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

Should you visit Tel Aviv or Penang?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Tel Aviv or Penang, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Tel Aviv or Penang?

Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv is the second largest city in Israel and is situated on the Mediterranean coast 60 kilometers north of Jerusalem. It's a rapidly growing city and is one of the most modern and cosmopolitan cities in Israel. The official name is Tel Aviv-Yafo because the city has grown to include the ancient port city of Yafo. If you're looking for an embassy, you are likely to find it in Tel Aviv, despite Jerusalem being the official capital of Israel.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Israel, The Best Budget Tours to Israel, The Best 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia.


Which place is cheaper, Penang or Tel Aviv?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Tel Aviv is $138, while the average daily cost in Penang is $103. 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 Tel Aviv and Penang in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tel Aviv $85
    Penang $49
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tel Aviv $170
    Penang $98
Compare Hotels in Tel Aviv and Penang

Looking for a hotel in Tel Aviv or Penang? 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 Tel Aviv


Hotels in Penang


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: Tel Aviv Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tel Aviv $8.66
    Penang $12
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Tel Aviv

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Tel Aviv are as follows:


  • Local Bus to Central Bus Station
    $1.56
  • Taxi to Airport
    $40

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tel Aviv

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tel Aviv:

  • From Biblical Highlights Tour with Transfer: $124
  • From Jerusalem Day Trip with Transfer: $124
  • Herzliya to Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport Private Departure Transfer: $56
  • Jerusalem: Private Airport Transfer - Great Service !: $115
  • Netanya: Private Airport Transfer - Great Service !: $115
  • Private Arrival Transfer: From Ben Gurion Airport to Tel Aviv City Center: $48
  • Private Haifa Transfer - from/to Tel Aviv City or (TLV) Airport : $239
  • Private Intercity Transfer - from your Tel Aviv Hotel to your Jerusalem Hotel: $80
  • Private Round trip Airport Transfers - Airport to Tel Aviv Area and return: $174
  • Private Tel Aviv Departure Transfer - Hotel/Accommodation to Airport: $89
  • Private Tel Aviv Departure Transfer from your Hotel /Accommodation to Airport: $35
  • Private Transfer from Herzlia to Ben Gurion Airport: $116

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:

  • Chauffeur: Penang Island to Singapore Van Transfer: $138
  • Full-Day Private Transfer in Penang City : $210
  • Penang Airport (PEN) to Penang Island - Arrival Private Transfer : $38
  • Penang Airport (PEN) to Penang Island - Arrival Private transfer: $43
  • Penang Airport (PEN): Transfer to Swettenham Cruise Port: $116
  • Penang Airport PEN to Penang Island - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $85
  • Penang Airport Transfer ( 24/7): $29
  • Penang Airport Transfer to Georgetown/City Hotel or Resort/Beach Hotel: $18
  • Penang Airport to Swettenham Cruise Port - Round Trip Transfer: $76
  • Penang Airport(PEN) to Penang Island -Round-Trip Private Transfer: $76
  • Penang City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur Airport One-way Transfer: $140
  • Penang City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur City Hotels One-way Transfer: $140

Is it cheaper to fly into Tel Aviv or Penang?

Prices for flights to both Penang and Tel Aviv 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
    Tel Aviv $27
    Penang $33
Typical Food Prices in Tel Aviv

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


  • Dinner for Two
    $22
  • Dinner for 2 at Vatroshka
    $129
  • Lunch at Segev Sarona
    $34
  • Aroma Iced Coffee
    $3.71
  • Lunch at the airport
    $31

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tel Aviv

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Tel Aviv.

  • Tel Aviv Food Tour of the Carmel Market: $49
  • Carmel Market Food Tour: $49
  • Tel Aviv Food Tour: The Magic of Carmel Market: $49
  • Private Jaffa Flea Market Hapishpeshim Food Tour: $60
  • 3 hours Levinsky Market Food Tour : $104
  • The 10 Tastings of Tel Aviv With Locals: Private Food Tour : $230
  • Private Food Tour to Carmel Market : $266

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.
    Tel Aviv $23
    Penang $49
Typical Entertainment Prices in Tel Aviv

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


  • Masada tour from Tel Aviv
    $78
  • Etzel museum
    $3.98

Tours and Activities in Tel Aviv

Here are a few actual costs in Tel Aviv for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • The Story of Gan HaHashmal: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • The Trail of Independence: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Tel Aviv: $9.99
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Self-guided Graffiti tour in Tel Aviv in your own time and your own pace: $24
  • All the Best of Tel Aviv Walking Tour: $28
  • Sightseeing Cruise of Tel Aviv and Jaffa Skyline: $29
  • Tel Aviv Jaffo Skyline Sightseeing Cruise of Coast Line: $29
  • Historic walking tour of Tel Aviv - Secrets of Sarona - Self-Guided Tour: $30
  • Jaffa Walking Tour: Old Jaffa, Jaffa Port & the Flea Market: $35
  • Tel Aviv Street Art Tour (Graffiti): $35
  • Tel Aviv Street Art Tour: $39
  • Jaffa and Neve Tzedek Neighborhoods Walking Tour: $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:

  • 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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tel Aviv $22
    Penang $15

Sample the Local Flavors in Tel Aviv

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Tel Aviv:

  • Pub Crawl and Nightlife Tour with Shots: $21
  • Pub Crawl with Clubs, dance bars and free shots: $21
  • Guided Pub Crawl Night Tour at Tel Aviv: $24
  • Pub Crawl with 4 Stops and Free Shots: $30
  • Tel Aviv Craft Beers Pub Crawl: $42
  • Wine Tour North of Israel from Tel Aviv: $959

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 Tel Aviv and Penang, we can see that Tel Aviv is more expensive. And not only is Penang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Tel Aviv is in Middle East and Penang is in Asia, 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 Tel Aviv would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tel Aviv 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 Tel Aviv Expensive? and Is Penang Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Tel Aviv or Penang?

Tel Aviv has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Penang. When comparing the sizes of Tel Aviv and Penang, 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.