Which place is cheaper, Dubrovnik 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 Dubrovnik?
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 Dubrovnik. 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 Dubrovnik?
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.
Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik, the "Pearl of the Adriatic", is a beautiful walled city in southern Croatia that sits on the edge of the Adriatic Sea. It's a small city, with only about 40,000 residents, but it's become one of the most significant tourist destinations in the Mediterranean. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The city was historically built on maritime trade, which is not surprising given its location near major Italian and Greek ports such as Venice, Bari, Corfu, and Trieste. It was a center of language and literature and was the home of many important poets, playwrights, painters, and scientists during the 15th and 16th centuries. Today its economy is dependent on tourism and it is one of the most popular destinations in the region. People visit the city for its impressive history, beautiful setting, great weather, and interesting architecture.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia, The Best 2-Week Tours from Split, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Croatia.
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Penang Prices
Malaysia PricesDubrovnik Prices
Croatia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPenang $150Dubrovnik $183
The average daily cost (per person) in Penang is $150, while the average daily cost in Dubrovnik is $183. 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 Dubrovnik in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPenang $57Dubrovnik $75
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPenang $114Dubrovnik $150
Compare Hotels in Penang and Dubrovnik
Looking for a hotel in Penang or Dubrovnik? 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 Dubrovnik Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Penang $15Dubrovnik $25
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$1.49
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Island Ferry$0.59
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Bus From Airport to George Town$0.67
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Taxi From Airport to George Town$11
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Motorbike Rental (One Day)$7.43
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Bicycle Rental (One Day)$2.48
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Penang
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Penang:
- Private Transfer : Penang Hotel/Port to Kuala Lumpur Hotel: $177
- Chauffeur: Penang Island to Singapore Van Transfer: $148
- Penang City to Kuala Lumpur City One-way Transfer: $140
- Penang City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur Airport One-way Transfer: $140
- Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal, Penang to Kuala Lumpur Hotel (Door to Door) Transfer: $120
- Swettenham Cruise Port to Penang Island hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $114
- Penang to Kuala Lumpur 1-way Transfer: $107
- Penang City to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $107
- Private Half Day Tour to Penang Island with Transfer Included: $80
- ATV Ride in Balik Pulau with Snacks and Transfers: $66
- Penang Airport Transfer ( 24/7): $59
- Penang Balik Pulau Countryside Morning Cycling with Transfers: $59
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Dubrovnik
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Dubrovnik:
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Bus Around Town$1.65
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dubrovnik
Also for Dubrovnik, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Private Transfer Dubrovnik: $69
- Airport Transfer Dubrovnik to Herceg Novi / Portonovi: $283
- Airport Transfer: Dubrovnik Airport DBV to Dubrovnik by MB Van: $66
- Arrival Private Transfer Dubrovnik Airport DBV to Dubrovnik City by Business Car: $46
- Budva to Dubrovnik one way transfer: $460
- Bus transfer between Dubrovnik and Herceg Novi: $37
- Departure Private Transfer: Dubrovnik City to Dubrovnik Airport by Business Car: $41
- Departure Private Transfers: Dubrovnik to Dubrovnik Airport DBV in Luxury Van: $55
- Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) to Dubrovnik - Arrival Private Transfer: $37
- Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) to Dubrovnik Cruise Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $83
- Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) to Dubrovnik Cruise Port Arrival Private Transfer: $41
- Dubrovnik Airport Transfer Shuttle: $71
Is it cheaper to fly into Penang or Dubrovnik?
Prices for flights to both Dubrovnik 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 $67Dubrovnik $87
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$1.98
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Dinner at The Suffolk House (for 2)$85
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Lunch at Sakae Sushi (for 2)$72
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Lassy Juice$1.73
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Dinner for 2$3.71
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Street Stall Food$0.69
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$4.70
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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
- 3-Hour Heritage on a Plate Dinner Hop in George Town Penang: $65
- Eat Like A Local: Penang Street Food Tour: $65
- 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
- Rathika's Malaysian Cooking Class with Wet Market Tour: $110
Typical Food Prices in Dubrovnik
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Dubrovnik:
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Seafood Dinner (for 2)$34
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dubrovnik
For Dubrovnik, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Gastro Dinner and Cruise around Dubrovnik Old Town: $92
- Sunset Dubrovnik & Dinner At St Jacob Beach: $101
- Dinner in the Sky Dubrovnik - Dine 50m Above Ground: $123
- Taste A Full Meal Walking Food Tour by Do Eat Better: $129
- Old Town Dubrovnik Food Tour of 8 Authentic Croatian Tastings: $141
- Croatian Traditional Cuisine: Peka Cooking Lesson: $160
- Dinner on Peljesac with 5-Course Signature Wine & Food: $160
- Dubrovnik Old Town Food Tour: Small-Group Experience: $165
- Cooking Classes Traditional Meals of Konavle region: $204
- Blue Cave, Elaphiti Islands, Wine Tasting and Cooking Experience: $259
- Traditional Cooking Class in Dubrovnik Countryside: $283
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Penang $58Dubrovnik $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$7.68
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Trishaw Tour (One Hour)$7.43
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Fort Cornwallis Entrance$0.50
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Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi Entrance$2.48
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: $49
- 4 Hour Food and Heritage Walking Tour in Penang George Town: $97
- 4-Hour Heritage Walking Tour of Georgetown: $54
- 4-Hour Private Heritage Tour in George Town: $71
- 8 Hours of Penang Tour: $60
- All-Inclusive Penang George Town Private Tour: $160
- Back of the Bike Street Food Experience – Real Penang!: $119
- Balik Pulau Bicycle Tour: $33
- Best of Historical George Town Half Day Tour: $80
- Bukit Merah Orang Utan and Penang City Private Tour: $140
- Bukit Merah OrangUtan Island Tour Nyonya Lunch and Heritage Walk: $158
- Chinese Clan Secrets and History Guided Walking Tour in Penang: $57
Typical Entertainment Prices in Dubrovnik
For Dubrovnik, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Boat to Lokrum Island (for 2)$15
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Dubrovnik City Wall Tour (for 2)$61
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Dubrovnik Cable Car (for 2)$52
Tours and Activities in Dubrovnik
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Dubrovnik.
