Which place is cheaper, Auckland or Penang?
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 Penang or Auckland?
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 Auckland. 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 Auckland?
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.
Auckland
Auckland is located on the North Island of New Zealand on an isthmus between the Northland Peninsula and the other parts of the North Island. Auckland is not only a city but also a region. In 2010 New Zealand combined what had previously been four separate cities into one region. These cities include the southern city of Manukau, the western city of Waitakere, the North Shore in the north, and Auckland City. The City of Auckland is the largest city in Polynesia and is very diverse with many expatriates from elsewhere in Polynesia. This diversity becomes most apparent in Auckland's many festivals and sporting events.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia, The Best Wildlife Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in New Zealand.
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Penang Prices
Malaysia PricesAuckland Prices
New Zealand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPenang $153Auckland $172
The average daily cost (per person) in Penang is $153, while the average daily cost in Auckland is $172. 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 Auckland in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPenang $58Auckland $100
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPenang $116Auckland $200
Compare Hotels in Penang and Auckland
Looking for a hotel in Penang or Auckland? 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: Penang Hotel Prices and Auckland Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Penang $15Auckland $18
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$1.51
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Island Ferry$0.60
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Bus From Airport to George Town$0.68
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Taxi From Airport to George Town$12
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Motorbike Rental (One Day)$7.56
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Bicycle Rental (One Day)$2.52
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Penang
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Penang:
- Swettenham Pier to Penang Airport(PEN)-Departure Private Transfer: $22
- 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: $57
- Swettenham Cruise Port to Penang Island hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $114
- Private Transfer: Penang International Airport to or from Hotel: $49
- Private Transfer from Swettenham Cruise Terminal to Penang Island: $21
- Private Transfer from Penang Island to Swettenham Cruise Terminal: $21
- Private Transfer from Penang International Airport to Your Hotel: $18
- Private Transfer Penang Airport To/From Hotel (1way only): $20
- Private Transfer : Penang Hotel/Port to Kuala Lumpur Hotel: $177
- Private Transfer - Swettenham Cruise Port to Penang Airport (PEN): $21
- Private Transfer - Penang Airport (PEN) to Swettenham Cruise Port: $21
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Auckland
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Auckland:
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Bus from Airport$9.57
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Airport Shuttle$15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Auckland
Also for Auckland, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Transfer: Auckland Airport AKL to Auckland by Luxury Van: $134
- Airport Transfer: Auckland to Auckland Airport AKL by Luxury Car: $157
- Arrival Private Transfer Auckland Airport to North Shore or Henderson Luxury Car: $127
- Arrival Private Transfer: Auckland Airport AKL to Auckland City: $119
- Arrival Private Transfer: Auckland Airport AKL to Auckland City by Luxury Van: $112
- Arrival Private Transfer: Auckland Airport AKL to Auckland City by Sedan Car: $88
- Arrival Transfer: Auckland Airport to Auckland Central City Centre: $25
- Auckland Airport (AKL) to North Shore - Arrival Private Transfer: $109
- Auckland Airport (AKL) to North Shore-Round-Trip Private Transfer: $218
- Auckland Airport Private One-Way or Round-Trip Transfer: $70
- Auckland Airport Private Transfer: $81
- Auckland Airport Taxi Transfers for Stress-Free Travel: $84
Is it cheaper to fly into Penang or Auckland?
Prices for flights to both Auckland 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
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Food Meals for one dayPenang $68Auckland $46
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$2.01
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Dinner at The Suffolk House (for 2)$86
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Lunch at Sakae Sushi (for 2)$73
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Lassy Juice$1.76
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Dinner for 2$3.78
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Street Stall Food$0.71
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$4.79
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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
- Local Street Food Tour in Georgetown Penang: $62
- 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
- Authentic Indian Penang Cooking Class: $92
- Malay Culinary Journey Cooking Class for the Adventurous Foodie: $92
- Penang Cooking Class:Dive into Malaysian Cuisine with PenangChiak: $94
Typical Food Prices in Auckland
For Auckland, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Breakfast$4.79
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Auckland
For Auckland, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Harbour Sailing Cruise with 3-Course Dinner: $93
- Flavours of the City Walking Food Tour: $101
- Auckland Harbour Sailboat Cruise Including Three Course Dinner: $102
- Ponsonby Road Food Tour in Auckland: $113
- Auckland Downtown Food Tour with 5 Locals Favorite Dishes: $129
- Waiheke Island: Private Sunset Wine Tour & 2 Course Dinner: $392
- Māori Evening Dinner and Private Show Experience: $519
- From Kiwi Bird Encounter & 3-Course Dinner Tour: $550
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Penang $59Auckland $28
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$7.81
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Trishaw Tour (One Hour)$7.56
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Fort Cornwallis Entrance$0.50
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Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi Entrance$2.52
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: $60
