Which place is cheaper, Kobe 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 Kobe?
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 Kobe. 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 Kobe?
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.
Kobe
Located between the sea and the Rokko mountain range, Kobe is a port city in Japan also considered to be one of the country's most attractive. Though it was devastated by a historic earthquake in 1995, known locally as the Great Hanshin Earthquake, Kobe has fully recovered to its cosmopolitan splendor with plenty for visitors to see and do.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia, The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Japan.
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Penang Prices
Malaysia PricesKobe Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPenang $144Kobe $130
The average daily cost (per person) in Penang is $144, while the average daily cost in Kobe is $130. 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 Kobe in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPenang $55Kobe $63
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPenang $110Kobe $126
Compare Hotels in Penang and Kobe
Looking for a hotel in Penang or Kobe? 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 Kobe Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Penang $14Kobe $14
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:
- Full-Day Private Transfer in Penang City : $275
- Penang to KUL Hotel (One Way Transfer): $237
- Chauffeur: Penang Island to Singapore Van Transfer: $146
- Penang City to Kuala Lumpur City 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
- ATV Ride in Balik Pulau with Snacks and Transfers: $66
- Penang Airport Transfer ( 24/7): $59
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kobe
Also for Kobe, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Transfer: Kobe Airport UKB to Kobe City by Business Car: $161
- Airport Transfer: Kobe Airport UKB to Kobe City by Business Van: $178
- Arima Onsen Resorts to Osaka Airport (ITM) Departure Transfer: $111
- Arima-Onsen Resort to Osaka Kansai Airport KIX-Departure Transfer: $299
- Arrival Private Transfers from Kobe Airport UKB to Kobe City in Business Car: $144
- Arrival Private Transfers from Kobe Airport UKB to Kobe City in Business Van: $178
- Departure Private Transfers from Kobe City to Kobe Airport UKB in Business Van: $178
- Departure Transfer: Kobe to Kobe Airport UKB by Business Car: $161
- Kobe Airport (UKB) to Kobe hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $71
- Kobe Airport (UKB) to Kobe hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $141
- Kobe Airport Transfers : Kobe City to Kobe Airport UKB in Business Car: $144
- Kobe Airport Transfers : Kobe City to Kobe Airport UKB in Business Van: $178
Is it cheaper to fly into Penang or Kobe?
Prices for flights to both Kobe 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 $64Kobe $54
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
- 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
- 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
- Private Dinner at THE TOP with Skywalk Experience from Penang: $103
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kobe
For Kobe, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Okonomiyaki Cooking Class: Create Your Own Savory Pancake: $55
- Kobe Home Cooking Ramen and Gyoza Cooking Class: $61
- Shinkaichi Evening Food Tour with Local Guide: $71
- Shinkaichi Evening Food Tour with Local Guide: $72
- Discover Kobe's Flavors On A Cooking Class: $76
- Kobe Private Food Tour with Local Guide: $95
- Cooking Class with Kobe Beef Sukiyaki and Origami: $101
- Eat Like a Local Private & Personalized Food Tour: $223
- Private tour in Kobe with beef dinner: $487
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Penang $55Kobe $24
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:
- George Town Highlights & Upside Down Museum tours (5 Hours): $67
- Penang City Temple Tour with Penang Hill(Fast Lane) & Kek Lok Si: $147
- 6 Hours Highlights of Penang Shared Tour : $75
- 6-Hours Penang Private Tour: $169
- 8 Hours of Penang Tour: $60
- Back of the Bike Street Food Experience – Real Penang!: $88
- Best of Historical George Town Half Day Tour: $80
- Bukit Merah Orang Utan and Penang City Private Tour: $140
- Colors of George Town Walking Tour: $138
- Countryside Cycling Tour. T1.0 by Matahari: $97
- ESCAPE Penang Theme Park Admission Ticket : $73
- Enjoy Amazing Night Tour in Penang : $84
Tours and Activities in Kobe
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Kobe.
- ANCHOR Nightclub Admission Ticket (For Foreign): $6.76
- Port Tower Admission Ticket: $6.76
- ANCHOR Nightclub Admission Ticket (For Foreign): $6.84
- Rokko Forest Sound Museum Admission Ticket: $9.46
- Classic Kobe GPS App Walking Tour Mobile Game: $14
- Kobe Port Tower Entry Ticket: $18
- Private Ring Craft Experience in Kobe: $23
- Make Your Own Personalized Ring in Kobe - UniqueJewelryExperience: $25
- Sorakuen Garden Guided Walking Tour: $43
- Bar Hopping Tour with a Local Guide: $46
- Arima Onsen History Tour: $46
- Kobe City Highlights Guided Tour - Shrine, Port, Tower: $47
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPenang $18Kobe $8.87
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
Sample the Local Flavors in Kobe
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Kobe:
- Private Sake Tour and Tasting at a Kobe Brewery: $82
- Sake Brewery and Japanese Life Experience Tour in Kobe: $87
- Sake Brewery Tour with Tasting Sake: $88
- KOBE Sake brewery PRIVATE walking tour with Local guide: $89
- Sake Brewery Tour with Tasting and Kobe Beef Bites: $108
- 5-Hour Nadagogo Sake Brewery Private Guided Experience: $186
When comparing the travel costs between Penang and Kobe, 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 Kobe Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Penang or Kobe?
Kobe has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Penang. When comparing the sizes of Penang and Kobe, 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 Kobe?
Kobe 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 Kobe in the Summer?
Both Kobe 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 city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Kobe this time of year.
Penang is around the same temperature as Kobe in the summer. The daily temperature in Penang averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Kobe fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
It's quite sunny in Penang. In the summer, Penang often gets more sunshine than Kobe. Penang gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kobe receives 183 hours of full sun.
Kobe 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 July than Kobe. Penang gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPenang 27°C (81°F)Kobe 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Penang or Kobe in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Penang and Kobe. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Penang year-round. Also, many travelers come to Kobe for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
In the autumn, Penang is a little warmer than Kobe. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Penang in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Kobe averages at about 18°C (65°F).
Kobe 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 Kobe. Penang gets 340 mm (13.4 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPenang 27°C (81°F)Kobe 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Penang or Kobe in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Penang as well as Kobe. Penang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Kobe in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In January, Penang is generally much warmer than Kobe. Daily temperatures in Penang average around 28°C (82°F), and Kobe fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).
Penang usually gets more rain in January than Kobe. Penang gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPenang 28°C (82°F)Kobe 5°C (42°F)
Should I visit Penang or Kobe in the Spring?
Both Kobe and Penang are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Penang throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Kobe for the activities around the city during these months.
Penang is much warmer than Kobe in the spring. The daily temperature in Penang averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Kobe fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Penang. Penang usually receives more sunshine than Kobe during spring. Penang gets 218 hours of sunny skies, while Kobe receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Kobe. It's quite rainy in Penang. In April, Penang usually receives more rain than Kobe. Penang gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPenang 28°C (82°F)Kobe 15°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Kobe and Penang
| Penang | Kobe | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 5°C (42°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 5°C (42°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 219 mm (8.6 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 330 mm (13 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 340 mm (13.4 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 65 mm (2.5 in) |
| Dec | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 38 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.