Which place is cheaper, Penang or Cebu?
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 Cebu or Penang?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Cebu 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: Cebu or Penang?
Cebu
Cebu Island is an important island in the Visayas region of the Philippines, characterized by its main port at Cebu City as well as many natural features. The most-visited areas include islands of Mactan, Bantayan, Badian, Malapascua and Camotes, all which have resorts and hotels. Scuba diving and snorkeling are common activities along the shoreline, while hiking the mountainous spine of the island is popular inland.
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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Philippines, The Best Honeymoon Tours in Philippines, The Best 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia.
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Cebu Prices
Philippines PricesPenang Prices
Malaysia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCebu $80Penang $144
The average daily cost (per person) in Cebu is $80, 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 Cebu and Penang in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCebu $25Penang $55
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCebu $50Penang $110
Compare Hotels in Cebu and Penang
Looking for a hotel in Cebu 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: Cebu Hotel Prices and Penang Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cebu $26Penang $14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cebu
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cebu:
- Bohol Day Tour from Cebu (Shared) w/ RT Transfers & Ferry: $185
- Bohol Day Tour with Round-Trip Transfers from Cebu: $208
- Canyoneering Cebu in Kawasan falls + meals + Cebu transfer option: $53
- Cebu Airport Private Transfer to Cebu City Hotel: $18
- Cebu Airport Transfer to / from Anywhere in Cebu: $37
- Cebu Safari & Adventure Park: Wildlife Tour with Transfers: $102
- CEB Airport to City Centre|Hotels Private Transfer: $7.00
- One-way Airport Transfer to Cebu City Hotels: $89
- Oslob Whale Shark Encounter & SUMILON with Transfers: $196
- Private Car Transfer with Driver (Flexible Routes): $28
- Private One-Way Airport Transfer: $26
- Cordova Private Transfer from Cordova city to Mactan Cebu Airport (CEB): $28
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 Penang Arrival transfer to Hotel: $12
- Private Arrival Transfer : Penang International Airport: $13
- Private Transfer : Penang International Airport Departure: $13
- Private Departure Transfer : Penang International Airport: $19
- Private Arrival Transfer : Penang International Airport: $19
- Private Departure Transfer - Penang International Airport: $19
- Penang Island to Penang Airport(PEN) - Departure Private transfer: $19
- Private Transfer from Penang Island to Swettenham Cruise Terminal: $22
- Private Transfer - Swettenham Cruise Port to Penang Airport (PEN): $22
- Private Transfer - Penang Airport (PEN) to Swettenham Cruise Port: $22
- Private Transfer from Swettenham Cruise Terminal to Penang Island: $22
- Swettenham Pier to Penang Airport(PEN)-Departure Private Transfer: $23
Is it cheaper to fly into Cebu or Penang?
Prices for flights to both Penang and Cebu 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 dayCebu $36Penang $64
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cebu
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cebu.
- Carbon Market Food Tour & Bars with Jeepney Ride: $16
- Highlands Guided Tour with STREET FOOD TOUR OPTION: $45
- The Ultimate Cebu Food Tour: Local Tastes & Cultural Journey: $70
- Cebu City: Historical Street and Food Tour: $89
- Cebu Traditional Cuisine Cooking Class: $98
- Private Panoramic Tour with Dinner: $100
- Cebu Traditional Bamboo Cooking Class: $107
- Cebu Traditional Bamboo Cooking: $110
- Cebu Vegetarian Cooking Class: $110
- Cebu Traditional Cuisine Cooking Class: $110
- 5-Hour Evening Tour from Cebu with Dinner: $110
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.
- Penang Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Good Morning Penang Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Penang Food Tour - Georgetown: $62
- Local Street Food Tour in Georgetown Penang : $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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cebu $17Penang $55
Tours and Activities in Cebu
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Cebu are as follows:
- Cebu City: Walking Tour: $21
- Cebu City: Guided Trekking Experience: $32
- Adventure Hiking Trip in the City: $36
- 3-Hour Small Group Cebu City Tour: $38
- City Sightseeing Group Tour: $39
- BEST OF Guided Heritage City Joiners Tour: $44
- Heritage Tour and Uphill Tour: $45
- Scuba Diving Experience beach entry in Mactan: $45
- Cebu Highlands Tour (Taoist temple, Leah and sirao garden)PICK UP: $46
- Cebu City: Best of Cebu Full-Day Guided Sightseeing Tour: $49
- Thrill Seekers Paradise Kawasan Canyoning Adventure: $50
- Cebu Half Day City Tour (Private Tour): $51
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
- Explore Remarkable Self-Guided Audio Tour: $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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCebu $14Penang $18
Sample the Local Flavors in Cebu
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cebu:
- Makati Pub Crawl with Optional City Tour: $18
- Cebu City Light's Pub Crawl: $110
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 Cebu and Penang, we can see that Penang is more expensive. And not only is Cebu much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cebu would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cebu 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 Cebu.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cebu Expensive? and Is Penang Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Cebu or Penang?
Cebu has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Penang. When comparing the sizes of Cebu 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 Cebu 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 Cebu or Penang in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cebu and Penang. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cebu year-round. Penang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Penang receives a lot of rain in the summer. Cebu gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Cebu usually receives less rain than Penang. Cebu gets 160 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Penang receives 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
In July, Cebu is generally around the same temperature as Penang. Daily temperatures in Cebu average around 28°C (82°F), and Penang fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyCebu 28°C (82°F)Penang 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Cebu or Penang in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Cebu as well as Penang. Cebu 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. Cebu receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Cebu usually gets less rain in October than Penang. Cebu gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Penang receives 340 mm (13.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
Cebu is around the same temperature as Penang in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cebu averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Penang fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberCebu 28°C (82°F)Penang 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Cebu or Penang in the Winter?
Both Penang and Cebu are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cebu throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Penang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In January, Cebu usually receives more rain than Penang. Cebu gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Penang receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In the winter, Cebu is around the same temperature as Penang. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cebu in January average around 27°C (81°F), and Penang averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryCebu 27°C (81°F)Penang 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Cebu or Penang in the Spring?
Both Penang and Cebu during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Cebu 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. Cebu usually gets less rain in April than Penang. Cebu gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Penang receives 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
In April, Cebu is generally around the same temperature as Penang. Daily temperatures in Cebu average around 29°C (84°F), and Penang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilCebu 29°C (84°F)Penang 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Penang and Cebu
| Cebu | Penang | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) |
| May | 30°C (86°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (84°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 330 mm (13 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 340 mm (13.4 in) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 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.