A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Penang vs. Rome for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Jump to  down-arrow

Should you visit Penang or Rome?

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 Rome. 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 Rome?

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.

Rome

Rome is the kind of city that refuses to stay in the past, even though history is everywhere you look. Ancient ruins rise beside buzzing cafes, scooters zip past Renaissance palaces, and quiet cobblestone lanes suddenly open onto grand piazzas filled with fountains, churches, and street performers. It is a city of layers: the Colosseum and Roman Forum, the Vatican and St. Peter's Basilica, neighborhood trattorias, stylish boutiques, and late-night gelato walks all woven together into one unforgettable experience. Whether you come for the art, the food, the history, or the simple pleasure of wandering without a plan, Rome has a way of making every day feel like a discovery.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia, The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Rome or Penang?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Penang is $148, while the average daily cost in Rome is $236. 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 Rome in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Penang $57
    Rome $103
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Penang $114
    Rome $206
Compare Hotels in Penang and Rome

Looking for a hotel in Penang or Rome? 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.

Hotels in Penang


Hotels in Rome


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 Rome Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Penang $14
    Rome $24
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Penang

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Penang:


  • Local Bus
    $1.47
  • Island Ferry
    $0.59
  • Bus From Airport to George Town
    $0.66
  • Taxi From Airport to George Town
    $11
  • Motorbike Rental (One Day)
    $7.34
  • Bicycle Rental (One Day)
    $2.45

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Penang

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Penang:

  • Chauffeur: Penang Island to Singapore Van Transfer: $147
  • Penang Airport (PEN) to Penang Island - Arrival Private transfer: $19
  • Penang Airport (PEN) to Swettenham Cruise Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $22
  • Penang Airport (PEN) to Swettenham Port - Round-Trip Transfer: $45
  • Penang Airport PEN to Penang Island - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $38
  • Penang Airport Transfer: $15
  • Penang Airport Transfer ( 24/7): $59
  • Penang Airport Transfer - Arrival or Departure: $37
  • Penang Airport(PEN) to Penang Island -Round-Trip Private Transfer: $38
  • Penang Balik Pulau Countryside Morning Cycling with Transfers: $59
  • Penang City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur Airport One-way Transfer: $140
  • Penang City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur Hotels 1-way Transfer: $125

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Rome

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Rome:


  • Metro Ride (for Two)
    $2.28
  • Train to the Airport
    $17
  • Taxi to Airport
    $51
  • Bicycle Rental (Full Day)
    $11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rome

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rome:

  • “Skip the Taxi Line : Private FCO ↔ Rome Transfer with Pro Driver”: $53
  • Airport Transfer from Fiumicino to Rome City (or viceversa): $106
  • Airport Transfer: Ciampino Airport CIA to Rome by Business Car: $97
  • Airport Transfer: Ciampino Airport CIA to Rome by Luxury Van: $104
  • Airport Transfer: Fiumicino Airport FCO to Rome by Business Car: $117
  • Airport Transfer: Fiumicino Airport FCO to Rome by Luxury Van: $133
  • Airport Transfer: Rome to Ciampino Airport CIA by Luxury Van: $104
  • Airport Transfer: Rome to Fiumicino Airport FCO by Luxury Van: $128
  • Airport Transfers Rome Centre to and from Fiumicino and Ciampino: $65
  • Airport to Hotel in Rome Private Transfer: $246
  • Airport transfer Ciampino to Rome: $106
  • Airport transfer from (FCO) to Port or viceversa: $211

Is it cheaper to fly into Penang or Rome?

Prices for flights to both Rome 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Penang $66
    Rome $95
Typical Food Prices in Penang

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Penang:


  • Snack
    $1.96
  • Dinner at The Suffolk House (for 2)
    $84
  • Lunch at Sakae Sushi (for 2)
    $71
  • Lassy Juice
    $1.71
  • Dinner for 2
    $3.67
  • Street Stall Food
    $0.69
  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    $4.65
  • Italian Lunch (for Two)
    $12

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Penang

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Penang.

