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

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Should you visit Penang or London?

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 London. 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 London?

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.

London

The capital of the United Kingdom is a thriving multicultural metropolis. Steeped in iconic landmarks, world-class museums and royal parks, London is energetic, majestic, ambitious and one of the world's greatest cities. London is a cultural and fashion capital, a great place to go out, an amazing place to eat and one of those cities that is constantly changing with new and exciting things sprouting up almost every day. History and tradition greet you at every turn in the UK's capital. London is also a city with an edgy underbelly, delighting in neon pink dive bars, cheeky graffiti and mind-blowing street food. When you need a break from the action, pop into a pub or relax in one of the city's many parks. Blow through the city on a double-decker bus, and take a pinch-me-I'm-in-London walk through the West End. As one of the most visited cities in the world, London is busy, vibrant and very tourist friendly. The only problem with London is that it's very expensive; it can eat away at your budget if you aren't careful. Luckily, there are also tons of free or cheap things to do in London that can fill your time.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Malaysia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Malaysia, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United Kingdom, and The Best Adventure Tours to United Kingdom.


Which place is cheaper, London or Penang?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Penang is $148, while the average daily cost in London is $286. 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 London in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Penang $57
    London $165
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Penang $114
    London $330
Compare Hotels in Penang and London

Looking for a hotel in Penang or London? 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 London


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 London Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Penang $14
    London $34
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Penang

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


  • Local Bus
    $1.47
  • Island Ferry
    $0.59
  • Bus From Airport to George Town
    $0.66
  • Taxi From Airport to George Town
    $11
  • Motorbike Rental (One Day)
    $7.34
  • Bicycle Rental (One Day)
    $2.45

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Penang

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Penang:

  • Private Transfer : Penang Hotel/Port to Kuala Lumpur Hotel: $174
  • Chauffeur: Penang Island to Singapore Van Transfer: $147
  • Penang City to Kuala Lumpur City One-way Transfer: $140
  • Penang City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur Hotels 1-way Transfer: $125
  • Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal, Penang to Kuala Lumpur Hotel (Door to Door) Transfer: $120
  • Swettenham Cruise Port to Penang Island hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $110
  • 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: $80
  • ATV Ride in Balik Pulau with Snacks and Transfers: $66
  • Penang Airport Transfer ( 24/7): $59
  • Penang Island hotels to Swettenham Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $55

Typical Local Transportation Prices in London

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


  • Taxi Ride
    $19
  • Heathrow Express
    $24
  • Luggage Storage
    $11
  • London Map
    $1.70
  • Oyster Card
    $47
  • Train to Gatwick Airport (2)
    $29
  • Oyster Card
    $36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in London

Also for London, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • “Get In Transfer” Heathrow Airport to London Private Transfer: $148
  • 8 Seater Transfer: Heathrow Airport to Central London: $235
  • 8 Seater Transfer: Heathrow Airport to/from Central London: $229
  • Affordable All London Airports Round-trip: Private Transfers to London Hotels: $178
  • Airport - hotel - airport transfers for Heathrow groups.: $532
  • Airport 2 Airport Transfer London Heathrow to all London Airports: $202
  • Airport Transfer: Heathrow Airport LHR to London by Luxury Car: $160
  • Airport Transfer: London to Heathrow Airport LHR by Luxury Car: $160
  • Airport Transfers from and to Heathrow: $202
  • Arrival Transfer from Cruise Ports to London Hotel or London Airports: $81
  • Arrival Transfer: Gatwick Airport LGW to London by Business Car: $206
  • Arrival Transfer: Gatwick Airport LGW to London by Luxury Van: $227

Is it cheaper to fly into Penang or London?

Prices for flights to both London 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 $66
    London $79
Typical Food Prices in Penang

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


  • Snack
    $1.96
  • Dinner at The Suffolk House (for 2)
    $84
  • Lunch at Sakae Sushi (for 2)
    $71
  • Lassy Juice
    $1.71
  • Dinner for 2
    $3.67
  • Street Stall Food
    $0.69
  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    $4.65
  • Italian Lunch (for Two)
    $12

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: $49
  • Penang Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $49
  • Private Half-Day Hawker Trails Food Tour in George Town: $51
  • Penang Food Tour : A Feast That Taste Like History : 17+ Tasting: $54
  • Local Street Food Tour in Georgetown Penang: $62
  • 3-Hour Heritage on a Plate Dinner Hop in George Town Penang: $65
  • Eat Like A Local: Penang Street Food Tour: $65
  • Penang Forest Island Catamaran Cruise with Dinner and Activities: $80
  • Authentic Local Food Tour with Scenic Walk: $89
  • Penang Cooking Class:Dive into Malaysian Cuisine with PenangChiak: $94
  • Private Half Day Penang Tasty Local Street Food Tour: $99
  • Malay Culinary Journey Cooking Class for the Adventurous Foodie: $102

Typical Food Prices in London

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to London:


  • Lunch at Starbucks
    $17
  • Tea
    $7.93
  • Afternoon Tea at Fortnum & Mason
    $52
  • Morning Tea
    $8.39
  • Pastry
    $6.61
  • Sushi Dinner for One
    $24

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in London

For London, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Hard Rock Cafe London Old Park Lane with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $41
  • Hard Rock Cafe Piccadilly Circus with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $43
  • London Sweet Treats Food Tour: Choose Your Own Sweet Treats & Tea: $48
  • London Festive Thames Cruise with Festive Afternoon Tea or Dinner: $74
  • London Borough Market Holiday Food Tour: Sweet Treats & Tea Tour: $89
  • London Borough Market Sweet Treats, Donuts, & Tea Food Tour: $89
  • London Dinner Cruise on the Thames River: $93
  • British Historic Pub Food Tour, Beers and Pies: $93
  • London Bridge & Borough Market Food Tour with 7 Must-Do Tastings: $99
  • East London Indian Food Tour with 8+ Authentic Food Tastings: $99
  • The Original Soho and Chinatown Food Tour with Authentic Dishes: $102
  • Devour Borough Market & Leadenhall Food Tour with Wine: $105