- 4-Hour Private Heritage Tour in George Town: $72
- 8 Hours of Penang Tour: $60
- Back of the Bike Street Food Experience – Real Penang!: $119
- Best of Historical George Town Half Day Tour: $80
- Bukit Merah Orang Utan and Penang City Private Tour: $140
- Countryside Cycling Tour. T1.0 by Matahari: $102
- Customizable Penang Private Tour (8hrs usage): $66
- Day Tour of Penang with Train Ride To Penang Hill: $170
- Discover Penang Heritage Gems Hill Views and Nature Full Day Tour: $65
Typical Entertainment Prices in Auckland
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Auckland's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Auckland Sky Tour (for 2)$33
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Waiheke Island Tour (for 2)$121
Tours and Activities in Auckland
For Auckland, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Auckland to Volcanoes: North Island Self-Guided Adventure: $8.27
- Auckland War Memorial Museum Entry Ticket: $9.27
- Auckland City Self Guided Walking Tour with an APP: $9.99
- A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Auckland's Hidden Stories: $12
- Maritime Museum Entry Ticket and Guided Tour: $14
- Maritime Museum Entry Ticket: $14
- Explore Self Guided Audio Tour: $15
- Skip the Line: Auckland Museum General Admission Ticket: $16
- Vibrosaun Therapy Experience: $18
- Waitematā Harbour Cruise with Live Commentary: $20
- Odyssey Sensory Maze Entry Auckland Ticket: $23
- Scenic Harbour Cruise in Auckland: $23
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPenang $19Auckland $13
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$2.01
Sample the Local Flavors in Auckland
Also in Auckland, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Waiheke Island: Scenic Island Wine Tour & Local Wine Tasting: $110
- Full-Day Wine Tasting Tour in Auckland with 3-Course Vineyard Lunch: $120
- Kumeu Wineries, Muriwai / Hallertau Brewery: $153
- Waiheke Island: The Essence of Waiheke Wine Tour: $159
- Waiheke Island: Wine Tour & Lunch at Award Winning Venue: $168
- Piha Waitakere Rainforest Wine Tour from Auckland: $177
- Muriwai GANNET Colony & Wine Tasting - Half Day Tour Ex Auckland: $180
- From Small Group Kumeu Wine Tour with Lunch: $180
- Kumeu Wine Tasting & Local Flavours Tour: Vines, Brews & Views: $180
- Waiheke Island Gourmet Food and Wine Tour with Platter Lunch: $183
- Small-Group Kumeu Wine Country Tour with Wine Tastings & Lunch: $186
- City Tour with Wine Tasting and Black Sand Beach: $217
When comparing the travel costs between Penang and Auckland, we can see that Auckland is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Penang is in Asia and Auckland is in Pacific, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Penang Expensive? and Is Auckland Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Penang or Auckland?
Auckland has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Penang. When comparing the sizes of Penang and Auckland, 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 Auckland?
Auckland 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 Auckland in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Penang as well as Auckland. Penang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Auckland in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Penang is generally a little warmer than Aucklandin January. Daily temperatures in Penang average around 27°C (81°F), and Auckland fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Auckland. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Penang this time of the year. In the summer, Penang often gets less sunshine than Aucklandin January. Penang gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auckland receives 240 hours of full sun.
Penang receives a lot of rain in the summer. Penang usually gets more rain in July than Aucklandin January. Penang gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryPenang 27°C (81°F)Auckland 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Penang or Auckland in the Autumn?
Both Auckland and Penang are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Penang throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Auckland for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene during these months.
Penang is much warmer than Auckland in the autumn. The daily temperature in Penang averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Auckland fluctuates around 16°C (61°F)in April.
It's quite rainy in Penang. In October, Penang usually receives more rain than Aucklandin April. Penang gets 340 mm (13.4 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilPenang 27°C (81°F)Auckland 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Penang or Auckland in the Winter?
Both Auckland and Penang during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Penang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Auckland because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Penang is much warmer than Auckland. Typically, the winter temperatures in Penang in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Auckland averages at about 11°C (52°F)in July.
Auckland gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Penang usually gets less rain in January than Aucklandin July. Penang gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyPenang 28°C (82°F)Auckland 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Penang or Auckland in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Penang and Auckland. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Penang year-round. Furthermore, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Auckland this time of year.
In April, Penang is generally much warmer than Aucklandin October. Daily temperatures in Penang average around 28°C (82°F), and Auckland fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).
In Penang, it's very sunny this time of the year. Penang usually receives more sunshine than Auckland during spring. Penang gets 218 hours of sunny skies, while Auckland receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.
Penang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Penang usually receives more rain than Aucklandin October. Penang gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberPenang 28°C (82°F)Auckland 14°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Auckland and Penang
| Penang | Auckland | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 11°C (53°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 330 mm (13 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 340 mm (13.4 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Dec | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 83 mm (3.3 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.