A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Penang vs. Copenhagen for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Penang or Copenhagen?

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 Copenhagen. 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 Copenhagen?

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.

Copenhagen

Copenhagen is the capital city of Denmark. It has a small town vibe but is still a cosmopolitan city with lots of shopping, culture, and nightlife. It's a very safe and comfortable city that is easy to explore on foot. Copenhagen is the birthplace of many old fairytales, but also has modern, world class architecture and a liberal vibe. The people of Copenhagen are diverse and international. Most residents are Danes, but some come from Germany and Sweden and there are also many Middle Eastern immigrants.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Malaysia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Malaysia, The Best Adventure Tours to Denmark, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Denmark.


Which place is cheaper, Copenhagen or Penang?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Penang is $148, while the average daily cost in Copenhagen is $266. 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 Copenhagen in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Penang $57
    Copenhagen $94
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Penang $114
    Copenhagen $188
Compare Hotels in Penang and Copenhagen

Looking for a hotel in Penang or Copenhagen? 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.

Hotels in Penang


Hotels in Copenhagen


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 Copenhagen Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Penang $14
    Copenhagen $75
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Penang

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Penang:


  • Local Bus
    $1.47
  • Island Ferry
    $0.59
  • Bus From Airport to George Town
    $0.66
  • Taxi From Airport to George Town
    $11
  • Motorbike Rental (One Day)
    $7.34
  • Bicycle Rental (One Day)
    $2.45

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Penang

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Penang:

  • 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: $55
  • Swettenham Cruise Port to Penang Island hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $110
  • 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 Hotel/Port to Kuala Lumpur Hotel: $174
  • Private Transfer - Swettenham Cruise Port to Penang Airport (PEN): $21
  • Private Half Day Tour to Penang Island with Transfer Included: $80
  • Private Economy Penang Airport Transfer-Arrival: $48
  • ATV Ride in Balik Pulau with Snacks and Transfers: $66

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Copenhagen

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Copenhagen:


  • Bicycle Renting
    $65

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Copenhagen

Also for Copenhagen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Airport Transfer in Copenhagen English Speaking: $143
  • Airport Transfers –Taxi Service – Limousine service: $123
  • Arrival Transfer: Copenhagen Cruise Port to Copenhagen city: $136
  • Copenhagen Airport (CPH) to Copenhagen City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $245
  • Copenhagen Airport (CPH) to Copenhagen Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $122
  • Copenhagen Airport Transfer Service | English Speaking: $135
  • Copenhagen Port to Copenhagen Airport (CPH)- Departure Private Transfer: $122
  • Copenhagen Port to Copenhagen hotel or address - Arrival Private Transfer: $117
  • Copenhagen Port, Airport & City Private Transfer: $132
  • Copenhagen Private Transfer from Copenhagen city centre to Copenhagen airport: $85
  • Copenhagen Roskilde Airport (RKE) to Copenhagen - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $236
  • Copenhagen Roskilde Airport (RKE) to Copenhagen Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $114

Is it cheaper to fly into Penang or Copenhagen?

Prices for flights to both Copenhagen 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Penang $66
    Copenhagen $111
Typical Food Prices in Penang

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Penang:


  • Snack
    $1.96
  • Dinner at The Suffolk House (for 2)
    $84
  • Lunch at Sakae Sushi (for 2)
    $71
  • Lassy Juice
    $1.71
  • Dinner for 2
    $3.67
  • Street Stall Food
    $0.69
  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    $4.65
  • 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: $54
  • Local Street Food Tour in Georgetown Penang: $62
  • 3-Hour Heritage on a Plate Dinner Hop in George Town Penang: $65
  • Eat Like A Local: Penang Street Food Tour: $65
  • Penang Forest Island Catamaran Cruise with Dinner and Activities: $80
  • Authentic Local Food Tour with Scenic Walk: $89
  • Penang Cooking Class:Dive into Malaysian Cuisine with PenangChiak: $94
  • Private Half Day Penang Tasty Local Street Food Tour: $99
  • Malay Culinary Journey Cooking Class for the Adventurous Foodie: $102

Typical Food Prices in Copenhagen

For Copenhagen, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Hot Dogs
    $15

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Copenhagen

For Copenhagen, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Best Copenhagen Food Tour with 5+ Tastings of Danish Foods: $102
  • Copenhagen : Best Street Food Tour With A Local Guide: $104
  • Food Tour with 6+ Tastings of Danish Classics: $106
  • Copenhagen Dinner Experience with Local Seniors: $106
  • Copenhagen Small-Group Food Tour: From Smørrebrød to Pastry: $107
  • Copenhagen Culinary Food Tour with 6+ Tastings of Danish Classics: $109
  • Copenhagen Modern Food Tour: $149
  • Original Copenhagen food tour: 8 tastings, full meal & VIP access: $149
  • Modern City Food Tour: $149
  • E-Bike Guided Food Tour with 3 stops: $188

