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

Should you visit Penang or Antwerp?

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 Penang and Antwerp. 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: Penang or Antwerp?

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.

Antwerp

Antwerp is a very popular tourist destination in Belgium. It's a lovely city in the region of Flanders and its people are known for their friendly, open and welcoming personalities. It's a very relaxed and low stress city, making it an excellent place to spend a few days in the midst of a hectic trip. The city itself is known to have a very high standard of living and a great quality of life. Antwerp is also an economic center in Belgium, because of its importance in the diamond trade. It is known as the "world's leading diamond city" with about seventy percent of all diamonds traded through Antwerp.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Belgium, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Belgium.


Which place is cheaper, Antwerp or Penang?

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 Penang is $144, while the average daily cost in Antwerp is $178. 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 Penang and Antwerp in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Penang $55
    Antwerp $84
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Penang $110
    Antwerp $168
Compare Hotels in Penang and Antwerp

Looking for a hotel in Penang or Antwerp? 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 Penang


Hotels in Antwerp


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: Penang Hotel Prices and Antwerp Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Penang $14
    Antwerp $14
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Penang

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


  • Local Bus
    $1.43
  • Island Ferry
    $0.57
  • Bus From Airport to George Town
    $0.64
  • Taxi From Airport to George Town
    $11
  • Motorbike Rental (One Day)
    $7.13
  • Bicycle Rental (One Day)
    $2.38

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Penang

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Penang:

  • Chauffeur: Penang Island to Singapore Van Transfer: $146
  • Full-Day Private Transfer in Penang City : $277
  • Penang Airport (PEN) to Swettenham Cruise Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $23
  • Penang Airport Transfer ( 24/7): $59
  • Penang Airport Transfer - Arrival or Departure: $36
  • Penang City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur Airport One-way Transfer: $140
  • Penang City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur City Hotels One-way Transfer: $140
  • Penang City to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $107
  • Penang City to Kuala Lumpur City One-way Transfer: $140
  • Penang Island to Penang Airport(PEN) - Departure Private transfer: $19
  • Penang to KUL Hotel (One Way Transfer): $237
  • Penang to Kuala Lumpur 1-way Transfer: $107

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Antwerp

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Antwerp:

  • Antwerp Shuttle Transfer <-> Schipol Airport Amsterdam (1 to 8 Places): $190
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Antwerp to Brussels By luxury car: $179
  • Private Departure Transfer from Antwerp to Brussels By luxury car: $191
  • Round Trip Private Transfer Brussels Airport BRU to Antwerp City by Business Car: $256
  • Transfer Antwerp <-> Luxembourg (1 to 8pl): $192

Is it cheaper to fly into Penang or Antwerp?

Prices for flights to both Antwerp and Penang 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
    Penang $64
    Antwerp $80
Typical Food Prices in Penang

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


  • Snack
    $1.90
  • Dinner at The Suffolk House (for 2)
    $81
  • Lunch at Sakae Sushi (for 2)
    $69
  • Lassy Juice
    $1.66
  • Dinner for 2
    $3.57
  • Street Stall Food
    $0.67
  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    $4.52
  • Italian Lunch (for Two)
    $11

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: $45
  • Penang Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
  • 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
  • 4-Hour Georgetown Food Tour: $88
  • Authentic Local Food Tour with Scenic Walk: $89
  • Malay Culinary Journey Cooking Class for the Adventurous Foodie: $92
  • Authentic Indian Penang Cooking Class: $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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Antwerp

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Antwerp.

  • Private Authentic Indian Cooking Class in Antwerp with Aastha : $124

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Penang $55
    Antwerp $9.64
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
    $7.37
  • Trishaw Tour (One Hour)
    $7.13
  • Fort Cornwallis Entrance
    $0.48
  • Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi Entrance
    $2.38

Tours and Activities in Penang

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

  • Asia Camera Museum Admission Ticket: $6.10
  • Guided Tour of Cheong Fatt Tze's Blue Mansion in George Town: $6.35
  • Tech Dome Entrance Ticket: $6.92
  • Straits and Oriental Museum Ticket: $7.32
  • Tropical Spice Garden Entrance Ticket & Guided Tours: $8.15
  • Penang Hill Funicular Ticket: $8.35
  • The Vanilla Village Farm Tour by Kairos: $9.39
  • Malaysia: Penang Habitat Entry Ticket: $15
  • Malaysia: Discover Nature's Wonders with Entopia Entry Ticket: $17
  • Penang Rainbow Skywalk at The Top Komtar Observation Deck Tickets: $22
  • Entopia Butterfly and Nature Discovery Park Entry Ticket Penang : $28
  • Half-Day Penang Countryside Cycling Tour: $32

