Which place is cheaper, Brussels 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 Brussels?
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 Brussels. 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 Brussels?
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.
Brussels
Brussels is the capital of Belgium and also the sight of the headquarters of the European Union. Generally speaking, it's an expensive city that sees a good amount of travelers. It is also a highly political city that has an air of importance and power. It's an incredibly international city, with people from all over the world flocking to it due to its political, economical, and cultural significance.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia, The Best Tours for Seniors to Belgium, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Belgium.
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Penang Prices
Malaysia PricesBrussels Prices
Belgium Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPenang $147Brussels $191
The average daily cost (per person) in Penang is $147, while the average daily cost in Brussels is $191. 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 Brussels in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPenang $56Brussels $85
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPenang $112Brussels $170
Compare Hotels in Penang and Brussels
Looking for a hotel in Penang or Brussels? 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 Brussels Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Penang $14Brussels $19
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$1.45
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Island Ferry$0.58
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Bus From Airport to George Town$0.65
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Taxi From Airport to George Town$11
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Motorbike Rental (One Day)$7.25
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Bicycle Rental (One Day)$2.42
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Penang
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Penang:
- Chauffeur: Penang Island to Singapore Van Transfer: $145
- Penang Airport (PEN) to Swettenham Cruise Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $22
- Penang Airport Arrival Transfer: $21
- Penang Airport Transfer: $15
- Penang Airport Transfer ( 24/7): $59
- Penang Airport Transfer - Arrival or Departure: $36
- Penang Airport(PEN) to Penang Island -Round-Trip Private Transfer: $37
- Penang City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur Airport One-way Transfer: $140
- Penang City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur Hotels 1-way Transfer: $125
- Penang City Hotes to Kuala Lumpur City Hotels 1-way Transfer: $125
- Penang City to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $107
- Penang City to Kuala Lumpur City One-way Transfer: $140
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Brussels
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Brussels are as follows:
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Subway Pass$5.22
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Atomium train ticket (2)$9.28
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Brussels
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Brussels:
- BRU Airport Transfer to Brussels City Center for 3 Pax: $163
- BRU Airport Transfer to Brussels City Center for 7 Pax: $151
- Brussels transfer from or to Brussels Airport (BRU) by Van: $138
- Brussels & Atomium: Private Tour with Transfer and Tasting: $813
- Brussels Airport (CRL) Private Transfer to Brussels City/Hotels: $139
- Brussels Airport Shuttle Transfer Maastricht (1 to 8 PLACES): $166
- Brussels Airport Transfer (BRU) to or from Brussels (Sedan): $110
- Brussels Airport(BRU) to Brussels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $188
- Brussels Airport(BRU) to Brussels hotels-Arrival Private Transfer: $73
- Brussels City Center to BRU Airport Transfer for 3 Pax: $128
- Brussels City Center to BRU Airport Transfer for 3 Pax: $163
- Brussels City Center to BRU Airport Transfer for 7 Pax: $151
Is it cheaper to fly into Penang or Brussels?
Prices for flights to both Brussels 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 $66Brussels $77
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$1.93
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Dinner at The Suffolk House (for 2)$83
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Lunch at Sakae Sushi (for 2)$70
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Lassy Juice$1.69
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Dinner for 2$3.63
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Street Stall Food$0.68
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$4.59
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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.
- Penang Food Tour : A Feast That Taste Like History : 17+ Tasting: $48
- 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 - 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
- Malay Culinary Journey Cooking Class for the Adventurous Foodie: $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
Typical Food Prices in Brussels
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Brussels:
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Ice Cream & Macaroons$5.34
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Dessert (Turkish Delights)$5.51
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Cheese$6.50
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Olives and Snacks$8.10
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Waffle$3.48
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Brussels
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Brussels.
- Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $33
- Chocolate and Beer Food Tour of Brussels: $45
- City Center Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $74
- Brussels Food Tour: Main Dish, Beer, Waffle & Chocolate: $93
- Brussels Food Tour with Full Meal & Drinks by Do Eat Better: $99
- Walking Food Tour with Chocolate, Beer, & Waffles: $111
- Brussels Food Tour: 10 Tastings of Waffles, Beers, Fries & More: $125
- Food Tour of 10 Tastings - Waffles, Beers & More: $147
- Brussels Private Food Tour: Waffles, Fries, Beer & Local History: $149
- Market Tour and Cooking Lesson with a Belgian Gourmet Meal in a Brussels Home: $179
- Private Food Tour – 10 Tastings with Locals: $183
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Penang $56Brussels $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$7.49
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Trishaw Tour (One Hour)$7.25
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Fort Cornwallis Entrance$0.48
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Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi Entrance$2.42
Tours and Activities in Penang
Here are a few actual costs in Penang for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Guided Tour of Cheong Fatt Tze's Blue Mansion in George Town: $6.35
- Tech Dome Entrance Ticket: $6.92
- Tropical Spice Garden Entrance Ticket & Guided Tours: $8.15
- The Vanilla Village Farm Tour by Kairos: $9.39
- Penang Hill Funicular Ticket - Non-Malaysian: $11
- Malaysia: Penang Habitat Entry Ticket: $15
- Malaysia: Discover Nature's Wonders with Entopia Entry Ticket: $16
- The Top Komtar Penang Observation Deck and Rainbow Skywalk Ticket: $21
- Entopia Penang Admission Ticket: $22
- Penang Rainbow Skywalk at The Top Komtar Observation Deck Tickets: $22
- Half-Day Penang Countryside Cycling Tour: $33
- Rise of World Heritage City Penang Walking Heritage Tour: $40
Tours and Activities in Brussels
Here are a few actual costs in Brussels for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Tasting Tour: A Taste of Brussels - by Legends: $2.33
- The Most Complete Tour Of Brussels: $3.46
- Gastronomic Tour: A Taste of Brussels: $3.46
- Free tour of Brussels in Italian ( with booking fee): $3.46
- Brussels Walking Tour with Guide plus PDF: $3.46
- Where Comics, Culture & Quirk Collide Walking Tour: $4.65
- Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $5.68
- Audio Guided Walking Tour of Brussels: $5.79
- Brussels Essential : Self-Guided Tour created by local Official Guide: $5.79
- 600 Years of History and Heritage: A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Leuven: $5.99
- Brussels Audioguided walking tour 2h40 and 25 reviews: $6.84
- Self-Guided Walking Tour Along Brussels Comic Book Route: $7.99
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPenang $18Brussels $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$1.93
Typical Alcohol Prices in Brussels
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Brussels are as follows:
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Bottle of Wine$12
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Beer$6.96
Sample the Local Flavors in Brussels
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Brussels:
- Mario Kart Championship at Micro Brewery & Distillery: $5.21
- BBQ night at Tipsy Tribe Brewery & Distillery: $15
- Immersive Brewery Tour with Beer Tastings - Brussels Area: $18
- Brussels Pub Crawl - Nightlife & Party Experience: $20
- Pub Crawl and Nightlife Party Experience: $23
- micro brewery & distillery tour + beer tasting: $29
- Beer & Chocolate Tasting in a Micro Brewery-Distillery: $52
- Sip the Unexpected at a Hidden Leuven Brewery: $58
- Gin Cocktail Workshop at a Brussels Brewery & Distillery: $66
- Private tasting: Beer & Chocolate in a Micro Brewery-Distillery: $75
- Beer Pong in a Micro Brewery and Distillery: $76
- Brewing Workshop at Tipsy Tribe Brewery & Distillery: $139
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Penang and Brussels, we can see that Brussels 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 Brussels 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 Brussels would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Brussels 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 Brussels Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Penang or Brussels?
Brussels has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Penang. When comparing the sizes of Penang and Brussels, 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 Brussels?
Brussels 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 Brussels in the Summer?
Both Brussels 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, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Brussels this time of year.
In the summer, Penang is a little warmer than Brussels. Typically, the summer temperatures in Penang in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Brussels averages at about 18°C (65°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Penang. Penang usually receives more sunshine than Brussels during summer. Penang gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Brussels receives 186 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's quite rainy in Penang. In July, Penang usually receives more rain than Brussels. Penang gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPenang 27°C (81°F)Brussels 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Penang or Brussels in the Autumn?
Both Brussels 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, many travelers come to Brussels for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
In October, Penang is generally much warmer than Brussels. Daily temperatures in Penang average around 27°C (81°F), and Brussels 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 Brussels. Penang gets 340 mm (13.4 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPenang 27°C (81°F)Brussels 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Penang or Brussels in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Penang and Brussels. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Penang year-round. Also, many visitors come to Brussels in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Brussels can get quite cold in the winter. Penang is much warmer than Brussels in the winter. The daily temperature in Penang averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Brussels fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
In January, Penang usually receives around the same amount of rain as Brussels. Penang gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPenang 28°C (82°F)Brussels 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Penang or Brussels in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Penang as well as Brussels. Penang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Brussels for the activities around the city during these months.
In the spring, Penang is much warmer than Brussels. Typically, the spring temperatures in Penang in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Brussels averages at about 10°C (49°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 Brussels. Penang gets 218 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brussels receives 147 hours of full sun.
Penang receives a lot of rain in the spring. Penang usually gets more rain in April than Brussels. Penang gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPenang 28°C (82°F)Brussels 10°C (49°F)
Typical Weather for Brussels and Penang
| Penang | Brussels | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 330 mm (13 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 340 mm (13.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Dec | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 76 mm (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.