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Penang $57
    Copenhagen $32
Typical Entertainment Prices in Penang

Here are a few typical costs in Penang for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Butterfly Gardens
    $7.59
  • Trishaw Tour (One Hour)
    $7.34
  • Fort Cornwallis Entrance
    $0.49
  • Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi Entrance
    $2.45

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: $59
  • 4-Hour Private Heritage Tour in George Town: $70
  • 8 Hours of Penang Tour: $60
  • Back of the Bike Street Food Experience – Real Penang!: $119
  • Balik Pulau Bicycle Tour: $33
  • Best of Historical George Town Half Day Tour: $80
  • Bujang Valley Sharing Tour Old Civilization in South East Asia: $78
  • Bukit Merah Orang Utan and Penang City Private Tour: $140
  • Chinese Clan Secrets and History Guided Walking Tour in Penang: $56
  • Colors of George Town Walking Tour: $161
  • Culture History and Local Life Penang Half Day Experience: $50
  • Customizable Penang Private Tour (8hrs usage): $64

Typical Entertainment Prices in Copenhagen

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Copenhagen's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Boat Tour
    $9.03
  • Coffee
    $14

Tours and Activities in Copenhagen

For Copenhagen, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Self-Guided Tour In Copenhagen with 100 Captivating Audio Stories: $3.42
  • Copenhagen Scavenger Hunt & Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour: $3.42
  • Copenhagen Zoo Tower Entry Ticket: $3.92
  • Copenhagen's Royal History: A Self-Guided Walking Tour: $5.00
  • Copenhagen Self Guided Audio Experience: $6.00
  • Luggage Pickup for Cruise travelers: $6.75
  • Copenhagen Audio Guided Walking Tour 3h30 and 29 reviews: $6.91
  • Castle Island’s Royal History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Slotsholmen: $7.99
  • Copenhagen Exploration Game and City Tour on your Phone: $9.14
  • Copenhagen History and Folklore Self Guided Audio Walking Tour: $9.75
  • Frederiksborg Castle and Gardens: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • The Philosopher's Last Walk: An audio tour on the life of Søren Kierkegaard: $9.99

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Penang $18
    Copenhagen $14
Typical Alcohol Prices in Penang

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Penang:


  • Beer
    $1.96

Sample the Local Flavors in Copenhagen

Also in Copenhagen, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Guided Party Pub Crawl with 4 Shots and 1 Drink: $47
  • Vejrhøj Arch Hike with Wine Tasting & Lunch: $251


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Penang and Copenhagen, we can see that Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Penang or Copenhagen?

Copenhagen has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Penang. When comparing the sizes of Penang and Copenhagen, 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 Copenhagen?

Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Penang as well as Copenhagen. Penang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Copenhagen because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Penang is generally much warmer than Copenhagen. Daily temperatures in Penang average around 27°C (81°F), and Copenhagen fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Penang receives a lot of rain in the summer. Penang usually gets more rain in July than Copenhagen. Penang gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Copenhagen receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Penang 27°C (81°F) 
    Copenhagen 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Penang or Copenhagen in the Autumn?

Both Copenhagen 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, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Copenhagen this time of year.

Penang is much warmer than Copenhagen in the autumn. The daily temperature in Penang averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Copenhagen fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

It's quite rainy in Penang. In October, Penang usually receives more rain than Copenhagen. Penang gets 340 mm (13.4 in) of rain, while Copenhagen receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Penang 27°C (81°F) 
    Copenhagen 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Penang or Copenhagen in the Winter?

Both Copenhagen 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. Also, many travelers come to Copenhagen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Copenhagen. In the winter, Penang is much warmer than Copenhagen. Typically, the winter temperatures in Penang in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Copenhagen averages at about 1°C (33°F).

Penang usually gets more rain in January than Copenhagen. Penang gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Copenhagen receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Penang 28°C (82°F) 
    Copenhagen 1°C (33°F)

Should I visit Penang or Copenhagen in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Penang and Copenhagen. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Penang year-round. Also, many visitors come to Copenhagen in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Penang is generally much warmer than Copenhagen. Daily temperatures in Penang average around 28°C (82°F), and Copenhagen fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

Penang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Penang usually receives more rain than Copenhagen. Penang gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Copenhagen receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Penang 28°C (82°F) 
    Copenhagen 7°C (45°F)

Typical Weather for Copenhagen and Penang

Penang Copenhagen
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 1°C (33°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 1°C (33°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Mar 28°C (82°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 3°C (37°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Apr 28°C (82°F) 240 mm (9.4 in) 7°C (45°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
May 28°C (82°F) 240 mm (9.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 170 mm (6.7 in) 16°C (61°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 210 mm (8.3 in) 17°C (63°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 190 mm (7.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 330 mm (13 in) 14°C (57°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 340 mm (13.4 in) 10°C (50°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 230 mm (9.1 in) 6°C (42°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Dec 28°C (82°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 2°C (36°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)