Which place is cheaper, Penang or Islamabad?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Islamabad 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 Islamabad 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: Islamabad or Penang?
Islamabad
Islamabad is the capital of Pakistan, specially built in the 1960's to replace the former capital, Karachi. Most of the city's population are employees of the government, though many people come from all over Pakistan to enjoy the city's peaceful atmosphere and green spaces, museums, and monuments.
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 Adventure Tours to Pakistan, The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan, 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 dayIslamabad $42Penang $103
The average daily cost (per person) in Islamabad is $42, 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 Islamabad and Penang in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIslamabad $20Penang $49
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIslamabad $40Penang $98
Compare Hotels in Islamabad and Penang
Looking for a hotel in Islamabad 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: Islamabad Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Islamabad $7.68Penang $12
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Islamabad
Also for Islamabad, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Islamabad International Airport Arrival Pick up Transfer: $55
- Islamabad International Airport Departure Drop off Transfer : $55
- Islamabad International Airport Transfer: $35
- Islamabad International Airport Transfer - ARRIVAL: $40
- Islamabad International Airport Transfer - DEPARTURE: $40
- Premium Services: Islamabad International Airport Transfer - Arrival: $55
- Premium Services: Islamabad International Airport Transfer - Departures: $55
- Private Chauffeur: Arrival Transfer Airport Pick up (Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore): $50
- Private Transfer from Islamabad Airport to Pakistan: $61
- Transit Trip: Murree Exploration Day Trip & Round Trip Airport Transfer: $140
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:
- Full-Day Private Transfer in Penang City : $210
- Penang City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur City Hotels One-way Transfer: $140
- Penang City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur Airport One-way Transfer: $140
- Chauffeur: Penang Island to Singapore Van Transfer: $138
- Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal, Penang to Kuala Lumpur Hotel (Door to Door) Transfer: $120
- Penang Intl Airport (PEN): Transfer to Penang Island hotels: $116
- Penang Airport (PEN): Transfer to Swettenham Cruise Port: $116
- Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal: Transfer to Penang Island: $116
- Penang City to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $107
- Penang to Kuala Lumpur 1-way Transfer: $107
- Penang Airport PEN to Penang Island - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $85
- Penang Airport to Swettenham Cruise Port - Round Trip Transfer: $76
Is it cheaper to fly into Islamabad or Penang?
Prices for flights to both Penang and Islamabad 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 dayIslamabad $15Penang $33
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.Islamabad $9.48Penang $49
Tours and Activities in Islamabad
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Islamabad.
- Full-Day Sightseeing Tour Of Islamabad: $80
- Islamabad In & Around Full Day Customized City Tour: $80
- Shopping Tour: Full Day Islamabad Markets Exploration Tour: $90
- Private Tour: Hidden Gems of Islamabad Exploration Tour: $90
- Islamabad Instagram Tour: Most Famous Spots (Private & All-Inclusive): $95
- City Tour with Faisal Mosque and Lake View Park: $95
- Best of Islamabad Half Day Tour With Meal At Monal Restaurant (Morn & Eve Slots): $100
- Islamabad City Tour With Faisal Mosque, Pakistan Monument & Lunch : $110
- Top Ten Wonders of Islamabad Guided City Tour: $120
- Private Tour: Guided Day Trip To Murree from Islamabad: $130
- 5-Hour Private Guided Tour in Islamabad City: $130
- Full Day Private Guided Tour of Taxila Gandahara Civilization : $140
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 dayIslamabad $2.88Penang $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 Islamabad and Penang, we can see that Penang is more expensive. And not only is Islamabad much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Islamabad would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Islamabad 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 Islamabad.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Islamabad Expensive? and Is Penang Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Islamabad or Penang?
Islamabad has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Penang. When comparing the sizes of Islamabad 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 Islamabad or Penang?
Islamabad 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 Islamabad or Penang in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Islamabad as well as Penang. The warm climate attracts visitors to Penang throughout the year.
Islamabad can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Islamabad is generally a little warmer than Penang. Daily temperatures in Islamabad average around 32°C (90°F), 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 Islamabad this time of the year. In the summer, Islamabad often gets more sunshine than Penang. Islamabad gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Penang receives 211 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Penang. Islamabad receives a lot of rain in the summer. Islamabad usually gets more rain in July than Penang. Islamabad gets 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Penang receives 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyIslamabad 32°C (90°F)Penang 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Islamabad or Penang in the Autumn?
Both Penang and Islamabad are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Penang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Islamabad is around the same temperature as Penang in the autumn. The daily temperature in Islamabad averages around 26°C (80°F) in October, and Penang fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Penang. In October, Islamabad usually receives less rain than Penang. Islamabad gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Penang receives 340 mm (13.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberIslamabad 26°C (80°F)Penang 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Islamabad or Penang in the Winter?
Both Penang and Islamabad during the winter are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Penang year-round.
In the winter, Islamabad is much colder than Penang. Typically, the winter temperatures in Islamabad in January average around 14°C (57°F), and Penang averages at about 28°C (82°F).
Islamabad usually gets less rain in January than Penang. Islamabad gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Penang receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryIslamabad 14°C (57°F)Penang 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Islamabad or Penang in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Islamabad and Penang. Penang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Islamabad is generally around the same temperature as Penang. Daily temperatures in Islamabad average around 27°C (80°F), and Penang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Penang this time of the year. In Islamabad, it's very sunny this time of the year. Islamabad usually receives more sunshine than Penang during spring. Islamabad gets 258 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, Islamabad usually receives less rain than Penang. Islamabad gets 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Penang receives 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilIslamabad 27°C (80°F)Penang 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Penang and Islamabad
| Islamabad | Penang | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 21°C (70°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (80°F) | 37 mm (1.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) |
| May | 32°C (89°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) |
| Jun | 35°C (94°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Jul | 32°C (90°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) |
| Aug | 31°C (89°F) | 221 mm (8.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Sep | 31°C (87°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 330 mm (13 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (80°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 340 mm (13.4 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 30 mm (1.2 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.