Which place is cheaper, Zhengzhou 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 Zhengzhou?
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 Zhengzhou. 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 Zhengzhou?
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.
Zhengzhou
Along the Yellow River, a city from the future and the past resides. Ancient pagodas, futuristic domes, verdant gardens - Zhengzhou is a myriad of many worlds in one urban area. The provincial capital of the Henan Province, Zhengzhou is the encapsulation of a perfect city from its delicate balance of the natural and urban spheres. It was born during the Sui Dynasty, and its actual location was in the modern-day Chenggao. Moreover, Zhengzhou works as the political, economic, technological, and educational center of the province. The city is also one of the eight great ancient capitals of China, with a collection of architecture and art originating during iconic dynasties. These relics of the old world include the Shaolin Monastery, Henan Museum, the Pagoda Forest, the Gaocheng Astronomical Observatory, the Songyue Pagoda, the Emperors of Yan and Huang, and the scenic views of the Yellow River. With over nine million inhabitants, Zhengzhou continues to grow at a thriving rate. It also should be noted that in June 2012, Greater Zhengzhou was named one of the thirteen emerging megacities in China according to the Economist Intelligent Unit. Known internationally for its amazing culmination of culture and history, Zhengzhou is the ideal city for travelers and inhabitants alike.
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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Penang Prices
Malaysia PricesZhengzhou Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPenang $144Zhengzhou $65
The average daily cost (per person) in Penang is $144, while the average daily cost in Zhengzhou is $65. 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 Zhengzhou in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPenang $55Zhengzhou $21
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPenang $110Zhengzhou $42
Compare Hotels in Penang and Zhengzhou
Looking for a hotel in Penang or Zhengzhou? 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 $14Zhengzhou $14
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:
- Chauffeur: Penang Island to Singapore Van Transfer: $146
- Full-Day Private Transfer in Penang City : $277
- Penang Airport (PEN) to Swettenham Cruise Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $23
- Penang Airport Transfer ( 24/7): $59
- Penang Airport Transfer - Arrival or Departure: $36
- Penang City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur Airport One-way Transfer: $140
- Penang City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur City Hotels One-way Transfer: $140
- Penang City to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $107
- Penang City to Kuala Lumpur City One-way Transfer: $140
- Penang Island to Penang Airport(PEN) - Departure Private transfer: $19
- Penang to KUL Hotel (One Way Transfer): $237
- Penang to Kuala Lumpur 1-way Transfer: $107
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zhengzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zhengzhou:
- One-Way Private Transfer from Zhengzhou to Kaifeng: $70
- One-Way Private Transfer from Zhengzhou to Luoyang: $80
- Private Transfer from Zhengzhou to Luoyang Longmen Grottoes : $95
- Private Transfer to Shaolin Temple or Dengfeng from Zhengzhou Train station: $132
- Private transfer to Shaolin Temple from Zhengzhou: $108
- Zhengzhou Airport Transfer( Hotel to Airport): $59
- Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport Chauffeur Transfer, Zhengzhou Airport Transfer: $27
- Zhengzhou airport or Train Staion Transfer Service: $150
- Private Guided Tour/Transfer to Shaolin Temple: $98
- [Airport Transfer] Zhengzhou Xinjiang International Airport Zhengzhou City Transfer There is a reputation for high service! : $27
Is it cheaper to fly into Penang or Zhengzhou?
Prices for flights to both Zhengzhou 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 $64Zhengzhou $36
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 Zhengzhou
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zhengzhou.
