Which place is cheaper, Penang or Paphos?
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 Paphos or Penang?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Paphos 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: Paphos or Penang?
Paphos
Located on the southwestern tip of Cyprus, Paphos has many different archaeological sights and it is renowned as the birthplace of the Greek goddess Aphrodite. The town is situated between the coast and the Troodos Mountains and it has grown in recent years as a tourist destination. As such, the local government has made efforts to improve the quality of the tourism infrastructure including investing in hotels, restaurants and transportation. There is also a commercial center to the city as well as a newly built "promenade" that travels from the marina along a long coastal path. This route offers excellent views, especially during the morning or evening hours when the sun is low.
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 Cyprus, The Best Tours for Seniors to Cyprus, The Best 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia.
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Paphos Prices
Cyprus PricesPenang Prices
Malaysia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPaphos €125Penang €122
The average daily cost (per person) in Paphos is €125, 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 Paphos and Penang in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPaphos €48Penang €47
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPaphos €96Penang €94
Compare Hotels in Paphos and Penang
Looking for a hotel in Paphos 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: Paphos Hotel Prices and Penang Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Paphos €12Penang €12
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Paphos
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Paphos:
- Blue Lagoon Boat Cruise with Bus Transfer from Paphos: $42
- Blue Lagoon Pafos to Latchi, bus transfer+ Boat trip H/D: $42
- Blue Lagoon Sunset Cruise from Paphos with Transfers: $30
- Blue Lagoon cruise: giant slide, music & Paphos hotel transfers: $35
- Blue Lagoon trip with Transfer from Paphos including 1 hour swim : $45
- Blue Lagoon: 3 Hours Afternoon Cruise with transfer from Paphos: $46
- CO2-Offset Private Car Transfer from Paphos Airport PFO to Polis: $80
- CO2-Offset Private Transfer Paphos Airport PFO to Nicosia City : $199
- From Nicosia Sightseeing Tour with Hotel Transfer: $70
- Ocean Vision: Show & Dance Night with buffet, open bar & transfer: $94
- Paphos Airport (PFO) to Paphos city - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $86
- Paphos Blue Lagoon Cruise: Slide, Music & Hotel Transfer: $34
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€1.21
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Island Ferry€0.48
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Bus From Airport to George Town€0.54
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Taxi From Airport to George Town€9.28
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Motorbike Rental (One Day)€6.05
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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 Paphos or Penang?
Prices for flights to both Penang and Paphos 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 dayPaphos €65Penang €55
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Paphos
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Paphos.
- From Sunset Drink at Aphrodite's Rock & Folk Dinner: $62
- Wave Dancer Fireworks, Buffet Dinner & Show Cruise: $73
- Cyprus: Cooking Class-Mousaka, Tzatziki & Greek Salad: $88
- Moussaka Cooking Class at a Wine Village Villa in Paphos: $226
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€1.61
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Dinner at The Suffolk House (for 2)€69
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Lunch at Sakae Sushi (for 2)€58
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Lassy Juice€1.41
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Dinner for 2€3.03
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Street Stall Food€0.56
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Casual Lunch (for Two)€3.83
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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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Paphos €12Penang €47
Tours and Activities in Paphos
Here are a few actual costs in Paphos for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Blue Lagoon Mediterranean One Boat Cruise from Latchi: $21
- Pafos Zoo Ticket: $22
- The Yellow Glass-Bottom Boat Cruise Swim & Snorkel: $23
- Paphos Sunset Cruise Swim Snorkel & Jump into the Golden Hour : $24
- From Limassol Experience: $29
- Latchi to Blue Lagoon Glass Bottom+slide Boat Tour: $30
- Blue Lagoon Cruise with Sightseeing from Latchi Harbour : $30
- Nafsika II Half Day Cruise Swimming to blue lagoon water slide : $30
- Latchi Blue Lagoon Cruise: $36
- Akamas, Baths of Aphrodite and Blue Lagoon Day Tour: $41
- Turtle Watching Cruise,Snorkelling Adventure &Sunset: $41
- Yellow Submarine Swim Cruise with Unlimited Drinks: $41
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€6.25
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Trishaw Tour (One Hour)€6.05
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Fort Cornwallis Entrance€0.40
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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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPaphos €9.98Penang €15
Sample the Local Flavors in Paphos
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Paphos:
- Afternoon Tour to Agios Neophytos Monastery with Wine Tasting: $44
- Paphos - Troodos Mountains 4x4 Tour with Free Wine Tasting: $70
- Troodos Mountains Jeep Tour with Wine Tasting: $73
- Wine tasting on-board the Demetris Chara BBQboat BlueLagoon tours: $89
- Local Wineries Tour with Wine Tastings: $111
- Troodos Mountains Vino Venture: All Inclusive Full Day Wine Tour: $138
- Private Wine Tour with Tastings and Winery Visits: $762
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€1.61
When comparing the travel costs between Paphos and Penang, we can see that Paphos 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 Paphos 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 Paphos Expensive? and Is Penang Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Paphos or Penang?
Penang has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Paphos. When comparing the sizes of Paphos 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 Paphos or Penang?
Paphos 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 Paphos or Penang in the Summer?
Both Penang and Paphos are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Paphos for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to Penang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In July, Paphos is generally around the same temperature as Penang. Daily temperatures in Paphos average around 27°C (80°F), and Penang fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
It's quite sunny in Penang. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Paphos. Paphos usually receives more sunshine than Penang during summer. Paphos gets 388 hours of sunny skies, while Penang receives 211 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Penang. In July, Paphos usually receives less rain than Penang. Paphos gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Penang receives 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPaphos 27°C (80°F)Penang 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Paphos or Penang in the Autumn?
Both Penang and Paphos during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Paphos in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Penang year-round.
Paphos is cooler than Penang in the autumn. The daily temperature in Paphos averages around 21°C (70°F) in October, and Penang fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
Penang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Paphos usually gets less rain in October than Penang. Paphos gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Penang receives 340 mm (13.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPaphos 21°C (70°F)Penang 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Paphos or Penang in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Paphos and Penang. Most visitors come to Paphos for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Penang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the winter, Paphos is much colder than Penang. Typically, the winter temperatures in Paphos in January average around 12°C (53°F), and Penang averages at about 28°C (82°F).
In January, Paphos usually receives around the same amount of rain as Penang. Paphos gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Penang receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPaphos 12°C (53°F)Penang 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Paphos or Penang in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Paphos as well as Penang. The spring months attract visitors to Paphos because of the beaches and the natural beauty. The warm climate attracts visitors to Penang throughout the year.
In April, Paphos is generally much colder than Penang. Daily temperatures in Paphos average around 17°C (62°F), and Penang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Penang. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Paphos this time of the year. In the spring, Paphos often gets more sunshine than Penang. Paphos gets 270 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Penang receives 218 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Penang. Paphos usually gets less rain in April than Penang. Paphos gets 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Penang receives 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPaphos 17°C (62°F)Penang 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Penang and Paphos
| Paphos | Penang | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (53°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Feb | 12°C (54°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 13°C (56°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (62°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) |
| May | 20°C (69°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (75°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (80°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (80°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 330 mm (13 in) |
| Oct | 21°C (70°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 340 mm (13.4 in) |
| Nov | 17°C (62°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) |
| Dec | 13°C (56°F) | 76 mm (3 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.