Tours and Activities in Antwerp

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

  • Historical Walking Tour in Antwerp Old City: $3.56
  • Historical Walking Tour: Legends of Antwerp: $3.56
  • Evening Walking Tour: The Dark Side of Antwerp: $3.56
  • A Taste of Antwerp Tasting Tour: $3.57
  • Antwerp Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $5.82
  • Antwerp Steenplein Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $6.41
  • Walking Antwerp City Center with GPS and Audio Tour: $8.36
  • Pub Trail an adventure full of surprises: $13
  • Walking Tour: Highlights of Antwerp: $23
  • Discover Antwerp with this Outside Escape city game tour!: $30
  • Antwerp Bike Tours: $36
  • Guided Bike Tour: 2 Hours Highlights of Antwerp: $38

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Penang $18
    Antwerp $21
Typical Alcohol Prices in Penang

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


  • Beer
    $1.90

Sample the Local Flavors in Antwerp

Also in Antwerp, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Antwerp Pub Crawl : $72
  • Private Wine Tasting in Boomgaardstraat Antwerp: $89


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Penang and Antwerp, we can see that Antwerp is more expensive. And not only is Penang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Penang is in Asia and Antwerp is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Penang would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Penang 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 Antwerp would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Antwerp than you might in Penang.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Penang Expensive? and Is Antwerp Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Penang or Antwerp?

Antwerp has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Penang. When comparing the sizes of Penang and Antwerp, 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 Penang or Antwerp?

Antwerp 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 Penang or Antwerp in the Summer?

Both Antwerp and Penang are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Penang throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Antwerp in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Penang is generally much warmer than Antwerp. Daily temperatures in Penang average around 27°C (81°F), and Antwerp fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Antwerp. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Penang. Penang usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Antwerp during summer. Penang gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Antwerp receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Penang. In July, Penang usually receives more rain than Antwerp. Penang gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Penang 27°C (81°F) 
    Antwerp 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Penang or Antwerp in the Autumn?

Both Antwerp and Penang during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Penang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Antwerp for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

Penang is much warmer than Antwerp in the autumn. The daily temperature in Penang averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Antwerp fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Penang. Penang usually gets more rain in October than Antwerp. Penang gets 340 mm (13.4 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Penang 27°C (81°F) 
    Antwerp 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Penang or Antwerp in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Penang and Antwerp. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Penang year-round. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Antwerp because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Antwerp can be very cold. In the winter, Penang is much warmer than Antwerp. Typically, the winter temperatures in Penang in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Antwerp averages at about 3°C (38°F).

In January, Penang usually receives more rain than Antwerp. Penang gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Penang 28°C (82°F) 
    Antwerp 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Penang or Antwerp in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Penang as well as Antwerp. Penang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Antwerp this time of year.

In April, Penang is generally much warmer than Antwerp. Daily temperatures in Penang average around 28°C (82°F), and Antwerp fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Penang this time of the year. In the spring, Penang often gets more sunshine than Antwerp. Penang gets 218 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Antwerp receives 158 hours of full sun.

Penang receives a lot of rain in the spring. Penang usually gets more rain in April than Antwerp. Penang gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Penang 28°C (82°F) 
    Antwerp 8°C (47°F)

Typical Weather for Antwerp and Penang

Penang Antwerp
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 3°C (38°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 3°C (38°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Mar 28°C (82°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 6°C (42°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 28°C (82°F) 240 mm (9.4 in) 8°C (47°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
May 28°C (82°F) 240 mm (9.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 170 mm (6.7 in) 15°C (59°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 210 mm (8.3 in) 17°C (63°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 190 mm (7.5 in) 18°C (64°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 330 mm (13 in) 16°C (60°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 340 mm (13.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 230 mm (9.1 in) 7°C (45°F) 75 mm (2.9 in)
Dec 28°C (82°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 5°C (40°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)