- Zhengzhou Erqi Square and Night Markets Private Tour including Dinner: $145
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Penang $55Zhengzhou $5.03
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:
- Asia Camera Museum Admission Ticket: $6.10
- Guided Tour of Cheong Fatt Tze's Blue Mansion in George Town: $6.35
- Tech Dome Entrance Ticket: $6.92
- Straits and Oriental Museum Ticket: $7.32
- Tropical Spice Garden Entrance Ticket & Guided Tours: $8.15
- Penang Hill Funicular Ticket: $8.35
- The Vanilla Village Farm Tour by Kairos: $9.39
- Malaysia: Penang Habitat Entry Ticket: $15
- Malaysia: Discover Nature's Wonders with Entopia Entry Ticket: $17
- Penang Rainbow Skywalk at The Top Komtar Observation Deck Tickets: $22
- Entopia Butterfly and Nature Discovery Park Entry Ticket Penang : $28
- Half-Day Penang Countryside Cycling Tour: $32
Tours and Activities in Zhengzhou
Here are a few actual costs in Zhengzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Kaifeng city highlights tour with delicious lunch from Zhengzhou: $120
- Shaolin Temple One Day Tour: $125
- Private Independent Tour to Shaolin Temple from Zhengzhou: $126
- All inclusive Anyang Yin Xu ruins and Character Museum day tour from Zhengzhou: $140
- Private Independent Tour to Guoliangcun from Zhengzhou: $158
- Private Independent Tour to Yuntai Mountain from Zhengzhou: $169
- Zhengzhou Private Day Tour to Shaolin Temple and Longmen Grottoes: $175
- Zhengzhou private day tour to Shaolin Temple with Kungfu show: $180
- Independent Tour to Shaolin Temple and Longmen Grottoes from Zhengzhou: $188
- Private Day Tour to Shaolin Temple from Zhengzhou with Flexiable Departure Time: $198
- Datong:HangingTemple&Grotto Private Car with Entrance ticket: $199
- Zhengzhou:Kaifeng Private Day Tour Featuring MUST-SEE Attractions: $209
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPenang $18Zhengzhou $4.04
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 Zhengzhou, we can see that Penang is more expensive. And not only is Zhengzhou much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Zhengzhou would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Zhengzhou 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 Zhengzhou.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Penang Expensive? and Is Zhengzhou Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Penang or Zhengzhou?
Zhengzhou has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Penang. When comparing the sizes of Penang and Zhengzhou, 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 Zhengzhou?
Zhengzhou 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 Zhengzhou in the Summer?
Both Zhengzhou and Penang are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Penang throughout the year.
In the summer, Penang is around the same temperature as Zhengzhou. Typically, the summer temperatures in Penang in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Zhengzhou averages at about 28°C (83°F).
It's quite sunny in Zhengzhou. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Penang. Penang usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Zhengzhou during summer. Penang gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Zhengzhou receives 215 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Zhengzhou. It's quite rainy in Penang. In July, Penang usually receives more rain than Zhengzhou. Penang gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Zhengzhou receives 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPenang 27°C (81°F)Zhengzhou 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Penang or Zhengzhou in the Autumn?
Both Zhengzhou and Penang during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Penang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In October, Penang is generally much warmer than Zhengzhou. Daily temperatures in Penang average around 27°C (81°F), and Zhengzhou fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Penang. Penang usually gets more rain in October than Zhengzhou. Penang gets 340 mm (13.4 in) of rain, while Zhengzhou receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPenang 27°C (81°F)Zhengzhou 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Penang or Zhengzhou in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Penang and Zhengzhou. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Penang year-round.
The weather in Zhengzhou can be very cold. Penang is much warmer than Zhengzhou in the winter. The daily temperature in Penang averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Zhengzhou fluctuates around 1°C (34°F).
In January, Penang usually receives more rain than Zhengzhou. Penang gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Zhengzhou receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPenang 28°C (82°F)Zhengzhou 1°C (34°F)
Should I visit Penang or Zhengzhou in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Penang as well as Zhengzhou. Penang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the spring, Penang is much warmer than Zhengzhou. Typically, the spring temperatures in Penang in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Zhengzhou averages at about 16°C (61°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zhengzhou. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Penang this time of the year. In the spring, Penang often gets more sunshine than Zhengzhou. Penang gets 218 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zhengzhou receives 201 hours of full sun.
Penang receives a lot of rain in the spring. Penang usually gets more rain in April than Zhengzhou. Penang gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Zhengzhou receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPenang 28°C (82°F)Zhengzhou 16°C (61°F)
Typical Weather for Zhengzhou and Penang
| Penang | Zhengzhou | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 330 mm (13 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 340 mm (13.4 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 25 mm (1 in) |
| Dec | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 6 mm (0.2 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.