Which place is cheaper, Toronto 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 Toronto?
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 Toronto. 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 Toronto?
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.
Toronto
The capital of Ontario and the most populated city in Canada, Toronto is a very popular travel destination for any number of reasons. It's positioned along the coast of Lake Ontario and has a population of more than 2.6 million with 6.2 million in the Greater Toronto Area. It's a very international and diverse city, with a very rich cultural history. More than half of the city's population was not born in Canada, and there are more than eighty different ethnic neighborhoods sprinkled throughout the city. The city is a center for music, theater, film, and television. It has countless museums, festivals, and sights that attract more than 25 million tourists every year.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Canada, and The Best Luxury Tours to Canada.
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Penang Prices
Malaysia PricesToronto Prices
Canada Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPenang $148Toronto $245
The average daily cost (per person) in Penang is $148, while the average daily cost in Toronto is $245. 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 Toronto in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPenang $57Toronto $86
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPenang $114Toronto $172
Compare Hotels in Penang and Toronto
Looking for a hotel in Penang or Toronto? 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 and Toronto Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Penang $14Toronto $32
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$1.47
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Island Ferry$0.59
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Bus From Airport to George Town$0.66
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Taxi From Airport to George Town$11
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Motorbike Rental (One Day)$7.34
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Bicycle Rental (One Day)$2.45
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Penang
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Penang:
- Swettenham Pier Cruise Port to Penang Island hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $56
- Swettenham Cruise Port to Penang Island hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $113
- Private Transfer: Penang International Airport to or from Hotel: $49
- Private Transfer from Swettenham Cruise Terminal to Penang Island: $21
- Private Transfer from Penang Island to Swettenham Cruise Terminal: $21
- Private Transfer from Penang International Airport to Your Hotel: $18
- Private Transfer Penang Airport To/From Hotel (1way only): $21
- Private Transfer : Penang Hotel/Port to Kuala Lumpur Hotel: $174
- Private Transfer - Swettenham Cruise Port to Penang Airport (PEN): $21
- Private Transfer - Penang Airport (PEN) to Swettenham Cruise Port: $21
- Private Half Day Tour to Penang Island with Transfer Included: $80
- Private Economy Penang Airport Transfer-Arrival: $48
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Toronto
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Toronto are as follows:
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Airport Shuttle$26
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Train: 2 Day Passes$16
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Toronto
Also for Toronto, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Transfer Toronto to Niagara region: $293
- Arrival Private Transfer: Toronto Airport YYZ to Niagara Falls in Luxury SUV: $200
- Departure Transfer: Toronto to Pearson Airport YYZ by Luxury SUV: $176
- Departure Transfer: Toronto to Pearson Airport YYZ in Sedan Car: $154
- Hamilton to Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ) - Departure Private Transfer: $135
- Low Cost :- Private Transfer Toronto Downtown to Niagara Falls Ont: $260
- Low Cost:-Private Transfer: Niagara Falls Canada to Toronto Pearson Airport: $210
- Niagara Falls private transfers: $275
- Niagara Falls: Private Transfer to/from Toronto Airport: $688
- Private Airport Transfer Pearson Airport to or from Toronto: $66
- Private Airport Transfer to/from Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ): $96
- Private Arrival Transfer. Pearson Airport to Kitchener/Waterloo: $213
Is it cheaper to fly into Penang or Toronto?
Prices for flights to both Toronto 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 $66Toronto $108
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$1.96
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Dinner at The Suffolk House (for 2)$84
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Lunch at Sakae Sushi (for 2)$71
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Lassy Juice$1.71
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Dinner for 2$3.67
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Street Stall Food$0.69
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$4.65
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Italian Lunch (for Two)$12
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Penang
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Penang.
- Penang Food Tour : A Feast That Taste Like History : 17+ Tasting: $48
- Good Morning Penang Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $49
- Penang Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $49
- Private Half-Day Hawker Trails Food Tour in George Town: $51
- Penang Food Tour - Georgetown: $62
- Local Street Food Tour in Georgetown Penang: $62
- 3-Hour Heritage on a Plate Dinner Hop in George Town Penang: $65
- Eat Like A Local: Penang Street Food Tour: $65
- Authentic Local Food Tour with Scenic Walk: $89
- 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
Typical Food Prices in Toronto
For Toronto, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Lunch at St. Lawrence Market for Two$23
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Dinner at Mill Street Brewery (for 2)$55
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Toronto
For Toronto, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Premium Harbor Cruise with Lunch, Brunch, or Dinner: $51
- Great White North Food Tour + Distillery District & Old Town: $53
- Fun Sushi Making Cooking Class at a Trendy Venue in Toronto: $55
- Fun Sushi Making Cooking Class at a Trendy Venue in Toronto: $60
- Pasta Making Cooking Class With Local Chef: $60
- Toronto Premier Dinner Cruise on Odyssey in Toronto Harbour: $61
- Toronto Express Canadian Food Tour: 90 Min with Our Founder: $64
- Toronto : Best Street Food Tour With A Local Guide: $68
- Niagara Falls Night Tour, Boat, Journey, Dinner & Tower: $73
- Great Canadian Food Tour- St. Lawrence Market + The Distillery: $73
- 2 Hour Express Toronto Food Tour: Flavors of Kensington Market: $75
- Kensington Market 'Taste the World' Food Tour: $77
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Penang $57Toronto $31
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$7.59
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Trishaw Tour (One Hour)$7.34
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Fort Cornwallis Entrance$0.49
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Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi Entrance$2.45
