Which place is cheaper, Brisbane 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 Brisbane?
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 Brisbane. 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 Brisbane?
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.
Brisbane
Although Brisbane is often overlooked as a travel destination in Australia, it is the capital of the state of Queensland, and is the third largest city in Australia. It's a very young and vibrant city with an active nightlife and a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. It's a modern and economically thriving city and, if you do have time to visit, it actually has a lot to offer travelers. It has some beautiful scenery, a wonderful warm climate all year long, and is actually one of the fastest growing cities in Australia.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Australia, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Australia.
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Penang Prices
Malaysia PricesBrisbane Prices
Australia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPenang $144Brisbane $154
The average daily cost (per person) in Penang is $144, while the average daily cost in Brisbane is $154. 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 Brisbane in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPenang $55Brisbane $81
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPenang $110Brisbane $162
Compare Hotels in Penang and Brisbane
Looking for a hotel in Penang or Brisbane? 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 Brisbane Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Penang $14Brisbane $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$1.43
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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:
- Full-Day Private Transfer in Penang City : $277
- Penang to KUL Hotel (One Way Transfer): $237
- Private Transfer : Penang Hotel to Kuala Lumpur Hotel: $207
- Chauffeur: Penang Island to Singapore Van Transfer: $147
- Penang City to Kuala Lumpur City One-way Transfer: $140
- Penang City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur City Hotels One-way Transfer: $140
- Penang City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur Airport One-way Transfer: $140
- Private Transfer: Penang Island to or from Perak: $131
- Swettenham Cruise Port to Penang Island hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $115
- Penang City to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $107
- Penang to Kuala Lumpur 1-way Transfer: $107
- Private Half Day Tour to Penang Island with Transfer Included: $70
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Brisbane
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Brisbane:
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Airtrain to the City$9.81
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Go Card$16
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Brisbane
Also for Brisbane, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Transfer: Brisbane to Brisbane Airport BNE in Luxury Car: $152
- Brisbane Airport (BNE) to Brisbane - Arrival Private Transfer: $84
- Brisbane Airport (BNE) to Brisbane hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $85
- Brisbane Airport (BNE) to Brisbane hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $171
- Brisbane Airport Private Transfer Service to Brisbane City: $112
- Brisbane Airport: Shared Transfer to Brisbane: $22
- Brisbane Airport: Shared Transfer to Gold Coast: $55
- Brisbane Airport: Shared Transfer to Sunshine Coast: $59
- Brisbane Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Brisbane hotels: $227
- Brisbane to Brisbane Airport (BNE) - Departure Private Transfer: $84
- BNE Airport to City | Gold Coast Private Transfer: $40
- Departure Transfer: Brisbane to Airport BNE by Luxury Van: $139
Is it cheaper to fly into Penang or Brisbane?
Prices for flights to both Brisbane 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 $64Brisbane $54
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.
- Penang Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Good Morning Penang Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Penang Food Tour - Georgetown: $62
- Local Street Food Tour in Georgetown Penang : $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
Typical Food Prices in Brisbane
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Brisbane:
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Hamburger Lunch$5.23
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Cup of Coffee$1.96
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Chinese Food Lunch$8.18
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Ice cream$3.60
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Japanese Meal$14
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Smoothie$4.25
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Japanese Soup$7.52
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Coffee & Muffin$4.58
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Morning Mint Tea$2.29
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Veggie Burger & Chips$9.16
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Bread$1.70
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Brisbane
For Brisbane, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Gold Coast: Glow Worms, Sunset & Stargazing with BBQ dinner: $117
- Vertigo Dinner – Dining on the Edge: $165
- Dinner on the Edge with Vertigo Brisbane: $168
- Local Icons Food Tour: $353
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Penang $55Brisbane $24
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: $169
- 8 Hours of Penang Tour: $60
- All-Inclusive Penang George Town Private Tour: $154
- Asia Camera Museum Admission Ticket: $6.10
- Back of the Bike Street Food Experience – Real Penang!: $88
- Best of Historical George Town Half Day Tour: $80
Typical Entertainment Prices in Brisbane
For Brisbane, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Concert Tickets$13
Tours and Activities in Brisbane
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Brisbane.
