Which place is cheaper, Penang or Yogyakarta?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Yogyakarta or Penang?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Yogyakarta or Penang? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Yogyakarta or Penang?
Yogyakarta
Yogyakarta, also called Yogya, Jogja, and Jogjakarta, is Java's hub of culture and art, and is the top-visited destination on the island. While Jakarta is the most populated and industrially-developed city in Indonesia, Yogya has managed to progress without losing its cultural charm, as illustrated in its well-kept traditional Indonesian architecture.
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 Adventure Tours to Indonesia, The Best Eco Tours in Indonesia, The Best 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia.
-
Yogyakarta Prices
Indonesia PricesPenang Prices
Malaysia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayYogyakarta $59Penang $148
The average daily cost (per person) in Yogyakarta is $59, while the average daily cost in Penang is $148. 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 Yogyakarta and Penang in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personYogyakarta $33Penang $57
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomYogyakarta $66Penang $114
Compare Hotels in Yogyakarta and Penang
Looking for a hotel in Yogyakarta 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: Yogyakarta Hotel Prices and Penang Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Yogyakarta $1.20Penang $14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Yogyakarta
Also for Yogyakarta, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Borobudur 5-hour Tour with Climb up Guarantee and Transfers: $45
- From Roundtrip Transfer to Borobudur Temple: $15
- From/To Yogyakarta Airport Private Transfer: $36
- Indonesia: Yogyakarta Airport Transfer: $14
- Jepara & One Way Private Transfer: $110
- Jomblang Cave Day Trip with Hotel Transfer: $30
- Jomblang Cave Tour from Yogyakarta with Hotel Transfer: $60
- Merapi Volcano Overnight Camping Trip with Transfers: $38
- Private Transfer Airport Jogyakarta ( Adisucipto ): $25
- Private Transfer Airport Yogyakarta (JOG) to All City Destination: $7.00
- Private Transfer from Banyuraden to Yogyakarta Airport (JOG): $70
- Private Transfer from Borobudur to Yogyakarta Airport (JOG): $79
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Penang
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Penang:
-
Local Bus$1.47
-
Island Ferry$0.59
-
Bus From Airport to George Town$0.66
-
Taxi From Airport to George Town$11
-
Motorbike Rental (One Day)$7.34
-
Bicycle Rental (One Day)$2.45
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Penang
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Penang:
- Swettenham Pier Cruise Port to Penang Island hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $56
- Swettenham Cruise Port to Penang Island hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $113
- Private Transfer: Penang International Airport to or from Hotel: $49
- Private Transfer from Swettenham Cruise Terminal to Penang Island: $21
- Private Transfer from Penang Island to Swettenham Cruise Terminal: $21
- Private Transfer from Penang International Airport to Your Hotel: $18
- Private Transfer : Penang Hotel/Port to Kuala Lumpur Hotel: $174
- Private Transfer - Swettenham Cruise Port to Penang Airport (PEN): $21
- Private Half Day Tour to Penang Island with Transfer Included: $80
- Private Economy Penang Airport Transfer-Arrival: $48
- Private Departure Transfer to Penang International Airport: $18
- Penang to Kuala Lumpur 1-way Transfer: $107
Is it cheaper to fly into Yogyakarta or Penang?
Prices for flights to both Penang and Yogyakarta 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 dayYogyakarta $18Penang $66
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Yogyakarta
For Yogyakarta, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Ramayana Show with Transfer, Entry Fee & Dinner: $13
- Night Walking & Street Food Tour: $21
- Morning Food Tour in Yogyakarta: $21
- Guided City Walk and Food Tour: $23
- Morning Walk and Food Tour: $23
- Kotagede Night Food Tour: $27
- Ramayana Ballet Performance with Optional Dinner: $28
- Yogyakarta Evening Walking and Food Tour: $30
- Nighttime Walk and Food Tour: $32
- Small-Group Walking and Food Tour by Night in Yogyakarta: $33
- Cooking Class with Market Visit and Hotel Pickup: $33
- Prawirotaman Night Food Tour: $35
Typical Food Prices in Penang
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Penang:
-
Snack$1.96
-
Dinner at The Suffolk House (for 2)$84
-
Lunch at Sakae Sushi (for 2)$71
-
Lassy Juice$1.71
-
Dinner for 2$3.67
-
Street Stall Food$0.69
-
Casual Lunch (for Two)$4.65
-
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.
- Penang Food Tour : A Feast That Taste Like History : 17+ Tasting: $48
- 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 - Georgetown: $62
- Local Street Food Tour in Georgetown Penang: $62
- 3-Hour Heritage on a Plate Dinner Hop in George Town Penang: $65
- Eat Like A Local: Penang Street Food Tour: $65
- Authentic Local Food Tour with Scenic Walk: $89
- 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
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Yogyakarta $14Penang $57
Tours and Activities in Yogyakarta
For Yogyakarta, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Chicken Church at Karangrejo Village Admission Ticket: $1.71
- Obelix Hills Entry Ticket: $2.18
- Indonesia: Ratu Boko Temple Entrance ticket: $3.99
- HeHa Sky View Admission Ticket: $4.00
- YOGYAKARTA CITY TOUR,SULTAN PALACE,WATER CASTLE AND CRAFTS.: $6.23
- Airport Handling Service - Admission Ticket: $12
- Prambanan Temple Afternoon Tour: $12
- Culinary and Heritage Guided Walking Tour: $13
- Half Day Keraton and Taman Sari Tour: $13
- Indonesia: Borobudur Temple Entrance Ticket: $14
- Prambanan Temple: Half-Day Guided Tour From Yogyakarta: $14
- Jomblang Cave & Pindul Cave Adventur Tour: $15
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$7.59
-
Trishaw Tour (One Hour)$7.34
-
Fort Cornwallis Entrance$0.49
-
Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi Entrance$2.45
Tours and Activities in Penang
Here are a few actual costs in Penang for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 3 Hour of Penang Street Food Walkabout Tour The Heritage Site: $49
- 4-Hour Private Heritage Tour in George Town: $70
- 8 Hours of Penang Tour: $60
- All-Inclusive Penang George Town Private Tour: $158
- Back of the Bike Street Food Experience – Real Penang!: $119
- Best of Historical George Town Half Day Tour: $80
- Bukit Merah Orang Utan and Penang City Private Tour: $140
- Chinese Clan Secrets and History Guided Walking Tour in Penang: $56
- Culture, Faith and Trade: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of George Town: $5.00
- Customizable Penang Private Tour (8hrs usage): $65
- Day Tour of Penang with Train Ride To Penang Hill: $170
- Discover Penang City Tour: $51
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayYogyakarta $4.44Penang $18
Typical Alcohol Prices in Penang
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Penang:
-
Beer$1.96
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Yogyakarta and Penang, we can see that Penang is more expensive. And not only is Yogyakarta much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Yogyakarta would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Yogyakarta 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 Yogyakarta.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Yogyakarta Expensive? and Is Penang Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Yogyakarta or Penang?
Yogyakarta has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Penang. When comparing the sizes of Yogyakarta 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.