Which place is cheaper, Picton or Penang?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Penang or Picton?
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 Picton. 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 Picton?
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.
Picton
Picton, New Zealand is located in the picturesque Marlborough Region on the South Island. With beachfront access in a central location and near the Marlborough Sounds, Picton is an ideal place for anyone looking for both adventure and relaxation in one of the most naturally beautiful countries in the world.
The weather in Picton is fairly mild, ranging from the low fifties to high sixties, Fahrenheit, throughout the year. Their summer months are December through March, this is when you'll find temperatures in the high sixties. During the winter, June through August, Picton experiences averages of fifty degree Fahrenheit. This means you can visit any time of the year without having to worry about weather inhibiting any of your outdoor activities!
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia, The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Eco Tours in New Zealand.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPenang $103Picton $87
The average daily cost (per person) in Penang is $103, while the average daily cost in Picton is $87. 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 Picton in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPenang $49Picton $37
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPenang $98Picton $74
Compare Hotels in Penang and Picton
Looking for a hotel in Penang or Picton? 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: Picton Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Penang $12Picton -
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-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
- Private Transfer from Swettenham Cruise Terminal to Penang Island: $38
- Private Transfer - Swettenham Cruise Port to Penang Airport (PEN): $38
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Picton
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Picton:
- Private Transfer from Blenheim Airport (BHE) to Picton Port: $46
- Private Transfer from Blenheim city hotels to Picton Cruise Port: $38
- Private Transfer from Picton Cruise Port to Blenheim City Hotels: $38
- Private Transfer from Picton Port to Blenheim Airport (BHE): $46
Is it cheaper to fly into Penang or Picton?
Prices for flights to both Picton 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 $33Picton $20
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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Penang $49Picton $109
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: $5.68
- 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
- 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
- Entopia Penang Butterfly Farm Admission Ticket: $14
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
Tours and Activities in Picton
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Picton are as follows:
- Skip the Line: Dangerous Skies WWII Exhibition - Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre: $15
- Picton Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
- Hinterland Cycling Tour, Havelock: $25
- Skip the Line:WWI & WWII Combo Exhibitions at the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre: $30
- Winery Express Tour: $40
- Queen Charlotte Track: Cruise & Self-Guided Hike from Picton: $52
- Kayaking Mangrove Adventure at Havelock: $56
- Marlborough Sounds and Ship Cove Cruise from Picton: $57
- Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary and Ship Cove Cruise from Picton: $58
- Half-Day Cruise in Marlborough Sounds from Picton: $58
- Cruise Ship Day - Marlborough: $61
- Queen Charlotte Sound Mail Boat Cruise from Picton: $67
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPenang $15Picton $35
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
Sample the Local Flavors in Picton
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Picton:
- Self-Guided Biking Wine Tour (full day) in the Marlborough Region.: $37
- Self-Guided Wine Tours by Bike with Steve & Jo in Marlborough : $40
- Marlborough: Hop On Hop Off Wine, Brewery, and Wonders Tour: $53
- Hop on Hop off Wine Tours Marlborough: $54
- Marlborough Afternoon Wine Tour with Tastings: $70
- Half-Day Wine Tour from Picton: $88
- Half-Day Wine Tour from Blenheim: $88
- Discover Marlborough Wine - Afternoon Marlborough Wine Tour : $91
- Morning Guided with Afternoon Self-Guided Biking Wine Tour: $91
- Marlborough Discovery Sampler Wine Tour - 1/2Day Blenheim: $97
- Taste the Valley Wine Tour in Marlborough with Wine Tasting: $100
- Half-Day Marlborough Wine Tour & Beer Tour : $110
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Penang and Picton, we can see that Penang is more expensive. And not only is Picton much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Penang is in Asia and Picton is in Pacific, 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 Picton would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Picton 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 Picton.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Penang Expensive? and Is Picton Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Penang or Picton?
Penang has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Picton. When comparing the sizes of Penang and Picton, 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 Picton?
Picton 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 Picton in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Penang and Picton. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Penang year-round. Furthermore, the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Picton this time of year.
Penang is much warmer than Picton in the summer. The daily temperature in Penang averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Picton fluctuates around 18°C (64°F)in January.
Penang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Penang usually receives more rain than Pictonin January. Penang gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Picton receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryPenang 27°C (81°F)Picton 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Penang or Picton in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Penang as well as Picton. Penang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Picton for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere.
In the autumn, Penang is much warmer than Picton. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Penang in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Picton averages at about 15°C (58°F)in April.
Penang receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Penang usually gets more rain in October than Pictonin April. Penang gets 340 mm (13.4 in) of rain, while Picton receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilPenang 27°C (81°F)Picton 15°C (58°F)
Should I visit Penang or Picton in the Winter?
Both Picton 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, many visitors come to Picton in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In January, Penang is generally much warmer than Pictonin July. Daily temperatures in Penang average around 28°C (82°F), and Picton fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Picton. In January, Penang usually receives less rain than Pictonin July. Penang gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Picton receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyPenang 28°C (82°F)Picton 10°C (49°F)
Should I visit Penang or Picton in the Spring?
Both Picton 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. Also, most visitors come to Picton for the beaches and the small town charm during these months.
Penang is much warmer than Picton in the spring. The daily temperature in Penang averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Picton fluctuates around 13°C (55°F)in October.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Penang. Penang usually gets more rain in April than Pictonin October. Penang gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Picton receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberPenang 28°C (82°F)Picton 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Picton and Penang
| Penang | Picton | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 98 mm (3.9 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 330 mm (13 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 340 mm (13.4 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Dec | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 69 mm (2.7 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.