as Penang. The summer months attract visitors to Athens because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. The warm climate attracts visitors to Penang throughout the year.
Athens is around the same temperature as Penang in the summer. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Penang fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Penang. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Athens this time of the year. In the summer, Athens often gets more sunshine than Penang. Athens gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Penang receives 211 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Penang. Athens usually gets less rain in July than Penang. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Penang receives 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyAthens 27°C (81°F)Penang 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Athens or Penang in the Autumn?
Both Penang and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Athens this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Penang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the autumn, Athens is cooler than Penang. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Athens in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Penang averages at about 27°C (81°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Penang. In October, Athens usually receives less rain than Penang. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Penang receives 340 mm (13.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAthens 19°C (67°F)Penang 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Athens or Penang in the Winter?
Both Penang and Athens during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Athens for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Penang year-round.
In January, Athens is generally much colder than Penang. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 10°C (51°F), and Penang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
Athens usually gets less rain in January than Penang. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Penang receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAthens 10°C (51°F)Penang 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Athens or Penang in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Penang. Many visitors come to Athens in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Penang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Athens is much colder than Penang in the spring. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Penang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Penang this time of the year. In Athens, it's very sunny this time of the year. Athens usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Penang during spring. Athens gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Penang receives 218 hours of full sun in the spring.
Penang receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Athens usually receives less rain than Penang. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Penang receives 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilAthens 16°C (60°F)Penang 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Penang and Athens
| Athens | Penang | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 10°C (51°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Feb | 11°C (51°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (54°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) |
| May | 20°C (68°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (76°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 330 mm (13 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 340 mm (13.4 in) |
| Nov | 16°C (60°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (54°F) | 66 mm (2.6 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.