Which place is cheaper, Penang or Mumbai?
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 Mumbai or Penang?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Mumbai or Penang, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Mumbai or Penang?
Mumbai
Mumbai is the largest city in India and the capital of Maharashtra state. It is still occasionally referred to as Bombay, but most people know it now as Mumbai. It's the commercial capital of the country and is a major port city. It's also famous for Bollywood, which is the movie capital of the country and famous for it's music filled Bollywood flicks that have become popular around the world. Mumbai is arguably the most cosmopolitan city in India and has some of the most liberal views of an otherwise conservative country. Many immigrants and expats live in Mumbai and it's easy to see the blend of cultures.
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 Mumbai, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to India, The Best 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia.
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Mumbai Prices
India PricesPenang Prices
Malaysia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMumbai $75Penang $150
The average daily cost (per person) in Mumbai is $75, while the average daily cost in Penang is $150. 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 Mumbai and Penang in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMumbai $29Penang $57
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMumbai $58Penang $114
Compare Hotels in Mumbai and Penang
Looking for a hotel in Mumbai 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: Mumbai Hotel Prices and Penang Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Mumbai $6.42Penang $15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mumbai
Also for Mumbai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Transfer: Mumbai Airport BOM to Mumbai by Business Car: $62
- Arrival Transfer: Mumbai Airport BOM to Mumbai by Luxury Van: $96
- Departure Private Transfers: Mumbai City to Mumbai Airport BOM in Business Car: $62
- Luxury Mumbai Package with Hotel,Private Airport Transfers and Sightseeing Tour: $270
- Mumbai - private departure transfer from Hotel to Airport: $39
- Mumbai After Dark: Private Night Tour with AC Transfers: $25
- Mumbai Airport (BOM) to Mumbai - Arrival Private Transfer: $38
- Mumbai Airport BOM Private Transfer to Mumbai City Central/Hotels: $24
- Mumbai Airport Private Arrival Transfers: $20
- Mumbai Airport Transfer: $12
- Mumbai Airport Transfer in Private Vehicle: $26
- Mumbai Airport Transfer to and from Hotel: $31
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$1.49
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Island Ferry$0.59
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Bus From Airport to George Town$0.67
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Taxi From Airport to George Town$11
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Motorbike Rental (One Day)$7.43
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Bicycle Rental (One Day)$2.48
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Penang
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Penang:
- Private Transfer : Penang Hotel/Port to Kuala Lumpur Hotel: $177
- Chauffeur: Penang Island to Singapore Van Transfer: $148
- Penang City to Kuala Lumpur City One-way Transfer: $140
- Penang City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur Airport One-way Transfer: $140
- Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal, Penang to Kuala Lumpur Hotel (Door to Door) Transfer: $120
- Swettenham Cruise Port to Penang Island hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $114
- Penang to Kuala Lumpur 1-way Transfer: $107
- Penang City to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $107
- Private Half Day Tour to Penang Island with Transfer Included: $80
- ATV Ride in Balik Pulau with Snacks and Transfers: $66
- Penang Airport Transfer ( 24/7): $59
- Penang Balik Pulau Countryside Morning Cycling with Transfers: $59
Is it cheaper to fly into Mumbai or Penang?
Prices for flights to both Penang and Mumbai 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 dayMumbai $38Penang $67
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mumbai
For Mumbai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Mumbai Food Tour — 178 Years of Bombay on a Plate: $14
- Virtual Authentic Indian Tea and Paratha Cooking Class: $14
- Private Street Food Tour with Mumbai Sightseeing Tour including AC vehicles: $19
- Small Group Authentic Mumbai Virtual Cooking Class with Dessert: $20
- Vegetarian Indian Cuisine Virtual Cooking Class Experience from Mumbai: $20
- Mumbai Food Tour: $20
- Indian cusine demonstration cum hands on with Hi Tea / Dinner at a Family home: $29
- Indian cusine demonstration cum hands on with Hi Tea / Dinner at a Family home: $29
- Mumbai's Curry Cooking Class: Veg, Non-Veg: $32
- Experience Mumbai Street Food Tour: $36
- Mumbai Street Food Tour: $39
- Bombay Express Mumbai Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
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$1.98
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Dinner at The Suffolk House (for 2)$85
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Lunch at Sakae Sushi (for 2)$72
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Lassy Juice$1.73
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Dinner for 2$3.71
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Street Stall Food$0.69
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$4.70
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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.
- 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
- 3-Hour Heritage on a Plate Dinner Hop in George Town Penang: $65
- Eat Like A Local: Penang Street Food Tour: $65
- Authentic Local Food Tour with Scenic Walk: $89
- Penang Cooking Class:Dive into Malaysian Cuisine with PenangChiak: $94
- Private Half Day Penang Tasty Local Street Food Tour: $99
- Malay Culinary Journey Cooking Class for the Adventurous Foodie: $102
- Rathika's Malaysian Cooking Class with Wet Market Tour: $110
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Mumbai $2.32Penang $58
Tours and Activities in Mumbai
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Mumbai.
