Which place is cheaper, Hobart 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 Hobart?
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 Hobart. 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 Hobart?
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.
Hobart
Hobart is the capital city of the Australian island state of Tasmania. It is small compared to the mainland's larger cities and has a cooler climate with four distinct seasons. Hobart is also the second oldest capital, behind Sydney, with remnants of its past visible in old sandstone warehouses now home to cafes and galleries, as well as a historic district with narrow lanes and colonial-era cottages.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia, The Best Walking Tours in Australia, and The Best Eco Tours in Australia.
-
Penang Prices
Malaysia PricesHobart Prices
Australia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPenang $144Hobart $156
The average daily cost (per person) in Penang is $144, while the average daily cost in Hobart is $156. 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 Hobart in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPenang $55Hobart $77
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPenang $110Hobart $154
Compare Hotels in Penang and Hobart
Looking for a hotel in Penang or Hobart? 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 Hobart Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Penang $14Hobart $28
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 Hobart
Also for Hobart, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- George Town / 7- Mile Beach area to George Town Port -Departure Private Transfer: $152
- George Town Port to Owen Roberts Airport (GCM) - Departure Private Transfer: $152
- Grand Cayman Shared Airport Transfer: $40
- Hobart Airport: Express Bus Transfer to Hobart City: $15
Is it cheaper to fly into Penang or Hobart?
Prices for flights to both Hobart 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 $64Hobart $49
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 $55Hobart $23
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 Hobart
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Hobart.
- Admission Ticket to Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary: $23
- Morning River Cruise: $23
- 24-Hour Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Bus Ticket: $30
- From Mt Wellington Pinnacle 2 Hour Small Group Tour: $36
- 48 Hour Hobart City Hop-On Hop-Off Tour: $36
- 3-Hour City Sightseeing Tour: $40
- Mt Wellington Ultimate Afternoon Tour: $40
- Historic Lunch Cruise: $43
- Mount Wellington and Hobart Sightseeing Combo Ticket: $53
- Rum and Beer Tour with Lunch: $65
- nipaluna Half-Day Highlights Tour: $65
- Historic Richmond Village Half-Day Coach Tour: $69
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayPenang $18Hobart $15
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 Hobart
Also in Hobart, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Cascade Brewery Historic Tour: $16
- Cascade Brewery Experience: $26
- Signature Wine Tour - Hobart & SE Tasmania: $145
- Moorilla's Big Day Out at Mona - Wine Tasting and Lunch: $165
- Tasmania: Private Distillers Reserve Distillery Tour: $224
When comparing the travel costs between Penang and Hobart, we can see that Hobart 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. Even though Penang is in Asia and Hobart is in Pacific, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Penang Expensive? and Is Hobart Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Penang or Hobart?
Penang has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Hobart. When comparing the sizes of Penang and Hobart, 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 Hobart?
Hobart 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 Hobart in the Summer?
Both Hobart 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. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Hobart because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Penang is generally much warmer than Hobartin January. Daily temperatures in Penang average around 27°C (81°F), and Hobart fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).
In Hobart, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Penang. In the summer, Penang often gets less sunshine than Hobartin January. Penang gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hobart receives 259 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Penang. Penang usually gets more rain in July than Hobartin January. Penang gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Hobart receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryPenang 27°C (81°F)Hobart 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Penang or Hobart in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Penang and Hobart. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Penang year-round. Also, the hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Hobart this time of year.
Penang is much warmer than Hobart in the autumn. The daily temperature in Penang averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Hobart fluctuates around 14°C (57°F)in April.
Penang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Penang usually receives more rain than Hobartin April. Penang gets 340 mm (13.4 in) of rain, while Hobart receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilPenang 27°C (81°F)Hobart 14°C (57°F)
Should I visit Penang or Hobart in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Penang as well as Hobart. Penang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Hobart for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Penang is much warmer than Hobart. Typically, the winter temperatures in Penang in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Hobart averages at about 9°C (47°F)in July.
Penang usually gets more rain in January than Hobartin July. Penang gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Hobart receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyPenang 28°C (82°F)Hobart 9°C (47°F)
Should I visit Penang or Hobart in the Spring?
Both Hobart 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 April, Penang is generally much warmer than Hobartin October. Daily temperatures in Penang average around 28°C (82°F), and Hobart fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
It's quite sunny in Hobart. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Penang. Penang usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hobart during spring. Penang gets 218 hours of sunny skies, while Hobart receives 209 hours of full sun in the spring.
It's quite rainy in Penang. In April, Penang usually receives more rain than Hobartin October. Penang gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Hobart receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberPenang 28°C (82°F)Hobart 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Hobart and Penang
| Penang | Hobart | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 330 mm (13 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 340 mm (13.4 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Dec | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 54 mm (2.1 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.