Which place is cheaper, Shenzhen or Penang?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Penang or Shenzhen?
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 Shenzhen. 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 Shenzhen?
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.
Shenzhen
Located in the Guangdong Province of southeastern China, Shenzhen is a metropolis that connects Hong Kong to China's mainland. It is one of China's most populous cities, inhabited by vast array of people from other Chinese regions. It is perhaps best known for it shopping, collection of amusement parks, green parks, museums and galleries, and a few historic sites. It is on UNESCO's Creative Cities list.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia, The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, and The Best Cultural Tours in China.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPenang $103Shenzhen $123
The average daily cost (per person) in Penang is $103, while the average daily cost in Shenzhen is $123. 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 Shenzhen in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPenang $49Shenzhen $89
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPenang $98Shenzhen $178
Compare Hotels in Penang and Shenzhen
Looking for a hotel in Penang or Shenzhen? 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 $12Shenzhen $15
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:
- Swettenham Pier to Penang Airport(PEN)-Departure Private Transfer: $38
- Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal: Transfer to Penang Island: $116
- Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal, Penang to Kuala Lumpur Hotel (Door to Door) Transfer: $120
- Swettenham Pier Cruise Port to Penang Island hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $38
- Swettenham Cruise Port to Penang Island hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $76
- Private Transfer: Penang International Airport to or from Hotel: $49
- Private Transfer from Swettenham Cruise Terminal to Penang Island: $38
- Private Transfer From Penang Airport to Town Area: $26
- Private Transfer : Penang International Airport Departure: $13
- Private Transfer - Swettenham Cruise Port to Penang Airport (PEN): $38
- Private Penang Arrival transfer to Hotel: $12
- Private Economy Penang Airport Transfer-Departure: $29
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Shenzhen
Also for Shenzhen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- A Premium Airport Transfer Service, Meet us at the Arrival Hall!: $131
- Guangzhou Baiyun Airport Chauffeur Service , to Shenzhen Transfer: $71
- Hong Kong Airport (HKG) to Hong Kong - Arrival Private Transfer: $64
- Hong Kong Airport (HKG) to Hong Kong hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $118
- Hong Kong Airport (HKG) to Kai Tak Cruise Terminal - Arrival Private Transfer : $45
- Hong Kong Airport (HKG) to Kai Tak Port - Round- Trip Private Transfer : $90
- Hong Kong Airport HKG to Hong Kong Arrival Private Transfer: $58
- Hong Kong Airport Transfer: $177
- Hong Kong Disneyland: 1-Day Entry Ticket with Private Transfer: $162
- Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) Private Transfer: $30
- Hong Kong Private Departure Transfer: Hotel or Cruise Terminal to Airport: $62
- Hong Kong Private Transfer from Hong Kong Chek Lap Kok Airport to Hong Kong: $76
Is it cheaper to fly into Penang or Shenzhen?
