A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Penang vs. Yamaguchi for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Penang or Yamaguchi?

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 Yamaguchi. 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 Yamaguchi?

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.

Yamaguchi

Yamaguchi, Japan is the capital city of the Yamaguchi Prefecture, located on the Western tip of Honshu, Japan. During medieval times, Yamaguchi City flourished and was essentially the capital of Japan when Kyoto was demolished by the Onin war. After 1551, the city lost this standing, although evidence of its precious prosperity can be found in the architecture and even in the planning of the city.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Tokyo.


Which place is cheaper, Yamaguchi or Penang?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Penang is $103, while the average daily cost in Yamaguchi is $80. 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 Yamaguchi in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Penang $49
    Yamaguchi $46
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Penang $98
    Yamaguchi $92
Compare Hotels in Penang and Yamaguchi

Looking for a hotel in Penang or Yamaguchi? 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.

Hotels in Penang


Hotels in Yamaguchi


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: Yamaguchi Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Penang $12
    Yamaguchi $20
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Penang

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Penang:


  • Local Bus
    $1.26
  • Island Ferry
    $0.50
  • Bus From Airport to George Town
    $0.57
  • Taxi From Airport to George Town
    $9.64
  • Motorbike Rental (One Day)
    $6.29
  • 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 Port to Penang Island hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $38
  • Private Transfer: Penang Island to or from Perak: $131
  • Private Transfer from Swettenham Cruise Terminal to Penang Island: $38
  • 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
  • Private Departure Transfer : Penang International Airport: $15
  • Private Arrival Transfer : Penang International Airport: $15
  • Private Arrival Transfer : Penang International Airport: $13

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Yamaguchi

Also for Yamaguchi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Yamaguchi Ube Airport To/From Yamaguch City Private Transfer: $125

Is it cheaper to fly into Penang or Yamaguchi?

Prices for flights to both Yamaguchi 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Penang $33
    Yamaguchi $22
Typical Food Prices in Penang

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Penang:


  • Snack
    $1.68
  • Dinner at The Suffolk House (for 2)
    $72
  • Lunch at Sakae Sushi (for 2)
    $61
  • Lassy Juice
    $1.47
  • Dinner for 2
    $3.14
  • Street Stall Food
    $0.59
  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    $3.98
  • 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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Penang $49
    Yamaguchi $8.39
Typical Entertainment Prices in Penang

Here are a few typical costs in Penang for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Butterfly Gardens
    $6.50
  • Trishaw Tour (One Hour)
    $6.29
  • Fort Cornwallis Entrance
    $0.42
  • 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
  • 6-Hours Penang Private Tour: $150
  • Admission Ticket for Dark Mansion Glow-in-the-Dark Museum in Penang: $8.80
  • Asia Camera Museum Admission Ticket: $5.37
  • Countryside Cycling Tour by Matahari: $82
  • Discover Penang City Tour: $47
  • Discover Penang City in Amazing Tour: $82
  • Enjoy Amazing Night Tour in Penang : $76
  • Enjoy Hill & Temple Sightseeing Tour - Penang City: $68
  • Entopia Butterfly Farm & Tropical Spice Garden Tour: $81
  • Entopia Butterfly Farm And Tropical Spice Garden Tour: $83

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Penang $15
    Yamaguchi $7.92
Typical Alcohol Prices in Penang

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Penang:


  • Beer
    $1.68


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Penang and Yamaguchi, we can see that Penang is more expensive. And not only is Yamaguchi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Yamaguchi would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Yamaguchi 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 Yamaguchi.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Penang Expensive? and Is Yamaguchi Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Penang or Yamaguchi?

Penang has a larger population, and is about 23% larger than the population of Yamaguchi. When comparing the sizes of Penang and Yamaguchi, 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 Yamaguchi?

Yamaguchi 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 Yamaguchi in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Penang as well as Yamaguchi. Penang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Yamaguchi for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Penang is around the same temperature as Yamaguchi in the summer. The daily temperature in Penang averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Yamaguchi fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

It's quite rainy in Yamaguchi. Penang receives a lot of rain in the summer. Penang usually gets less rain in July than Yamaguchi. Penang gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Yamaguchi receives 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Penang 27°C (81°F) 
    Yamaguchi 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Penang or Yamaguchi in the Autumn?

Both Yamaguchi 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 Yamaguchi because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Penang is a little warmer than Yamaguchi. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Penang in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Yamaguchi averages at about 19°C (65°F).

It's quite rainy in Penang. In October, Penang usually receives more rain than Yamaguchi. Penang gets 340 mm (13.4 in) of rain, while Yamaguchi receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Penang 27°C (81°F) 
    Yamaguchi 19°C (65°F)

Should I visit Penang or Yamaguchi in the Winter?

Both Yamaguchi 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 and the cuisine are the main draw to Yamaguchi this time of year.

In January, Penang is generally much warmer than Yamaguchi. Daily temperatures in Penang average around 28°C (82°F), and Yamaguchi fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Penang usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Yamaguchi. Penang gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Yamaguchi receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Penang 28°C (82°F) 
    Yamaguchi 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Penang or Yamaguchi in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Penang and Yamaguchi. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Penang year-round. Also, many travelers come to Yamaguchi for the natural beauty.

Penang is much warmer than Yamaguchi in the spring. The daily temperature in Penang averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Yamaguchi fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

Yamaguchi 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 Yamaguchi. Penang gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Yamaguchi receives 162 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Penang 28°C (82°F) 
    Yamaguchi 14°C (57°F)

Typical Weather for Yamaguchi and Penang

Penang Yamaguchi
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 6°C (42°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 6°C (43°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Mar 28°C (82°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 9°C (48°F) 108 mm (4.2 in)
Apr 28°C (82°F) 240 mm (9.4 in) 14°C (57°F) 162 mm (6.4 in)
May 28°C (82°F) 240 mm (9.4 in) 18°C (65°F) 162 mm (6.4 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 170 mm (6.7 in) 22°C (71°F) 276 mm (10.9 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 210 mm (8.3 in) 26°C (79°F) 271 mm (10.7 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 190 mm (7.5 in) 27°C (81°F) 143 mm (5.6 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 330 mm (13 in) 24°C (75°F) 183 mm (7.2 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 340 mm (13.4 in) 19°C (65°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 230 mm (9.1 in) 13°C (56°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Dec 28°C (82°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 9°C (47°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)