  • Penang Food Tour : A Feast That Taste Like History : 17+ Tasting: $48
  • Good Morning Penang Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $49
  • Penang Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $49
  • Private Half-Day Hawker Trails Food Tour in George Town: $51
  • Penang Food Tour - Georgetown: $62
  • Local Street Food Tour in Georgetown Penang: $62
  • 3-Hour Heritage on a Plate Dinner Hop in George Town Penang: $65
  • Eat Like A Local: Penang Street Food Tour: $65
  • Authentic Local Food Tour with Scenic Walk: $89
  • Penang Cooking Class:Dive into Malaysian Cuisine with PenangChiak: $94
  • Private Half Day Penang Tasty Local Street Food Tour: $99
  • Malay Culinary Journey Cooking Class for the Adventurous Foodie: $102

Typical Food Prices in Rome

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Rome:


  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    $16
  • 4 Ice Cream Sandwiches
    $3.41
  • Cafe e doce
    $4.56
  • Pizza (Fast Food)
    $3.02
  • Sitdown Lunch (for Two)
    $36
  • Cheese and bread
    $11
  • Espresso
    $2.28
  • Dinner
    $66

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rome

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Rome.

  • Rome Cooking: Pasta & Tiramisu Making, Free-Flowing Fine Wine: $39
  • Pizza & Tiramisu or Gelato Class with Flowing Fine Wine: $41
  • Rome Food Tour for Breakfast Lovers: $41
  • Rome Food Tour: Tastings in the Jewish Ghetto & Campo de' Fiori: $42
  • Milan Street Food Tour and City Guided Sightseeing: $45
  • Rome Early Morning Breakfast and Sightseeing Food Tour: $46
  • Fettuccine Pasta Cooking Class in Rome City Center: $47
  • Gnocchi Cooking Class in Rome - Piazza Navona: $47
  • Pasta Cooking Class in Rome - Fettuccine Class in Piazza Navona: $47
  • Rome Street Food Tour: Eat Like a Local: $50
  • Cooking Class in the Heart of Pizza and Tiramisu Making: $51
  • Rome Street Food Tour Eat Like a Local: $52

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Penang $57
    Rome $41
Typical Entertainment Prices in Penang

Here are a few typical costs in Penang for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Butterfly Gardens
    $7.59
  • Trishaw Tour (One Hour)
    $7.34
  • Fort Cornwallis Entrance
    $0.49
  • Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi Entrance
    $2.45

Tours and Activities in Penang

Here are a few actual costs in Penang for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Culture, Faith and Trade: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of George Town: $5.00
  • Guided Tour of Cheong Fatt Tze's Blue Mansion in George Town: $6.35
  • Tech Dome Entrance Ticket: $6.92
  • Tropical Spice Garden Entrance Ticket & Guided Tours: $8.15
  • Malaysia: TeddyVille Museum Entry Ticket: $8.77
  • George Town Penang App Guided Street Art Tour: $8.79
  • The Vanilla Village Farm Tour by Kairos: $9.39
  • Penang Hill Funicular Ticket - Non-Malaysian: $11
  • Malaysia: Penang Habitat Entry Ticket: $15
  • Malaysia: Discover Nature's Wonders with Entopia Entry Ticket: $16
  • The Top Komtar Penang Observation Deck and Rainbow Skywalk Ticket: $21
  • The TOP Penang Rainbow Skywalk and Observatory Deck Entry Ticket: $22

Typical Entertainment Prices in Rome

Here are a few typical costs in Rome for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Rome Museum Vaticano (for 2)
    $79
  • Coliseum Tickets (for Two)
    $38
  • Roma Pass
    $34
  • Hop on Hop Off Bus (All Day)
    $23
  • Segway Tour
    $86

Tours and Activities in Rome

Here are a few actual costs in Rome for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Walking tour with Archaeologist: $1.40
  • Rome Best Kept Secrets: Self-Guided City Tour: $2.31
  • Historical Walking Tour in Rome City Center with Hidden Gems: $3.75
  • Highlights of Jewish Ghetto and Trastevere Walking Tour: $4.69
  • Colosseum and Roman Forum Sightseeing Area Walking Tour: $4.69
  • Rome:Pantheon Entry Ticket with Hosted Experience and Audio Guide: $5.28
  • Rome Timeless Trail Self Guided Walking Tour with App: $5.50
  • Pantheon Admission Ticket : Audio Guide or Guided Tour: $5.85
  • Pantheon Rome Timed Entry Ticket and optional Minerva: $5.87
  • Testaccio: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Rome's Food Traditions: $6.10
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour - The gods of the Palatine: $6.72
  • Rome Walking Tour 2h40 and 23 audio commentary: $6.92

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Penang $18
    Rome $21
Typical Alcohol Prices in Penang

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Penang:


  • Beer
    $1.96

Typical Alcohol Prices in Rome

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Rome:


  • Bottle of Wine
    $7.41
  • Pint of Beer
    $7.23
  • Beer
    $11

Sample the Local Flavors in Rome

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Rome:

