Which place is cheaper, Penang or Bangkok?
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 Bangkok or Penang?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
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.
Where Should I go: Bangkok or Penang?
Bangkok
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.
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 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.
-
Bangkok Prices
Thailand PricesPenang Prices
Malaysia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBangkok $100Penang $149
The average daily cost (per person) in Bangkok is $100, while the average daily cost in Penang is $149. 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.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBangkok $48Penang $57
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBangkok $96Penang $114
Compare Hotels in Bangkok and Penang
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.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Bangkok Hotel Prices and Penang Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Bangkok $6.28Penang $14
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bangkok
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Bangkok are as follows:
-
Tuk Tuk to bus station$2.40
-
Skytrain Ticket$4.81
-
Chao Phraya River Express Ticket$0.96
-
Ferry Ride$0.78
-
Taxi From Airport$7.51
-
Short Taxi Ride$2.70
-
Boat Taxi$1.50
-
Trains to airport$4.81
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bangkok
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bangkok:
- Airport Private Transfer from Bangkok Airports: $53
- Airport Private Transfers from Suvarnabhumi BKK to Bangkok City: $37
- Airport Private Transfers from Suvarnabhumi BKK to Pattaya City: $69
- Airport Transfer Camry/Fortuner or Similar: $45
- Airport Transfer Luxury Sedan Mercedes E Class BMW 5 Series: $98
- Airport Transfer: Bangkok Airport BKK to Bangkok by Luxury Car: $127
- Airport Transfer: Bangkok Airport BKK to Bangkok by Luxury Van: $104
- Airport Transfer: Don Mueang Airport DMK to Bangkok by Luxury Van: $104
- Airport to Airport Transfer in Bangkok: $64
- Airport transfer to Bangkok downtown: $24
- Ancient City (Mueang Boran) Entrance Tickets With Hotel Transfer: $49
- Arrival Private Transfers from Bangkok Airport BKK to Bangkok in Luxury Van: $101
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Penang
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Penang:
-
Local Bus$1.47
-
Island Ferry$0.59
-
Bus From Airport to George Town$0.66
-
Taxi From Airport to George Town$11
-
Motorbike Rental (One Day)$7.37
-
Bicycle Rental (One Day)$2.46
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 PEN to Penang Island - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $37
- Penang Airport Transfer: $15
- Penang Airport Transfer ( 24/7): $59
- Penang Airport Transfer - Arrival or Departure: $37
- Penang Airport(PEN) to Penang Island -Round-Trip Private Transfer: $37
- Penang Balik Pulau Countryside Morning Cycling with Transfers: $59
- Penang City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur Airport One-way Transfer: $140
- Penang City to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $107
Is it cheaper to fly into Bangkok or 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.
Food
-
Food Meals for one dayBangkok $35Penang $67
Typical Food Prices in Bangkok
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Bangkok:
-
Dinner at Hard Rock Cafe (for Two)$27
-
Casual Lunch of Prawns (for Two)$6.01
-
2 Rotis (Bread)$1.35
-
Mango & Sticky Rice$0.90
-
Lunch at KFC (for Two)$6.01
-
Pad Thai$2.10
-
Airport Lunch for 2$17
-
Lunch for 2$22
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bangkok
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bangkok.
