Which place is cheaper, Penang or Nakhon Ratchasima?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Nakhon Ratchasima or Penang?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Nakhon Ratchasima 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: Nakhon Ratchasima or Penang?
Nakhon Ratchasima
If you're planning on traveling from Bangkok to Isaan, you'll likely make Nakhon Ratchasima your pit stop or home base. However, there is so much more to this sprawling metropolis than just a layover. Underneath the chaos of it all, is a charming and traditional Thai city.
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 Thailand, The Best Contiki Tours to Thailand, 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 dayNakhon Ratchasima $40Penang $103
The average daily cost (per person) in Nakhon Ratchasima is $40, 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 Nakhon Ratchasima and Penang in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNakhon Ratchasima $19Penang $49
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNakhon Ratchasima $38Penang $98
Compare Hotels in Nakhon Ratchasima and Penang
Looking for a hotel in Nakhon Ratchasima 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: Nakhon Ratchasima Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Nakhon Ratchasima $4.50Penang $12
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Nakhon Ratchasima
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Nakhon Ratchasima:
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Tuk Tuk$1.36
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Bus to Vientiane$1.36
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:
- Swettenham Pier to Penang Airport(PEN)-Departure Private Transfer: $38
- Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal: Transfer to Penang Island: $116
- Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal, Penang to Kuala Lumpur Hotel (Door to Door) Transfer: $120
- Swettenham Pier Cruise Port to Penang Island hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $38
- Swettenham Cruise Port to Penang Island hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $76
- Private Transfer: Penang International Airport to or from Hotel: $49
- Private Transfer from Swettenham Cruise Terminal to Penang Island: $38
- Private Transfer From Penang Airport to Town Area: $26
- Private Transfer : Penang International Airport Departure: $13
- Private Transfer - Swettenham Cruise Port to Penang Airport (PEN): $38
- Private Penang Arrival transfer to Hotel: $12
- Private Economy Penang Airport Transfer-Departure: $29
Is it cheaper to fly into Nakhon Ratchasima or Penang?
Prices for flights to both Penang and Nakhon Ratchasima 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 dayNakhon Ratchasima $15Penang $33
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.Nakhon Ratchasima $5.81Penang $49
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 dayNakhon Ratchasima $10Penang $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 Nakhon Ratchasima and Penang, we can see that Penang is more expensive. And not only is Nakhon Ratchasima much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Nakhon Ratchasima would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nakhon Ratchasima 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 Nakhon Ratchasima.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Nakhon Ratchasima Expensive? and Is Penang Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Nakhon Ratchasima or Penang?
Penang has a larger population, and is about 178300 times larger than the population of Nakhon Ratchasima. When comparing the sizes of Nakhon Ratchasima 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 Nakhon Ratchasima 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 Nakhon Ratchasima or Penang in the Summer?
Both Penang and Nakhon Ratchasima during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Nakhon Ratchasima 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. It rains a lot this time of the year in Nakhon Ratchasima. Nakhon Ratchasima usually gets less rain in July than Penang. Nakhon Ratchasima gets 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Penang receives 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the summer, Nakhon Ratchasima is a little warmer than Penang. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nakhon Ratchasima in July average around 30°C (86°F), and Penang averages at about 27°C (81°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyNakhon Ratchasima 30°C (86°F)Penang 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Nakhon Ratchasima or Penang in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Nakhon Ratchasima and Penang. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Nakhon Ratchasima year-round. Penang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Penang receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Nakhon Ratchasima gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Nakhon Ratchasima usually receives less rain than Penang. Nakhon Ratchasima gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Penang receives 340 mm (13.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
In October, Nakhon Ratchasima is generally around the same temperature as Penang. Daily temperatures in Nakhon Ratchasima average around 28°C (82°F), and Penang fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberNakhon Ratchasima 28°C (82°F)Penang 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Nakhon Ratchasima or Penang in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Nakhon Ratchasima as well as Penang. Nakhon Ratchasima attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Penang throughout the year.
Nakhon Ratchasima usually gets less rain in January than Penang. Nakhon Ratchasima gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Penang receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
Nakhon Ratchasima is cooler than Penang in the winter. The daily temperature in Nakhon Ratchasima averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Penang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryNakhon Ratchasima 25°C (77°F)Penang 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Nakhon Ratchasima or Penang in the Spring?
Both Penang and Nakhon Ratchasima are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Nakhon Ratchasima 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 April, Nakhon Ratchasima usually receives less rain than Penang. Nakhon Ratchasima gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Penang receives 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
The heat can be very extreme in Nakhon Ratchasima. In the spring, Nakhon Ratchasima is a little warmer than Penang. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nakhon Ratchasima in April average around 31°C (89°F), and Penang averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilNakhon Ratchasima 31°C (89°F)Penang 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Penang and Nakhon Ratchasima
| Nakhon Ratchasima | Penang | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 30°C (86°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (89°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (87°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (86°F) | 123 mm (4.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) |
| Aug | 30°C (85°F) | 128 mm (5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 244 mm (9.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 330 mm (13 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 340 mm (13.4 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (76°F) | 4 mm (0.2 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.