Which place is cheaper, Penang or Haifa?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Haifa 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 Haifa 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: Haifa or Penang?
Haifa
Located on the northern Mediterranean coast of Israel, Haifa is Israel's third largest city. It is also a beautiful and strategically located city near the border with Lebanon. The population of Haifa, which is approximately 300,000, is surprisingly diverse. There are Jews, Muslim, and Christian Arabs throughout the city. While Haifa is an industrial city with a strong work ethic and a good job base, it is also a beautiful city with many gardens and a stunning coastline. Today the job base has increasingly become technology based with some large companies such as Google and Microsoft offering employment in the area. Haifa University is also the country's top technology university.
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 Sightseeing Tours in Israel, The Best Cultural Tours in Israel, 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 dayHaifa $123Penang $103
The average daily cost (per person) in Haifa is $123, 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 Haifa and Penang in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHaifa $74Penang $49
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHaifa $148Penang $98
Compare Hotels in Haifa and Penang
Looking for a hotel in Haifa 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: Haifa Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Haifa $4.93Penang $12
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Haifa
Also for Haifa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Haifa Cruise Port to Tel Aviv Airport (TLV): $173
- Private Transfer from Haifa Cruise Port to Tel Aviv City: $173
- Transfers all over the Holyland: Haifa, TLV, Airport, JLM, Jordan: $195
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:
- Swettenham Pier to Penang Airport(PEN)-Departure Private Transfer: $38
- Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal: Transfer to Penang Island: $116
- Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal, Penang to Kuala Lumpur Hotel (Door to Door) Transfer: $120
- Swettenham Pier Cruise Port to Penang Island hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $38
- Swettenham Cruise Port to Penang Island hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $76
- Private Transfer: Penang International Airport to or from Hotel: $49
- Private Transfer from Swettenham Cruise Terminal to Penang Island: $38
- Private Transfer From Penang Airport to Town Area: $26
- Private Transfer : Penang International Airport Departure: $13
- Private Transfer - Swettenham Cruise Port to Penang Airport (PEN): $38
- Private Penang Arrival transfer to Hotel: $12
- Private Economy Penang Airport Transfer-Departure: $29
Is it cheaper to fly into Haifa or Penang?
Prices for flights to both Penang and Haifa 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 dayHaifa $44Penang $33
Typical Food Prices in Haifa
For Haifa, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Dinner$27
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.Haifa $5.68Penang $49
Tours and Activities in Haifa
For Haifa, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Haifa Port Shore Excursion: Nazareth and Sea of Galilee Day Tour from Haifa Port: $120
- Haifa Private Tour: $160
- Haifa, Acre & Rosh Anikra Grottos Haifa Port FullDay Shared Tour: $231
- Jerusalem & Bethlehem Tour from Haifa Port. Private Tour: $248
- Jerusalem & Bethlehem Tour from Haifa Port 2024 - Small Group: $255
- Romantic Walking Tour In Haifa for Couples: $290
- Full Day Tour to Nazareth and the Sea of Galilee: $290
- Christianity Day Tour: Haifa Port to Nazareth and Sea of Galilee : $295
- Haifa Port: Full-Day Christianity Cruise to Galilee: $388
- Haifa, Acre and Rosh Anikra for Cruises with Licensed Guide: $405
- Caesarea, Haifa, Acre, Rosh Hanikra Private Day Tour: $700
- Wine private tour of Central Israel: $949
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:
- Penang City Temple Tour with Penang Hill(Fast Lane) & Kek Lok Si: $100
- 4 Hour Food and Heritage Walking Tour in Penang George Town: $75
- 4-Hour Heritage Walking Tour of Georgetown: $58
- 6-Hours Penang Private Tour: $151
- Admission Ticket for Dark Mansion Glow-in-the-Dark Museum in Penang: $8.80
- Asia Camera Museum Admission Ticket: $5.38
- Countryside Cycling Tour by Matahari: $82
- Discover Georgetown Heritage Private Tour in Penang: $51
- Discover Penang City Tour: $47
- Discover Penang City in Amazing Tour: $82
- Enjoy Hill & Temple Sightseeing Tour - Penang City: $68
- Entopia Butterfly Farm & Tropical Spice Garden Tour: $81
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHaifa $13Penang $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 Haifa and Penang, we can see that Haifa is more expensive. And not only is Penang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Haifa 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 Haifa would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Haifa 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 Haifa Expensive? and Is Penang Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Haifa or Penang?
Haifa has a larger population, and is about 50% larger than the population of Penang. When comparing the sizes of Haifa 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 Haifa or Penang?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Haifa or Penang in the Summer?
Both Penang and Haifa during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Haifa 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. Haifa usually gets less rain in July than Penang. Haifa gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Penang receives 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Penang, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Haifa. In the summer, Haifa often gets more sunshine than Penang. Haifa gets 364 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Penang receives 211 hours of full sun.
In July, Haifa is generally around the same temperature as Penang. Daily temperatures in Haifa average around 27°C (81°F), and Penang fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHaifa 27°C (81°F)Penang 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Haifa or Penang in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Haifa and Penang. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Haifa year-round. Penang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Penang receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Haifa usually receives less rain than Penang. Haifa gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Penang receives 340 mm (13.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
Haifa is cooler than Penang in the autumn. The daily temperature in Haifa averages around 24°C (75°F) in October, and Penang fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHaifa 24°C (75°F)Penang 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Haifa or Penang in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Haifa as well as Penang. Haifa attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Penang throughout the year.
Haifa receives a lot of rain in the winter. Haifa usually gets more rain in January than Penang. Haifa gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Penang receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the winter, Haifa is much colder than Penang. Typically, the winter temperatures in Haifa in January average around 14°C (57°F), and Penang averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHaifa 14°C (57°F)Penang 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Haifa or Penang in the Spring?
Both Penang and Haifa are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Haifa 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 April, Haifa usually receives less rain than Penang. Haifa gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Penang receives 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
It's quite sunny in Penang. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Haifa. Haifa usually receives more sunshine than Penang during spring. Haifa gets 269 hours of sunny skies, while Penang receives 218 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Haifa is generally cooler than Penang. Daily temperatures in Haifa average around 19°C (66°F), and Penang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHaifa 19°C (66°F)Penang 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Penang and Haifa
| Haifa | Penang | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 16°C (61°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Apr | 19°C (66°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) |
| May | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 330 mm (13 in) |
| Oct | 24°C (75°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 340 mm (13.4 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 110 mm (4.3 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.