Which place is cheaper, Canberra or Penang?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Penang or Canberra?
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 Canberra. 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 Canberra?
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.
Canberra
There is something special about the capital city of Australia. Canberra's not just a wonderful spot for outdoor adventures. It's a city completely designed and built up around the coast of an artificial lake. When architects Walter Burley and Marion Mahony Griffin proposed their plans for Canberra it was met with a lot of criticism. Many people thought it would be a "waste of a good sheep pasture."
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia, The Best Walking Tours in Australia, and The Best Eco Tours in Australia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPenang $103Canberra $133
The average daily cost (per person) in Penang is $103, while the average daily cost in Canberra is $133. 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 Canberra in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPenang $49Canberra $82
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPenang $98Canberra $164
Compare Hotels in Penang and Canberra
Looking for a hotel in Penang or Canberra? 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: Canberra Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Penang $12Canberra $24
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$1.26
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Island Ferry$0.50
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Bus From Airport to George Town$0.57
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Taxi From Airport to George Town$9.64
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Motorbike Rental (One Day)$6.29
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Bicycle Rental (One Day)$2.10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Penang
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Penang:
- Swettenham Pier to Penang Airport(PEN)-Departure Private Transfer: $38
- Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal: Transfer to Penang Island: $116
- 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: $38
- Swettenham Cruise Port to Penang Island hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $76
- Private Transfer: Penang International Airport to or from Hotel: $49
- Private Transfer from Swettenham Cruise Terminal to Penang Island: $38
- Private Transfer From Penang Airport to Town Area: $26
- Private Transfer : Penang International Airport Departure: $13
- Private Transfer - Swettenham Cruise Port to Penang Airport (PEN): $38
- Private Penang Arrival transfer to Hotel: $12
- Private Economy Penang Airport Transfer-Departure: $29
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Canberra
Also for Canberra, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Canberra Airport (CBR) to Canberra - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $68
- Canberra Int'l Airport to Canberra - Arrival Private Transfer: $34
- Canberra to Canberra Int Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $34
- Guided Tour of Floriade Festival with Transfers: $117
- Private Transfer from Canberra Airport CBR to Eden Cruise Port : $82
- Private Transfer from Canberra city hotels to Eden Cruise Port: $82
Is it cheaper to fly into Penang or Canberra?
Prices for flights to both Canberra 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 $33Canberra $34
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$1.68
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Dinner at The Suffolk House (for 2)$72
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Lunch at Sakae Sushi (for 2)$61
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Lassy Juice$1.47
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Dinner for 2$3.14
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Street Stall Food$0.59
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$3.98
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Italian Lunch (for Two)$10
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Penang
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Penang.
- 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
- Private Half Day Penang Tasty Local Street Food Tour: $87
- 4-Hour Georgetown Food Tour: $88
- Cooking Classes In Penang By Penang Chiak: $93
- Private Dinner at THE TOP with Skywalk Experience from Penang: $103
- Chef Samuel's Private Malaysian Cooking Class with Wet Market Tour: $116
- Food Tour at Penang - Eat Like a Local, Feel Like a Local: $120
- Experience Malaysia: Authentic Malaysia Cooking Tour: $121
- Dinner at Penang Hill Including Train Ride: $141
- Penang's Night Eat-Venture Vespa Food Tour: $160
Typical Food Prices in Canberra
For Canberra, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Lunch$16
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Penang $49Canberra $17
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$6.50
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Trishaw Tour (One Hour)$6.29
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Fort Cornwallis Entrance$0.42
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Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi Entrance$2.10
Tours and Activities in Penang
Here are a few actual costs in Penang for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Penang City Temple Tour with Penang Hill(Fast Lane) & Kek Lok Si: $100
- 4 Hour Food and Heritage Walking Tour in Penang George Town: $75
- 4-Hour Heritage Walking Tour of Georgetown: $58
- 6-Hours Penang Private Tour: $151
- Admission Ticket for Dark Mansion Glow-in-the-Dark Museum in Penang: $8.80
- Asia Camera Museum Admission Ticket: $5.38
- Countryside Cycling Tour by Matahari: $82
- Discover Georgetown Heritage Private Tour in Penang: $51
- Discover Penang City Tour: $47
- Discover Penang City in Amazing Tour: $82
- Enjoy Hill & Temple Sightseeing Tour - Penang City: $68
- Entopia Butterfly Farm & Tropical Spice Garden Tour: $81
Tours and Activities in Canberra
For Canberra, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Building + Architecture Tour | 10am Daily: $13
- Museum Highlights Tour | 1pm Daily: $13
- First Australians Tour | 3pm Daily: $13
- Australian Institute of Sport: The AIS Tour: $14
- Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour in Canberra: $30
- LGBTQIA+ History Walking Tour: $33
- Guided Tree Ropes Course Experience in Majura Pines: $39
- Women's History Walking Tour with Local Guide: $40
- Spies in the Capital: Women in Espionage Walking Tour: $40
- Best of Wildlife Tour: $88
- Best of Wildlife and Birds Tour: $98
- Beer, Wine, and Spirits Tasting Tour: $111
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPenang $15Canberra $16
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$1.68
Typical Alcohol Prices in Canberra
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Canberra from other travelers:
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Drinks at a Bar$9.08
Sample the Local Flavors in Canberra
Also in Canberra, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Canberra Brewery and Beer Tour in 3 Hours: $98
- Canberra Brewery Winery and Distillery Tour: $112
- Capital Brewery Full-Day Tour: $121
- CanBEERa Explorer: Capital Brewery Full-Day Tour: $123
- From Winery, Distillery, & Tasting Tour with Lunch: $147
- Canberra Wine Tour: $158
- Full-Day Canberra Brewery, Wineries & Distillery tour /w lunch: $162
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Penang and Canberra, we can see that Canberra 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 Canberra 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 Canberra would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Canberra 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 Canberra Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Penang or Canberra?
Canberra has a larger population, and is about 84% larger than the population of Penang. When comparing the sizes of Penang and Canberra, 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 Canberra?
Canberra 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 Canberra in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Penang as well as Canberra. Penang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Canberra for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Penang is generally a little warmer than Canberrain January. Daily temperatures in Penang average around 27°C (81°F), and Canberra fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
Penang receives a lot of rain in the summer. Penang usually gets more rain in July than Canberrain January. Penang gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryPenang 27°C (81°F)Canberra 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Penang or Canberra in the Autumn?
Both Canberra 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, many visitors come to Canberra in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.
Penang is much warmer than Canberra in the autumn. The daily temperature in Penang averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Canberra fluctuates around 17°C (63°F)in April.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Canberra. It's quite rainy in Penang. In October, Penang usually receives more rain than Canberrain April. Penang gets 340 mm (13.4 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilPenang 27°C (81°F)Canberra 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Penang or Canberra in the Winter?
Both Canberra 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, most visitors come to Canberra for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
In the winter, Penang is much warmer than Canberra. Typically, the winter temperatures in Penang in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Canberra averages at about 11°C (52°F)in July.
Penang usually gets more rain in January than Canberrain July. Penang gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyPenang 28°C (82°F)Canberra 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Penang or Canberra in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Penang and Canberra. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Penang year-round. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Canberra because of the activities around the city.
In April, Penang is generally much warmer than Canberrain October. Daily temperatures in Penang average around 28°C (82°F), and Canberra fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).
Penang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Penang usually receives more rain than Canberrain October. Penang gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 95 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)Canberra 15°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Canberra and Penang
| Penang | Canberra | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 330 mm (13 in) | 14°C (56°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 340 mm (13.4 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Dec | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 79 mm (3.1 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.