Which place is cheaper, Penang or Manila?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Manila or Penang?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Manila and Penang can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Manila or Penang?
Manila
A sprawling metropolis that is home to more than 12 million people, Manila is one huge, misunderstood concrete jungle, full of diverse cultures, traffic, pollution, restaurants, shopping malls, noise and nightlife. If you're looking to soak in culture and feel the vibe of a place rather than seeking a city that specifically caters to tourists, Manila is the place to be. Capital of the Philippines, Manila is also the center for education, business, and transportation.
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 in Philippines, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Philippines, The Best 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia.
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Manila Prices
Philippines PricesPenang Prices
Malaysia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayManila $99Penang $147
The average daily cost (per person) in Manila is $99, while the average daily cost in Penang is $147. 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 Manila and Penang in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personManila $51Penang $56
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomManila $102Penang $112
Compare Hotels in Manila and Penang
Looking for a hotel in Manila 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: Manila Hotel Prices and Penang Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Manila $13Penang $14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Manila
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Manila:
- Airport Transfer from Manila Airport: $96
- Amazing Pagsanjan Falls with Authentic filipino lunch Plus Transfers frm manila*: $150
- Escape to Enchanting Hidden Valley Springs! with Transfers***: $170
- Full On 5-7 hours ATV Adventure Rivers-Mountains-Jungle with Transfers Manila: $280
- METRO MANILA AIRPORT TRANSFERS | VAN: $64
- Manila Airport Transfer: $38
- Manila Airports Quality Safe and Reliable Airport Transfer: $40
- Manila Int Airport (MNL) to Manila - Arrival Private Transfer: $26
- Manila Int Airport (MNL) to Manila - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $51
- Manila International Airport Private Transfer To & From City: $30
- Manila Private Airport Transfer: Comfortable & Affordable: $38
- Amazing Taal Volcano Island Boat Tour with Transfers: $120
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$1.45
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Island Ferry$0.58
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Bus From Airport to George Town$0.65
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Taxi From Airport to George Town$11
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Motorbike Rental (One Day)$7.25
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Bicycle Rental (One Day)$2.42
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 Airport (PEN) to Penang Island - Arrival Private transfer: $19
- Penang Island to Penang Airport(PEN) - Departure Private transfer: $19
- Private Transfer Penang Airport To/From Hotel (1way only): $20
- Private Transfer from Swettenham Cruise Terminal to Penang Island: $21
- Private Transfer from Penang Island to Swettenham Cruise Terminal: $21
- Private Transfer - Swettenham Cruise Port to Penang Airport (PEN): $21
- Penang Airport (PEN) to Swettenham Cruise Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $22
- Penang Hotel to Airport Departure Transfer: $23
- Penang Airport Transfer - Arrival or Departure: $36
Is it cheaper to fly into Manila or Penang?
Prices for flights to both Penang and Manila 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 dayManila $29Penang $66
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Manila
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Manila.
- Manila Food Tour: Introduction to Philippine Street Food: $60
- Manila Food Tour: Explore World's Oldest Chinatown: $60
- Ugbo Manila Street Food Tour with Tuktuk Ride: $60
- ⭐ Manila Street Food Tour in the Downtown, Eat and Drink⭐: $62
- Guided Food Tour of Binondo with Tastings: $65
- Street Food tour & Local Jeepney, Tuktuk Ride: $66
- Binondo Chinatown Food Tour with Free Food Samples: $70
- Manila Chinatown Food Tour with Local Guide: $71
- Intramuros and Chinatown Food Tour with Food Samples: $80
- Cultural Dance Show with Dinner in Manila: $105
- A taste of Manila's History & Filipino Culture with Buffet Dinner: $175
- Subic: Sunset Dinner Yacht Cruise from Manila & Clark: $212
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$1.93
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Dinner at The Suffolk House (for 2)$83
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Lunch at Sakae Sushi (for 2)$70
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Lassy Juice$1.69
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Dinner for 2$3.63
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Street Stall Food$0.68
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$4.59
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Italian Lunch (for Two)$12
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Penang
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Penang.
- 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 : A Feast That Taste Like History : 17+ Tasting: $55
- 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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Manila $18Penang $56
Tours and Activities in Manila
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Manila are as follows:
- Skip the Line: Hike Eat Swim at Mount Purro Nature Reserve Ticket: $22
- A Night in Old Intramuros Walking Tour: $23
- Explore the Urban Art of Mural and Street Art Tour: $25
- Fort Santiago Guided Tour: $25
- Viva Old Intramuros Walking Tour: $27
- The Dessert Museum Entry Ticket: $27
- Historical Bamboo Bike Tour in Intramuros: $30
- Old Manila Intramuros Area Walking Tour: $30
- Manila night cruise, night life, foodie tour and 3d theather: $32
- Intramuros Night Bamboo Bike Tour: $34
- Guided Sunset Bamboo Bike Tour in Intramuros: $34
- Experience Intramuros with Bamboo Bicycle - Ecotours: $39
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$7.49
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Trishaw Tour (One Hour)$7.25
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Fort Cornwallis Entrance$0.48
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Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi Entrance$2.42
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
- Private George Town UNESCO Heritage Walking Tour: $45
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayManila $9.29Penang $18
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$1.93
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Manila and Penang, we can see that Penang is more expensive. And not only is Manila much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Manila would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Manila 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 Manila.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Manila Expensive? and Is Penang Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Manila or Penang?
Manila has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Penang. When comparing the sizes of Manila 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 Manila or Penang?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Manila or Penang in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Manila and Penang. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Manila year-round. Penang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Penang receives a lot of rain in the summer. Manila gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Manila usually receives more rain than Penang. Manila gets 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain, while Penang receives 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
Manila is around the same temperature as Penang in the summer. The daily temperature in Manila averages around 27°C (80°F) in July, and Penang fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyManila 27°C (80°F)Penang 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Manila or Penang in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Manila as well as Penang. Manila attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Penang throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Penang. Manila receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Manila usually gets less rain in October than Penang. Manila gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Penang receives 340 mm (13.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the autumn, Manila is around the same temperature as Penang. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Manila in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Penang averages at about 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberManila 26°C (79°F)Penang 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Manila or Penang in the Winter?
Both Penang and Manila are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Manila throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Penang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In January, Manila usually receives less rain than Penang. Manila gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Penang receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In January, Manila is generally cooler than Penang. Daily temperatures in Manila average around 24°C (76°F), and Penang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryManila 24°C (76°F)Penang 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Manila or Penang in the Spring?
Both Penang and Manila during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Manila because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Penang year-round.
Penang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Manila usually gets less rain in April than Penang. Manila gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Penang receives 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
Manila is around the same temperature as Penang in the spring. The daily temperature in Manila averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Penang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilManila 29°C (84°F)Penang 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Penang and Manila
| Manila | Penang | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (76°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (80°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 303 mm (11.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (80°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (80°F) | 452 mm (17.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (80°F) | 357 mm (14.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 330 mm (13 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 340 mm (13.4 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 50 mm (2 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.