Which place is cheaper, Harbin 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 Harbin?
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 Harbin. 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 Harbin?
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.
Harbin
Harbin, China is the northernmost major city in the country, with a population of over 10 million. Harbin was founded in 1897 by Russia, which has resulted in a lot of Russian influence throughout the city and many Russian citizens. The city is most famous for their annual International Snow and Ice Festival, a two-month-long festival running from January through February of each year.
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 in China, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in China.
-
Penang Prices
Malaysia PricesHarbin Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPenang $144Harbin $66
The average daily cost (per person) in Penang is $144, while the average daily cost in Harbin is $66. 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 Harbin in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPenang $55Harbin $21
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPenang $110Harbin $42
Compare Hotels in Penang and Harbin
Looking for a hotel in Penang or Harbin? 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 $14Harbin $1.52
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: $57
- 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 - 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
- Private Half Day Tour to Penang Island with Transfer Included: $70
- Private Economy Penang Airport Transfer-Departure: $29
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Harbin
Also for Harbin, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- 4 Hour Private Transfer to Sun Island Snow Sculptures: $100
- Harbin Airport (HRB) : Private Arrival Transfer with Meet & Greet Service: $32
- Harbin Catholic Church Car Transfer Service: $80
- Harbin Ice Festival Tickets and Transfer Service : $148
- Harbin Taiping Airport Chauffeur Service, Harbin Airport Transfer, Pick up.: $59
- Harbin Volga Manor Private Transfer Service with Entry Tickets: $300
- Private Arrival Transfer from Harbin West Railway Station to Harbin City Hotel: $65
- Private Departure Transfer to Harbin North Railway Station from Harbin City: $100
- Private Full Day Transfer Service to Harbin Top Winter Attractions: $198
- Private HRB Airport Arrival Transfer to Harbin City Hotel: $70
- Private HRB Airport Departure Transfer from Harbin City Hotel: $70
- Shared Transfer Service to Ice and Snow World, Sun Island Snow Festival: $250
Is it cheaper to fly into Penang or Harbin?
Prices for flights to both Harbin 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 $64Harbin $24
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Harbin
For Harbin, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Dinner Show with Costumes and Performances: $29
- Harbin Cultural Tour at Zhongyang Dajie to Baluoke with Dinner: $80
- Central Street, Baluoke Village, and Dinner Tour: $90
- Harbin Dumpling Cooking Class: $154
- Hot Spring Experience with Hot Pot Dinner in Harbin: $300
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Penang $55Harbin $53
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
- 6 Hours Highlights of Penang Shared Tour : $75
- 6-Hours Penang Private Tour: $169
- 8 Hours of Penang Tour: $60
- Back of the Bike Street Food Experience – Real Penang!: $88
- Best of Historical George Town Half Day Tour: $80
- Bukit Merah Orang Utan and Penang City Private Tour: $140
- Colors of George Town Walking Tour: $138
- Countryside Cycling Tour. T1.0 by Matahari: $97
- ESCAPE Penang Theme Park Admission Ticket : $73
- Enjoy Amazing Night Tour in Penang : $84
Tours and Activities in Harbin
For Harbin, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Harbin Ice and Snow World Ticket Booking: $51
- Half Day Tour for Harbin Guandong Ancient Lane and Wood Sculpture Museum: $104
- Harbin Summer Indoor Ice and Snow World Tour: $136
- Harbin Ice Lantern Show and Center Street Tour: $150
- Private Half Day Tour Harbin ConfucianTemple and Temple of Bliss (Jile Si): $157
- 1-Day Harbin Private Tour: $168
- Harbin City Guided Tour to Zhongyang Street and Sophia Church: $180
- Private Half Day City Tour including Russian Town and Harbin Ropeway Ride: $198
- Small Group Night Tour to Harbin Ice and Snow World: $199
- Harbin City Private Day Tour in Your Way in Winter Season: $200
- Harbin Ice Festival New Year Eve Countdown Group Tour on December 31: $200
- Private Half Day Tour to Unit 731 Museum and Sites in Harbin: $218
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayPenang $18Harbin $7.96
Typical Alcohol Prices in Penang
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Penang:
-
Beer$1.90
Sample the Local Flavors in Harbin
Also in Harbin, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Half-Day Private Harbin Beer Museum and Brewery Tour: $250
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Penang and Harbin, we can see that Penang is more expensive. And not only is Harbin much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Harbin would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Harbin 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 Harbin.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Penang Expensive? and Is Harbin Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Penang or Harbin?
Harbin has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Penang. When comparing the sizes of Penang and Harbin, 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 Harbin?
Harbin 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 Harbin in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Penang as well as Harbin. Penang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In July, Penang is generally a little warmer than Harbin. Daily temperatures in Penang average around 27°C (81°F), and Harbin fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
It's quite rainy in Harbin. Penang receives a lot of rain in the summer. Penang usually gets more rain in July than Harbin. Penang gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Harbin receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyPenang 27°C (81°F)Harbin 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Penang or Harbin in the Autumn?
Both Harbin and Penang are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Penang throughout the year.
Penang is much warmer than Harbin in the autumn. The daily temperature in Penang averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Harbin fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).
It's quite rainy in Penang. In October, Penang usually receives more rain than Harbin. Penang gets 340 mm (13.4 in) of rain, while Harbin receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPenang 27°C (81°F)Harbin 7°C (44°F)
Should I visit Penang or Harbin in the Winter?
Both Harbin 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.
The weather in Harbin can be very cold. In the winter, Penang is much warmer than Harbin. Typically, the winter temperatures in Penang in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Harbin averages at about -18°C (-0°F).
Penang usually gets more rain in January than Harbin. Penang gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Harbin receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPenang 28°C (82°F)Harbin -18°C (-0°F)
Should I visit Penang or Harbin in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Penang and Harbin. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Penang year-round.
In April, Penang is generally much warmer than Harbin. Daily temperatures in Penang average around 28°C (82°F), and Harbin fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).
Penang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Penang usually receives more rain than Harbin. Penang gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Harbin receives 21 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilPenang 28°C (82°F)Harbin 8°C (46°F)
Typical Weather for Harbin and Penang
| Penang | Harbin | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | -18°C (-0°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | -14°C (7°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | -3°C (26°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 153 mm (6 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 330 mm (13 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 340 mm (13.4 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) | -4°C (24°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Dec | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | -14°C (7°F) | 5 mm (0.2 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.