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

Should you visit Delhi or Penang?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Delhi 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: Delhi or Penang?

Delhi

Delhi is the largest city in northern India and is officially the country's capital. The city has a population of 11 million with the metropolitan population reaching over 16 million. The city is similar in landscape to the rest of its surrounding area. It is very flat with the river Yamuna flowing on the eastern side of the city. The Aravalii Hills are in the western portion of the city. The city's history dates back to the 6th century BC and it has served as a capital for various kingdoms and empires.

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


Which place is cheaper, Penang or Delhi?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Delhi is $45, 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 Delhi and Penang in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Delhi $23
    Penang $49
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Delhi $46
    Penang $98
Compare Hotels in Delhi and Penang

Looking for a hotel in Delhi 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 Delhi


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: Delhi Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Delhi $5.28
    Penang $12
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Delhi

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


  • Tuk Tuk Ride
    $0.12
  • Taxi to Airport
    $1.91
  • Subway
    $0.38
  • Uber Cab
    $0.96
  • Delhi Metro Smart Card
    $1.79
  • Auto-rickshaw
    $1.20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Delhi

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Delhi:

  • Entrance Ticket to Historical Monuments of Delhi with Private Transfer: $74
  • 3-Day City Tour of Old and New Delhi with Airport Transfers: $180
  • 3-Days Delhi and Varanasi Tour by Express Train.Includes,Hotel Transfers.: $275
  • Aerial yoga class with private transfers: $31
  • Affordable transfer from Delhi to Haridwar: $35
  • Affordable transfer from Delhi to Rishikesh: $35
  • Akshardham Exhibition, Light and Water Show with Transfers: $99
  • Akshardham Temple Exhibition, light and Water show With Transfers: $79
  • Akshardham Temple Tour with hotel transfers : $54
  • Arrival Transfer from Airport to Hotel in Delhi: $33
  • Arrival and Departure transfer to Airport in Delhi : $80
  • Authentic Same Day Agra Tour with Private Transfer and licensed Tour Guide: $117

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:

  • 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 Delhi or Penang?

Prices for flights to both Penang and Delhi 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
    Delhi $12
    Penang $33
Typical Food Prices in Delhi

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


  • McDonalds
    $3.50

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Delhi

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

  • Appetizing virtual cooking class from Delhi: $20
  • Old Delhi Food Tour with local, A must for Indian culinary lover!: $21
  • Lunch or dinner with local family: $21
  • Food Tour Old Delhi: $31
  • Old Delhi Heritage Sightseeing | Walking Tour | Street Food Tour: $34
  • Old Delhi Food Tour: A Night Time Feast: $36
  • Veg and Non veg : Private Cooking Class in Delhi: $43
  • Old Delhi Street Food Tour: $44
  • Transit Tour-Guided Best Old Delhi's Attractions & Food Tour: $45
  • Vegetarian : Private Cooking Class in Delhi: $46
  • Culinary Delights Of Delhi Half Day Food Tour: $48
  • Delhi Kabul Cooking Class: $50

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.
    Delhi $13
    Penang $49
Typical Entertainment Prices in Delhi

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


  • Red Fort
    $10

Tours and Activities in Delhi

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

  • Same Day Agra Tour by Gatiman Express Train With Multiple Options: $2.79
  • Private Guided Tour to Taj Mahal and Agra Fort with All inclusive: $3.75
  • From Taj Mahal & Agra Fort Tour by Car - All Inclusive: $3.75
  • Taj Mahal & Agra Private Day Tour from Delhi with 5* Lunch: $4.00
  • Skip-The-Line Sunrise Taj Mahal Private Tour with Multi-Options: $4.25
  • Private Full-Day Taj Mahal and Agra Fort Tour from New Delhi: $4.30
  • Driving tours through beautiful India: $4.59
  • Private Taj Mahal Tour from Delhi by Car: $4.70
  • Private Same Day Skip The Line Taj Mahal Tour From Delhi: $4.92
  • Private Taj Mahal Sunrise Tour from Delhi By Car: $5.00
  • Private Taj Mahal Tour From Delhi By Car: $5.00
  • Private Taj Mahal Luxury Tour from Delhi by Car - All Inclusive: $5.00

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:

  • 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
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Delhi $8.67
    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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Delhi and Penang, we can see that Penang is more expensive. And not only is Delhi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Delhi would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Delhi 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 Delhi.

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


Which is Bigger, Delhi or Penang?

Delhi has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Penang. When comparing the sizes of Delhi 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 Delhi 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 Delhi or Penang in the Summer?

Both Penang and Delhi are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Delhi 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 Delhi. In July, Delhi usually receives less rain than Penang. Delhi gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Penang receives 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

It's quite sunny in Penang. Delhi usually receives less sunshine than Penang during summer. Delhi gets 166 hours of sunny skies, while Penang receives 211 hours of full sun in the summer.

The heat can be very extreme in Delhi. In the summer, Delhi is a little warmer than Penang. Typically, the summer temperatures in Delhi in July average around 31°C (88°F), and Penang averages at about 27°C (81°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Delhi 31°C (88°F) 
    Penang 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Delhi or Penang in the Autumn?

Both Penang and Delhi during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Delhi 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. Delhi usually gets less rain in October than Penang. Delhi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Penang receives 340 mm (13.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

In October, Delhi is generally around the same temperature as Penang. Daily temperatures in Delhi average around 26°C (79°F), and Penang fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Delhi 26°C (79°F) 
    Penang 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Delhi or Penang in the Winter?

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

In January, Delhi usually receives less rain than Penang. Delhi gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Penang receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Delhi is much colder than Penang in the winter. The daily temperature in Delhi averages around 15°C (59°F) in January, and Penang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Delhi 15°C (59°F) 
    Penang 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Delhi or Penang in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Delhi as well as Penang. Delhi 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. Delhi usually gets less rain in April than Penang. Delhi gets 40 mm (1.6 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 Delhi this time of the year. In the spring, Delhi often gets more sunshine than Penang. Delhi gets 261 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Penang receives 218 hours of full sun.

In the spring, Delhi is around the same temperature as Penang. Typically, the spring temperatures in Delhi in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Penang averages at about 28°C (82°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Delhi 29°C (84°F) 
    Penang 28°C (82°F)

Typical Weather for Penang and Delhi

Delhi Penang
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 15°C (59°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 28°C (82°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Feb 17°C (63°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 28°C (82°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 22°C (72°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 28°C (82°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Apr 29°C (84°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 28°C (82°F) 240 mm (9.4 in)
May 33°C (91°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 28°C (82°F) 240 mm (9.4 in)
Jun 34°C (93°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 170 mm (6.7 in)
Jul 31°C (88°F) 170 mm (6.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 210 mm (8.3 in)
Aug 30°C (86°F) 200 mm (7.9 in) 27°C (81°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Sep 30°C (86°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 27°C (81°F) 330 mm (13 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 340 mm (13.4 in)
Nov 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 230 mm (9.1 in)
Dec 16°C (61°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)