Which place is cheaper, Hiroshima 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 Hiroshima?
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 Hiroshima. 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 Hiroshima?
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.
Hiroshima
Hiroshima is positioned on the coast of the Seto Inland Sea and is an industrial city made up of many zigzagging rivers and wide boulevard streets. Today Hiroshima is a modern and vibrant city with great food and an energetic nightlife, but the image that remains in most visitor's minds is the Hiroshima of 1945 when it became the horrific sight of the first atomic bomb attack. Hiroshima shares the colorful neon atmosphere of other major Japanese cities and its hard to recognize the city immortalized all those years ago on that fateful day.
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 Japan, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan.
-
Penang Prices
Malaysia PricesHiroshima Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPenang $144Hiroshima $126
The average daily cost (per person) in Penang is $144, while the average daily cost in Hiroshima is $126. 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 Hiroshima in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPenang $55Hiroshima $67
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPenang $110Hiroshima $134
Compare Hotels in Penang and Hiroshima
Looking for a hotel in Penang or Hiroshima? 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 Hiroshima Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Penang $14Hiroshima $10
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:
- Full-Day Private Transfer in Penang City : $277
- Penang to KUL Hotel (One Way Transfer): $237
- Private Transfer : Penang Hotel to Kuala Lumpur Hotel: $207
- Chauffeur: Penang Island to Singapore Van Transfer: $147
- Penang City to Kuala Lumpur City One-way Transfer: $140
- Penang City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur City Hotels One-way Transfer: $140
- Penang City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur Airport One-way Transfer: $140
- Private Transfer: Penang Island to or from Perak: $131
- Swettenham Cruise Port to Penang Island hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $115
- Penang City to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $107
- Penang to Kuala Lumpur 1-way Transfer: $107
- Private Half Day Tour to Penang Island with Transfer Included: $70
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hiroshima
Also for Hiroshima, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Hiroshima City: Private Transfer to/from Hiroshima Airport: $189
- Iwakuni Airport to/from Hiroshima City Private Transfer: $244
- Private Arrival Transfer From Hiroshima International Airport to Hiroshima City: $272
- Private Transfer Hiroshima Airport: $292
- Private Transfer from Hiroshima Airport (HIJ) to Hiroshima Port: $182
- Private Transfer from Hiroshima Port to Hiroshima Airport (HIJ): $164
- Shared Arrival Transfer : Hiroshima Airport to Hiroshima City: $128
- Shared Departure Transfer : Hiroshima City to Hiroshima Airport: $128
Is it cheaper to fly into Penang or Hiroshima?
Prices for flights to both Hiroshima 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 $64Hiroshima $52
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hiroshima
For Hiroshima, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Okonomiyaki Cooking Class with a Local Chef: $59
- Food and Culture Guided Walking Tour with Dinner: $82
- Dinner Cruise on HANAIKADA (Raft-Type Boat) with Scenic View of Miyajima: $100
- Bar Hopping Food Tour: $103
- Hiroshima Bar Hopping Food Tour: $105
- Private Japanese Cooking Class in Hiroshima with Machiko's Family: $108
- Hiroshima Peace Bicycle Tour and Okonomiyaki Dinner: $113
- Best of Hiroshima Food Tour: $182
- Best of Hiroshima Food Tour: $221
- Private Nature, History, and Food Tour: $629
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Penang $55Hiroshima $5.58
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
Tours and Activities in Hiroshima
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Hiroshima.
- LAGOON Nightclub Admission Ticket(For Foreign): $6.76
- Hiroshima:Visit Tourist Pass(1, 2, 3day and 3day middlearea): $6.76
- Hiroshima Kagura Performance Entry Ticket: $12
- HIROSHIMA ORIZURU TOWER Admission Ticket: $16
- Abacus & Calligraphy Experience Near Hiroshima Peace Park: $20
- Abacus & Calligraphy Experience Near Hiroshima Peace Park: $21
- Peace Memorial Park Guided Walking Tour: $23
- Hiroshima Experience: History, Culture & Nature Tour: $23
- Hiroshima Peace Walking Tour with Expert Guide: $23
- Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park: A Guided Tour: $24
- Peace Memorial Park and Atomic Bomb Dome Tour: $24
- Hiroshima Path to Peace Group Walking Tour: $27
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayPenang $18Hiroshima $12
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 Hiroshima
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Hiroshima:
- Visit behind the Scenes: Hiroshima Saijo Sake Brewery Tour: $124
- Half-Day Saijo Tour Sake Tasting and Brewery Tour in Hiroshima: $131
- Private Goma Fire Ritual, Lunch & Sake Brewery Visits : $200
When comparing the travel costs between Penang and Hiroshima, we can see that Penang is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Penang Expensive? and Is Hiroshima Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Penang or Hiroshima?
Hiroshima has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Penang. When comparing the sizes of Penang and Hiroshima, 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 Hiroshima?
Hiroshima 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 Hiroshima in the Summer?
Both Hiroshima 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, the summer months attract visitors to Hiroshima because of the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Penang is around the same temperature as Hiroshima. Typically, the summer temperatures in Penang in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Hiroshima averages at about 26°C (79°F).
It's quite sunny in Penang. In the summer, Penang often gets more sunshine than Hiroshima. Penang gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hiroshima receives 194 hours of full sun.
Hiroshima gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Penang. Penang usually gets less rain in July than Hiroshima. Penang gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Hiroshima receives 238 mm (9.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyPenang 27°C (81°F)Hiroshima 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Penang or Hiroshima in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Penang and Hiroshima. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Penang year-round. Furthermore, the shopping scene are the main draw to Hiroshima this time of year.
In October, Penang is generally much warmer than Hiroshima. Daily temperatures in Penang average around 27°C (81°F), and Hiroshima fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).
Hiroshima 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 Hiroshima. Penang gets 340 mm (13.4 in) of rain, while Hiroshima receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPenang 27°C (81°F)Hiroshima 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Penang or Hiroshima in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Penang as well as Hiroshima. Penang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Hiroshima for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Hiroshima. Penang is much warmer than Hiroshima in the winter. The daily temperature in Penang averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Hiroshima fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).
Penang usually gets more rain in January than Hiroshima. Penang gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Hiroshima receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPenang 28°C (82°F)Hiroshima 4°C (40°F)
Should I visit Penang or Hiroshima in the Spring?
Both Hiroshima and Penang are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Penang throughout the year.
In the spring, Penang is much warmer than Hiroshima. Typically, the spring temperatures in Penang in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Hiroshima averages at about 14°C (56°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Penang. Penang usually receives more sunshine than Hiroshima during spring. Penang gets 218 hours of sunny skies, while Hiroshima receives 193 hours of full sun in the spring.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Hiroshima. It's quite rainy in Penang. In April, Penang usually receives more rain than Hiroshima. Penang gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Hiroshima receives 168 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilPenang 28°C (82°F)Hiroshima 14°C (56°F)
Typical Weather for Hiroshima and Penang
| Penang | Hiroshima | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 14°C (56°F) | 168 mm (6.6 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 238 mm (9.4 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 330 mm (13 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 185 mm (7.3 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 340 mm (13.4 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Dec | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 37 mm (1.5 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.