Which place is cheaper, Nagano 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 Nagano?
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 Nagano. 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 Nagano?
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.
Nagano
Nagano city and its surrounding prefecture of Japan is a temple region built around Zenkoji, a 7th century Buddhist temple that overlooks the city. Nagano was also home to the Winter Olympic Games in 1998, with some facilities still existing around town. And then there is the forested mountain Togakushi area to the northwest, which is another draw of Nagano, known for its shrines and status as the home of the Togakure Ninja School.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan.
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Penang Prices
Malaysia PricesNagano Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPenang $144Nagano $109
The average daily cost (per person) in Penang is $144, while the average daily cost in Nagano is $109. 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 Nagano in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPenang $55Nagano $63
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPenang $110Nagano $126
Compare Hotels in Penang and Nagano
Looking for a hotel in Penang or Nagano? 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 Nagano Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Penang $14Nagano $10
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 : $277
- Penang to KUL Hotel (One Way Transfer): $237
- Private Transfer : Penang Hotel to Kuala Lumpur Hotel: $207
- Chauffeur: Penang Island to Singapore Van Transfer: $147
- Penang City to Kuala Lumpur City One-way Transfer: $140
- Penang City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur City Hotels 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
Is it cheaper to fly into Penang or Nagano?
Prices for flights to both Nagano 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 $64Nagano $39
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 $55Nagano $8.45
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
- 4 Hour Food and Heritage Walking Tour in Penang George Town: $93
- 4-Hour Heritage Walking Tour of Georgetown: $60
- 4-Hour Private Heritage Tour in George Town: $68
- 6 Hours Highlights of Penang Shared Tour : $75
- 6-Hours Penang Private Tour: $169
- 8 Hours of Penang Tour: $60
- All-Inclusive Penang George Town Private Tour: $154
- Asia Camera Museum Admission Ticket: $6.10
- Back of the Bike Street Food Experience – Real Penang!: $88
- Best of Historical George Town Half Day Tour: $80
Tours and Activities in Nagano
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Nagano.
- Nagano/Tokyo: Snow Monkey and Zenkoji Temple Private Tour: $477
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPenang $18Nagano -
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 Nagano, we can see that Penang is more expensive. And not only is Nagano much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Nagano would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nagano 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 Nagano.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Penang Expensive? and Is Nagano Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Penang or Nagano?
Nagano has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Penang. When comparing the sizes of Penang and Nagano, 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 Nagano?
Nagano 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 Nagano in the Summer?
Both Nagano 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, the summer months attract visitors to Nagano because of the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Penang is generally around the same temperature as Nagano. Daily temperatures in Penang average around 27°C (81°F), and Nagano fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
It's quite sunny in Penang. In the summer, Penang often gets more sunshine than Nagano. Penang gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nagano receives 136 hours of full sun.
Nagano 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 July as Nagano. Penang gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 222 mm (8.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPenang 27°C (81°F)Nagano 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Penang or Nagano in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Penang and Nagano. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Penang year-round. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Nagano this time of year.
Penang is much warmer than Nagano in the autumn. The daily temperature in Penang averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Nagano fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).
Nagano 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 Nagano. Penang gets 340 mm (13.4 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 227 mm (9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPenang 27°C (81°F)Nagano 16°C (60°F)
Should I visit Penang or Nagano in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Penang as well as Nagano. Penang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Nagano for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Nagano. In the winter, Penang is much warmer than Nagano. Typically, the winter temperatures in Penang in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Nagano averages at about 2°C (36°F).
It's quite rainy in Nagano. Penang usually gets less rain in January than Nagano. Penang gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 446 mm (17.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPenang 28°C (82°F)Nagano 2°C (36°F)
Should I visit Penang or Nagano in the Spring?
Both Nagano 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, many visitors come to Nagano in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In April, Penang is generally much warmer than Nagano. Daily temperatures in Penang average around 28°C (82°F), and Nagano fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Penang. Penang usually receives more sunshine than Nagano during spring. Penang gets 218 hours of sunny skies, while Nagano receives 191 hours of full sun in the spring.
It's quite rainy in Penang. In April, Penang usually receives more rain than Nagano. Penang gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPenang 28°C (82°F)Nagano 11°C (52°F)
Typical Weather for Nagano and Penang
| Penang | Nagano | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 446 mm (17.5 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 275 mm (10.8 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 191 mm (7.5 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 16°C (62°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 222 mm (8.8 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 330 mm (13 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 232 mm (9.1 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 340 mm (13.4 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 227 mm (9 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 339 mm (13.3 in) |
| Dec | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 440 mm (17.3 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.