Which place is cheaper, Sado or Penang?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Penang or Sado?
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 Sado. 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 Sado?
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.
Sado
Sado Island, Japan is located just off the coast of Niigata and is an old gold mining town that has since developed into a quiet summer holiday destination. The island is home to two mountain ranges, O-Sado in the north and Ko-sado in the south, with the popular Kuninaka plain in between the mountain ranges. With the remoteness of the island, it has become a popular destination for tourists to experience old Japan and get away from the busy mainland.
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 Japan, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPenang $103Sado $62
The average daily cost (per person) in Penang is $103, while the average daily cost in Sado is $62. 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 Sado in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPenang $49Sado $30
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPenang $98Sado $60
Compare Hotels in Penang and Sado
Looking for a hotel in Penang or Sado? 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: Sado Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Penang $12Sado $14
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
Is it cheaper to fly into Penang or Sado?
Prices for flights to both Sado 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 $33Sado $23
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 $49Sado $8.43
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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPenang $15Sado $66
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 Sado, we can see that Penang is more expensive. And not only is Sado much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Sado would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sado 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 Sado.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Penang Expensive? and Is Sado Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Penang or Sado?
Sado 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 Sado in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Penang and Sado. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Penang year-round. Also, many travelers come to Sado for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Penang is a little warmer than Sado. Typically, the summer temperatures in Penang in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Sado averages at about 23°C (74°F).
In Penang, it's very sunny this time of the year. Penang usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Sado during summer. Penang gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Sado receives 198 hours of full sun in the summer.
Sado 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 Sado. Penang gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Sado receives 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPenang 27°C (81°F)Sado 23°C (74°F)
Should I visit Penang or Sado in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Penang as well as Sado. Penang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Sado in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.
In October, Penang is generally much warmer than Sado. Daily temperatures in Penang average around 27°C (81°F), and Sado fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).
It's quite rainy in Sado. Penang receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Penang usually gets more rain in October than Sado. Penang gets 340 mm (13.4 in) of rain, while Sado receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPenang 27°C (81°F)Sado 16°C (60°F)
Should I visit Penang or Sado in the Winter?
Both Sado 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 Sado for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Sado can be very cold during winter. Penang is much warmer than Sado in the winter. The daily temperature in Penang averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Sado fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Sado. In January, Penang usually receives less rain than Sado. Penang gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Sado receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPenang 28°C (82°F)Sado 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Penang or Sado in the Spring?
Both Sado 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.
In the spring, Penang is much warmer than Sado. Typically, the spring temperatures in Penang in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Sado averages at about 10°C (51°F).
It's quite sunny in Penang. In the spring, Penang often gets more sunshine than Sado. Penang gets 218 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sado receives 194 hours of full sun.
Sado 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 Sado. Penang gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Sado receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPenang 28°C (82°F)Sado 10°C (51°F)
Typical Weather for Sado and Penang
| Penang | Sado | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 161 mm (6.3 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 330 mm (13 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 161 mm (6.3 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 340 mm (13.4 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 159 mm (6.3 in) |
| Dec | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 162 mm (6.4 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.