Which place is cheaper, Nara or Penang?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Penang or Nara?
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 Nara. 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 Nara?
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.
Nara
As Japan's first capital, Nara offers a world of tradition and culture second only to the city of Kyoto. It is home to eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which are largely concentrated in the area of Nara Park. Here, it is also common to see many deer wandering freely amongst the temples and shrines.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan, and The Best Cultural Tours in Japan.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPenang $103Nara $86
The average daily cost (per person) in Penang is $103, while the average daily cost in Nara is $86. 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 Nara in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPenang $49Nara $52
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPenang $98Nara $104
Compare Hotels in Penang and Nara
Looking for a hotel in Penang or Nara? 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: Nara Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Penang $12Nara $5.83
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$1.26
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Island Ferry$0.50
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Bus From Airport to George Town$0.57
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Taxi From Airport to George Town$9.64
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Motorbike Rental (One Day)$6.29
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Bicycle Rental (One Day)$2.10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Penang
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Penang:
- Private Penang Arrival transfer to Hotel: $12
- Private Arrival Transfer : Penang International Airport: $13
- Private Transfer : Penang International Airport Departure: $13
- Private Departure Transfer : Penang International Airport: $15
- Private Arrival Transfer : Penang International Airport: $15
- Penang Airport Transfer to Georgetown/City Hotel or Resort/Beach Hotel: $18
- Private Economy Penang Airport Transfer-Arrival: $25
- Private Transfer From Penang Airport to Town Area: $26
- Private Economy Penang Airport Transfer-Departure: $29
- Penang Airport Transfer ( 24/7): $29
- Swettenham Pier to Penang Airport(PEN)-Departure Private Transfer: $38
- Swettenham Pier Cruise Port to Penang Island hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $38
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nara
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nara:
- Kansai Airport (KIX)：Private One-Way Transfer to/from Nara: $240
Is it cheaper to fly into Penang or Nara?
Prices for flights to both Nara 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 $33Nara $28
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$1.68
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Dinner at The Suffolk House (for 2)$72
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Lunch at Sakae Sushi (for 2)$61
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Lassy Juice$1.47
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Dinner for 2$3.14
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Street Stall Food$0.59
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$3.98
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Italian Lunch (for Two)$10
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Penang
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Penang.
- 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
- Private Half Day Penang Tasty Local Street Food Tour: $87
- 4-Hour Georgetown Food Tour: $88
- Cooking Classes In Penang By Penang Chiak: $93
- Private Dinner at THE TOP with Skywalk Experience from Penang: $103
- Chef Samuel's Private Malaysian Cooking Class with Wet Market Tour: $116
- Food Tour at Penang - Eat Like a Local, Feel Like a Local: $120
- Experience Malaysia: Authentic Malaysia Cooking Tour: $121
- Dinner at Penang Hill Including Train Ride: $141
- Penang's Night Eat-Venture Vespa Food Tour: $160
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nara
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Nara.
- Eel Fishing and Cooking Experience in Kyoto: $72
- Cooking class, learning how to make authentic sushi: $111
- Full Day Nara E bike Tour and Osaka History Food Tour: $189
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Penang $49Nara $7.81
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$6.50
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Trishaw Tour (One Hour)$6.29
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Fort Cornwallis Entrance$0.42
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Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi Entrance$2.10
Tours and Activities in Penang
Here are a few actual costs in Penang for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Asia Camera Museum Admission Ticket: $5.38
- Malaysia: The Blue Mansion - Daily Tour: $5.67
- Tech Dome Entrance Ticket: $6.11
- Guided Tour of Cheong Fatt Tze's Blue Mansion in George Town: $6.35
- Tropical Spice Garden E-Ticket: $7.17
- Skip the Line: Admission Ticket - General: $7.18
- TeddyVille Museum Penang Malaysia Entry Ticket: $8.27
- Penang Hill Funicular Ticket: $8.35
- Wonderfood Museum in Penang Admission Ticket: $8.54
- Wonderfood Museum in Penang Admission Ticket: $8.71
- Admission Ticket for Dark Mansion Glow-in-the-Dark Museum in Penang: $8.80
- Penang Street Food in Georgetown and History Walking Audio Tour: $10
Tours and Activities in Nara
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Nara are as follows:
- Nara Heijyo-Kyo Bike Tour in UNESCO World Heritage Site: $16
- Nara Heijyo-Kyo Bike Tour in UNESCO World Heritage Site: $16
- A completely private tour to meet your favorite tea: $22
- A completely private tour to meet your favorite tea: $23
- Nara Craft Tours - local Craft beers tour experience in Nara City: $27
- Guided Uji Anime Walking Tour: $31
- Private Bike Tour in Nara with Japanese Guide: $36
- All must-sees in 3 hours - Nara Park Classic Tour! From JR Nara!: $42
- Nara Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $55
- Nara Like a Local: Customized Guided Tour: $55
- Eigo Tour - Walk in Nara City: $65
- Kyoto Uji Matcha Incense Making Experience (Reservations available for 2 people or more): $69
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPenang $15Nara $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$1.68
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Penang and Nara, we can see that Penang is more expensive. And not only is Nara much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Nara would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nara 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 Nara.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Penang Expensive? and Is Nara Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Penang or Nara?
Nara has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Penang. When comparing the sizes of Penang and Nara, 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 Nara?
Nara 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 Nara in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Penang and Nara. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Penang year-round. Also, many travelers come to Nara for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Penang is generally around the same temperature as Nara. Daily temperatures in Penang average around 27°C (81°F), and Nara fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
In Penang, it's very sunny this time of the year. Penang usually receives more sunshine than Nara during summer. Penang gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Nara receives 183 hours of full sun in the summer.
Nara receives a lot of rain in the summer. Penang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Penang usually receives more rain than Nara. Penang gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Nara receives 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPenang 27°C (81°F)Nara 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Penang or Nara in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Penang as well as Nara. Penang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Nara in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Penang is much warmer than Nara in the autumn. The daily temperature in Penang averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Nara fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).
It's quite rainy in Nara. Penang receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Penang usually gets more rain in October than Nara. Penang gets 340 mm (13.4 in) of rain, while Nara receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPenang 27°C (81°F)Nara 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Penang or Nara in the Winter?
Both Nara and Penang are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Penang throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Nara for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Nara can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Penang is much warmer than Nara. Typically, the winter temperatures in Penang in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Nara averages at about 4°C (40°F).
In January, Penang usually receives more rain than Nara. Penang gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Nara receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPenang 28°C (82°F)Nara 4°C (40°F)
Should I visit Penang or Nara in the Spring?
Both Nara and Penang during the spring 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 spring months attract visitors to Nara because of the natural beauty.
In April, Penang is generally much warmer than Nara. Daily temperatures in Penang average around 28°C (82°F), and Nara fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
It's quite sunny in Penang. In the spring, Penang often gets more sunshine than Nara. Penang gets 218 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nara receives 176 hours of full sun.
Nara 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 April than Nara. Penang gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Nara receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPenang 28°C (82°F)Nara 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Nara and Penang
| Penang | Nara | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 60 mm (2.3 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 128 mm (5.1 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 214 mm (8.4 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 186 mm (7.3 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 330 mm (13 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 154 mm (6.1 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 340 mm (13.4 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 41 mm (1.6 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.