Which place is cheaper, Cuenca 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 Cuenca?
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 Cuenca. 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 Cuenca?
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.
Cuenca
Cuenca is a vibrant colonial city in southern Ecuador, the third largest in the country, and the capital of Azuay Province. Cuenca is considered as Ecuador's most important and beautiful colonial city after Quito. Dating from the 16th century, Cuenca's historic center, a Unesco World Heritage Site with its trademark skyline of massive rotundas and soaring steeples, is a magical sight in which you will feel like you are moving back in time. Cuenca is the center of many craft traditions, including ceramics, metalwork and the internationally famous panama hat. The nearby villages also offer many other handicrafts. Tourists enjoy wandering the ancient streets discovering picturesque alleys and hidden corners, where nuns march along cobblestone streets and kids in Catholic-school uniforms skip past historic churches. Fascinating historic monuments and fabulous views are found at every turn. Cuenca also has outstanding art museums and festivals. For a rewarding cultural experience, visit during Easter to attend the Festival of Religious Music.
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 Ecuador, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Ecuador.
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Penang Prices
Malaysia PricesCuenca Prices
Ecuador Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPenang $147Cuenca $53
The average daily cost (per person) in Penang is $147, while the average daily cost in Cuenca is $53. 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 Cuenca in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPenang $56Cuenca $13
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPenang $112Cuenca $26
Compare Hotels in Penang and Cuenca
Looking for a hotel in Penang or Cuenca? 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 Cuenca Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Penang $14Cuenca $11
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: $146
- Penang Airport (PEN) to Penang Island - Arrival Private transfer: $19
- Penang Airport (PEN) to Swettenham Cruise Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $22
- Penang Airport (PEN) to Swettenham Port - Round-Trip Transfer: $44
- Penang Airport PEN to Penang Island - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $37
- 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 to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $107
- Penang City to Kuala Lumpur City One-way Transfer: $140
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cuenca
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Cuenca:
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Taxi Ride$2.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cuenca
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cuenca:
- Cuenca Airport Transfer: $13
- Cuenca to/from Guayaquil Private Transfer: $80
Is it cheaper to fly into Penang or Cuenca?
Prices for flights to both Cuenca 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 $66Cuenca $26
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.
- 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: $55
- 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 Cuenca
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cuenca:
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Lunch$10
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Snacks$5.00
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Empanada$1.50
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Hot Dog$1.00
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cuenca
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cuenca.
- Street food Tour in Cuenca,Ecuador: $33
- Cuenca Kitchens Food Tour with 14+ Tastings: $41
- Cuenca Table Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $43
- Cooking Class & Market Tour in Cuenca: $55
- 4h Cooking Class in Cuenca with 9 Recipes & Bottomless Drinks: $85
- 4h Cooking Class in 9 Recipes & Bottomless Drinks: $86
- Cuenca City Tour & Cooking Class (PRIVATE Tour from Cuenca): $112
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Penang $56Cuenca $16
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
- Private George Town UNESCO Heritage Walking Tour: $45
Tours and Activities in Cuenca
Here are a few actual costs in Cuenca for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Cuenca-Ec- Highlights City Tour: $16
- Cuenca Chocolate Tour with Practice Class: $20
- Chocolate Sightseeing Tour with Hands-On Class: $20
- Cuenca Half-Day City Tour Including Panama Hat Factory: $35
- Walking Tour Through The Historic Center Of Cuenca: $35
- Half-Day City Tour including Panama Hat Factory: $35
- Pumapungo Museum Guided Tour: $35
- Tour of the best of Cuenca, walking through its Historic Center: $35
- Rivers Bike Tour with Artisan Ice Cream Stop: $37
- Cajas National Park Half Day Tour from Cuenca: $39
- Private Day Tour in Cuenca and Cajas: $41
- Cuenca Urban Adventure: Streets, Views & Local Stories: $41
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPenang $18Cuenca $14
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
Sample the Local Flavors in Cuenca
Also in Cuenca, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Cuenca Pub Crawl: Pub Crawl with Drinks and Free Club Entry: $20
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Penang and Cuenca, we can see that Penang is more expensive. And not only is Cuenca much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Penang is in Asia and Cuenca is in South America, 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 Cuenca would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cuenca 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 Penang would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Penang than you might in Cuenca.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Penang Expensive? and Is Cuenca Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Penang or Cuenca?
Cuenca has a larger population, and is about 55% larger than the population of Penang. When comparing the sizes of Penang and Cuenca, 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 Cuenca?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Penang or Cuenca in the Summer?
Both Cuenca and Penang are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Penang throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Cuenca because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Penang. In July, Penang usually receives more rain than Cuenca. Penang gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
In July, Penang is generally a little warmer than Cuenca. Daily temperatures in Penang average around 27°C (81°F), and Cuenca fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPenang 27°C (81°F)Cuenca 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Penang or Cuenca in the Autumn?
Both Cuenca 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cuenca year-round.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Penang. Penang usually gets more rain in October than Cuenca. Penang gets 340 mm (13.4 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
Penang is much warmer than Cuenca in the autumn. The daily temperature in Penang averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Cuenca fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPenang 27°C (81°F)Cuenca 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Penang or Cuenca in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Penang and Cuenca. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Penang year-round. Cuenca attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Penang usually receives more rain than Cuenca. Penang gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
Cuenca can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Penang is much warmer than Cuenca. Typically, the winter temperatures in Penang in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Cuenca averages at about 4°C (39°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPenang 28°C (82°F)Cuenca 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Penang or Cuenca in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Penang as well as Cuenca. Penang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cuenca throughout the year.
Penang receives a lot of rain in the spring. Penang usually gets more rain in April than Cuenca. Penang gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
In April, Penang is generally much warmer than Cuenca. Daily temperatures in Penang average around 28°C (82°F), and Cuenca fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPenang 28°C (82°F)Cuenca 10°C (50°F)
Typical Weather for Cuenca and Penang
| Penang | Cuenca | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 330 mm (13 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 340 mm (13.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| Dec | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 15 mm (0.6 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.