A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kaunas vs. Penang for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Kaunas or Penang?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Kaunas and Penang. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Kaunas or Penang?

Kaunas

Kaunas is the second biggest city in Lithuania, located at the country's center. It is a city of medieval history as well as modern entertainment with castle ruins, churches, and cathedrals, as well as galleries, museums, theatres, and outdoor recreation.

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 Tours for Seniors to Lithuania, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Vilnius, The Best 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia.


Which place is cheaper, Penang or Kaunas?

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 Kaunas is €117, while the average daily cost in Penang is €128. 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 Kaunas and Penang in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kaunas 42
    Penang 49
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kaunas 84
    Penang 98
Compare Hotels in Kaunas and Penang

Looking for a hotel in Kaunas 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 Kaunas


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: Kaunas Hotel Prices and Penang Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kaunas 15
    Penang 12

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kaunas

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kaunas:

  • CO2-Offset Departure Transfer Kaunas City to Kaunas Airport KUN: $68
  • CO2-Offset Private Transfer from Kaunas to Kaunas Airport KUN: $60

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Penang

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


  • Local Bus
    1.27
  • Island Ferry
    0.51
  • Bus From Airport to George Town
    0.57
  • Taxi From Airport to George Town
    9.72
  • Motorbike Rental (One Day)
    6.34
  • Bicycle Rental (One Day)
    2.11

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 Island to Penang Airport(PEN) - Departure Private transfer: $19
  • Private Transfer Penang Airport To/From Hotel (1way only): $20
  • Private Transfer - Penang Airport (PEN) to Swettenham Cruise Port: $21
  • Private Transfer - Swettenham Cruise Port to Penang Airport (PEN): $21
  • Private Transfer from Swettenham Cruise Terminal to Penang Island: $21
  • Private Transfer from Penang Island to Swettenham Cruise Terminal: $21
  • Penang Airport Arrival Transfer: $21
  • Penang Airport (PEN) to Swettenham Cruise Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $22
  • Swettenham Pier to Penang Airport(PEN)-Departure Private Transfer: $22

Is it cheaper to fly into Kaunas or Penang?

Prices for flights to both Penang and Kaunas 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
    Kaunas 58
    Penang 57

Typical Food Prices in Penang

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


  • Snack
    1.69
  • Dinner at The Suffolk House (for 2)
    72
  • Lunch at Sakae Sushi (for 2)
    61
  • Lassy Juice
    1.48
  • Dinner for 2
    3.17
  • Street Stall Food
    0.59
  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    4.02
  • 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 : 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
  • Eat Like A Local: Penang Street Food Tour: $62
  • 3-Hour Heritage on a Plate Dinner Hop in George Town Penang: $65
  • Authentic Local Food Tour with Scenic Walk: $89
  • Malay Culinary Journey Cooking Class for the Adventurous Foodie: $92
  • Penang Cooking Class:Dive into Malaysian Cuisine with PenangChiak: $94
  • Private Half Day Penang Tasty Local Street Food Tour: $99
  • Private Dinner at THE TOP with Skywalk Experience from Penang: $103

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kaunas 18
    Penang 49

Tours and Activities in Kaunas

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

  • Best of A Modernism and Medieval History Self Guided tour: $15
  • Self-Guided Secrets of Kaunas Exploration Game Tour: $23
  • Private custom tour with a local guide: $54
  • Kaunas Old Town tour + IX Fort Museum (BONUS): $58
  • Recreational Tour in Kaunas - The City of Freedom: $68
  • 1 day Self-Guided Bike Tour with Train Tickets: $69
  • Private Custom Walking Tour with a Local Guide in Kaunas: $81
  • Tours in Kaunas Old Town: $100
  • Kaunas : Sightseeing Walking Custom Tour with a Local Guide: $117
  • Kaunas, Lithuania 2-Hour Sightseeing Tour: $176
  • Private Kaunas Tour Rumsiskes Museum and Pazaislis Monastery: $255
  • Tour from Kaunas to Riga via The Hill of Crosses, Rundale, Bauska: $255

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
    6.55
  • Trishaw Tour (One Hour)
    6.34
  • Fort Cornwallis Entrance
    0.42
  • Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi Entrance
    2.11

Tours and Activities in Penang

Here are a few actual costs in Penang for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 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
  • 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
  • Entopia Penang Admission Ticket: $22
  • Penang Rainbow Skywalk at The Top Komtar Observation Deck Tickets: $22
  • Half-Day Penang Countryside Cycling Tour: $33
  • Rise of World Heritage City Penang Walking Heritage Tour: $40

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kaunas 15
    Penang 16

Typical Alcohol Prices in Penang

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


  • Beer
    1.69


When comparing the travel costs between Kaunas and Penang, we can see that Penang 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 Kaunas is in Europe 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 Kaunas Expensive? and Is Penang Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Kaunas or Penang?

Kaunas has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Penang. When comparing the sizes of Kaunas 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 Kaunas or Penang?

Kaunas 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 Kaunas or Penang in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Kaunas and Penang. The summer months attract visitors to Kaunas because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Penang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Kaunas is much colder than Penang in the summer. The daily temperature in Kaunas averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and Penang fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Penang this time of the year. In Kaunas, it's very sunny this time of the year. Kaunas usually receives more sunshine than Penang during summer. Kaunas gets 256 hours of sunny skies, while Penang receives 211 hours of full sun in the summer.

Penang receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Kaunas usually receives less rain than Penang. Kaunas gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Penang receives 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Kaunas 18°C (64°F) 
    Penang 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Kaunas or Penang in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Kaunas as well as Penang. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Kaunas this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Penang throughout the year.

In the autumn, Kaunas is much colder than Penang. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kaunas in October average around 8°C (46°F), and Penang averages at about 27°C (81°F).

It's quite rainy in Penang. Kaunas usually gets less rain in October than Penang. Kaunas gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Penang receives 340 mm (13.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Kaunas 8°C (46°F) 
    Penang 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Kaunas or Penang in the Winter?

Both Penang and Kaunas are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Kaunas for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Plenty of visitors come to Penang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Kaunas. In January, Kaunas is generally much colder than Penang. Daily temperatures in Kaunas average around -5°C (23°F), and Penang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

In January, Kaunas usually receives less rain than Penang. Kaunas gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Penang receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Kaunas -5°C (23°F) 
    Penang 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Kaunas or Penang in the Spring?

Both Penang and Kaunas during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Kaunas in the spring for the activities around the city. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Penang year-round.

Kaunas is much colder than Penang in the spring. The daily temperature in Kaunas averages around 7°C (44°F) in April, and Penang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

In Penang, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Kaunas often gets less sunshine than Penang. Kaunas gets 175 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Penang receives 218 hours of full sun.

Penang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Kaunas usually gets less rain in April than Penang. Kaunas gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Penang receives 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Kaunas 7°C (44°F) 
    Penang 28°C (82°F)

Typical Weather for Penang and Kaunas

Kaunas Penang
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -5°C (23°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 28°C (82°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Feb -4°C (25°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 28°C (82°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 0°C (33°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Apr 7°C (44°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 28°C (82°F) 240 mm (9.4 in)
May 13°C (56°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 28°C (82°F) 240 mm (9.4 in)
Jun 16°C (62°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 28°C (82°F) 170 mm (6.7 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 210 mm (8.3 in)
Aug 17°C (63°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Sep 13°C (55°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 330 mm (13 in)
Oct 8°C (46°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 340 mm (13.4 in)
Nov 2°C (36°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 230 mm (9.1 in)
Dec -2°C (28°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 28°C (82°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)