Which place is cheaper, Penang or Jerusalem?
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 Jerusalem or Penang?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Jerusalem 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: Jerusalem or Penang?
Jerusalem
Jerusalem is the capital city of Israel, as well as one of the most historically rich cities in the world. It is also the largest city in the country. While Tel Aviv holds many of the responsibilities of a capital city, officially, Jerusalem is still considered the capital. It is important to note that most countries have their embassies in Tel Aviv, not in Jerusalem.
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 Israel, The Best Budget Tours to Israel, The Best 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia.
-
Jerusalem Prices
Israel PricesPenang Prices
Malaysia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayJerusalem $159Penang $148
The average daily cost (per person) in Jerusalem is $159, while the average daily cost in Penang is $148. 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 Jerusalem and Penang in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personJerusalem $78Penang $57
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomJerusalem $156Penang $114
Compare Hotels in Jerusalem and Penang
Looking for a hotel in Jerusalem 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: Jerusalem Hotel Prices and Penang Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Jerusalem $8.18Penang $14
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Jerusalem
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Jerusalem are as follows:
-
Local Bus$3.85
-
Light Rail Jerusalem$12
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jerusalem
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Jerusalem:
- Jerusalem Private Transfer To Amman: $195
- Jerusalem Private Transfer To Beit She’an Border: $210
- Jerusalem Private Transfer To Dead Sea: $130
- Jerusalem Private Transfer To Petra: $285
- Jerusalem Private Transfer To Tel Aviv Airport: $130
- Jerusalem Private Transfer to Allaenby Bridge: $130
- Jerusalem Private Transfer to Amman with VIP Service: $175
- Jerusalem to Tel Aviv Airport (TLV) - Departure Private Transfer: $83
- Jerusalem to Tel Aviv Airport (TLV) - Departure Private Transfer: $87
- Jerusalem to Tel Aviv Airport (TLV) - Departure Private Transfer: $94
- Jerusalem to Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport Private Departure Transfer: $85
- Private Airport Transfers to/from Hotel: $183
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)$7.34
-
Bicycle Rental (One Day)$2.45
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Penang
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Penang:
- Penang Airport Transfer: $15
- Private Departure Transfer to Penang International Airport: $18
- Private Transfer from Penang International Airport to Your Hotel: $18
- Penang Airport (PEN) to Penang Island - Arrival Private transfer: $19
- Penang Island to Penang Airport(PEN) - Departure Private transfer: $19
- Private Transfer - Penang Airport (PEN) to Swettenham Cruise Port: $21
- Private Transfer from Swettenham Cruise Terminal to Penang Island: $21
- Private Transfer from Penang Island to Swettenham Cruise Terminal: $21
- Private Transfer - Swettenham Cruise Port to Penang Airport (PEN): $21
- Penang Airport (PEN) to Swettenham Cruise Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $22
- Swettenham Pier to Penang Airport(PEN)-Departure Private Transfer: $22
- Penang Airport Transfer - Arrival or Departure: $37
Is it cheaper to fly into Jerusalem or Penang?
Prices for flights to both Penang and Jerusalem 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 dayJerusalem $67Penang $66
Typical Food Prices in Jerusalem
Some typical examples of dining costs in Jerusalem are as follows:
-
Orange Juice$3.26
-
Watermelon$4.90
-
Lunch$14
-
Food at Market$19
-
Juice$3.26
-
Bagels$9.79
-
Lunch for 2$18
-
Snacks$6.86
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jerusalem
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Jerusalem.