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Penang $57
    London $43
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
    $7.59
  • Trishaw Tour (One Hour)
    $7.34
  • Fort Cornwallis Entrance
    $0.49
  • Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi Entrance
    $2.45

Tours and Activities in Penang

Here are a few actual costs in Penang for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 3 Hour of Penang Street Food Walkabout Tour The Heritage Site: $59
  • 4-Hour Private Heritage Tour in George Town: $70
  • 8 Hours of Penang Tour: $60
  • Back of the Bike Street Food Experience – Real Penang!: $119
  • Balik Pulau Bicycle Tour: $33
  • Best of Historical George Town Half Day Tour: $80
  • Bujang Valley Sharing Tour Old Civilization in South East Asia: $78
  • Bukit Merah Orang Utan and Penang City Private Tour: $140
  • Chinese Clan Secrets and History Guided Walking Tour in Penang: $56
  • Colors of George Town Walking Tour: $161
  • Culture History and Local Life Penang Half Day Experience: $50
  • Customizable Penang Private Tour (8hrs usage): $64

Typical Entertainment Prices in London

For London, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Two Tickets to a Concert
    $109
  • London Symphony Orchestra
    $45
  • London Pass
    $62
  • Comedy Show
    $11

Tours and Activities in London

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for London.

  • London Scavenger Hunt & Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour: $3.42
  • Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in London: $4.56
  • Bohemian Bloomsbury: Literary London Walking Audio Tour: $5.00
  • Ghosts of Theatreland: Haunted West End Walking Audio Tour London: $5.00
  • London’s Most Luxurious Neighbourhood: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Mayfair: $5.00
  • London Mob Revenge in Westminster: Exploration Game and Tour: $5.14
  • Haunted Ghost Hunt Self-Guided Walking Adventure: $5.56
  • London’s West End at War: Self-Guided WWII Puzzle Adventure: $5.82
  • London Walking Tour: Self-Guided City Game: $5.82
  • London Walking Tour: Self-Guided City Game: $5.82
  • There’s More to Moorgate: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • London Bridge: Troll Hunt Puzzle Adventure: $6.17

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Penang $18
    London $20
Typical Alcohol Prices in Penang

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


  • Beer
    $1.96

Sample the Local Flavors in London

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in London:

  • An Epic Bar Crawl in London United Kingdom: $15
  • Historic Pub Walking Tour of London: $19
  • The Original Shoreditch Pub Crawl: $34
  • Pub Crawl of Central London: $34
  • Sipsmith Distillery Tour and Complimentary Tasting: $40
  • The Great British Pub Walking Tour: London: $43
  • Potter Pub Tour for Muggles: London: $43
  • Beer Babe Bar Crawl in London: $51
  • Wine Tasting London Bus Tour: $56
  • London Historical Pub Tour with Pilgrims and Pirates: $79
  • London Historical Pub Tour with Pilgrims and Pirates: $81
  • Amy Winehouse Camden Pub Tour with beer: $94

How are these travel costs calculated?

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Penang and London, we can see that London is more expensive. And not only is Penang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Penang is in Asia and London is in Europe, 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 Penang would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Penang 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 London would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in London than you might in Penang.

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


Which is Bigger, Penang or London?

London has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Penang. When comparing the sizes of Penang and London, 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 London?

London 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 London in the Summer?

Both London 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. Furthermore, many visitors come to London in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Penang is a little warmer than London in the summer. The daily temperature in Penang averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and London fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Penang. In the summer, Penang often gets more sunshine than London. Penang gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while London receives 195 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Penang. Penang usually gets more rain in July than London. Penang gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while London receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Penang 27°C (81°F) 
    London 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Penang or London in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Penang and London. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Penang year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to London for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Penang is much warmer than London. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Penang in October average around 27°C (81°F), and London averages at about 12°C (53°F).

Penang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Penang usually receives more rain than London. Penang gets 340 mm (13.4 in) of rain, while London receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Penang 27°C (81°F) 
    London 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Penang or London in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Penang as well as London. Penang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to London because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

The weather in London can be very cold. In January, Penang is generally much warmer than London. Daily temperatures in Penang average around 28°C (82°F), and London fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

Penang usually gets more rain in January than London. Penang gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while London receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Penang 28°C (82°F) 
    London 4°C (40°F)

Should I visit Penang or London in the Spring?

Both London 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, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to London this time of year.

Penang is much warmer than London in the spring. The daily temperature in Penang averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and London fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Penang. Penang usually receives more sunshine than London during spring. Penang gets 218 hours of sunny skies, while London receives 147 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Penang. In April, Penang usually receives more rain than London. Penang gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while London receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Penang 28°C (82°F) 
    London 9°C (48°F)

Typical Weather for London and Penang

Penang London
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 4°C (40°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 5°C (40°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Mar 28°C (82°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 7°C (44°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 28°C (82°F) 240 mm (9.4 in) 9°C (48°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
May 28°C (82°F) 240 mm (9.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 170 mm (6.7 in) 16°C (61°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 210 mm (8.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 190 mm (7.5 in) 18°C (64°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 330 mm (13 in) 15°C (59°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 340 mm (13.4 in) 12°C (53°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 230 mm (9.1 in) 7°C (45°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Dec 28°C (82°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 5°C (42°F) 57 mm (2.2 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.
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