Which place is cheaper, Penang or Johor Bahru?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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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 Family-Friendly Tours to Malaysia, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Malaysia, 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 dayJohor Bahru $52Penang $103
The average daily cost (per person) in Johor Bahru is $52, 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 Johor Bahru and Penang in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personJohor Bahru $36Penang $49
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomJohor Bahru $72Penang $98
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.
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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Johor Bahru $11Penang $12
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Johor Bahru
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Johor Bahru:
- *Chauffeur: Johor Bahru to Singapore Car Transfer: $94
- *Chauffeur: Johor Bahru to Singapore Van Transfer: $38
- Airport Transfer from Johor Bahru to Kuala Lumpur International Airport: $95
- Chauffeur: Johor Bahru to Fraser's Hill Transfer [Van]: $99
- Chauffeur: Johor Bahru to Genting Highlands Transfer [Van]: $82
- Chauffeur: Johor Bahru to Kuala Lumpur Transfer [Van]: $69
- Chauffeur: Johor Bahru to Kuantan Transfer [Van]: $89
- Chauffeur: Johor Bahru to Malacca Transfer [Van]: $55
- Chauffeur: Johor Bahru to Penang Island Transfer [Van]: $148
- Chauffeur: Johor Bahru to Taman Negara Transfer [Van]: $103
- Johor Bahru City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur City Hotels One-way Transfer: $105
- Johor Bahru to Cameron Highland Hotels (Door to Door) Private Transfer: $235
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:
- Private Penang Arrival transfer to Hotel: $12
- Private Arrival Transfer : Penang International Airport: $13
- Private Transfer : Penang International Airport Departure: $13
- Private Departure Transfer - Penang International Airport: $15
- Private Departure Transfer : Penang International Airport: $15
- Private Arrival Transfer : Penang International Airport: $15
- Penang Airport Transfer to Georgetown/City Hotel or Resort/Beach Hotel: $18
- Private Economy Penang Airport Transfer-Arrival: $25
- Private Economy Penang Airport Transfer-Departure: $29
- Penang Airport Transfer ( 24/7): $29
- Private Transfer from Penang Island to Swettenham Cruise Terminal: $38
- Private Transfer - Swettenham Cruise Port to Penang Airport (PEN): $38
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
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Food Meals for one dayJohor Bahru $8.39Penang $33
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: $192
- Dog Cruise with 5-Course Seated Dinner: $222
- Sunset Sail Cruise with 5 Course Seated Dinner: $222
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
- Local Street Food Tour in Georgetown Penang : $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
- Dinner at Penang Hill: $102
- 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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Johor Bahru $6.89Penang $49
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: $4.29
- Laser Battle Experience in Johor Bahru: $7.06
- HeadRock VR Admission Ticket: $11
- Singapore: Wings of Time Entry Ticket: $13
- Malaysia Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast: $17
- Johor: LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort Entry Ticket: $18
- Experience Brooklyn Cruise at Puteri Harbour: $21
- Sailing along Straits of Johor: Brooklyn Cruise at Puteri Harbour: $22
- Malaysia: Legoland Entry Ticket: $22
- Magical Brooklyn Cruise at Puteri Harbour: $22
- Sentosa 4D AdventureLand Singapore: $22
- Johor: LEGOLAND Malaysia Ticket: $23
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:
- Asia Camera Museum Admission Ticket: $5.37
- Tech Dome Entrance Ticket: $6.09
- Guided Tour of Cheong Fatt Tze's Blue Mansion in George Town: $6.35
- Tropical Spice Garden E-Ticket: $7.14
- Skip the Line: Admission Ticket - General: $7.18
- Penang Hill Funicular Ticket: $8.35
- Wonderfood Museum in Penang Admission Ticket: $8.54
- Wonderfood Museum in Penang Admission Ticket: $8.71
- Admission Ticket for Dark Mansion Glow-in-the-Dark Museum in Penang: $8.80
- Penang Street Food in Georgetown and History Walking Audio Tour: $10
- Malaysia: Penang Habitat Admission Ticket: $14
- Entopia Penang Butterfly Farm Admission Ticket: $14
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayJohor Bahru $4.49Penang $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 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.
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.