  • Rome Pub Crawl in the Old Town: $22
  • Cabaret and Burlesque Show: $35
  • Rome's Ultimate Party aka the Spanish Steps Pub Crawl: $40
  • Winery Tour, Wine Tasting near Rome with Optional Lunch: $46
  • Frascati Wine Tasting Experience with Food Pairing: $53
  • Experience Rome Exclusive Wine Tasting in City Center: $56
  • Guided Wine Tasting Experience in a Roman Vineyard: $57
  • Dolce Vita Burlesque show: $59
  • Small-Group Exclusive Winery and Wine Tasting Tour in Frascati: $65
  • Rome Nightlife Party Tour Monti Bar Crawl and Local Drinks: $67
  • Rome Night Tipsy Tour & Bar Crawl with Forbidden History: $69
  • Private Wine Tasting in Trastevere: $76

How are these travel costs calculated?

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Penang and Rome, we can see that Rome is more expensive. And not only is Penang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Penang is in Asia and Rome is in Europe, 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 Penang would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Penang 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 Rome would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rome than you might in Penang.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Penang Expensive? and Is Rome Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Penang or Rome?

Rome has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Penang. When comparing the sizes of Penang and Rome, 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 Rome?

Rome 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 Rome in the Summer?

Both Rome and Penang are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Penang throughout the year. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Rome because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Penang is around the same temperature as Rome in the summer. The daily temperature in Penang averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Rome fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

It's quite sunny in Rome. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Penang. Penang usually receives less sunshine than Rome during summer. Penang gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Rome receives 338 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Penang. In July, Penang usually receives more rain than Rome. Penang gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Rome receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Penang 27°C (81°F) 
    Rome 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Penang or Rome in the Autumn?

Both Rome and Penang during the autumn 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 city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Rome this time of year.

In the autumn, Penang is much warmer than Rome. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Penang in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Rome averages at about 17°C (63°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Penang. Penang usually gets more rain in October than Rome. Penang gets 340 mm (13.4 in) of rain, while Rome receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Penang 27°C (81°F) 
    Rome 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Penang or Rome in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Penang and Rome. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Penang year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Rome for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Penang is generally much warmer than Rome. Daily temperatures in Penang average around 28°C (82°F), and Rome fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In January, Penang usually receives less rain than Rome. Penang gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Rome receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Penang 28°C (82°F) 
    Rome 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Penang or Rome in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Penang as well as Rome. Penang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Rome in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Penang is much warmer than Rome in the spring. The daily temperature in Penang averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Rome fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Rome. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Penang this time of the year. In the spring, Penang often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Rome. Penang gets 218 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rome receives 204 hours of full sun.

Penang receives a lot of rain in the spring. Penang usually gets more rain in April than Rome. Penang gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Rome receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Penang 28°C (82°F) 
    Rome 14°C (57°F)

Typical Weather for Rome and Penang

Penang Rome
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 8°C (47°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 9°C (49°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Mar 28°C (82°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 11°C (52°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Apr 28°C (82°F) 240 mm (9.4 in) 14°C (57°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 28°C (82°F) 240 mm (9.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 42 mm (1.6 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 170 mm (6.7 in) 22°C (71°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 210 mm (8.3 in) 25°C (77°F) 19 mm (0.7 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 190 mm (7.5 in) 25°C (77°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 330 mm (13 in) 22°C (71°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 340 mm (13.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 230 mm (9.1 in) 12°C (54°F) 105 mm (4.1 in)
Dec 28°C (82°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 9°C (49°F) 94 mm (3.7 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.
About BudgetYourTrip.com
Penang vs. Kuala Lumpur
Melaka vs. Penang
Johor Bahru vs. Penang
Penang vs. Tanah Rata
Sandakan vs. Penang
Kota Kinabalu vs. Penang
Koh Samui vs. Koh Pha Ngan
Koh Samui vs. Koh Phi Phi
Koh Pha Ngan vs. Koh Phi Phi
Phuket vs. Koh Phi Phi
Phuket vs. Koh Pha Ngan
Phuket vs. Koh Samui
Yaeyama Islands vs. Okinawa
Khao Lak vs. Ao Nang
Koh Lanta vs. Koh Phi Phi
Siena vs. Rome
Salzburg vs. Rome
Sorrento vs. Rome
Rome vs. Genoa
Palma de Mallorca vs. Rome
Varenna vs. Rome
Cefalu vs. Rome
Madrid vs. Rome
Berlin vs. Rome
Budapest vs. Rome
Munich vs. Rome
Cologne vs. Rome
Rome vs. New York City
Rome vs. Los Angeles
Beijing vs. Rome

Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase.