Which place is cheaper, Hangzhou 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 Hangzhou?
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 Hangzhou. 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 Hangzhou?
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.
Hangzhou
Hangzhou is a city in Eastern China, about an hour by train from Shanghai, renowned for its historic relics and natural beauty. Each year it attracts more than 20 million tourists who come to see what the city has to offer. Set amongst the natural scenery of lakes and mountains, Hangzhou is modern city that coexists with the old. Historic pagodas and cultural sites built around the central lake sit like they belong amidst the skyscrapers and bustling markets of today.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia, The Best Adventure Tours to China, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in China.
-
Penang Prices
Malaysia PricesHangzhou Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPenang $144Hangzhou $80
The average daily cost (per person) in Penang is $144, while the average daily cost in Hangzhou is $80. 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 Hangzhou in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPenang $55Hangzhou $24
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPenang $110Hangzhou $48
Compare Hotels in Penang and Hangzhou
Looking for a hotel in Penang or Hangzhou? 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.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Penang $14Hangzhou $8.24
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:
- Chauffeur: Penang Island to Singapore Van Transfer: $146
- Full-Day Private Transfer in Penang City : $275
- Penang Airport (PEN) to Swettenham Cruise Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $23
- Penang Airport Transfer ( 24/7): $59
- Penang Airport Transfer - Arrival or Departure: $36
- 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
- Penang Island to Penang Airport(PEN) - Departure Private transfer: $19
- Penang to KUL Hotel (One Way Transfer): $237
- Penang to Kuala Lumpur 1-way Transfer: $107
- ATV Ride in Balik Pulau with Snacks and Transfers: $66
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hangzhou
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Hangzhou:
-
Local Bus for Two$0.56
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hangzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hangzhou:
- Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Area : $29
- 2-Day Putuo Mountain Self-Guided Tour from Hangzhou by Private Transfer: $282
- Enduring Memories of Hangzhou West Lake Show VIP Ticket with Private Transfer: $128
- Hangzhou Downtown transfer to Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport: $35
- Hangzhou Private Transfer to Shanghai with Drop-off Options : $131
- Hangzhou Private Transfer to Shanghai with stop-over at Wuzhen Water Town: $167
- Hangzhou Private Transfer: City Hotels to Railway Station: $28
- Hangzhou Railway Station Private Arrival Transfer to City Area : $29
- Hangzhou West Lake Impression Ticket with Private Transfer: $122
- Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport TransferTo Shanghai Pudong Airport: $140
- Hangzhou Xiaoshan Int'l Airport Private Departure Transfer from City Area : $29
- Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport Private Transfer to QianDao Lake : $131
Is it cheaper to fly into Penang or Hangzhou?
Prices for flights to both Hangzhou 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 $64Hangzhou $31
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.
- Good Morning Penang Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Penang Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- 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
- 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
- Private Dinner at THE TOP with Skywalk Experience from Penang: $103
Typical Food Prices in Hangzhou
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hangzhou:
-
Breakfast Pastries$2.38
-
Pizza Hut Lunch$11
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hangzhou
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Hangzhou.
- All Inclusive Night Tour with Impression West Lake Show VIP Ticket and Dinner: $117
- Hangzhou One Day Local Food Tour: $124
- Private Amazing Hangzhou Airport Layover Tour with Lunch or Dinner Option : $170
- Xitang Water Town Private Night Tour from Hangzhou with Dinner: $203
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Penang $55Hangzhou $20
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:
- Guided Tour of Cheong Fatt Tze's Blue Mansion in George Town: $6.35
- Tech Dome Entrance Ticket: $6.92
- Straits and Oriental Museum Ticket: $7.31
- Tropical Spice Garden Entrance Ticket & Guided Tours: $8.15
- Penang Hill Funicular Ticket: $8.35
- The Vanilla Village Farm Tour by Kairos: $9.39
- Malaysia: Penang Habitat Entry Ticket: $15
- Malaysia: Discover Nature's Wonders with Entopia Entry Ticket: $17
- Penang Rainbow Skywalk at The Top Komtar Observation Deck Tickets: $22
- Entopia Butterfly and Nature Discovery Park Entry Ticket Penang : $28
- Half-Day Penang Countryside Cycling Tour: $32
- Georgetown Half Day City Tour: $42
Tours and Activities in Hangzhou
Here are a few actual costs in Hangzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Fei Lai Peak (Lingyin Temple) E-Ticket: $12
- Hangzhou Ghost Market Adventure: Antique Hunt & Bargain Tour: $40
- A Local Breakfast Experience and TCM visit: $46
- Hangzhou Bites: Local Guided Market Tour: $49
- The Key to Zhejiang Culture – Guided Museum Tour: $53
- Authentic Hangzhou Longjing Tea Culture Experience Tour : $53
- Best Price: Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $59
- Skip the Line: Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $65
- Zhejiang University Guided Campus Tour: $65
- Zuiyi Hangzhou Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $75
- Skip the Line Impression West Lake VIP Seat Ticket: $75
- Jiaxing Wuzhen East and West Day Tour from Hangzhou: $80
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayPenang $18Hangzhou $10
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 Hangzhou, we can see that Penang is more expensive. And not only is Hangzhou much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hangzhou would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hangzhou 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 Hangzhou.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Penang Expensive? and Is Hangzhou Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Penang or Hangzhou?
Hangzhou has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Penang. When comparing the sizes of Penang and Hangzhou, 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 Hangzhou?
Hangzhou 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 Hangzhou in the Summer?
Both Hangzhou and Penang are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Penang throughout the year.
In July, Penang is generally around the same temperature as Hangzhou. Daily temperatures in Penang average around 27°C (81°F), and Hangzhou fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Hangzhou. It's quite rainy in Penang. In July, Penang usually receives more rain than Hangzhou. Penang gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyPenang 27°C (81°F)Hangzhou 29°C (85°F)
Should I visit Penang or Hangzhou in the Autumn?
Both Hangzhou 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.
Penang is a little warmer than Hangzhou in the autumn. The daily temperature in Penang averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Hangzhou fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Penang. Penang usually gets more rain in October than Hangzhou. Penang gets 340 mm (13.4 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPenang 27°C (81°F)Hangzhou 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Penang or Hangzhou in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Penang and Hangzhou. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Penang year-round.
Hangzhou can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Penang is much warmer than Hangzhou. Typically, the winter temperatures in Penang in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Hangzhou averages at about 5°C (41°F).
In January, Penang usually receives more rain than Hangzhou. Penang gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPenang 28°C (82°F)Hangzhou 5°C (41°F)
Should I visit Penang or Hangzhou in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Penang as well as Hangzhou. Penang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Penang is generally much warmer than Hangzhou. Daily temperatures in Penang average around 28°C (82°F), and Hangzhou fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
It's quite rainy in Hangzhou. Penang receives a lot of rain in the spring. Penang usually gets more rain in April than Hangzhou. Penang gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilPenang 28°C (82°F)Hangzhou 16°C (61°F)
Typical Weather for Hangzhou and Penang
| Penang | Hangzhou | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 88 mm (3.4 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 159 mm (6.3 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 185 mm (7.3 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 330 mm (13 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 340 mm (13.4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Dec | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 49 mm (1.9 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.