Which place is cheaper, Hefei or Penang?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Penang or Hefei?
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 Hefei. 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 Hefei?
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.
Hefei
While most would consider the city of Hefei a pass-through destination, there are plenty of things to see in the capital city of China's Anhui province.
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.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPenang $103Hefei $62
The average daily cost (per person) in Penang is $103, while the average daily cost in Hefei is $62. 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 Hefei in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPenang $49Hefei $28
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPenang $98Hefei $56
Compare Hotels in Penang and Hefei
Looking for a hotel in Penang or Hefei? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Penang $12Hefei $17
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$1.26
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Island Ferry$0.50
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Bus From Airport to George Town$0.57
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Taxi From Airport to George Town$9.64
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Motorbike Rental (One Day)$6.29
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Bicycle Rental (One Day)$2.10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Penang
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Penang:
- Chauffeur: Penang Island to Singapore Van Transfer: $138
- Full-Day Private Transfer in Penang City : $210
- Penang Airport (PEN) to Penang Island - Arrival Private Transfer : $38
- Penang Airport (PEN) to Penang Island - Arrival Private transfer: $43
- Penang Airport (PEN): Transfer to Swettenham Cruise Port: $116
- Penang Airport PEN to Penang Island - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $85
- Penang Airport Transfer ( 24/7): $29
- Penang Airport Transfer to Georgetown/City Hotel or Resort/Beach Hotel: $18
- Penang Airport to Swettenham Cruise Port - Round Trip Transfer: $76
- Penang Airport(PEN) to Penang Island -Round-Trip Private Transfer: $76
- Penang City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur Airport One-way Transfer: $140
- Penang City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur City Hotels One-way Transfer: $140
Is it cheaper to fly into Penang or Hefei?
Prices for flights to both Hefei 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 $33Hefei $21
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$1.68
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Dinner at The Suffolk House (for 2)$72
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Lunch at Sakae Sushi (for 2)$61
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Lassy Juice$1.47
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Dinner for 2$3.14
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Street Stall Food$0.59
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$3.98
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Italian Lunch (for Two)$10
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Penang
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Penang.
- 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
- Private Half Day Penang Tasty Local Street Food Tour: $87
- 4-Hour Georgetown Food Tour: $88
- Cooking Classes In Penang By Penang Chiak: $93
- Private Dinner at THE TOP with Skywalk Experience from Penang: $103
- Chef Samuel's Private Malaysian Cooking Class with Wet Market Tour: $116
- Food Tour at Penang - Eat Like a Local, Feel Like a Local: $120
- Experience Malaysia: Authentic Malaysia Cooking Tour: $121
- Dinner at Penang Hill Including Train Ride: $141
- Penang's Night Eat-Venture Vespa Food Tour: $160
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Penang $49Hefei $19
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$6.50
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Trishaw Tour (One Hour)$6.29
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Fort Cornwallis Entrance$0.42
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Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi Entrance$2.10
Tours and Activities in Penang
Here are a few actual costs in Penang for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Asia Camera Museum Admission Ticket: $5.38
- Malaysia: The Blue Mansion - Daily Tour: $5.67
- Tech Dome Entrance Ticket: $6.11
- Guided Tour of Cheong Fatt Tze's Blue Mansion in George Town: $6.35
- Tropical Spice Garden E-Ticket: $7.17
- Skip the Line: Admission Ticket - General: $7.18
- TeddyVille Museum Penang Malaysia Entry Ticket: $8.27
- Penang Hill Funicular Ticket: $8.35
- Wonderfood Museum in Penang Admission Ticket: $8.54
- Wonderfood Museum in Penang Admission Ticket: $8.71
- Admission Ticket for Dark Mansion Glow-in-the-Dark Museum in Penang: $8.80
- Penang Street Food in Georgetown and History Walking Audio Tour: $10
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPenang $15Hefei $11
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$1.68
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Penang and Hefei, we can see that Penang is more expensive. And not only is Hefei much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hefei would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hefei 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 Hefei.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Penang Expensive? and Is Hefei Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Penang or Hefei?
Hefei has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Penang. When comparing the sizes of Penang and Hefei, 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 Hefei?
Hefei 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 Hefei in the Summer?
Both Hefei 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 Hefei. Daily temperatures in Penang average around 27°C (81°F), and Hefei fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Hefei. It's quite rainy in Penang. In July, Penang usually receives more rain than Hefei. Penang gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Hefei receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPenang 27°C (81°F)Hefei 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Penang or Hefei in the Autumn?
Both Hefei 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 much warmer than Hefei in the autumn. The daily temperature in Penang averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Hefei fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Penang. Penang usually gets more rain in October than Hefei. Penang gets 340 mm (13.4 in) of rain, while Hefei receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPenang 27°C (81°F)Hefei 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Penang or Hefei in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Penang and Hefei. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Penang year-round.
Hefei can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Penang is much warmer than Hefei. Typically, the winter temperatures in Penang in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Hefei averages at about 3°C (38°F).
In January, Penang usually receives more rain than Hefei. Penang gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Hefei receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPenang 28°C (82°F)Hefei 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Penang or Hefei in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Penang as well as Hefei. Penang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Penang is generally much warmer than Hefei. Daily temperatures in Penang average around 28°C (82°F), and Hefei fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
Penang receives a lot of rain in the spring. Penang usually gets more rain in April than Hefei. Penang gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Hefei receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPenang 28°C (82°F)Hefei 16°C (61°F)
Typical Weather for Hefei and Penang
| Penang | Hefei | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 330 mm (13 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 340 mm (13.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) | 11°C (53°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Dec | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 5°C (42°F) | 25 mm (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.