Which place is cheaper, Shanghai or Penang?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Penang or Shanghai?
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 Shanghai. 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 Shanghai?
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.
Shanghai
Shanghai is the largest and most modern city in China. With a population of over 23 million, it is the economic and financial hub of the country. It also continues to be one of the fastest growing cities in China with regular changes to the city's layout and skyline. It is not uncommon for buildings to be torn down, rebuilt and then torn down and rebuilt again. The city also has skyscrapers that rank among the tallest in the world. It has an ever changing downtown and street scape. In Shanghai, the general mantra remains "out with the old, in with the new".
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia, The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPenang $103Shanghai $115
The average daily cost (per person) in Penang is $103, while the average daily cost in Shanghai is $115. 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 Shanghai in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPenang $49Shanghai $81
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPenang $98Shanghai $162
Compare Hotels in Penang and Shanghai
Looking for a hotel in Penang or Shanghai? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Penang $12Shanghai $3.87
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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Shanghai
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Shanghai:
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Taxi Ride$3.59
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Two Subway Tickets$0.83
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Shanghai
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Shanghai:
- Mount Mogan Self-Guided Tour from Shanghai by Private Transfer: $108
- Private Transfer between Shanghai Pudong Int'l Airport & Hongqiao Airport : $45
- Private Transfer from Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station to City Center : $30
- 1 Day-Pass for Disneyland Shanghai and Private Transfer Package: $245
- 3-hour Private Transfer to Shanghai ERA Acrobatic Show from City Center: $53
- Arrival Private Transfer: Pudong Airport PVG to Shanghai in Business Car : $112
- Departure Private Transfer: Shanghai to Pudong Airport PVG in Business Car: $112
- Departure Transfer by High-Speed Maglev Train: Hotel to Shanghai Pudong International Airport: $79
- Flexible Hours of Private Shanghai Layover or Transfer Tour: $129
- Guangzhou Airport Transfer by 5 seat standard car: $53
- Hotel in Shanghai to Shanghai Wusongkou Cruise Port Private Transfer: $36
- Nanxun Ancient Water Town Self-Guided Tour with Private Transfer from Shanghai: $123
Is it cheaper to fly into Penang or Shanghai?
Prices for flights to both Shanghai 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 $33Shanghai $21
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
Typical Food Prices in Shanghai
Some typical examples of dining costs in Shanghai are as follows:
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Dumpling Breakfast$1.38
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Desserts in Jinmao Building Observatory$20
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Ajisen Lunch for Two$7.18
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Cantelope$1.66
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Dumplings and Soup$2.07
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Duck Dinner$4.14
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Pastries$2.90
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Barbeque Dinner$8.83
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Shanghai
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Shanghai.
- Online Cooking Class General Tso's Chicken by Sunflower Li: $20
- Online Cooking Class Fried Rice by Sunflower Li : $20
- 3-Hour Biking and Local Food Tour: $70
- Authentic Local Food Tour in Central Shanghai: $79
- Late night food tour in Shanghai's French Concession: $85
- Late Night Food Tour in the Shanghai's French Concession: $89
- Shanghai's Koreatown Food Tour: $91
- 4-Hour Food Tour in Qibao Water Town from Shanghai by Subway: $95
- 3-Hour Flexible Private Shanghai Night Tour with Local Dinner Option: $100
- Shanghai Hot pot dinner foodie tour with guide and one way private transfer: $113
- Shanghai Night River Cruise VIP Seating with Private Transfer and Dinner Option: $130
- Private Wet Market Visit with Cooking Class in Shanghai: $138
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Penang $49Shanghai $8.42
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Shanghai
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Shanghai are as follows:
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30 Minute River Cruise for Two$28
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Zoo for Two$14
Tours and Activities in Shanghai
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Shanghai are as follows:
- The History of the French Concession: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
- Hop-on Hop-off Bus Ticket and Optional Attractions: $14
- Shanghai Yu Garden Tour：Harmony & Spirituality in Garden Art: $20
- Shanghai French Concession Walking Tour: $29
- Like a Local Customized Guided Tour: $35
- Shanghai Hotels to Wusongkou Cruise Port:Private with Meet & Great service: $38
- Shanghai Downtown Hotel to Baoshan Cruise Port:Private with Meet & Greet service: $38
- Fudan University Student Guide Tour: $42
- Shanghai Tower Tickets Booking: $43
- 4-Hour Nightlife Adventure & Tasting Bike Tour: $45
- Oriental Pearl Tower Tickets Booking: $47
- Small Group 2.5-Hour Walking Tour - Spots Hiding Behind the Shanghai Bund: $51
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPenang $15Shanghai $7.35
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 Shanghai
Also in Shanghai, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Shanghai Pub Crawl - Bar-hopping/Night life tour: $20
When comparing the travel costs between Penang and Shanghai, we can see that Shanghai 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. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Penang Expensive? and Is Shanghai Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Penang or Shanghai?
Shanghai has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Penang. When comparing the sizes of Penang and Shanghai, 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 Shanghai?
Shanghai 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 Shanghai in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Penang and Shanghai. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Penang year-round. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Shanghai this time of year.
In July, Penang is generally around the same temperature as Shanghai. Daily temperatures in Penang average around 27°C (81°F), and Shanghai fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Shanghai this time of the year. In Penang, it's very sunny this time of the year. Penang usually receives less sunshine than Shanghai during summer. Penang gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Shanghai receives 232 hours of full sun in the summer.
Shanghai 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 Shanghai. Penang gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 128 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPenang 27°C (81°F)Shanghai 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Penang or Shanghai in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Penang as well as Shanghai. Penang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Shanghai for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Penang is a little warmer than Shanghai in the autumn. The daily temperature in Penang averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Shanghai fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).
Penang receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Penang usually gets more rain in October than Shanghai. Penang gets 340 mm (13.4 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPenang 27°C (81°F)Shanghai 19°C (65°F)
Should I visit Penang or Shanghai in the Winter?
Both Shanghai 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 Shanghai in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Shanghai can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Penang is much warmer than Shanghai. Typically, the winter temperatures in Penang in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Shanghai averages at about 4°C (39°F).
In January, Penang usually receives more rain than Shanghai. Penang gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPenang 28°C (82°F)Shanghai 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Penang or Shanghai in the Spring?
Both Shanghai 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, most visitors come to Shanghai for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.
In April, Penang is generally much warmer than Shanghai. Daily temperatures in Penang average around 28°C (82°F), and Shanghai fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).
It's quite sunny in Penang. In the spring, Penang often gets more sunshine than Shanghai. Penang gets 218 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shanghai receives 153 hours of full sun.
Shanghai 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 Shanghai. Penang gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPenang 28°C (82°F)Shanghai 15°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Shanghai and Penang
| Penang | Shanghai | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 113 mm (4.5 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 128 mm (5 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 330 mm (13 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 340 mm (13.4 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Dec | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 35 mm (1.4 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.