- Escape to Coochiemudlo Island: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
- Tour, Taste & Camel Encounter: $17
- True Crime Tour: $22
- Fortitude Valley Historical Crime Walking Tour: $22
- Winery Tour and Tasting: $23
- Haunted Brisbane CBD Ghost Tour: $26
- Moonlight State Fortitude Valley Crime Tour Crime Tours Australia: $26
- Adventure Theme Scavenger Hunt Experience in Brisbane: $27
- Solve a Detective Case in a themed adventure: $31
- Our Finest Hour An Escape Hunt Experience: $32
- Blackbeard's Treasure - An Escape Hunt Experience: $32
- Alice In Puzzleland an Escape Hunt Brisbane Experience: $32
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPenang $18Brisbane $50
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
Typical Alcohol Prices in Brisbane
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Brisbane:
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Evening at the Bar$9.81
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Sixpack of Beer$9.16
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Guiness Beer$5.56
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Sixpack of Beer$8.50
Sample the Local Flavors in Brisbane
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Brisbane:
- XXXX Brewery Tour: $25
- Hop on Hop off Brewery Adventure : $66
- Island Pub Crawl with Lunch and High Speed Boat Tour in Brisbane : $101
- Afternoon Brisbane Half-Day Brewery Tour: $107
- Hop on Hop off Wine tasting tour to Tamborine Mountain: $110
- Island Pub Crawl with Lunch and High-Speed Boat: $115
- Hinterland Heritage Wine Tour : $134
- Brisbane Brewery Full Day Tour with Lunch: $140
- Gold Coast Full Day Brewery Tour: $140
- Deluxe Wine Tour to Tamborine Mountain, includes two course lunch: $148
- Tamborine Wine & Distillery Tour + 2 Course Lunch: $165
- Mount Tamborine Wine Tasting Tour from Brisbane or the Gold Coast: $168
When comparing the travel costs between Penang and Brisbane, we can see that Brisbane 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 Brisbane 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 Brisbane Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Penang or Brisbane?
Brisbane has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Penang. When comparing the sizes of Penang and Brisbane, 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 Brisbane?
Brisbane 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 Brisbane in the Summer?
Both Brisbane and Penang during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Penang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Brisbane in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
Penang is around the same temperature as Brisbane in the summer. The daily temperature in Penang averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Brisbane fluctuates around 25°C (77°F)in January.
In Brisbane, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Penang. In the summer, Penang often gets less sunshine than Brisbanein January. Penang gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brisbane receives 256 hours of full sun.
Brisbane gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Penang. Penang usually gets more rain in July than Brisbanein January. Penang gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 169 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryPenang 27°C (81°F)Brisbane 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Penang or Brisbane in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Penang and Brisbane. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Penang year-round. Also, most visitors come to Brisbane for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene during these months.
In the autumn, Penang is a little warmer than Brisbane. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Penang in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Brisbane averages at about 22°C (71°F)in April.
Brisbane receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Penang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Penang usually receives more rain than Brisbanein April. Penang gets 340 mm (13.4 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilPenang 27°C (81°F)Brisbane 22°C (71°F)
Should I visit Penang or Brisbane in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Penang as well as Brisbane. Penang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Brisbane because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In January, Penang is generally much warmer than Brisbanein July. Daily temperatures in Penang average around 28°C (82°F), and Brisbane fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
Penang usually gets more rain in January than Brisbanein July. Penang gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyPenang 28°C (82°F)Brisbane 15°C (59°F)
Should I visit Penang or Brisbane in the Spring?
Both Brisbane and Penang are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Penang throughout the year. Also, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Brisbane this time of year.
Penang is a little warmer than Brisbane in the spring. The daily temperature in Penang averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Brisbane fluctuates around 21°C (69°F)in October.
It's quite sunny in Brisbane. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Penang. Penang usually receives less sunshine than Brisbane during spring. Penang gets 218 hours of sunny skies, while Brisbane receives 259 hours of full sun in the spring.
It's quite rainy in Penang. In April, Penang usually receives more rain than Brisbanein October. Penang gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberPenang 28°C (82°F)Brisbane 21°C (69°F)
Typical Weather for Brisbane and Penang
| Penang | Brisbane | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 169 mm (6.7 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 330 mm (13 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 340 mm (13.4 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) |
| Dec | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 127 mm (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.