- Mahane Yehuda Market Walking Food Tour in Jerusalem: $63
- Mahane Yehuda Market Guided Food Tour: $89
- Private Lunch or Dinner at a Local Traditional Restaurant from Dead Sea: $107
- Private Madaba Haret Jdoudna Restaurant Lunch or Dinner from Dead Sea: $127
- Christmas Eve Jerusalem and Bethlehem with Dinner from Jerusalem: $180
- Experience Shabbat With Dinner In Jerusalem: $231
- The Best Food Tour in Jerusalem-Perfect for Viral Travel Content: $237
Typical Food Prices in Penang
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Penang:
-
Snack$1.96
-
Dinner at The Suffolk House (for 2)$84
-
Lunch at Sakae Sushi (for 2)$71
-
Lassy Juice$1.71
-
Dinner for 2$3.67
-
Street Stall Food$0.69
-
Casual Lunch (for Two)$4.65
-
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
- Penang Food Tour - Georgetown: $62
- Local Street Food Tour in Georgetown Penang: $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
- Penang Cooking Class:Dive into Malaysian Cuisine with PenangChiak: $94
- Private Half Day Penang Tasty Local Street Food Tour: $99
- Malay Culinary Journey Cooking Class for the Adventurous Foodie: $102
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Jerusalem $10Penang $57
Typical Entertainment Prices in Jerusalem
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Jerusalem are as follows:
-
Cooking Classes for 2$41
Tours and Activities in Jerusalem
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Jerusalem are as follows:
- A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Jerusalem's Old City: $9.99
- Jerusalem’s Old City Walls: An Audio Tour Through Time and Faith: $9.99
- Skip the Line:1.5Hour AudioTour - Yad Vashem Holocaust Remembrance Center Ticket: $11
- Jerusalem Yad Vashem Holocaust History Museum Tour: $12
- In The Footsteps of Jesus - Self Guiding Tour: $13
- Classic Jerusalem Old City - Self Guiding Tour: $13
- Tram Tour of The Old City of Jerusalem: $30
- Old City Highlights Tour: $39
- Old City Morning Tour: $39
- Bethlehem Half Day Christian Guided Tour: $40
- Bethlehem Half Day Guided Group Tour: $40
- Jerusalem Jewish Orthodox Neighborhood Walking Tour: $49
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$7.59
-
Trishaw Tour (One Hour)$7.34
-
Fort Cornwallis Entrance$0.49
-
Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi Entrance$2.45
Tours and Activities in Penang
Here are a few actual costs in Penang for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Culture, Faith and Trade: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of George Town: $5.00
- 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: $8.77
- George Town Penang App Guided Street Art Tour: $8.79
- The Vanilla Village Farm Tour by Kairos: $9.39
- Penang Hill Funicular Ticket - Non-Malaysian: $11
- Malaysia: Penang Habitat Entry Ticket: $15
- 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
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayJerusalem $19Penang $18
Typical Alcohol Prices in Jerusalem
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Jerusalem are as follows:
-
Beer$5.88
Typical Alcohol Prices in Penang
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Penang:
-
Beer$1.96
When comparing the travel costs between Jerusalem and Penang, we can see that Jerusalem is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Jerusalem is in Middle East and Penang is in Asia, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Jerusalem Expensive? and Is Penang Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Jerusalem or Penang?
Jerusalem has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Penang. When comparing the sizes of Jerusalem 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 Jerusalem 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 Jerusalem or Penang in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Jerusalem and Penang. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Jerusalem year-round. Penang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Penang receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Jerusalem usually receives less rain than Penang. Jerusalem gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Penang receives 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Penang this time of the year. In Jerusalem, it's very sunny this time of the year. Jerusalem usually receives more sunshine than Penang during summer. Jerusalem gets 364 hours of sunny skies, while Penang receives 211 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Jerusalem is generally cooler than Penang. Daily temperatures in Jerusalem average around 23°C (73°F), and Penang fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyJerusalem 23°C (73°F)Penang 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Jerusalem or Penang in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Jerusalem as well as Penang. Jerusalem 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. Jerusalem usually gets less rain in October than Penang. Jerusalem gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Penang receives 340 mm (13.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
Jerusalem is cooler than Penang in the autumn. The daily temperature in Jerusalem averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Penang fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberJerusalem 19°C (66°F)Penang 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Jerusalem or Penang in the Winter?
Both Penang and Jerusalem are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Jerusalem throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Penang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In January, Jerusalem usually receives more rain than Penang. Jerusalem gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Penang receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In the winter, Jerusalem is much colder than Penang. Typically, the winter temperatures in Jerusalem in January average around 8°C (46°F), and Penang averages at about 28°C (82°F).
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryJerusalem 8°C (46°F)Penang 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Jerusalem or Penang in the Spring?
Both Penang and Jerusalem during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Jerusalem 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. Jerusalem usually gets less rain in April than Penang. Jerusalem gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Penang receives 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Penang, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Jerusalem. In the spring, Jerusalem often gets more sunshine than Penang. Jerusalem gets 269 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Penang receives 218 hours of full sun.
In April, Jerusalem is generally much colder than Penang. Daily temperatures in Jerusalem average around 16°C (61°F), and Penang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilJerusalem 16°C (61°F)Penang 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Penang and Jerusalem
| Jerusalem | Penang | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 8°C (46°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Feb | 9°C (48°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (54°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 330 mm (13 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 340 mm (13.4 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (59°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) |
| Dec | 10°C (50°F) | 60 mm (2.4 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.