Prices for flights to both Shenzhen 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 $33Shenzhen $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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Shenzhen
For Shenzhen, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Vegetarian Food Tour: $77
- Wet market tour & cooking class with local mum: $90
- Hong Kong Food Tour: Sham Shui Po District: $108
- Hong Kong Food Tour: Central and Sheung Wan Districts: $108
- Secret Food Tour With the Locals in Tin Hau Hong Kong w/ Private Tour Option: $109
- Traditional Chinese Pun Choi cooking class in Hong Kong: $112
- Hong Kong Food Tour with a Local: A Feast for Foodies 100% Personalized: $160
- Kowloon Street Food Tour with a Local: 100% Personalized & Private: $160
- The 10 Tastings of Hong Kong With Locals: Private Street Food Tour : $161
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Penang $49Shenzhen $17
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:
- Penang City Temple Tour with Penang Hill(Fast Lane) & Kek Lok Si: $100
- 4 Hour Food and Heritage Walking Tour in Penang George Town: $75
- 4-Hour Heritage Walking Tour of Georgetown: $58
- 6-Hours Penang Private Tour: $151
- Admission Ticket for Dark Mansion Glow-in-the-Dark Museum in Penang: $8.80
- Asia Camera Museum Admission Ticket: $5.38
- Countryside Cycling Tour by Matahari: $82
- Discover Georgetown Heritage Private Tour in Penang: $51
- Discover Penang City Tour: $47
- Discover Penang City in Amazing Tour: $82
- Enjoy Hill & Temple Sightseeing Tour - Penang City: $68
- Entopia Butterfly Farm & Tropical Spice Garden Tour: $81
Tours and Activities in Shenzhen
For Shenzhen, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Skip the Line! Walk to the Peak: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.34
- Victoria Peak: Climb to the summit via the Mid-Levels escalato on an audio tour: $5.40
- Yau Ma Tei: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in the Heart of Kowloon: $5.40
- Hong Kong Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
- Hong Kong Airport Express E-Ticket : $14
- Hong Kong Airport Express Train Tickets(Avoid Heavy Traffic): $15
- Lovely Hong Kong Self-Guided Audio Tour: $16
- [Entry After 6pm] sky100 Min. 2pax Ticket Offer (F-II_2P): $17
- Walking Tour in Hong Kong - Local Experience (New & Best) : $17
- TramOramic Sightseeing Tour plus 2-Day Tramways Ticket: $23
- sky100 Hong Kong Observation Deck Tickets: $23
- Dukling Boat Tour in Victoria Harbour: $25
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPenang $15Shenzhen $19
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 Shenzhen, we can see that Shenzhen is more expensive. And not only is Penang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Shenzhen would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Shenzhen 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 Shenzhen Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Penang or Shenzhen?
Shenzhen has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Penang. When comparing the sizes of Penang and Shenzhen, 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 Shenzhen?
Shenzhen 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 Shenzhen in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Penang as well as Shenzhen. Penang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Penang is around the same temperature as Shenzhen in the summer. The daily temperature in Penang averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Shenzhen fluctuates around 30°C (85°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Shenzhen. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Penang this time of the year. In the summer, Penang often gets less sunshine than Shenzhen. Penang gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shenzhen receives 231 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Shenzhen. Penang receives a lot of rain in the summer. Penang usually gets less rain in July than Shenzhen. Penang gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Shenzhen receives 323 mm (12.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPenang 27°C (81°F)Shenzhen 30°C (85°F)
Should I visit Penang or Shenzhen in the Autumn?
Both Shenzhen and Penang are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Penang throughout the year.
In the autumn, Penang is around the same temperature as Shenzhen. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Penang in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Shenzhen averages at about 26°C (78°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Shenzhen. It's quite rainy in Penang. In October, Penang usually receives more rain than Shenzhen. Penang gets 340 mm (13.4 in) of rain, while Shenzhen receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPenang 27°C (81°F)Shenzhen 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Penang or Shenzhen in the Winter?
Both Shenzhen and Penang during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Penang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In January, Penang is generally much warmer than Shenzhen. Daily temperatures in Penang average around 28°C (82°F), and Shenzhen fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).
Penang usually gets more rain in January than Shenzhen. Penang gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Shenzhen receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPenang 28°C (82°F)Shenzhen 16°C (60°F)
Should I visit Penang or Shenzhen in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Penang and Shenzhen. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Penang year-round.
Penang is a little warmer than Shenzhen in the spring. The daily temperature in Penang averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Shenzhen fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
In Penang, it's very sunny this time of the year. Penang usually receives more sunshine than Shenzhen during spring. Penang gets 218 hours of sunny skies, while Shenzhen receives 95 hours of full sun in the spring.
Shenzhen receives a lot of rain in the spring. Penang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Penang usually receives more rain than Shenzhen. Penang gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Shenzhen receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPenang 28°C (82°F)Shenzhen 23°C (73°F)
Typical Weather for Shenzhen and Penang
| Penang | Shenzhen | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 154 mm (6.1 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 325 mm (12.8 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 382 mm (15 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 30°C (85°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 393 mm (15.5 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 330 mm (13 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 300 mm (11.8 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 340 mm (13.4 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Dec | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 27 mm (1.1 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.