Tours and Activities in Penang
Here are a few actual costs in Penang for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 3 Hour of Penang Street Food Walkabout Tour The Heritage Site: $49
- 4-Hour Heritage Walking Tour of Georgetown: $54
- 4-Hour Private Heritage Tour in George Town: $70
- 6 Hours Highlights of Penang Shared Tour: $75
- 8 Hours of Penang Tour: $60
- Back of the Bike Street Food Experience – Real Penang!: $119
- Best of Historical George Town Half Day Tour: $80
- Bukit Merah Orang Utan and Penang City Private Tour: $140
- Chinese Clan Secrets and History Guided Walking Tour in Penang: $56
- Colors of George Town Walking Tour: $161
- Culture, Faith and Trade: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of George Town: $5.00
- Customizable Penang Private Tour (8hrs usage): $65
Typical Entertainment Prices in Toronto
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Toronto's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Art Gallery of Ontario for Two$15
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CN Tower at night for Two$35
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Harbour Dinner Cruise$26
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Bata Shoe Museum (2)$7.13
Tours and Activities in Toronto
For Toronto, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Discover A Self-Guided Tour: $3.52
- Toronto Self-Guided City Walking Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $3.96
- Toronto Essentials Tour: Old Town & Downtown Highlights (PWYC): $4.40
- City Highlights Walking Tour | 3-Hour: $5.00
- Toronto Iconic Core and Landmarks Walking Tour: $5.00
- Toronto Audio Guided Walking Tour 3h and 23 audio commentary: $6.97
- Toronto's Waterfront: a Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $8.06
- Best of Toronto and Waterfront Self-Guided Tours: $8.23
- Toronto's Greatest Hits: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
- Queen Street West: An audio tour exploring Toronto's coolest street: $8.99
- Kensington Market and Chinatown: A Self-Guided Tour: $9.99
- Textile Museum of Canada General Entry Ticket: $11
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPenang $18Toronto $22
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$1.96
Sample the Local Flavors in Toronto
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Toronto:
- Toronto Distillery District: Whisky Exploration Game and Tour: $7.40
- Astounding Bar Crawl: Take On Toronto: $15
- Distillery District Historic Walking Tour: $20
- Distillery & Old Town Private Walking Tour: $27
- Guided Tasting Activity at Sake Brewery: $29
- Short Distillery District Segway Tour: $34
- Pub Crawl Toronto: $43
- Guided Tasting Activity at Sake Brewery with 7 Kinds of Sake: $43
- Distillery District Breakfast Walking Tour: $52
- Private Corktown and Distillery District Tour: $59
- Distillery District Beer and Cheese Tasting Tour: $67
- Craft Brewery Tour: $77
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Penang and Toronto, we can see that Toronto is more expensive. And not only is Penang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Penang is in Asia and Toronto is in North America, 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 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 Toronto would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Toronto 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 Toronto Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Penang or Toronto?
Toronto has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Penang. When comparing the sizes of Penang and Toronto, 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 Toronto?
Toronto 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 Toronto in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Penang as well as Toronto. Penang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Toronto because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Penang is a little warmer than Toronto. Typically, the summer temperatures in Penang in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Toronto averages at about 21°C (70°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Toronto. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Penang this time of the year. In the summer, Penang often gets less sunshine than Toronto. Penang gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toronto receives 281 hours of full sun.
Penang receives a lot of rain in the summer. Penang usually gets more rain in July than Toronto. Penang gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Toronto receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPenang 27°C (81°F)Toronto 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Penang or Toronto in the Autumn?
Both Toronto 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 city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Toronto this time of year.
In October, Penang is generally much warmer than Toronto. Daily temperatures in Penang average around 27°C (81°F), and Toronto fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
It's quite rainy in Penang. In October, Penang usually receives more rain than Toronto. Penang gets 340 mm (13.4 in) of rain, while Toronto receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPenang 27°C (81°F)Toronto 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Penang or Toronto in the Winter?
Both Toronto 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, many travelers come to Toronto for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Toronto. Penang is much warmer than Toronto in the winter. The daily temperature in Penang averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Toronto fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).
Penang usually gets more rain in January than Toronto. Penang gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Toronto receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPenang 28°C (82°F)Toronto -4°C (25°F)
Should I visit Penang or Toronto in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Penang and Toronto. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Penang year-round. Also, many visitors come to Toronto in the spring for the activities around the city.
In the spring, Penang is much warmer than Toronto. Typically, the spring temperatures in Penang in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Toronto averages at about 7°C (44°F).
In Penang, it's very sunny this time of the year. Penang usually receives more sunshine than Toronto during spring. Penang gets 218 hours of sunny skies, while Toronto receives 179 hours of full sun in the spring.
Penang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Penang usually receives more rain than Toronto. Penang gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Toronto receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPenang 28°C (82°F)Toronto 7°C (44°F)
Typical Weather for Toronto and Penang
| Penang | Toronto | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | -4°C (25°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | -4°C (26°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 330 mm (13 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 340 mm (13.4 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Dec | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | -1°C (30°F) | 75 mm (2.9 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.