A Travel Price Comparison for Malaysia Johor Bahru vs. Penang for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Johor Bahru or Penang?

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

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.

Where Should I go: Johor Bahru or Penang?

Johor Bahru

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.

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 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.


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.

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.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Johor Bahru $39
    Penang $53
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Johor Bahru $78
    Penang $106
Compare Hotels in Johor Bahru and Penang

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.

Hotels in Johor Bahru


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: Johor Bahru Hotel Prices and Penang Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Johor Bahru $12
    Penang $13

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Johor Bahru

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Johor Bahru:

  • Airport Transfer from Johor Bahru to Kuala Lumpur International Airport: $95
  • Bukit Bintang: Shared Bus Transfer to Legoland Malaysia: $26
  • Chauffeur: Johor Bahru to Cameron Highlands Transfer [Van]: $117
  • Chauffeur: Johor Bahru to Genting Highlands Transfer [Car]: $241
  • Chauffeur: Johor Bahru to Genting Highlands Transfer [Van]: $84
  • Chauffeur: Johor Bahru to Ipoh Transfer [Van]: $117
  • Chauffeur: Johor Bahru to Kuantan Transfer [Van]: $91
  • Chauffeur: Johor Bahru to Malacca Transfer [Van]: $56
  • Johor Bahru City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur City Hotels One-way Transfer: $105
  • Johor Bharu to KUL Hotel (One Way Transfer): $237
  • Johor Hotels to Malacca Hotels (Door to Door) Transfer: $140
  • LEGOLAND Malaysia Admission Ticket with Return Transfer from Kuala Lumpur: $174

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Penang

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Penang:


  • Local Bus
    $1.37
  • Island Ferry
    $0.55
  • Bus From Airport to George Town
    $0.62
  • Taxi From Airport to George Town
    $10
  • Motorbike Rental (One Day)
    $6.85
  • Bicycle Rental (One Day)
    $2.28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Penang

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Penang:

  • Private Penang Arrival transfer to Hotel: $12
  • Private Transfer : Penang International Airport Departure: $13
  • Private Arrival Transfer : Penang International Airport: $13
  • Private Departure Transfer - Penang International Airport: $18
  • Private Arrival Transfer : Penang International Airport: $18
  • Private Departure Transfer : Penang International Airport: $18
  • Penang Airport Transfer to Penang Beach Hotel/Resort or vice versa: $23
  • Private Economy Penang Airport Transfer-Arrival: $25
  • Private Transfer From Penang Airport to Town Area: $26
  • Private Economy Penang Airport Transfer-Departure: $29
  • Private Economy Penang Airport Transfer-Arrival: $29
  • Penang Airport Transfer ( 24/7): $32

Is it cheaper to fly into Johor Bahru or 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.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Johor Bahru $16
    Penang $62

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Johor Bahru

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

  • City Lights Cruise with Buffet Dinner + Free flow Wine & Beer: $190
  • Singapore: Christmas Sunset Dinner Cruise with 5 Course XMAS Menu: $253

Typical Food Prices in Penang

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


  • Snack
    $1.83
  • Dinner at The Suffolk House (for 2)
    $78
  • Lunch at Sakae Sushi (for 2)
    $66
  • Lassy Juice
    $1.60
  • Dinner for 2
    $3.42
  • Street Stall Food
    $0.64
  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    $4.34
  • Italian Lunch (for Two)
    $11

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Penang

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

  • Penang Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
  • Good Morning Penang Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
  • Penang Food Tour - Georgetown: $62
  • Eat Like A Local: Penang Street Food Tour: $62
  • Local Street Food Tour in Georgetown Penang : $62
  • 3-Hour Heritage on a Plate Dinner Hop in George Town Penang: $70
  • 4-Hour Georgetown Food Tour: $88
  • Malay Culinary Journey Cooking Class for the Adventurous Foodie: $93
  • Penang Cooking Class:Dive into Malaysian Cuisine with PenangChiak: $94
  • Private Half Day Penang Tasty Local Street Food Tour: $95
  • Dinner at Penang Hill: $102
  • Private Dinner at THE TOP with Skywalk Experience from Penang: $103

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Johor Bahru $7.50
    Penang $53

Tours and Activities in Johor Bahru

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Johor Bahru are as follows:

  • Firefly Tour Johor Bahru@Kota Tinggi Firefly Park: $4.65
  • Laser Battle Experience in Johor Bahru: $7.06
  • Singapore: Wings of Time Entry Ticket: $13
  • Singapore: Wings of Time Show Entry Ticket: $17
  • Malaysia Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast: $18
  • Johor: LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort Entry Ticket: $20
  • Singapore Sentosa Cable Car Sky Pass E-Tickets: $21
  • Experience Brooklyn Cruise at Puteri Harbour: $21
  • Sailing along Straits of Johor: Brooklyn Cruise at Puteri Harbour: $21
  • Legoland Malaysia Theme Park E-Tickets: $22
  • Magical Brooklyn Cruise at Puteri Harbour: $22
  • 1 Day Legoland Malaysia Ticket: $22

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
    $7.07
  • Trishaw Tour (One Hour)
    $6.85
  • Fort Cornwallis Entrance
    $0.46
  • Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi Entrance
    $2.28

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: $5.82
  • Straits and Oriental Museum Ticket: $5.82
  • Malaysia: The Blue Mansion - Daily Tour: $5.84
  • Guided Tour of Cheong Fatt Tze's Blue Mansion in George Town: $6.35
  • Tech Dome Entrance Ticket: $6.64
  • Penang : DE'8000 Mini Golf Café Ticket: $7.12
  • Glass Museum Standard Admission Ticket: $7.12
  • Penang Hill Funicular Ticket: $8.35
  • Tropical Spice Garden Entrance Tickets & Guided Tours: $8.51
  • TeddyVille Museum Penang Malaysia Entry Ticket: $8.51
  • Wonderfood Museum in Penang Admission Ticket: $8.71
  • Penang Street Food in Georgetown and History Walking Audio Tour: $11

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Johor Bahru $4.89
    Penang $17

Typical Alcohol Prices in Penang

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Penang:


  • Beer
    $1.83


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?.


Which is Bigger, Johor Bahru or Penang?

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.