Which place is cheaper, Surfers Paradise or Penang?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Penang or Surfers Paradise?
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 Surfers Paradise. 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 Surfers Paradise?
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.
Surfers Paradise
A tourist mecca, Surfers Paradise is one of the most popular travel destinations along Australia's famed Gold Coast. The beach stretches for miles and there is an endless supply of almost constant parties. You'll find high rise apartments lined up along the shore and plenty of shopping areas, restaurants, nightclubs, and bars. Travelers from around the world visit the area, and it's a right of passage for Australia's teens to vacation in or near Surfers Paradise. For many travelers, Surfers Paradise comes across as little more than a mass marketed, over commercialized, party destination, but for others it is a vacation dream. Prices are highly inflated so you have to keep your whits about you to avoid being ripped off. Surfers Paradise is a destination of extremes and it conjures up extreme emotions in many travelers, be it positive or negative.
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 Australia, and The Best Adventure Tours to Australia.
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Penang Prices
Malaysia PricesSurfers Paradise Prices
Australia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPenang $144Surfers Paradise $124
The average daily cost (per person) in Penang is $144, while the average daily cost in Surfers Paradise is $124. 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 Surfers Paradise in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPenang $55Surfers Paradise $67
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPenang $110Surfers Paradise $134
Compare Hotels in Penang and Surfers Paradise
Looking for a hotel in Penang or Surfers Paradise? 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: Penang Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Penang $14Surfers Paradise $11
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$1.43
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Island Ferry$0.57
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Bus From Airport to George Town$0.64
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Taxi From Airport to George Town$11
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Motorbike Rental (One Day)$7.13
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Bicycle Rental (One Day)$2.38
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Penang
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Penang:
- Swettenham Pier to Penang Airport(PEN)-Departure Private Transfer: $23
- Swettenham Pier Cruise Port to Penang Island hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $57
- Swettenham Cruise Port to Penang Island hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $115
- Private Transfer: Penang Island to or from Perak: $131
- Private Transfer from Swettenham Cruise Terminal to Penang Island: $22
- Private Transfer from Penang Island to Swettenham Cruise Terminal: $22
- Private Transfer - Swettenham Cruise Port to Penang Airport (PEN): $22
- Private Transfer - Penang Airport (PEN) to Swettenham Cruise Port: $22
- Private Penang Arrival transfer to Hotel: $12
- Private Half Day Tour to Penang Island with Transfer Included: $70
- Private Economy Penang Airport Transfer-Departure: $29
- Private Economy Penang Airport Transfer-Arrival: $48
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Surfers Paradise
Also for Surfers Paradise, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Gold Coast Theme Parks: Shared Hotel Transfers: $15
Is it cheaper to fly into Penang or Surfers Paradise?
Prices for flights to both Surfers Paradise 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 $64Surfers Paradise $45
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$1.90
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Dinner at The Suffolk House (for 2)$81
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Lunch at Sakae Sushi (for 2)$69
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Lassy Juice$1.66
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Dinner for 2$3.57
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Street Stall Food$0.67
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$4.52
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Italian Lunch (for Two)$11
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Penang
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Penang.
