Which place is cheaper, Penang or Abu Dhabi?
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 Abu Dhabi or Penang?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Abu Dhabi and Penang can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Abu Dhabi or Penang?
Abu Dhabi
It doesn't get more "lifestyles of the rich and famous" than a vacation to Abu Dhabi. The federal capital and center of government for the United Arab Emirates is arguably the most modern city in the world.
Abu Dhabi has a population of 1.5 million and provides a home to several oil companies and embassies, but this place is definitely a playground for the world's fanciest tourists. This city has several large projects underway including Yas Island's Formula 1 track and Ferrari theme park.
Note: homosexuality is still outlawed in the UAE with harsh punishments including deportation, fines, jail time or even a death sentence.
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 Family-Friendly Tours to United Arab Emirates, The Best 3-Day Tours in United Arab Emirates, The Best 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia.
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Abu Dhabi Prices
UAE PricesPenang Prices
Malaysia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAbu Dhabi $197Penang $144
The average daily cost (per person) in Abu Dhabi is $197, while the average daily cost in Penang is $144. 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 Abu Dhabi and Penang in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAbu Dhabi $98Penang $55
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAbu Dhabi $196Penang $110
Compare Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Penang
Looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi 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: Abu Dhabi Hotel Prices and Penang Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Abu Dhabi $20Penang $14
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Abu Dhabi
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Abu Dhabi are as follows:
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Car Rental$31
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Taxi to Airport$14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Abu Dhabi
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Abu Dhabi:
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi - Arrival Private Transfer: $75
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi - Arrival Private Transfer: $37
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi - Arrival Private Transfer: $34
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Dubai - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $287
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Dubai hotel or address - Arrival Private Transfer: $43
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Dubai hotel or address - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $86
- Abu Dhabi Airport Private Arrival Transfer to Any Hotel in UAE: $37
- Abu Dhabi Airport Transfer to or from Dubai to Abu Dhabi Airport: $140
- Abu Dhabi Airport Transfers: $40
- Abu Dhabi Airport Transfers : Abu Dhabi City to Airport AUH in Luxury Van: $104
- Abu Dhabi Airport Transfers Arrivals and Departures in Comfort: $55
- Abu Dhabi Airport to Dubai City Private Transfers: $135
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:
- Private Transfer : Penang International Airport Departure: $13
- Private Arrival Transfer : Penang International Airport: $13
- Private Departure Transfer : Penang International Airport: $19
- Private Arrival Transfer : Penang International Airport: $19
- Private Departure Transfer - Penang International Airport: $19
- Penang Airport (PEN) to Penang Island - Arrival Private transfer: $19
- Penang Island to Penang Airport(PEN) - Departure Private transfer: $19
- Private Transfer - Penang Airport (PEN) to Swettenham Cruise Port: $22
- Private Transfer from Penang Island to Swettenham Cruise Terminal: $22
- Private Transfer from Swettenham Cruise Terminal to Penang Island: $22
- Private Transfer - Swettenham Cruise Port to Penang Airport (PEN): $22
- Penang Airport (PEN) to Swettenham Cruise Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $23
Is it cheaper to fly into Abu Dhabi or Penang?
Prices for flights to both Penang and Abu Dhabi 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 dayAbu Dhabi $78Penang $64
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Abu Dhabi
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Abu Dhabi.
