Which place is cheaper, Kingston 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 Kingston?
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 Kingston. 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 Kingston?
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.
Kingston
Kingston is Jamaica's capital city with a population of about 579,000. For being located on an island, Kingston is a very large city with several different zip codes. Not only is Kingston the cultural capital of the country, but also the commercial one as well.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia.
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Penang Prices
Malaysia PricesKingston Prices
Jamaica Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPenang $144Kingston $123
The average daily cost (per person) in Penang is $144, while the average daily cost in Kingston is $123. 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 Kingston in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPenang $55Kingston $62
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPenang $110Kingston $124
Compare Hotels in Penang and Kingston
Looking for a hotel in Penang or Kingston? 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 Kingston Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Penang $14Kingston $28
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:
- Chauffeur: Penang Island to Singapore Van Transfer: $146
- Full-Day Private Transfer in Penang City : $275
- Penang Airport (PEN) to Penang Island - Arrival Private transfer: $19
- Penang Airport (PEN) to Swettenham Cruise Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $23
- Penang Airport Transfer ( 24/7): $59
- Penang Airport Transfer - Arrival or Departure: $36
- Penang Balik Pulau Countryside Morning Cycling with Transfers: $33
- Penang City to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $107
- Penang City to Kuala Lumpur City One-way Transfer: $140
- Penang Island hotels to Swettenham Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $57
- Penang Island to Penang Airport(PEN) - Departure Private transfer: $19
- Penang to KUL Hotel (One Way Transfer): $237
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kingston
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kingston:
- Airport Group Transfers-Kingston: $180
- Airport MBJ Round Trip Transfer to Ocho Rios Airbnb Home, Resorts: $133
- Airport Transfers from Kingston.: $70
- From Kingston Airport: One Way Private Transfer to Negril: $749
- From Kingston Airport: One Way Private Transfer to Ocho Rios: $319
- From Kingston Airport: One Way Shared Transfer to Kingston: $19
- From One Way Shared Transfer to Kingston Airport: $19
- From One Way Shared Transfer to Montego Bay: $69
- From One Way Shared Transfer to Negril: $79
- From One Way Shared Transfer to Port Antonio: $47
- Group Private Kingston Airport Transfers (10 - 15 Persons): $251
- Airport transfers One Way to all hotels - private: $79
Is it cheaper to fly into Penang or Kingston?
Prices for flights to both Kingston 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 $64Kingston $44
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.
- Good Morning Penang Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Penang Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Private Half-Day Hawker Trails Food Tour in George Town: $51
- Local Street Food Tour in Georgetown Penang : $62
- Eat Like A Local: Penang Street Food Tour: $62
- Penang Food Tour - Georgetown: $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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Penang $55Kingston $12
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:
- 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: $7.31
- Tropical Spice Garden Entrance Ticket & Guided Tours: $8.15
- 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
- Penang Rainbow Skywalk at The Top Komtar Observation Deck Tickets: $22
- Entopia Butterfly and Nature Discovery Park Entry Ticket Penang : $28
- Half-Day Penang Countryside Cycling Tour: $32
- Georgetown Half Day City Tour: $42
Tours and Activities in Kingston
Here are a few actual costs in Kingston for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Art Walk Sunday Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $9.78
- Walking Tour with Mural Exploration: $26
- Bob Marley Museum Entry Ticket: $30
- Kingston Creative: Mural Art Walking Tour: $31
- Club Kingston VIP Departure Lounge Experience: $38
- Mural Tours in the Downtown Kingston Art District, Jamaica: $40
- Reggae Legend - Bob Marley Museum Tour Tickets: $41
- Bamboo Rafting Adventure in Ocho Rios : $62
- Devon House Heritage Tour with Ice Cream from Kingston: $63
- Devon House Tour with Ice Cream from Kingston: $64
- Private Bob Marley Tour Experience: $65
- Kingston City Guided Tour - Classic: $69
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPenang $18Kingston $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$1.90
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Penang and Kingston, we can see that Penang is more expensive. And not only is Kingston much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Penang is in Asia and Kingston is in Caribbean Islands, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Kingston would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kingston 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 Kingston.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Penang Expensive? and Is Kingston Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Penang or Kingston?
Kingston has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Penang. When comparing the sizes of Penang and Kingston, 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 Kingston?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Penang or Kingston in the Summer?
Both Kingston and Penang are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Penang throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Kingston because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Penang. In July, Penang usually receives more rain than Kingston. Penang gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Kingston receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
It's quite sunny in Kingston. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Penang. Penang usually receives less sunshine than Kingston during summer. Penang gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Kingston receives 254 hours of full sun in the summer.
Penang is around the same temperature as Kingston in the summer. The daily temperature in Penang averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Kingston fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPenang 27°C (81°F)Kingston 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Penang or Kingston in the Autumn?
Both Kingston 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kingston year-round.
Kingston gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Penang. Penang usually gets more rain in October than Kingston. Penang gets 340 mm (13.4 in) of rain, while Kingston receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the autumn, Penang is around the same temperature as Kingston. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Penang in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Kingston averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPenang 27°C (81°F)Kingston 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Penang or Kingston in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Penang and Kingston. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Penang year-round. Kingston attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Penang usually receives more rain than Kingston. Penang gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Kingston receives 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In January, Penang is generally around the same temperature as Kingston. Daily temperatures in Penang average around 28°C (82°F), and Kingston fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPenang 28°C (82°F)Kingston 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Penang or Kingston in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Penang as well as Kingston. Penang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kingston throughout the year.
Penang receives a lot of rain in the spring. Penang usually gets more rain in April than Kingston. Penang gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Kingston receives 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kingston. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Penang this time of the year. In the spring, Penang often gets less sunshine than Kingston. Penang gets 218 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kingston receives 251 hours of full sun.
Penang is around the same temperature as Kingston in the spring. The daily temperature in Penang averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Kingston fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPenang 28°C (82°F)Kingston 26°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Kingston and Penang
| Penang | Kingston | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 330 mm (13 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 340 mm (13.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 31 mm (1.2 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.