Which place is cheaper, Suzhou or Penang?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Penang or Suzhou?
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 Suzhou. 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 Suzhou?
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.
Suzhou
Suzhou is a city in Jiangsu province famed for its beautiful gardens and traditional waterside architecture, featuring elaborate canals and bridges. Located on the Yangtze Delta, the city consists largely of waterways making Suzhou a kind of 'Venice of the Orient.' It is also a hub for scholars, artists, and skilled craftsmen.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Shanghai, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPenang $103Suzhou $101
The average daily cost (per person) in Penang is $103, while the average daily cost in Suzhou is $101. 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 Suzhou in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPenang $49Suzhou $38
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPenang $98Suzhou $76
Compare Hotels in Penang and Suzhou
Looking for a hotel in Penang or Suzhou? 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 $12Suzhou $57
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Suzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Suzhou:
- Full-Day Suzhou Gardens Exploration with Hotel or Railway Station Transfer: $227
- Hangzhou Private Transfer from Suzhou with Stop-over at Wuzhen Water Town : $143
- Nanjing Downtown hotels to Lukou Intl Airport (NKG) - Departure Private Transfer: $33
- Private Arrival Transfer: Suzhou Train Station to Hotels in Suzhou: $44
- Private Day Tour: Suzhou Highlights with Hotel or Railway Station Transfer: $227
- Private Departure Transfer to Shanghai Airport from Suzhou City Hotel: $68
- Private Round Trip Transfer from Suzhou to Luzhi Water Town: $64
- Private Round Trip Transfer to Tianping Mountain from Suzhou: $51
- Private Round-Trip Transfer between Tongli Water Town and Suzhou City : $58
- Private Round-Trip Transfer between Zhouzhuang Water Town and Suzhou City: $58
- Private Suzhou Garden and Water Town Highlight Trip with Hotel or Railway Station Transfer: $240
- Private Transfer from Suzhou to Hangzhou City Area : $137
Is it cheaper to fly into Penang or Suzhou?
Prices for flights to both Suzhou 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 $33Suzhou $32
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 Suzhou
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Suzhou.
- Suzhou Alleyway Walking Food Tour With Locals: $55
- Half-Day Private Customized Suzhou Highlights with Lunch or Dinner Option: $123
- Private Suzhou Night Tour:Master of the Nets Garden, Ancient Canal with Dinner: $145
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Penang $49Suzhou $9.32
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
Tours and Activities in Suzhou
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Suzhou are as follows:
- Suzhou Self-Guided Tour with Private Car and Driver Service : $65
- Zhouzhuang and Tongli Self-Guided Tour from Suzhou with Drop-off Options : $70
- 4-Hour Suzhou Private Customized Tour: $71
- Suzhou Private English Tour Guide Service: $91
- Suzhou Private Walking Tour with Panmen Gate, City Moat and Yiyuan Garden: $101
- Wuxi Self-Guided Tour from Suzhou by Private Car : $103
- 4-Hour Flexible Suzhou City Highlights Private Tour: $114
- Wuzhen and Xitang Self-Guided Tour from Suzhou with Drop-off Options : $123
- 4-Hour Suzhou Private Flexible Tour with Garden and Boat Ride Option: $125
- Private Flexible Suzhou Day Tour with Old and New Highlights: $127
- 4-Hour Tongli Water Town Private Tour from Suzhou with Boat Ride : $127
- Private Suzhou City Amazing Day Tour in Your Way : $127
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPenang $15Suzhou $6.40
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 comparing the travel costs between Penang and Suzhou, we can see that Penang 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 Suzhou Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Penang or Suzhou?
Suzhou has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Penang. When comparing the sizes of Penang and Suzhou, 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 Suzhou?
Suzhou 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 Suzhou in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Penang and Suzhou. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Penang year-round.
In the summer, Penang is around the same temperature as Suzhou. Typically, the summer temperatures in Penang in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Suzhou averages at about 28°C (83°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Suzhou this time of the year. In Penang, it's very sunny this time of the year. Penang usually receives less sunshine than Suzhou during summer. Penang gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Suzhou receives 232 hours of full sun in the summer.
Suzhou 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 Suzhou. Penang gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 128 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPenang 27°C (81°F)Suzhou 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Penang or Suzhou in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Penang as well as Suzhou. Penang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In October, Penang is generally a little warmer than Suzhou. Daily temperatures in Penang average around 27°C (81°F), and Suzhou fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).
Penang receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Penang usually gets more rain in October than Suzhou. Penang gets 340 mm (13.4 in) of rain, while Suzhou 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)Suzhou 19°C (65°F)
Should I visit Penang or Suzhou in the Winter?
Both Suzhou and Penang are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Penang throughout the year.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Suzhou. Penang is much warmer than Suzhou in the winter. The daily temperature in Penang averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Suzhou fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).
In January, Penang usually receives more rain than Suzhou. Penang gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Suzhou 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)Suzhou 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Penang or Suzhou in the Spring?
Both Suzhou 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 Suzhou. Typically, the spring temperatures in Penang in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Suzhou averages at about 15°C (58°F).
It's quite sunny in Penang. In the spring, Penang often gets more sunshine than Suzhou. Penang gets 218 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Suzhou receives 153 hours of full sun.
Suzhou 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 Suzhou. Penang gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPenang 28°C (82°F)Suzhou 15°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Suzhou and Penang
| Penang | Suzhou | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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.