Which place is cheaper, Nagasaki 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 Nagasaki?
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 Nagasaki. 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 Nagasaki?
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.
Nagasaki
Set in a natural harbor on the northwest coast of Japan, Nagasaki is a Japanese city synonymous with a key moment during WWII after suffering an Allied nuclear attack in 1945. While the event is memorialized at the city's Atomic Bomb Museum and Peace Park, the city in no way is defined by the event. Today it exists as a culturally and religiously diverse port town with a certain charm amongst the terraces of surrounding hills.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.
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Penang Prices
Malaysia PricesNagasaki Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPenang $144Nagasaki $114
The average daily cost (per person) in Penang is $144, while the average daily cost in Nagasaki is $114. 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 Nagasaki in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPenang $55Nagasaki $49
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPenang $110Nagasaki $98
Compare Hotels in Penang and Nagasaki
Looking for a hotel in Penang or Nagasaki? 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 Nagasaki Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Penang $14Nagasaki $19
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:
- Swettenham Pier to Penang Airport(PEN)-Departure Private Transfer: $23
- Swettenham Pier Cruise Port to Penang Island hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $57
- Swettenham Cruise Port to Penang Island hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $115
- Private Transfer: Penang Island to or from Perak: $131
- Private Transfer: Penang International Airport to or from Hotel: $49
- Private Transfer from Swettenham Cruise Terminal to Penang Island: $22
- 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 Penang Arrival transfer to Hotel: $12
- Private Half Day Tour to Penang Island with Transfer Included: $70
- Private Economy Penang Airport Transfer-Departure: $29
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nagasaki
Also for Nagasaki, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Nagasaki City to Nagasaki International Airport Private Departure Transfer: $196
- Nagasaki International Airport to Nagasaki City Private Arrival Transfer: $196
- Private Transfer from Nagasaki Airport (NGS) to Nagasaki Port: $117
Is it cheaper to fly into Penang or Nagasaki?
Prices for flights to both Nagasaki 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 $64Nagasaki $50
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 Nagasaki
For Nagasaki, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Cooking with a Local Okaasan at Kominka in Ojika Island Nagasaki: $41
- Sunset Beach Dinner: $53
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Penang $55Nagasaki $23
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 Nagasaki
For Nagasaki, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Nagasaki GPS App Walking Tour Mobile Game: $12
- Gunkanjima Digital Museum Attraction Ticket: $13
- Discover Stunning Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
- Private Ring Craft Experience in Nagasaki: $23
- Experience farming (rice cultivation) in terraced rice paddies: $38
- Private Fishing and Dining Experience in Ojika Japan: $45
- Traditional Kimono Experience in Nagasaki: $55
- Nagasaki Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $55
- Terraced Rice Paddy Restaurant and Rural Experience: $61
- Finding Local Cats and Hidden Alleys of Nagasaki Walking Tour: $62
- Mochitsuki Rice Cake Making Experience in Ojika Island: $78
- Nagasaki Gyoza&Soy Sauce Ramen Culinary Experience: $83
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPenang $18Nagasaki $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 Nagasaki, we can see that Penang is more expensive. And not only is Nagasaki much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Nagasaki would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nagasaki 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 Nagasaki.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Penang Expensive? and Is Nagasaki Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Penang or Nagasaki?
Nagasaki has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Penang. When comparing the sizes of Penang and Nagasaki, 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 Nagasaki?
Nagasaki 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 Nagasaki in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Penang as well as Nagasaki. Penang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Nagasaki for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
Penang is around the same temperature as Nagasaki in the summer. The daily temperature in Penang averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Nagasaki fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Penang this time of the year. In the summer, Penang often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Nagasaki. Penang gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nagasaki receives 197 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Nagasaki. Penang receives a lot of rain in the summer. Penang usually gets less rain in July than Nagasaki. Penang gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Nagasaki receives 334 mm (13.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPenang 27°C (81°F)Nagasaki 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Penang or Nagasaki in the Autumn?
Both Nagasaki and Penang are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Penang throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Nagasaki in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
In the autumn, Penang is a little warmer than Nagasaki. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Penang in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Nagasaki averages at about 20°C (67°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Nagasaki. It's quite rainy in Penang. In October, Penang usually receives more rain than Nagasaki. Penang gets 340 mm (13.4 in) of rain, while Nagasaki receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPenang 27°C (81°F)Nagasaki 20°C (67°F)
Should I visit Penang or Nagasaki in the Winter?
Both Nagasaki and Penang during the winter 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 Nagasaki for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
In January, Penang is generally much warmer than Nagasaki. Daily temperatures in Penang average around 28°C (82°F), and Nagasaki fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).
Penang usually gets less rain in January than Nagasaki. Penang gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Nagasaki receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPenang 28°C (82°F)Nagasaki 7°C (44°F)
Should I visit Penang or Nagasaki in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Penang and Nagasaki. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Penang year-round. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Nagasaki because of the activities around the city.
Penang is much warmer than Nagasaki in the spring. The daily temperature in Penang averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Nagasaki fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).
In Penang, it's very sunny this time of the year. Penang usually receives more sunshine than Nagasaki during spring. Penang gets 218 hours of sunny skies, while Nagasaki receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.
Nagasaki receives a lot of rain in the spring. Penang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Penang usually receives more rain than Nagasaki. Penang gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Nagasaki receives 175 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPenang 28°C (82°F)Nagasaki 16°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Nagasaki and Penang
| Penang | Nagasaki | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 175 mm (6.9 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 193 mm (7.6 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 334 mm (13.1 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 187 mm (7.4 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 330 mm (13 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 191 mm (7.5 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 340 mm (13.4 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) |
| Dec | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 67 mm (2.6 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.