- Good Morning Penang Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Penang Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- 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
- 4-Hour Georgetown Food Tour: $88
- Authentic Local Food Tour with Scenic Walk: $89
- Malay Culinary Journey Cooking Class for the Adventurous Foodie: $92
- Authentic Indian Penang Cooking Class: $92
- Penang Cooking Class:Dive into Malaysian Cuisine with PenangChiak: $94
- Private Half Day Penang Tasty Local Street Food Tour: $99
- Private Dinner at THE TOP with Skywalk Experience from Penang: $103
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Surfers Paradise
For Surfers Paradise, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Buffet Dinner Sightseeing Cruise: $85
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Penang $55Surfers Paradise $24
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$7.37
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Trishaw Tour (One Hour)$7.13
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Fort Cornwallis Entrance$0.48
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Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi Entrance$2.38
Tours and Activities in Penang
Here are a few actual costs in Penang for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- George Town Highlights & Upside Down Museum tours (5 Hours): $67
- 6 Hours Highlights of Penang Shared Tour : $75
- 6-Hours Penang Private Tour: $169
- 8 Hours of Penang Tour: $60
- All-Inclusive Penang George Town Private Tour: $154
- Asia Camera Museum Admission Ticket: $6.10
- Back of the Bike Street Food Experience – Real Penang!: $88
- Best of Historical George Town Half Day Tour: $80
- Bukit Merah Orang Utan and Penang City Private Tour: $140
- Colors of George Town Walking Tour: $138
- Countryside Cycling Tour. T1.0 by Matahari: $97
- ESCAPE Penang Theme Park Admission Ticket : $73
Typical Entertainment Prices in Surfers Paradise
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Surfers Paradise's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Surf Lesson$79
Tours and Activities in Surfers Paradise
For Surfers Paradise, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Surfers Paradise Sightseeing Midday River Cruise: $19
- Gold Coast Afternoon River Cruise: $21
- Surfers Paradise Sightseeing City Lights Cruise: $26
- Surfers Paradise Sightseeing River Cruises: $26
- HOTA: Gold Coast Home of the Arts Cruise & Dine Experience Pass: $27
- Gold Coast Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing Cruise 1 Day Pass: $30
- Gold Coast Quack'rDuck Amphibious Tour from Surfers Paradise: $37
- Surfers Paradise Sightseeing Sunset River Cruise: $37
- Guided Gold Coast Amphibious Bus Tour: $38
- Gold Coast: 360-Degree High-Speed Jet Boat Adventure: $39
- Tropical Fruit World Farm Full Tour : $45
- Surfers Paradise Sunset Kayak Tour: $53
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPenang $18Surfers Paradise $11
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$1.90
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Penang and Surfers Paradise, we can see that Penang is more expensive. And not only is Surfers Paradise much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Penang is in Asia and Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Penang Expensive? and Is Surfers Paradise Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Penang or Surfers Paradise?
Penang has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Surfers Paradise. When comparing the sizes of Penang and Surfers Paradise, 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 Surfers Paradise?
Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Penang as well as Surfers Paradise. Penang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Surfers Paradise for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
Penang is around the same temperature as Surfers Paradise in the summer. The daily temperature in Penang averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Surfers Paradise fluctuates around 25°C (77°F)in January.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Surfers Paradise. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Penang this time of the year. In the summer, Penang often gets less sunshine than Surfers Paradisein January. Penang gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Surfers Paradise receives 256 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Surfers Paradise. Penang receives a lot of rain in the summer. Penang usually gets more rain in July than Surfers Paradisein January. Penang gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryPenang 27°C (81°F)Surfers Paradise 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Penang or Surfers Paradise in the Autumn?
Both Surfers Paradise and Penang are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Penang throughout the year. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Surfers Paradise because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.
In the autumn, Penang is a little warmer than Surfers Paradise. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Penang in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Surfers Paradise averages at about 22°C (71°F)in April.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Surfers Paradise. It's quite rainy in Penang. In October, Penang usually receives more rain than Surfers Paradisein April. Penang gets 340 mm (13.4 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilPenang 27°C (81°F)Surfers Paradise 22°C (71°F)
Should I visit Penang or Surfers Paradise in the Winter?
Both Surfers Paradise 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. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Surfers Paradise this time of year.
In January, Penang is generally much warmer than Surfers Paradisein July. Daily temperatures in Penang average around 28°C (82°F), and Surfers Paradise fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
Penang usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Surfers Paradisein July. Penang gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyPenang 28°C (82°F)Surfers Paradise 15°C (59°F)
Should I visit Penang or Surfers Paradise in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Penang and Surfers Paradise. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Penang year-round. Also, many travelers come to Surfers Paradise for the beaches.
Penang is a little warmer than Surfers Paradise in the spring. The daily temperature in Penang averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Surfers Paradise fluctuates around 21°C (69°F)in October.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Surfers Paradise this time of the year. In Penang, it's very sunny this time of the year. Penang usually receives less sunshine than Surfers Paradise during spring. Penang gets 218 hours of sunny skies, while Surfers Paradise receives 259 hours of full sun in the spring.
Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradisein October. Penang gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberPenang 28°C (82°F)Surfers Paradise 21°C (69°F)
Typical Weather for Surfers Paradise and Penang
| Penang | Surfers Paradise | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 330 mm (13 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 340 mm (13.4 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 103 mm (4 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) |
| Dec | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 129 mm (5.1 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.