Which place is cheaper, Penang or Lahore?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Lahore 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 Lahore 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: Lahore or Penang?
Lahore
As Pakistan's second largest city and the capital of the north-eastern Punjab province, Lahore is widely considered the country's cultural capital. Some of its best-known features include the Lahore Fort, Badshahi Mosque and Gurdwara, a mall surrounded by buildings from the British Raj, and many unique markets and neighborhoods.
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 Adventure Tours to Pakistan, The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan, 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 dayLahore $57Penang $103
The average daily cost (per person) in Lahore is $57, 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 Lahore and Penang in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLahore $37Penang $49
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLahore $74Penang $98
Compare Hotels in Lahore and Penang
Looking for a hotel in Lahore 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: Lahore Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Lahore $9.98Penang $12
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lahore
Also for Lahore, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Transfer : $60
- Chauffeur: Lahore International Airport Transfer - Arrival : $30
- Chauffeur: Lahore International Airport Transfer - Departure: $30
- Transit Trip: Lahore Guided Day Trip With Round Trip Airport Transfers: $140
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:
- Full-Day Private Transfer in Penang City : $210
- Penang City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur City Hotels One-way Transfer: $140
- Penang City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur Airport One-way Transfer: $140
- Chauffeur: Penang Island to Singapore Van Transfer: $138
- Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal, Penang to Kuala Lumpur Hotel (Door to Door) Transfer: $120
- Penang Intl Airport (PEN): Transfer to Penang Island hotels: $116
- Penang Airport (PEN): Transfer to Swettenham Cruise Port: $116
- Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal: Transfer to Penang Island: $116
- Penang City to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $107
- Penang to Kuala Lumpur 1-way Transfer: $107
- Penang Airport PEN to Penang Island - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $85
- Penang Airport to Swettenham Cruise Port - Round Trip Transfer: $76
Is it cheaper to fly into Lahore or Penang?
Prices for flights to both Penang and Lahore 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 dayLahore $14Penang $33
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lahore
For Lahore, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Street Food Tour of Lahore's Walled City : $85
- Lahore's Complete Night Food Tour: Local Culinary Experience: $110
- Full Day Lahore Private Guided Food Tour: $299
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
- 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
- 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
- Dinner at Penang Hill Including Train Ride: $141
- Penang's Night Eat-Venture Vespa Food Tour: $160
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Lahore $5.08Penang $49
Tours and Activities in Lahore
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Lahore.
- Lahore Big Bus City Tour: $20
- Lahori Food Experience: $65
- Wahga Border Flag Ceremony & Shalimar Garden Private Tour: $70
- Guided Walking Tour: Walled City of Lahore : $90
- Full Day Private Guided Lahore Sightseeing Tour : $95
- Lahore Walled City Walking Tour: $102
- Rangeela Rikshaw Walled City Guided Tour Lahore : $110
- Rangeela Rickshaw Walled City Guided Tour Lahore : $110
- Private Tour: Lahore Full Day Customized Guided Trip : $120
- 1 Day Rohtas Fort & Khewra Salt Mines Tour: $120
- Lahore City, Fort, Museums and Walled City Exploration Tour: $120
- Private Lahore Full Day Sightseeing Tour with Local Guide: $120
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:
- Penang City Temple Tour with Penang Hill(Fast Lane) & Kek Lok Si: $100
- 4 Hour Food and Heritage Walking Tour in Penang George Town: $75
- 4-Hour Heritage Walking Tour of Georgetown: $58
- 6-Hours Penang Private Tour: $151
- Admission Ticket for Dark Mansion Glow-in-the-Dark Museum in Penang: $8.80
- Asia Camera Museum Admission Ticket: $5.38
- Countryside Cycling Tour by Matahari: $82
- Discover Georgetown Heritage Private Tour in Penang: $51
- Discover Penang City Tour: $47
- Discover Penang City in Amazing Tour: $82
- Enjoy Hill & Temple Sightseeing Tour - Penang City: $68
- Entopia Butterfly Farm & Tropical Spice Garden Tour: $81
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLahore $4.89Penang $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 Lahore and Penang, we can see that Penang is more expensive. And not only is Lahore much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Lahore would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lahore 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 Lahore.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Lahore Expensive? and Is Penang Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Lahore or Penang?
Lahore has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Penang. When comparing the sizes of Lahore 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 Lahore or Penang?
Lahore 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 Lahore or Penang in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Lahore as well as Penang. The warm climate attracts visitors to Penang throughout the year.
Lahore can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Lahore is generally a little warmer than Penang. Daily temperatures in Lahore average around 33°C (91°F), and Penang fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Penang. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lahore this time of the year. In the summer, Lahore often gets more sunshine than Penang. Lahore gets 228 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Penang receives 211 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Penang. Lahore receives a lot of rain in the summer. Lahore usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Penang. Lahore gets 202 mm (8 in) of rain, while Penang receives 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLahore 33°C (91°F)Penang 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Lahore or Penang in the Autumn?
Both Penang and Lahore are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Penang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Lahore is around the same temperature as Penang in the autumn. The daily temperature in Lahore averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Penang fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Penang. In October, Lahore usually receives less rain than Penang. Lahore gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Penang receives 340 mm (13.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLahore 27°C (81°F)Penang 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Lahore or Penang in the Winter?
Both Penang and Lahore during the winter are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Penang year-round.
In the winter, Lahore is much colder than Penang. Typically, the winter temperatures in Lahore in January average around 14°C (58°F), and Penang averages at about 28°C (82°F).
Lahore usually gets less rain in January than Penang. Lahore gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Penang receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLahore 14°C (58°F)Penang 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Lahore or Penang in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Lahore and Penang. Penang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Lahore is generally around the same temperature as Penang. Daily temperatures in Lahore average around 28°C (83°F), and Penang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Penang this time of the year. In Lahore, it's very sunny this time of the year. Lahore usually receives more sunshine than Penang during spring. Lahore gets 278 hours of sunny skies, while Penang receives 218 hours of full sun in the spring.
Penang receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Lahore usually receives less rain than Penang. Lahore gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Penang receives 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLahore 28°C (83°F)Penang 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Penang and Lahore
| Lahore | Penang | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (58°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Feb | 17°C (62°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 22°C (72°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (83°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) |
| May | 33°C (91°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) |
| Jun | 35°C (96°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Jul | 33°C (91°F) | 202 mm (8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) |
| Aug | 32°C (90°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Sep | 31°C (88°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 330 mm (13 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 340 mm (13.4 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (70°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) |
| Dec | 16°C (60°F) | 14 mm (0.5 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.