- Private Mumbai City Tour + Dharavi Slum Slumdog Millionaire Tour: $4.29
- Dharavi Slum tour in Mumbai by local resident: $4.29
- Mumbai's Historical Architecture: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.00
- Mumbai Self-Guided Walking City Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $5.00
- Mumbai Malabar Self-Guided Walking City Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $5.00
- Audio Guided Walking Tour on HopOn India App – From Gateway to Fountain, Mumbai: $5.32
- Elephanta Caves Audio Guided Walking Tour, Mumbai on HopOn India App: $5.34
- From Delhi: Taj Mahal Sunrise, Baby Taj & Agra Fort Day Tour: $5.64
- Audio Guided Tour of Matunga & Dadar Parsi Colony, Mumbai: $6.14
- Dharavi Slum Tour in Untold Stories with Local Guide: $6.44
- Best Slum Tour Dharavi Small Group with a Local: $6.98
- From Delhi: Taj Mahal & Agra City Tour with Fatehpur Sikri: $7.10
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$7.68
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Trishaw Tour (One Hour)$7.43
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Fort Cornwallis Entrance$0.50
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Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi Entrance$2.48
Tours and Activities in Penang
Here are a few actual costs in Penang for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 3 Hour of Penang Street Food Walkabout Tour The Heritage Site: $49
- 4 Hour Food and Heritage Walking Tour in Penang George Town: $97
- 4-Hour Heritage Walking Tour of Georgetown: $54
- 4-Hour Private Heritage Tour in George Town: $71
- 8 Hours of Penang Tour: $60
- All-Inclusive Penang George Town Private Tour: $160
- Back of the Bike Street Food Experience – Real Penang!: $119
- Balik Pulau Bicycle Tour: $33
- Best of Historical George Town Half Day Tour: $80
- Bukit Merah Orang Utan and Penang City Private Tour: $140
- Bukit Merah OrangUtan Island Tour Nyonya Lunch and Heritage Walk: $158
- Chinese Clan Secrets and History Guided Walking Tour in Penang: $57
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMumbai $3.22Penang $18
Sample the Local Flavors in Mumbai
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Mumbai:
- Bombay Party (Bar Crawl): $25
- Sula Vineyards Wine Tasting Day Trip from Mumbai by Train or Car: $131
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$1.98
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mumbai and Penang, we can see that Penang is more expensive. And not only is Mumbai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Mumbai would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mumbai 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 Mumbai.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Mumbai Expensive? and Is Penang Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Mumbai or Penang?
Mumbai has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Penang. When comparing the sizes of Mumbai 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 Mumbai or Penang?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Mumbai or Penang in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Mumbai as well as Penang. Mumbai 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. Mumbai receives a lot of rain in the summer. Mumbai usually gets more rain in July than Penang. Mumbai gets 640 mm (25.2 in) of rain, while Penang receives 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Penang. In the summer, Mumbai often gets less sunshine than Penang. Mumbai gets 73 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Penang receives 211 hours of full sun.
In July, Mumbai is generally around the same temperature as Penang. Daily temperatures in Mumbai average around 28°C (82°F), and Penang fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMumbai 28°C (82°F)Penang 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Mumbai or Penang in the Autumn?
Both Penang and Mumbai are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Mumbai throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Penang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Penang. In October, Mumbai usually receives less rain than Penang. Mumbai gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Penang receives 340 mm (13.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
Mumbai is around the same temperature as Penang in the autumn. The daily temperature in Mumbai averages around 29°C (84°F) in October, and Penang fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMumbai 29°C (84°F)Penang 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Mumbai or Penang in the Winter?
Both Penang and Mumbai during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Mumbai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Penang year-round.
Mumbai usually gets less rain in January than Penang. Mumbai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Penang receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the winter, Mumbai is cooler than Penang. Typically, the winter temperatures in Mumbai in January average around 24°C (75°F), and Penang averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMumbai 24°C (75°F)Penang 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Mumbai or Penang in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Mumbai and Penang. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Mumbai year-round. Penang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Penang receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Mumbai usually receives less rain than Penang. Mumbai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Penang receives 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Penang this time of the year. In Mumbai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Mumbai usually receives more sunshine than Penang during spring. Mumbai gets 284 hours of sunny skies, while Penang receives 218 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Mumbai is generally around the same temperature as Penang. Daily temperatures in Mumbai average around 29°C (84°F), and Penang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMumbai 29°C (84°F)Penang 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Penang and Mumbai
| Mumbai | Penang | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) |
| May | 30°C (86°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (84°F) | 560 mm (22 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 640 mm (25.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 520 mm (20.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 320 mm (12.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 330 mm (13 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 340 mm (13.4 in) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 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.