Which place is cheaper, Perth 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 Perth?
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 Perth. 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 Perth?
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.
Perth
Capital of Western Australia, Perth is a city that sits where the Swan River meets the sea, and given its ocean side location there is plenty to see and do on the water and beyond. Spend a day on Perth's sandy beaches or get lost in its parks and gardens, sail down the river or enjoy the city's history and culture visiting museums and historic sites, shopping, dining, and much more.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia, The Best Budget Tours to Australia, and The Best Luxury Tours to Australia.
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Penang Prices
Malaysia PricesPerth Prices
Australia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPenang $144Perth $158
The average daily cost (per person) in Penang is $144, while the average daily cost in Perth is $158. 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 Perth in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPenang $55Perth $75
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPenang $110Perth $150
Compare Hotels in Penang and Perth
Looking for a hotel in Penang or Perth? 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 Perth Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Penang $14Perth $25
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 Perth
Also for Perth, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Ballooning in the Avon Valley plus Transfer from Perth, breakfast: $282
- Departure Transfer: Perth to Perth Airport PER by Business Car: $79
- Hillarys Boat Harbour: Rottnest Island Ferry Transfer: $61
- Perth Airport (PER) to Perth city - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $178
- Perth Departure Transfer by Private Chauffeur: Perth City Center to Airport: $50
- Perth city to Perth Airport (PER) - Departure Private Transfer: $89
- One Way Flight Transfer to or from Rottnest Island: $165
- PER Airport to Perth City Centre Private Transfer: $34
- Rottnest Island Flight Transfer with Return Ferry: $222
- Private Transfer from Fremantle Cruise Port to Perth Airport(PER): $74
- Private Transfer from Fremantle Cruise Port to Perth city hotels: $74
- Private Transfer from Perth Airport(PER) to Fremantle Cruise Port: $75
Is it cheaper to fly into Penang or Perth?
Prices for flights to both Perth 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 $64Perth $62
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 Perth
For Perth, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Hands on Cooking Class or Cooking Workshop Experience: $69
- Swan River Dinner Cruise: $99
- Swan River Dinner Cruise: $101
- From Pinnacles Sunset and Stargazing Tour with Dinner: $122
- Pinnacles Sunset Stargazing Dinner Experience Small Group Tour: $124
- Pinnacles Desert Sunset and Stargazing with Dinner: $149
- Pinnacles Desert Sunset Dinner and Stargazing Tour: $167
- The 10 Tastings of Perth With Locals: Private Food Tour : $176
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Penang $55Perth $14
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 Perth
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Perth.
- Perth Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $6.72
- Perth Historic Downtown Smartphone Guided GPS Audio Walking Tour : $9.75
- Quest Experience in Cottesloe Beach Perth Pirates by the Sea : $12
- Perth Bell Tower Entry Ticket and Bell Chiming Experience: $12
- CBD Boom and Bust walking tour: $17
- The Perth Mint Gold Tour: $17
- Scitech Discovery Centre All Day Entry Ticket: $17
- The Premium Anzac Bell Tour at the Bell Tower: $21
- True Crime Guided Walking Tour: $22
- Fremantle's True Crime Tour: $23
- Optus Stadium Guided Tour: $23
- The ANZAC Bell Tour: $24
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPenang $18Perth $7.47
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 Perth
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Perth:
- Afternoon Swan Valley Wine Tasting with Transportation: $63
- Swan Valley: Half-Day Wine Tour From Perth: $69
- Swan Valley Wine Tour - Half Day Afternoon: $70
- Swan Valley Half-Day Wine Tour - Small Group Experience: $70
- Swan Valley Half Day Wine Tour from Perth: $70
- Half-Day Swan Valley Wine Tour with Tastings - From Perth: $79
- Swan Valley: Out for the Afternoon Wine Tasting with Lunch: $83
- Swan Valley: Full-Day Wine Tour with Lunch: $99
- Swan Valley Wine Tour - Full Day: $100
- Swan River Kayaking Tour with Dining and Wine Tasting: $109
- From Swan Valley Winery & Brewery Day Tour With Lunch: $109
- Swan Valley Boutique Wine Tour: $116
When comparing the travel costs between Penang and Perth, we can see that Perth 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. Even though Penang is in Asia and Perth is in Pacific, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Penang Expensive? and Is Perth Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Penang or Perth?
Perth has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Penang. When comparing the sizes of Penang and Perth, 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 Perth?
Perth 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 Perth in the Summer?
Both Perth 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, many visitors come to Perth in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Penang is around the same temperature as Perth. Typically, the summer temperatures in Penang in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Perth averages at about 25°C (76°F)in January.
In Perth, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Penang. In the summer, Penang often gets less sunshine than Perthin January. Penang gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Perth receives 331 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Penang. Penang usually gets more rain in July than Perthin January. Penang gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Perth receives 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryPenang 27°C (81°F)Perth 25°C (76°F)
Should I visit Penang or Perth in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Penang and Perth. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Penang year-round. Also, most visitors come to Perth for the shopping scene during these months.
In October, Penang is generally a little warmer than Perthin April. Daily temperatures in Penang average around 27°C (81°F), and Perth fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).
Penang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Penang usually receives more rain than Perthin April. Penang gets 340 mm (13.4 in) of rain, while Perth receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilPenang 27°C (81°F)Perth 19°C (67°F)
Should I visit Penang or Perth in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Penang as well as Perth. Penang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Perth because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Penang is much warmer than Perth in the winter. The daily temperature in Penang averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Perth fluctuates around 13°C (55°F)in July.
It's quite rainy in Perth. Penang usually gets less rain in January than Perthin July. Penang gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Perth receives 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyPenang 28°C (82°F)Perth 13°C (55°F)
Should I visit Penang or Perth in the Spring?
Both Perth 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 beaches are the main draw to Perth this time of year.
In the spring, Penang is much warmer than Perth. Typically, the spring temperatures in Penang in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Perth averages at about 17°C (62°F)in October.
It's quite sunny in Perth. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Penang. Penang usually receives less sunshine than Perth during spring. Penang gets 218 hours of sunny skies, while Perth receives 273 hours of full sun in the spring.
It's quite rainy in Penang. In April, Penang usually receives more rain than Perthin October. Penang gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Perth receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberPenang 28°C (82°F)Perth 17°C (62°F)
Typical Weather for Perth and Penang
| Penang | Perth | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 201 mm (7.9 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 330 mm (13 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 340 mm (13.4 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Dec | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 8 mm (0.3 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.