Which place is cheaper, Penang or Bangkok?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Bangkok and Penang can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Bangkok: a name synonymous with all things exotic. The vibrant and exciting capital of Thailand is not just a hub for Southeast Asia, but also a destination into itself. Known for an active nightlife and party scene, as well as great food, historic temples, and busy markets, Bangkok offers a diversity to entertain even the most experienced travelers.
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 Family-Friendly Tours to Thailand, The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand, The Best 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Bangkok is $76, 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 Bangkok and Penang in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Bangkok 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.
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Bangkok are as follows:
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bangkok:
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Penang:
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Penang:
Prices for flights to both Penang and Bangkok 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.
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Bangkok:
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bangkok.
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Penang:
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Penang.
Here are a few typical costs in Bangkok for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
Here are a few actual costs in Bangkok for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
Here are a few typical costs in Penang for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
Here are a few actual costs in Penang for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Bangkok are as follows:
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Bangkok:
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Penang:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bangkok and Penang, we can see that Penang is more expensive. And not only is Bangkok much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bangkok would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bangkok 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 Bangkok.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Bangkok Expensive? and Is Penang Expensive?.
Bangkok has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Penang. When comparing the sizes of Bangkok 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.
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.
Both Penang and Bangkok are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bangkok 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. It's quite rainy in Bangkok. In July, Bangkok usually receives less rain than Penang. Bangkok gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Penang receives 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
It's quite sunny in Penang. Bangkok usually receives less sunshine than Penang during summer. Bangkok gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Penang receives 211 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Bangkok is generally around the same temperature as Penang. Daily temperatures in Bangkok average around 29°C (84°F), and Penang fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
Both Penang and Bangkok during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Bangkok because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Penang year-round.
November to February is the dry season in Bangkok. May to October is the rainy season in Bangkok. Penang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Bangkok. Bangkok usually gets less rain in October than Penang. Bangkok gets 242 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Penang receives 340 mm (13.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
Bangkok is around the same temperature as Penang in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bangkok averages around 28°C (83°F) in October, and Penang fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bangkok and Penang. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bangkok year-round. Penang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
November to February in Bangkok is the dry season. In January, Bangkok usually receives less rain than Penang. Bangkok gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Penang receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In the winter, Bangkok is around the same temperature as Penang. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bangkok in January average around 27°C (80°F), and Penang averages at about 28°C (82°F).
The spring brings many poeple to Bangkok as well as Penang. Bangkok attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Penang throughout the year.
May to October in Bangkok is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Penang. Bangkok usually gets less rain in April than Penang. Bangkok gets 65 mm (2.6 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 Bangkok this time of the year. In the spring, Bangkok often gets more sunshine than Penang. Bangkok gets 262 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Penang receives 218 hours of full sun.
In April, Bangkok is generally around the same temperature as Penang. Daily temperatures in Bangkok average around 31°C (87°F), and Penang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
Bangkok | Penang | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | 27°C (80°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
Mar | 29°C (85°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
Apr | 31°C (87°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) |
May | 30°C (86°F) | 220 mm (8.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) |
Jun | 29°C (85°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
Jul | 29°C (84°F) | 155 mm (6.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) |
Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 344 mm (13.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 330 mm (13 in) |
Oct | 28°C (83°F) | 242 mm (9.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 340 mm (13.4 in) |
Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) |
Dec | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |