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

Should you visit Cesis or Penang?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Cesis and Penang can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Cesis or Penang?

Cesis

Cesis is the quintessential old world town in Latvia. It is nestled among rolling hills, giving it a beautiful, fantasy world like setting. The small town is sprinkled with old castles, fortresses, and parks that you can leisurely wander through to pass the time. There's a lovely town square that is the perfect place to grab a seat on a bench and people watch. Because of the square's central location, many residents pass through it on their way to and from the market. The town is intertwined with lovely cobblestone streets that are lined with old homes, in various stages of disrepair. Cesis manages to perfectly balance a level of authentic wear and tear with a fairytale ambiance. Outside of town you'll find great hiking trails that you can use to explore the rolling hills and picturesque countryside. The small town is also conveniently located less than 100 kilometers from Riga, making it an easy trip on a bus.

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 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia.


Which place is cheaper, Penang or Cesis?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Cesis is €138, while the average daily cost in Penang is €122. 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 Cesis and Penang in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cesis 47
    Penang 47
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cesis 94
    Penang 94
Compare Hotels in Cesis and Penang

Looking for a hotel in Cesis 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 Cesis


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: Penang Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cesis 30
    Penang 12

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Penang

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Penang:


  • Local Bus
    1.21
  • Island Ferry
    0.48
  • Bus From Airport to George Town
    0.54
  • Taxi From Airport to George Town
    9.28
  • Motorbike Rental (One Day)
    6.05
  • Bicycle Rental (One Day)
    2.02

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Penang

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Penang:

  • Chauffeur: Penang Island to Singapore Van Transfer: $146
  • Full-Day Private Transfer in Penang City : $275
  • Penang Airport (PEN) to Penang Island - Arrival Private transfer: $19
  • Penang Airport (PEN) to Swettenham Cruise Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $23
  • Penang Airport Transfer ( 24/7): $59
  • Penang Airport Transfer - Arrival or Departure: $36
  • Penang Balik Pulau Countryside Morning Cycling with Transfers: $33
  • Penang City to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $107
  • Penang City to Kuala Lumpur City One-way Transfer: $140
  • Penang Island hotels to Swettenham Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $57
  • Penang Island to Penang Airport(PEN) - Departure Private transfer: $19
  • Penang to KUL Hotel (One Way Transfer): $237

Is it cheaper to fly into Cesis or Penang?

Prices for flights to both Penang and Cesis 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
    Cesis 71
    Penang 55
Typical Food Prices in Cesis

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


  • Lunch in town for two
    6.67

Typical Food Prices in Penang

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


  • Snack
    1.61
  • Dinner at The Suffolk House (for 2)
    69
  • Lunch at Sakae Sushi (for 2)
    58
  • Lassy Juice
    1.41
  • Dinner for 2
    3.03
  • Street Stall Food
    0.56
  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    3.83
  • Italian Lunch (for Two)
    9.68

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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cesis 16
    Penang 47

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
    6.25
  • Trishaw Tour (One Hour)
    6.05
  • Fort Cornwallis Entrance
    0.40
  • Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi Entrance
    2.02

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
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cesis 17
    Penang 15

Typical Alcohol Prices in Penang

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Penang:


  • Beer
    1.61


When comparing the travel costs between Cesis and Penang, we can see that Cesis is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Cesis is in Europe and Penang is in Asia, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cesis Expensive? and Is Penang Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cesis or Penang?

Penang has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Cesis. When comparing the sizes of Cesis 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 Cesis or Penang?

Cesis has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Penang experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Cesis or Penang in the Summer?

Both Penang and Cesis are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cesis this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Penang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the summer, Cesis is much colder than Penang. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cesis in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Penang averages at about 27°C (81°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Penang. In July, Cesis usually receives less rain than Penang. Cesis gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Penang receives 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cesis 17°C (63°F) 
    Penang 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Cesis or Penang in the Autumn?

Both Penang and Cesis during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Cesis for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Penang year-round.

In October, Cesis is generally much colder than Penang. Daily temperatures in Cesis average around 7°C (45°F), and Penang fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Penang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Cesis usually gets less rain in October than Penang. Cesis gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Penang receives 340 mm (13.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cesis 7°C (45°F) 
    Penang 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Cesis or Penang in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cesis and Penang. Many visitors come to Cesis in the winter for the cuisine. Penang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Cesis can get quite cold in the winter. Cesis is much colder than Penang in the winter. The daily temperature in Cesis averages around -5°C (23°F) in January, and Penang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

In January, Cesis usually receives less rain than Penang. Cesis gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Penang receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cesis -5°C (23°F) 
    Penang 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Cesis or Penang in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cesis as well as Penang. Most visitors come to Cesis for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Penang throughout the year.

In the spring, Cesis is much colder than Penang. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cesis in April average around 5°C (42°F), and Penang averages at about 28°C (82°F).

It's quite rainy in Penang. Cesis usually gets less rain in April than Penang. Cesis gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Penang receives 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cesis 5°C (42°F) 
    Penang 28°C (82°F)

Typical Weather for Penang and Cesis

Cesis Penang
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -5°C (23°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 28°C (82°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Feb -4°C (24°F) 25 mm (1 in) 28°C (82°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Mar -0°C (31°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 28°C (82°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Apr 5°C (42°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 28°C (82°F) 240 mm (9.4 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 28°C (82°F) 240 mm (9.4 in)
Jun 15°C (60°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 170 mm (6.7 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 210 mm (8.3 in)
Aug 16°C (62°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 76 mm (3 in) 27°C (81°F) 330 mm (13 in)
Oct 7°C (45°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 340 mm (13.4 in)
Nov 2°C (36°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 230 mm (9.1 in)
Dec -2°C (28°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 28°C (82°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)