A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Penang vs. Jingdezhen for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Penang or Jingdezhen?

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 Jingdezhen. 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 Jingdezhen?

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.

Jingdezhen

Jingdezhen, China is a city located in the Jianxi Province in the southwestern part of the country. It is famous for being the "Porcelain Capital" due to a history of producing pottery for over 1,700 years. This city itself ignites memories of a time when Chinese craftsmanship was at it's peak thanks to their weekly craft shows and art village.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia, The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, and The Best Cultural Tours in China.


Which place is cheaper, Jingdezhen or Penang?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Penang is $103, while the average daily cost in Jingdezhen is $58. 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 Jingdezhen in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Penang $49
    Jingdezhen $30
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Penang $98
    Jingdezhen $60
Compare Hotels in Penang and Jingdezhen

Looking for a hotel in Penang or Jingdezhen? 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.

Hotels in Penang


Hotels in Jingdezhen


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
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Penang $12
    Jingdezhen $12
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Penang

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Penang:


  • Local Bus
    $1.26
  • Island Ferry
    $0.50
  • Bus From Airport to George Town
    $0.57
  • Taxi From Airport to George Town
    $9.64
  • Motorbike Rental (One Day)
    $6.29
  • Bicycle Rental (One Day)
    $2.10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Penang

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Penang:

  • Private Penang Arrival transfer to Hotel: $12
  • Private Arrival Transfer : Penang International Airport: $13
  • Private Transfer : Penang International Airport Departure: $13
  • Private Departure Transfer : Penang International Airport: $15
  • Private Arrival Transfer : Penang International Airport: $15
  • Penang Airport Transfer to Georgetown/City Hotel or Resort/Beach Hotel: $18
  • Private Economy Penang Airport Transfer-Arrival: $25
  • Private Transfer From Penang Airport to Town Area: $26
  • Private Economy Penang Airport Transfer-Departure: $29
  • Penang Airport Transfer ( 24/7): $29
  • Swettenham Pier to Penang Airport(PEN)-Departure Private Transfer: $38
  • Swettenham Pier Cruise Port to Penang Island hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $38

Is it cheaper to fly into Penang or Jingdezhen?

Prices for flights to both Jingdezhen 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 day
    Penang $33
    Jingdezhen $20
Typical Food Prices in Penang

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Penang:


  • Snack
    $1.68
  • Dinner at The Suffolk House (for 2)
    $72
  • Lunch at Sakae Sushi (for 2)
    $61
  • Lassy Juice
    $1.47
  • Dinner for 2
    $3.14
  • Street Stall Food
    $0.59
  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    $3.98
  • 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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Penang $49
    Jingdezhen $7.98
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
    $6.50
  • Trishaw Tour (One Hour)
    $6.29
  • Fort Cornwallis Entrance
    $0.42
  • 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
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Penang $15
    Jingdezhen $38
Typical Alcohol Prices in Penang

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Penang:


  • Beer
    $1.68


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Penang and Jingdezhen, we can see that Penang is more expensive. And not only is Jingdezhen much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Jingdezhen would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Jingdezhen 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 Jingdezhen.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Penang Expensive? and Is Jingdezhen Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Penang or Jingdezhen?

Jingdezhen has a larger population, and is about 74% larger than the population of Penang. When comparing the sizes of Penang and Jingdezhen, 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 Jingdezhen?

Jingdezhen 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 Jingdezhen in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Penang and Jingdezhen. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Penang year-round.

In July, Penang is generally around the same temperature as Jingdezhen. Daily temperatures in Penang average around 27°C (81°F), and Jingdezhen fluctuates around 30°C (85°F).

Jingdezhen receives a lot of rain in the summer. Penang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Penang usually receives more rain than Jingdezhen. Penang gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Jingdezhen receives 192 mm (7.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Penang 27°C (81°F) 
    Jingdezhen 30°C (85°F)

Should I visit Penang or Jingdezhen in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Penang as well as Jingdezhen. Penang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Penang is a little warmer than Jingdezhen in the autumn. The daily temperature in Penang averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Jingdezhen fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

Penang receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Penang usually gets more rain in October than Jingdezhen. Penang gets 340 mm (13.4 in) of rain, while Jingdezhen receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Penang 27°C (81°F) 
    Jingdezhen 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Penang or Jingdezhen in the Winter?

Both Jingdezhen and Penang are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Penang throughout the year.

In the winter, Penang is much warmer than Jingdezhen. Typically, the winter temperatures in Penang in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Jingdezhen averages at about 6°C (43°F).

In January, Penang usually receives more rain than Jingdezhen. Penang gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Jingdezhen receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Penang 28°C (82°F) 
    Jingdezhen 6°C (43°F)

Should I visit Penang or Jingdezhen in the Spring?

Both Jingdezhen and Penang during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Penang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In April, Penang is generally much warmer than Jingdezhen. Daily temperatures in Penang average around 28°C (82°F), and Jingdezhen fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

Jingdezhen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Penang. Penang usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Jingdezhen. Penang gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Jingdezhen receives 238 mm (9.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Penang 28°C (82°F) 
    Jingdezhen 18°C (64°F)

Typical Weather for Jingdezhen and Penang

Penang Jingdezhen
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 6°C (43°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 8°C (46°F) 123 mm (4.9 in)
Mar 28°C (82°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 12°C (54°F) 174 mm (6.8 in)
Apr 28°C (82°F) 240 mm (9.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 238 mm (9.4 in)
May 28°C (82°F) 240 mm (9.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 257 mm (10.1 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 170 mm (6.7 in) 26°C (79°F) 270 mm (10.6 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 210 mm (8.3 in) 30°C (85°F) 192 mm (7.6 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 190 mm (7.5 in) 30°C (85°F) 107 mm (4.2 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 330 mm (13 in) 26°C (78°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 340 mm (13.4 in) 20°C (68°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 230 mm (9.1 in) 14°C (57°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Dec 28°C (82°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 8°C (47°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)