- Desert Safari In Abu Dhabi With BBQ Dinner: $58
- Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari: BBQ Dinner, Camel Ride & Shows: $60
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With Live Shows And BBQ Buffet Dinner: $60
- Evening Desert Safari Camel Ride Dinner Live Shows in Abu Dhabi: $69
- Desert Safari, Camel Ride, Live Shows, and BBQ Dinner: $69
- Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner and Shows: $73
- Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari, Camel Ride, Shows and BBQ Dinner: $79
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner & Shows: $80
- Abu Dhabi Afternoon Desert Safari and BBQ Dinner: $80
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With Live Shows And BBQ Buffet Dinner: $84
- Abu Dhabi Desert safari with BBQ Dinner,Sandboarding & Camel ride: $90
- Overnight Desert Safari Abu Dhabi with BBQ Dinner & Morning Breakfast: $150
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
- Private Half-Day Hawker Trails Food Tour in George Town: $51
- Local Street Food Tour in Georgetown Penang : $62
- Eat Like A Local: Penang Street Food Tour: $62
- Penang Food Tour - Georgetown: $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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Abu Dhabi $39Penang $55
Tours and Activities in Abu Dhabi
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Abu Dhabi are as follows:
- Guided Tour at BAPS Hindu Mandir Abu Dhabi: $6.98
- Skip the Line Qasr Al Watan Abu Dhabi Ticket: $14
- Qasr Al Watan Abu Dhabi Entry Ticket: $16
- Tickets to Qasr Al Watan & Louvre Museum Abu Dhabi: $16
- Ticket to Louvre Museum, Abu Dhabi: $18
- Qasr Al Watan Entrance Ticket : $18
- Qasr Al Watan Presidential Palace Abu Dhabi Ticket: $18
- Louvre Museum Abu Dhabi Admission Ticket: $20
- Louvre Museum Abu Dhabi only Tickets: $20
- Abu Dhabi Louvre Museum Entry Ticket with Optional Transportation: $20
- Abu Dhabi Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big UAE Quiz (1 Day Pass): $21
- Qasr Al Watan Abu Dhabi Ticket: $22
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:
- 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: $7.31
- 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
- Explore Remarkable Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
- 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
- Georgetown Half Day City Tour: $42
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAbu Dhabi $13Penang $18
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 Abu Dhabi and Penang, we can see that Abu Dhabi is more expensive. And not only is Penang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Abu Dhabi 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 Abu Dhabi would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Abu Dhabi 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 Abu Dhabi Expensive? and Is Penang Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Abu Dhabi or Penang?
Abu Dhabi has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Penang. When comparing the sizes of Abu Dhabi 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.
When is the best time to visit Abu Dhabi or Penang?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Penang in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Abu Dhabi and Penang. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Abu Dhabi year-round. Penang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Penang receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Penang. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Penang receives 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Penang this time of the year. In Abu Dhabi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Penang during summer. Abu Dhabi gets 331 hours of sunny skies, while Penang receives 211 hours of full sun in the summer.
Abu Dhabi can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Abu Dhabi is generally a little warmer than Penang. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 35°C (95°F), and Penang fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAbu Dhabi 35°C (95°F)Penang 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Penang in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Abu Dhabi as well as Penang. Abu Dhabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Penang throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Penang. Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in October than Penang. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Penang receives 340 mm (13.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
Abu Dhabi is around the same temperature as Penang in the autumn. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 29°C (84°F) in October, and Penang fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAbu Dhabi 29°C (84°F)Penang 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Penang in the Winter?
Both Penang and Abu Dhabi are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Abu Dhabi throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Penang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In January, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Penang. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Penang receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In the winter, Abu Dhabi is much colder than Penang. Typically, the winter temperatures in Abu Dhabi in January average around 18°C (64°F), and Penang averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAbu Dhabi 18°C (64°F)Penang 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Penang in the Spring?
Both Penang and Abu Dhabi during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Abu Dhabi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Penang year-round.
Penang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in April than Penang. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Penang receives 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Penang, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Abu Dhabi. In the spring, Abu Dhabi often gets more sunshine than Penang. Abu Dhabi gets 297 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Penang receives 218 hours of full sun.
In April, Abu Dhabi is generally around the same temperature as Penang. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 27°C (81°F), and Penang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAbu Dhabi 27°C (81°F)Penang 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Penang and Abu Dhabi
| Abu Dhabi | Penang | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) |
| Jun | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Jul | 35°C (95°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) |
| Aug | 36°C (97°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Sep | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 330 mm (13 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 340 mm (13.4 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 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.