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 $144Auckland $170
The average daily cost (per person) in Penang is $144, while the average daily cost in Auckland is $170. 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 $55Auckland $99
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPenang $110Auckland $198
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 $14Auckland $17
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$1.43
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Island Ferry$0.57
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Bus From Airport to George Town$0.64
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Taxi From Airport to George Town$11
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Motorbike Rental (One Day)$7.13
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Bicycle Rental (One Day)$2.38
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Penang
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Penang:
- Swettenham Pier to Penang Airport(PEN)-Departure Private Transfer: $23
- Swettenham Pier Cruise Port to Penang Island hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $57
- Swettenham Cruise Port to Penang Island hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $115
- Private Transfer: Penang International Airport to or from Hotel: $49
- Private Transfer from Swettenham Cruise Terminal to Penang Island: $22
- Private Transfer from Penang Island to Swettenham Cruise Terminal: $22
- Private Transfer : Penang International Airport Departure: $13
- Private Transfer : Penang Hotel to Kuala Lumpur Hotel: $206
- Private Transfer - Swettenham Cruise Port to Penang Airport (PEN): $22
- Private Transfer - Penang Airport (PEN) to Swettenham Cruise Port: $22
- Private Half Day Tour to Penang Island with Transfer Included: $70
- Private Economy Penang Airport Transfer-Departure: $29
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$9.47
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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 to Airport AKL by Business Car: $90
- 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
- Auckland Airport / CBD luxury passenger transfers : $131
- Auckland Airport Arrival Transfer (Individuals and Groups): $109
- Auckland Airport Arrival Transfer to North Shore or Henderson: $127
- Auckland Airport Private Pickup / Transfer: $83
- Auckland Airport Private Transfers (To/From Auckland City): $74
- Auckland Airport Transfers: Auckland Airport AKL to Auckland in Luxury Car: $151
- Auckland Airport and City Transfers (To or from): $77
- Auckland City Hotel to Cruise Ship Transfer by SUV: $48
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 $64Auckland $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$1.90
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Dinner at The Suffolk House (for 2)$81
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Lunch at Sakae Sushi (for 2)$69
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Lassy Juice$1.66
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Dinner for 2$3.57
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Street Stall Food$0.67
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$4.52
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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
- Private Half-Day Hawker Trails Food Tour in George Town: $51
- Local Street Food Tour in Georgetown Penang : $62
- Eat Like A Local: Penang Street Food Tour: $62
- Penang Food Tour - Georgetown: $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
Typical Food Prices in Auckland
For Auckland, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Breakfast$4.73
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
- Auckland Harbour Sailboat Cruise Including Three Course Dinner: $101
- Flavours of the City Walking Food Tour: $101
- 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 $55Auckland $27
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$7.37
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Trishaw Tour (One Hour)$7.13
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Fort Cornwallis Entrance$0.48
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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:
- George Town Highlights & Upside Down Museum tours (5 Hours): $67
- Penang City Temple Tour with Penang Hill(Fast Lane) & Kek Lok Si: $147
- 4 Hour Food and Heritage Walking Tour in Penang George Town: $93
- 4-Hour Heritage Walking Tour of Georgetown: $60
- 4-Hour Private Heritage Tour in George Town: $68
- 6 Hours Highlights of Penang Shared Tour : $75
- 6-Hours Penang Private Tour: $168
- 8 Hours of Penang Tour: $60
- All-Inclusive Penang George Town Private Tour: $153
- Back of the Bike Street Food Experience – Real Penang!: $88
- Best of Historical George Town Half Day Tour: $80
- Bukit Merah Orang Utan and Penang City Private Tour: $140
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)$119
Tours and Activities in Auckland
For Auckland, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Auckland War Memorial Museum Entry Ticket: $9.27
- Skip the Line: Auckland Museum General Admission Ticket: $9.53
- A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Auckland's Hidden Stories: $12
- Maritime Museum Entry Ticket: $14
- Maritime Museum Entry Ticket and Guided Tour: $14
- Explore Self Guided Audio Tour: $15
- Vibrosaun Therapy Experience: $18
- Waitematā Harbour Cruise with Live Commentary: $20
- Odyssey Sensory Maze Entry Auckland Ticket: $21
- Auckland Takapuna: Escape Game Adventure: $23
- Scenic Boat Cruise to the Riverhead Tavern: $25
- Auckland CBD: Escape Game Adventure: $26
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPenang $18Auckland $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$1.90
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: $119
- Ultimate Auckland Experience Full Day Tour with Brewery Lunch : $149
- Waiheke Island: The Essence of Waiheke Wine Tour: $159
- Kumeu Wine Tour: $164
- Waiheke Island: Wine Tour & Lunch at Award Winning Venue: $168
- From Small Group Kumeu Wine Tour with Lunch: $180
- Waiheke Island Gourmet Food and Wine Tour with Platter Lunch: $183
- Piha Waitakere Rainforest Wine Tour from Auckland: $188
- City Tour with Wine Tasting and Black Sand Beach: $217
- Auckland City Tour & Kumeu Wine Country Includes Wine Tastings & Lunch : $238
- Shore Excursion from Auckland - Private Tour & Wine Tasting: $278
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Penang and Auckland, we can see that Auckland 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 Auckland is in Pacific, 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 Auckland would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Auckland 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 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.