Which place is cheaper, Penang or Tel Aviv?
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 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 Tours for Seniors to Israel, The Best 3-Day Tours from Jerusalem, The Best 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia.
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Tel Aviv Prices
Israel PricesPenang Prices
Malaysia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayTel Aviv $201Penang $147
The average daily cost (per person) in Tel Aviv is $201, while the average daily cost in Penang is $147. 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
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTel Aviv $109Penang $56
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTel Aviv $218Penang $112
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.
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 and Penang Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Tel Aviv $11Penang $14
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Tel Aviv
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Tel Aviv are as follows:
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Local Bus to Central Bus Station$1.99
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Taxi to Airport$51
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tel Aviv
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tel Aviv:
- Fast and Reliable Airport Transfers to Tel Aviv Hotels (or back): $94
- Haifa to Tel Aviv or (TLV) Airport Transfers (Arrival/Departure): $290
- Herzliya to Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport Private Departure Transfer: $56
- Private Airport Transfer - Dead Sea Hotels from or to Tel Aviv (TLV) Airport: $160
- Private Arrival Transfer: From Ben Gurion Airport to Tel Aviv City Center: $48
- Private Departure Transfer: From Tel Aviv City Center to Ben Gurion Airport: $48
- Private Transfer from Herzlia to Ben Gurion Airport: $116
- Private Transfer from Herzlia to Jerusalem: $247
- Private Transfer from Jerusalem to Ben Gurion Airport: $172
- Private Transfer from Netanya to Ben Gurion Airport: $172
- Private Transfer from Tel Aviv Airport (TLV) to Haifa Cruise Port: $229
- Private Transfer from Tel Aviv Int Airport (TLV) to Ashdod Port: $153
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$1.45
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Island Ferry$0.58
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Bus From Airport to George Town$0.65
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Taxi From Airport to George Town$11
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Motorbike Rental (One Day)$7.25
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Bicycle Rental (One Day)$2.42
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Penang
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Penang:
- Chauffeur: Penang Island to Singapore Van Transfer: $146
- Penang Airport (PEN) to Penang Island - Arrival Private transfer: $19
- Penang Airport (PEN) to Swettenham Cruise Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $22
- Penang Airport (PEN) to Swettenham Port - Round-Trip Transfer: $44
- Penang Airport PEN to Penang Island - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $37
- Penang Airport Transfer: $15
- Penang Airport Transfer ( 24/7): $59
- Penang Airport Transfer - Arrival or Departure: $36
- Penang Airport(PEN) to Penang Island -Round-Trip Private Transfer: $37
- Penang City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur Airport One-way Transfer: $140
- Penang City to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $107
- Penang City to Kuala Lumpur City 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
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Food Meals for one dayTel Aviv $61Penang $66
Typical Food Prices in Tel Aviv
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Tel Aviv:
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Dinner for Two$28
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Dinner for 2 at Vatroshka$164
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Lunch at Segev Sarona$43
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Aroma Iced Coffee$4.73
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Lunch at the airport$40
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$1.93
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Dinner at The Suffolk House (for 2)$83
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Lunch at Sakae Sushi (for 2)$70
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Lassy Juice$1.69
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Dinner for 2$3.63
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Street Stall Food$0.68
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$4.59
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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.
- 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 : A Feast That Taste Like History : 17+ Tasting: $55
- 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
- Authentic Local Food Tour with Scenic Walk: $89
- Malay Culinary Journey Cooking Class for the Adventurous Foodie: $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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Tel Aviv $29Penang $56
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:
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Masada tour from Tel Aviv$100
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Etzel museum$5.07
Tours and Activities in Tel Aviv
Here are a few actual costs in Tel Aviv for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Israel’s Neve Tzedek: $7.99
- Trail of Independence Quest Experience: $8.15
- Jaffa Gatekeeper’s Secret: Exploration Game and Tour: $9.33
- The White City: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of the History of the Bauhaus Style: $9.99
- The Story of Gan HaHashmal: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
- 30-minute Sightseeing Cruise of Tel Aviv and Jaffa Skyline: $29
- Tel Aviv Street Art Tour (Graffiti): $35
- Jaffa Walking Tour - Half-Day: $49
- Discover Jaffa in a Guided Walking Tour: $50
- Carmel Market Vegetarian Food, History & Culture Tour: $50
- Highlights of Central Tel Aviv Walking Tour: $50
- Tel Aviv; Jaffa Old City, Port & Shuk Hapishpishim Walking Tour: $60
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$7.49
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Trishaw Tour (One Hour)$7.25
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Fort Cornwallis Entrance$0.48
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Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi Entrance$2.42
Tours and Activities in Penang
Here are a few actual costs in Penang for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Guided Tour of Cheong Fatt Tze's Blue Mansion in George Town: $6.35
- Tech Dome Entrance Ticket: $6.92
- Tropical Spice Garden Entrance Ticket & Guided Tours: $8.15
- The Vanilla Village Farm Tour by Kairos: $9.39
- Penang Hill Funicular Ticket - Non-Malaysian: $11
- Malaysia: Penang Habitat Entry Ticket: $15
- Malaysia: Discover Nature's Wonders with Entopia Entry Ticket: $16
- The Top Komtar Penang Observation Deck and Rainbow Skywalk Ticket: $21
- Entopia Penang Admission Ticket: $22
- Penang Rainbow Skywalk at The Top Komtar Observation Deck Tickets: $22
- Half-Day Penang Countryside Cycling Tour: $33
- Private George Town UNESCO Heritage Walking Tour: $45
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayTel Aviv $27Penang $18
Sample the Local Flavors in Tel Aviv
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Tel Aviv:
- Tel Aviv Pub Crawl: $26
- Guided Pub Crawl Night Tour at Tel Aviv: $29
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$1.93
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.
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.