- Self Guided Private Tour of Dubrovnik's Best Kept Secrets: $3.53
- Dubrovnik Scavenger Hunt & Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour: $3.53
- Dubrovnik Medieval Adventure: Self-Guided City Quest: $5.02
- Self guided walking tour of Dubrovnik with audio guide: $5.90
- Dubrovnik Audio guided walking tour 1h and 18 audio reviews: $6.97
- Dubrovnik Game Of Thrones self-guided tour with mobile app: $8.99
- Museum of Selfies & Illusions Dubrovnik Ticket: $11
- Skip the Line: Love Stories Museum Admission Ticket: $11
- Dubrovnik Old Town Walking Tour with Audioguide: $12
- Discover Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
- Hajduk Split Stadium Tour: An Unforgettable Experience: $16
- Discover the Old Town Walking Tour: $20
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPenang $18Dubrovnik $19
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$1.98
Sample the Local Flavors in Dubrovnik
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Dubrovnik:
- Dubrovnik Sunset Tour with Wine Tasting: $42
- Panoramic Dubrovnik Tour Golden Hour Sunset and Wine Tasting: $46
- Wine Tasting in Konavle, Near Dubrovnik & Cavtat – Join Us!: $53
- Private Scenic Sunset Tour & Premium Wine Tasting Above Dubrovnik: $77
- Ston and Korcula Island Day Trip from Dubrovnik with Wine Tasting: $81
- Day Tour of Korcula Island from Dubrovnik with Wine Tasting: $82
- Day trip to Korčula and Pelješac with Wine Tasting: $94
- Konavle Valley Wine Tour from Dubrovnik -Train Ride &Wine Tasting: $94
- Sunset wine tasting in vineyard: $95
- 2-Hour Kayaking at Sunset with Wine Tasting and Appetizers: $100
- Luxury Sunset Tour with Wine Tasting: $100
- Day trip to Korčula and Pelješac with Wine Tasting from Koločep: $104
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Penang and Dubrovnik, we can see that Dubrovnik 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 Dubrovnik 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 Dubrovnik would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dubrovnik 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 Dubrovnik Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Penang or Dubrovnik?
Penang has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Dubrovnik. When comparing the sizes of Penang and Dubrovnik, 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 Dubrovnik?
Dubrovnik 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 Dubrovnik in the Summer?
Both Dubrovnik 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. Furthermore, many travelers come to Dubrovnik for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
Penang is around the same temperature as Dubrovnik in the summer. The daily temperature in Penang averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Penang. Penang usually gets more rain in July than Dubrovnik. Penang gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPenang 27°C (81°F)Dubrovnik 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Penang or Dubrovnik in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Penang and Dubrovnik. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Penang year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Dubrovnik in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Penang is a little warmer than Dubrovnik. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Penang in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Dubrovnik averages at about 18°C (64°F).
Dubrovnik 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 Dubrovnik. Penang gets 340 mm (13.4 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 162 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPenang 27°C (81°F)Dubrovnik 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Penang or Dubrovnik in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Penang as well as Dubrovnik. Penang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Dubrovnik for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
In January, Penang is generally much warmer than Dubrovnik. Daily temperatures in Penang average around 28°C (82°F), and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).
It's quite rainy in Dubrovnik. Penang usually gets less rain in January than Dubrovnik. Penang gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPenang 28°C (82°F)Dubrovnik 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Penang or Dubrovnik in the Spring?
Both Dubrovnik 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 spring months attract visitors to Dubrovnik because of the beaches and the natural beauty.
Penang is much warmer than Dubrovnik in the spring. The daily temperature in Penang averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Dubrovnik. It's quite rainy in Penang. In April, Penang usually receives more rain than Dubrovnik. Penang gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPenang 28°C (82°F)Dubrovnik 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Dubrovnik and Penang
| Penang | Dubrovnik | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 330 mm (13 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 340 mm (13.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 162 mm (6.4 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) |
| Dec | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 178 mm (7 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.