Which place is cheaper, Katoomba or Penang?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Penang or Katoomba?
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 Katoomba. 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 Katoomba?
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.
Katoomba
Designated an UNESCO World Heritage site in 2000, the Blue Mountains are located just west of Sydney in the highlands of New South Wales, Australia.
This area can be generally expensive, but is on par with other destinations in Australia and around Sydney. Plenty of luxury places can be found here that cost more than average, but plenty of cheaper places to stay can be found here, too. Expect to pay for various activities such as tours and entrance fees, too.
The landscape is sprawling with majestic scenery over a rugged terrain of steep cliffs, forests, waterfalls, and villages. Whether you come to hike, climb, bike, or drive to the scenic viewpoints, a curtain of tranquility falls upon the mountains in a blue haze from which they get their name.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Australia, and The Best Scuba Diving Tours in Australia.
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Penang Prices
Malaysia PricesKatoomba Prices
Australia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPenang $144Katoomba $148
The average daily cost (per person) in Penang is $144, while the average daily cost in Katoomba is $148. 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 Katoomba in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPenang $55Katoomba $78
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPenang $110Katoomba $156
Compare Hotels in Penang and Katoomba
Looking for a hotel in Penang or Katoomba? 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 Katoomba Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Penang $14Katoomba $50
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$1.43
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Island Ferry$0.57
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Bus From Airport to George Town$0.64
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Taxi From Airport to George Town$11
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Motorbike Rental (One Day)$7.13
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Bicycle Rental (One Day)$2.38
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: $19
- Private Arrival Transfer : Penang International Airport: $19
- Private Departure Transfer - Penang International Airport: $19
- Penang Island to Penang Airport(PEN) - Departure Private transfer: $19
- 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 Transfer from Swettenham Cruise Terminal to Penang Island: $22
- Swettenham Pier to Penang Airport(PEN)-Departure Private Transfer: $23
Is it cheaper to fly into Penang or Katoomba?
Prices for flights to both Katoomba 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 $64Katoomba $30
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$1.90
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Dinner at The Suffolk House (for 2)$81
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Lunch at Sakae Sushi (for 2)$69
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Lassy Juice$1.66
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Dinner for 2$3.57
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Street Stall Food$0.67
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$4.52
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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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Penang $55Katoomba $54
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$7.37
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Trishaw Tour (One Hour)$7.13
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Fort Cornwallis Entrance$0.48
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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:
- Asia Camera Museum Admission Ticket: $6.10
- Guided Tour of Cheong Fatt Tze's Blue Mansion in George Town: $6.35
- Tech Dome Entrance Ticket: $6.92
- Straits and Oriental Museum Ticket: $7.32
- Tropical Spice Garden Entrance Ticket & Guided Tours: $8.16
- Penang Hill Funicular Ticket: $8.35
- The Vanilla Village Farm Tour by Kairos: $9.39
- Malaysia: Penang Habitat Entry Ticket: $15
- Explore Remarkable Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
- Malaysia: Discover Nature's Wonders with Entopia Entry Ticket: $17
- Penang Rainbow Skywalk at The Top Komtar Observation Deck Tickets: $22
- Entopia Butterfly and Nature Discovery Park Entry Ticket Penang : $28
Tours and Activities in Katoomba
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Katoomba are as follows:
- Blue Mountains 90 Minute Army Truck Adventures: $65
- Army Truck Adventures - 90 Minute Guided Tour: $66
- Blue Mountains Hop On Hop Off Tour: $73
- Blue Mountains 3 Hour Army Truck Adventures: $98
- Army Truck Adventures - 3 Hour Guided Tour: $100
- Blue Mountains Day Tour with Wildlife and Scenic World: $101
- Blue Mountains 1-Hour Trike Tour of Three Sisters: $109
- Blue Mountains: Spectacular Half Day Abseiling Adventure: $115
- Half-Day Abseiling Adventure in Blue Mountains National Park: $117
- Blue Mountains Day Tour with Scenic World and Wildlife Park Entry: $118
- Small Group Blue Mountains Wildlife & Bushwalk Tour From Sydney: $120
- Blue Mountains Day Tour With Bushwalks, Waterfalls & Featherdale: $126
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPenang $18Katoomba -
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$1.90
When comparing the travel costs between Penang and Katoomba, we can see that Katoomba 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 Katoomba 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 Katoomba Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Penang or Katoomba?
Penang has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Katoomba. When comparing the sizes of Penang and Katoomba, 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 Katoomba?
Katoomba 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 Katoomba in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Penang and Katoomba. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Penang year-round. Furthermore, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Katoomba this time of year.
In the summer, Penang is a little warmer than Katoomba. Typically, the summer temperatures in Penang in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Katoomba averages at about 24°C (74°F)in January.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Katoomba this time of the year. In Penang, it's very sunny this time of the year. Penang usually receives less sunshine than Katoomba during summer. Penang gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Katoomba receives 236 hours of full sun in the summer.
Katoomba 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 Katoombain January. Penang gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 105 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryPenang 27°C (81°F)Katoomba 24°C (74°F)
Should I visit Penang or Katoomba in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Penang as well as Katoomba. Penang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Katoomba for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Penang is generally a little warmer than Katoombain April. Daily temperatures in Penang average around 27°C (81°F), and Katoomba fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).
Penang receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Penang usually gets more rain in October than Katoombain April. Penang gets 340 mm (13.4 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilPenang 27°C (81°F)Katoomba 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Penang or Katoomba in the Winter?
Both Katoomba and Penang are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Penang throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Katoomba in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Penang is much warmer than Katoomba in the winter. The daily temperature in Penang averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Katoomba fluctuates around 11°C (51°F)in July.
In January, Penang usually receives more rain than Katoombain July. Penang gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyPenang 28°C (82°F)Katoomba 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Penang or Katoomba in the Spring?
Both Katoomba 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. Also, most visitors come to Katoomba for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.
In the spring, Penang is much warmer than Katoomba. Typically, the spring temperatures in Penang in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Katoomba averages at about 18°C (64°F)in October.
In Katoomba, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Penang. In the spring, Penang often gets less sunshine than Katoombain October. Penang gets 218 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Katoomba receives 240 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Penang. Penang usually gets more rain in April than Katoombain October. Penang gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberPenang 28°C (82°F)Katoomba 18°C (64°F)
Typical Weather for Katoomba and Penang
| Penang | Katoomba | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 330 mm (13 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 42 mm (1.6 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) | 20°C (68°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Dec | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 70 mm (2.8 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.