Which place is cheaper, Guayaquil or Penang?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Penang or Guayaquil?
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 Guayaquil. 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 Guayaquil?
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.
Guayaquil
Guayaquil is Ecuador's largest city and seaport. From a tourist perspective, the city acts primarily as a transportation gateway to the country and the Galapagos Islands. While the city can be skipped altogether, should you have a free day to spend here, there are a few noteworthy things to do, as well as some terrific dining and nightlife options. Guayaquil’s main tourist attraction is Las Penas, a hill with old, colorfully painted buildings at the north end of the Malecon, where you can walk the 400 steps to the lighthouse at the top for good views of the city. The neighborhood is filled with cafes, bars, restaurants, and art galleries and is relatively safe. Other important sights include the Malecon 2000, a massive urban development project that has brought new life to the riverside in the city center and the Parque Seminario, filled with fountains, trees and iguanas, located at 10 de Agosto Ave and Chile Ave.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Ecuador.
-
Penang Prices
Malaysia PricesGuayaquil Prices
Ecuador Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPenang $144Guayaquil $116
The average daily cost (per person) in Penang is $144, while the average daily cost in Guayaquil is $116. 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 Guayaquil in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPenang $55Guayaquil $32
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPenang $110Guayaquil $64
Compare Hotels in Penang and Guayaquil
Looking for a hotel in Penang or Guayaquil? 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 Guayaquil Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Penang $14Guayaquil $15
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Penang
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Penang:
-
Local Bus$1.43
-
Island Ferry$0.57
-
Bus From Airport to George Town$0.64
-
Taxi From Airport to George Town$11
-
Motorbike Rental (One Day)$7.13
-
Bicycle Rental (One Day)$2.38
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Penang
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Penang:
- Swettenham Pier to Penang Airport(PEN)-Departure Private Transfer: $23
- Swettenham Pier Cruise Port to Penang Island hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $58
- Swettenham Cruise Port to Penang Island hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $115
- Private Transfer: Penang Island to or from Perak: $131
- Private Transfer: Penang International Airport to or from Hotel: $49
- Private Transfer from Swettenham Cruise Terminal to Penang Island: $22
- Private Transfer from Penang Island to Swettenham Cruise Terminal: $22
- Private Transfer : Penang International Airport Departure: $13
- Private Transfer : Penang Hotel to Kuala Lumpur Hotel: $207
- Private Transfer - Swettenham Cruise Port to Penang Airport (PEN): $22
- Private Transfer - Penang Airport (PEN) to Swettenham Cruise Port: $22
- Private Penang Arrival transfer to Hotel: $12
Is it cheaper to fly into Penang or Guayaquil?
Prices for flights to both Guayaquil 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 dayPenang $64Guayaquil $50
Typical Food Prices in Penang
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Penang:
-
Snack$1.90
-
Dinner at The Suffolk House (for 2)$81
-
Lunch at Sakae Sushi (for 2)$69
-
Lassy Juice$1.66
-
Dinner for 2$3.57
-
Street Stall Food$0.67
-
Casual Lunch (for Two)$4.52
-
Italian Lunch (for Two)$11
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Penang
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Penang.
- Penang Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Good Morning Penang Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Penang Food Tour - Georgetown: $62
- Local Street Food Tour in Georgetown Penang : $62
- Eat Like A Local: Penang Street Food Tour: $62
- 3-Hour Heritage on a Plate Dinner Hop in George Town Penang: $65
- 4-Hour Georgetown Food Tour: $88
- Authentic Local Food Tour with Scenic Walk: $89
- Malay Culinary Journey Cooking Class for the Adventurous Foodie: $92
- Authentic Indian Penang Cooking Class: $92
- Penang Cooking Class:Dive into Malaysian Cuisine with PenangChiak: $94
- Private Half Day Penang Tasty Local Street Food Tour: $99
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Penang $55Guayaquil $21
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$7.37
-
Trishaw Tour (One Hour)$7.13
-
Fort Cornwallis Entrance$0.48
-
Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi Entrance$2.38
Tours and Activities in Penang
Here are a few actual costs in Penang for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- George Town Highlights & Upside Down Museum tours (5 Hours): $67
- Penang City Temple Tour with Penang Hill(Fast Lane) & Kek Lok Si: $147
- 4 Hour Food and Heritage Walking Tour in Penang George Town: $93
- 4-Hour Heritage Walking Tour of Georgetown: $60
- 4-Hour Private Heritage Tour in George Town: $68
- 6 Hours Highlights of Penang Shared Tour : $75
- 6-Hours Penang Private Tour: $169
- 8 Hours of Penang Tour: $60
- All-Inclusive Penang George Town Private Tour: $154
- Asia Camera Museum Admission Ticket: $6.10
- Back of the Bike Street Food Experience – Real Penang!: $88
- Best of Historical George Town Half Day Tour: $80
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayPenang $18Guayaquil $17
Typical Alcohol Prices in Penang
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Penang:
-
Beer$1.90
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Penang and Guayaquil, we can see that Penang is more expensive. And not only is Guayaquil much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Penang is in Asia and Guayaquil 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 Guayaquil would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Guayaquil 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 Guayaquil.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Penang Expensive? and Is Guayaquil Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Penang or Guayaquil?
Guayaquil has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Penang. When comparing the sizes of Penang and Guayaquil, 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 Guayaquil?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Penang or Guayaquil in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Penang as well as Guayaquil. Penang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Guayaquil throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Guayaquil. Penang receives a lot of rain in the summer. Penang usually gets more rain in July than Guayaquil. Penang gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
Penang is a little warmer than Guayaquil in the summer. The daily temperature in Penang averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Guayaquil fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyPenang 27°C (81°F)Guayaquil 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Penang or Guayaquil in the Autumn?
Both Guayaquil and Penang are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Penang throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Guayaquil because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Penang. In October, Penang usually receives more rain than Guayaquil. Penang gets 340 mm (13.4 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
In the autumn, Penang is a little warmer than Guayaquil. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Penang in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Guayaquil averages at about 23°C (73°F).
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPenang 27°C (81°F)Guayaquil 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Penang or Guayaquil in the Winter?
Both Guayaquil 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Guayaquil year-round.
Guayaquil gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Penang usually gets less rain in January than Guayaquil. Penang gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
In January, Penang is generally around the same temperature as Guayaquil. Daily temperatures in Penang average around 28°C (82°F), and Guayaquil fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPenang 28°C (82°F)Guayaquil 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Penang or Guayaquil in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Penang and Guayaquil. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Penang year-round. Guayaquil attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Guayaquil receives a lot of rain in the spring. Penang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Penang usually receives more rain than Guayaquil. Penang gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
Penang is around the same temperature as Guayaquil in the spring. The daily temperature in Penang averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Guayaquil fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilPenang 28°C (82°F)Guayaquil 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Guayaquil and Penang
| Penang | Guayaquil | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 220 mm (8.7 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 330 mm (13 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 340 mm (13.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Dec | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 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.