Which place is cheaper, Penang or Johor Bahru?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Should I visit Johor Bahru or Penang? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Johor Bahru is the capital of the state of Johor in Southern Malaysia. Though it is largely industrial and does not typically cater to tourists, especially compared to the grandeur of neighboring Singapore, the city does have some opportunities for shopping, dining, and entertainment.
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 2-Week Tours from Kuala Lumpur, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Malaysia, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Malaysia, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Malaysia.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
The average daily cost (per person) in Johor Bahru is $63, while the average daily cost in Penang is $138. 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 Johor Bahru and Penang in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Johor Bahru 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.
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Johor Bahru:
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Penang:
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Penang:
Prices for flights to both Penang and Johor Bahru 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.
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Johor Bahru.
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Penang:
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Penang.
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Johor Bahru are as follows:
Here are a few typical costs in Penang for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
Here are a few actual costs in Penang for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Penang:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Johor Bahru and Penang, we can see that Penang is more expensive. And not only is Johor Bahru much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Johor Bahru would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Johor Bahru 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 Johor Bahru.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Johor Bahru Expensive? and Is Penang Expensive?.
Johor Bahru has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Penang. When comparing the sizes of Johor Bahru 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.