- Baiyoke Sky Observation Deck Ticket with Buffet Lunch or Dinner: $24
- Meridian Sunset Cruise Dinner Buffet from Bangkok: $25
- Chao Phraya Princess Bangkok Sunset Dinner Cruise: $25
- Chao Phraya Princess Sunset and Dinner Cruise: $26
- Bangkok Sawasdee Sunset Dinner Cruise from ICONSIAM+Beer FreeFlow: $26
- Alangka Bangkok Sunset Dinner Cruise: $26
- Thai Cooking Class in Bangkok's Old Town with Market Tour: $29
- Bangkok Amazing Chaophraya River Dinner Cruise with Live Music: $30
- Smile Riverside Cruise Luxury Buffet Dinner from Bangkok: $30
- Bangkok The Luxury White Sunset or Dinner Cruise (Asiatique Pier): $31
- Peaceful Wat Pho and Authentic Street Food Tour: $31
- Bangkok Newest Luxury Noah Chao Phraya River Dinner Cruise: $31
Typical Food Prices in Penang
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Penang:
-
Snack$1.97
-
Dinner at The Suffolk House (for 2)$84
-
Lunch at Sakae Sushi (for 2)$71
-
Lassy Juice$1.72
-
Dinner for 2$3.69
-
Street Stall Food$0.69
-
Casual Lunch (for Two)$4.67
-
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
- 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
- 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
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Bangkok $17Penang $57
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bangkok
Here are a few typical costs in Bangkok for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
-
Movie Ticket$4.81
-
Grand Palace Entrance Ticket$11
-
Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha) Ticket$1.50
-
Dusit Zoo Entrance Fee (for Two)$6.01
-
Club Cover Charge$11
-
Thai Boxing Tickets (for Two)$72
-
Fish Pedicure$4.51
-
Wat Pho entrance ticket$3.00
-
Siriraj Museum (2)$12
Tours and Activities in Bangkok
Here are a few actual costs in Bangkok for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Bangkok Chinatown Eats: A Self-guided Audio Tour: $5.13
- Bangkok Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.00
- Bangkok Self-Guided Walking Tour Essential Landmarks and Quizzes: $6.53
- Bangkok Noi Canal: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
- Chinatown & Golden Buddha Self-Guided Audio Tour (entry not incl): $6.99
- Wat Pho Reclining Buddha Self-Guided Audio Tour (entry not incl.): $6.99
- Bangkok's Wireless Road: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
- Bangkok Art and Culture Hidden Gems Self Guided Audio Tour: $8.55
- Ancient City Bangkok and Erawan Museum Tickets: $9.59
- Erawan Museum Ticket (NON THAI): $9.77
- Erawan Museum & Ancient City Admission Ticket - Bangkok (NonThai): $9.77
- Bangkok Erawan Museum Ticket (NON-THAI): $9.77
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$7.62
-
Trishaw Tour (One Hour)$7.37
-
Fort Cornwallis Entrance$0.49
-
Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi Entrance$2.46
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
- Malaysia: TeddyVille Museum Entry Ticket: $8.74
- The Vanilla Village Farm Tour by Kairos: $9.39
- Penang Hill Funicular Ticket - Non-Malaysian: $11
- Malaysia: Discover Nature's Wonders with Entopia Entry Ticket: $16
- The Top Komtar Penang Observation Deck and Rainbow Skywalk Ticket: $21
- The TOP Penang Rainbow Skywalk and Observatory Deck Entry Ticket: $22
- Penang Rainbow Skywalk at The Top Komtar Observation Deck Tickets: $22
- Entopia Butterfly and Nature Discovery Park Entry Ticket Penang: $29
- Half-Day Penang Countryside Cycling Tour: $33
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayBangkok $5.48Penang $18
Typical Alcohol Prices in Bangkok
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Bangkok are as follows:
-
Beer$1.20
Sample the Local Flavors in Bangkok
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Bangkok:
- Sunset Rooftop, TukTuk Ride, Night Market & Bar Crawl: $29
- Bangkok Bar Crawl by Tuk Tuk: $67
Typical Alcohol Prices in Penang
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Penang:
-
Beer$1.97
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?.
Which is Bigger, Bangkok or Penang?
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.
When is the best time to visit Bangkok 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 Bangkok or Penang in the Summer?
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).
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyBangkok 29°C (84°F)Penang 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Bangkok or Penang in the Autumn?
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).
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBangkok 28°C (83°F)Penang 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Bangkok or Penang in the Winter?
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).
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBangkok 27°C (80°F)Penang 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Bangkok or Penang in the Spring?
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).
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilBangkok 31°C (87°F)Penang 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Penang and Bangkok
| 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) |
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.