Which place is cheaper, Wellington 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 Wellington?
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 Wellington. 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 Wellington?
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.
Wellington
Wellington is the capital and second largest city in New Zealand. It sits on the southwestern edge of the North Island between Cook Strait and the Rimutaka Range. It's a beautiful setting that is encircled by mountains giving it a beautiful backdrop. There are also many cultural sights and attractions around town. Wellington really is the perfect mix of New Zealand's natural beauty and a vibrant urban core. The film industry is also prevelant in the city. The city's production centers have helped create Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit trilogies, Avatar, Tin Tin, and District 9.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand, and The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand.
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Penang Prices
Malaysia PricesWellington Prices
New Zealand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPenang $144Wellington $124
The average daily cost (per person) in Penang is $144, while the average daily cost in Wellington 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 Wellington in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPenang $55Wellington $60
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPenang $110Wellington $120
Compare Hotels in Penang and Wellington
Looking for a hotel in Penang or Wellington? 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 Wellington Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Penang $14Wellington $12
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: $58
- Swettenham Cruise Port to Penang Island hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $115
- Private Transfer: Penang Island to or from Perak: $131
- Private Transfer: Penang International Airport to or from Hotel: $49
- Private Transfer from Swettenham Cruise Terminal to Penang Island: $22
- Private Transfer from Penang Island to Swettenham Cruise Terminal: $22
- Private Transfer : Penang International Airport Departure: $13
- Private Transfer : Penang Hotel to Kuala Lumpur Hotel: $207
- 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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Wellington
Also for Wellington, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Wētā Workshop Guided Transfers & Tour: $59
- Private Airport Transfer Service Vice Versa in Wellington by SUV: $75
- Private Large SUV Airport Transfers Wellington - Executive Travel: $58
- Private Transfer from Wellington Airport (WLG) to Wellington Port: $26
- Private Transfer from Wellington Port to Wellington Airport (WLG): $26
- Private Transfer from Wellington hotels to Wellington Cruise Port: $106
- Wellington Airport(WLG) to Wellington-Round-Trip Private Transfer: $156
- Wētā Workshop Guided Tour Ticket + Transfer: $58
Is it cheaper to fly into Penang or Wellington?
Prices for flights to both Wellington 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 $64Wellington $51
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.
- Penang Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Good Morning Penang Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Penang Food Tour - Georgetown: $62
- Local Street Food Tour in Georgetown Penang : $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
Typical Food Prices in Wellington
For Wellington, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Dinner$8.87
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Wellington
For Wellington, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- 3 Hour Walking Food Tour: $126
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Penang $55Wellington $16
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
- Penang City Temple Tour with Penang Hill(Fast Lane) & Kek Lok Si: $147
- 4 Hour Food and Heritage Walking Tour in Penang George Town: $93
- 4-Hour Heritage Walking Tour of Georgetown: $60
- 4-Hour Private Heritage Tour in George Town: $68
- 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
Tours and Activities in Wellington
For Wellington, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Return Cable Car Ticket: $7.03
- Museum of NZ Te Papa Tongarewa: Māori Highlights Tour: $12
- Wellington Zoo General Entry Tickets: $15
- Private Group Puzzle-Solving Adventure Game: Atlantis: $27
- Private Group Puzzle-Solving Adventure Game: Temple: $27
- Private Group Puzzle-Solving Adventure Game: Spaceship: $27
- Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa Entry Ticket: $28
- Wētā Workshop Guided Tour Ticket: $32
- Wētā Workshop Experiences Tour - Wellington: $33
- Axe Throwing Lesson and Tournament: $33
- Wētā Workshop Creative Classes Experience Ticket: $33
- Auckland: Wētā Workshop Unleashed Creative Classes Ticket: $38
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPenang $18Wellington $12
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
Sample the Local Flavors in Wellington
Also in Wellington, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Wellington Craft Brewery Half-Day Guided Tour with Tastings: $100
- From Martinborough Wine Tasting Tour: $170
- Exclusive Martinborough Wine Tour: $210
- Chefs Private Martinborough wine tour with Gourmet Lunch: $395
When comparing the travel costs between Penang and Wellington, 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. Even though Penang is in Asia and Wellington is in Pacific, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Penang Expensive? and Is Wellington Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Penang or Wellington?
Wellington has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Penang. When comparing the sizes of Penang and Wellington, 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 Wellington?
Wellington 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 Wellington in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Penang as well as Wellington. Penang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Wellington for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Penang is generally much warmer than Wellingtonin January. Daily temperatures in Penang average around 27°C (81°F), and Wellington fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Wellington. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Penang this time of the year. In the summer, Penang often gets less sunshine than Wellingtonin January. Penang gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wellington receives 242 hours of full sun.
Penang receives a lot of rain in the summer. Penang usually gets more rain in July than Wellingtonin January. Penang gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryPenang 27°C (81°F)Wellington 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Penang or Wellington in the Autumn?
Both Wellington 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, many visitors come to Wellington in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.
Penang is much warmer than Wellington in the autumn. The daily temperature in Penang averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Wellington fluctuates around 15°C (58°F)in April.
It's quite rainy in Penang. In October, Penang usually receives more rain than Wellingtonin April. Penang gets 340 mm (13.4 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilPenang 27°C (81°F)Wellington 15°C (58°F)
Should I visit Penang or Wellington in the Winter?
Both Wellington 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, most visitors come to Wellington for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
In the winter, Penang is much warmer than Wellington. Typically, the winter temperatures in Penang in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Wellington averages at about 10°C (49°F)in July.
Wellington gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Penang usually gets less rain in January than Wellingtonin July. Penang gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyPenang 28°C (82°F)Wellington 10°C (49°F)
Should I visit Penang or Wellington in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Penang and Wellington. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Penang year-round. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Wellington because of the beaches.
In April, Penang is generally much warmer than Wellingtonin October. Daily temperatures in Penang average around 28°C (82°F), and Wellington fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
In Penang, it's very sunny this time of the year. Penang usually receives more sunshine than Wellington during spring. Penang gets 218 hours of sunny skies, while Wellington receives 180 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 Wellingtonin October. Penang gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberPenang 28°C (82°F)Wellington 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Wellington and Penang
| Penang | Wellington | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 98 mm (3.9 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 330 mm (13 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 340 mm (13.4 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Dec | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 69 mm (2.7 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.