Which place is cheaper, Akureyri or Penang?
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 Penang or Akureyri?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Penang and Akureyri. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Penang or Akureyri?
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.
Akureyri
Akureyri is the largest town in the northern region of Iceland, and is often considered the unofficial capital of the north. The town is a popular fishing port and is often used as a basecamp for visiting the more rural surrounding area. Akureyri is known for their great art scene, beautiful architecture, and stunning natural scenery.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Iceland, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland.
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Penang Prices
Malaysia PricesAkureyri Prices
Iceland Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPenang $144Akureyri $191
The average daily cost (per person) in Penang is $144, while the average daily cost in Akureyri is $191. 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 Penang and Akureyri in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPenang $55Akureyri $103
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPenang $110Akureyri $206
Compare Hotels in Penang and Akureyri
Looking for a hotel in Penang or Akureyri? 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: Penang Hotel Prices and Akureyri Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Penang $14Akureyri $23
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:
- Chauffeur: Penang Island to Singapore Van Transfer: $146
- Full-Day Private Transfer in Penang City : $275
- 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 City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur Airport One-way Transfer: $140
- Penang City to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $107
- Penang City to Kuala Lumpur City One-way Transfer: $140
- Penang Island to Penang Airport(PEN) - Departure Private transfer: $19
- Penang to KUL Hotel (One Way Transfer): $237
- Penang to Kuala Lumpur 1-way Transfer: $107
- ATV Ride in Balik Pulau with Snacks and Transfers: $66
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Akureyri
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Akureyri:
- Akureyri Airport (AEY): Transfer to/from Akureyri City: $29
- Whale Watching Tour with Transfer from Port: $141
- From Godafoss Waterfall Guided Trip with Transfers: $126
Is it cheaper to fly into Penang or Akureyri?
Prices for flights to both Akureyri and Penang 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 dayPenang $64Akureyri $71
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
- Penang Food Tour - Georgetown: $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
- Private Dinner at THE TOP with Skywalk Experience from Penang: $103
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Penang $55Akureyri $18
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
- 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
- Half-Day Penang Countryside Cycling Tour: $32
- Georgetown Half Day City Tour: $42
Tours and Activities in Akureyri
Here are a few actual costs in Akureyri for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Icelandic Aviation Museum Admission Ticket: $15
- War and Peace Museum - Tour: $24
- Godafoss Waterfall Short Day Tour from Akureyri: $65
- Snowshoeing Experience and Storytelling in Héðinsfjörður: $78
- Forest Lagoon Admission Ticket with Towel and One Drink included: $78
- Guided Sit on Top Kayak Tour: $79
- Akureyri Port: Godafoss Waterfall Classic Tour & Viewpoint: $82
- Short Riding Tour with Eye-Catching Photos at Waterfall: $82
- Zipline Tour: $95
- Zipline Adventure Through Glerárgil River Canyon in Akureyri Town: $95
- Húsavík Whale Watching Tour, family owned and operated : $98
- Whale Watching and Sea Angling Tour : $100
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPenang $18Akureyri $15
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 Penang and Akureyri, we can see that Akureyri is more expensive. And not only is Penang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Penang is in Asia and Akureyri is in Europe, 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 Akureyri would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Akureyri 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 Penang Expensive? and Is Akureyri Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Penang or Akureyri?
Penang has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Akureyri. When comparing the sizes of Penang and Akureyri, 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 Penang or Akureyri?
Akureyri 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 Penang or Akureyri in the Summer?
Both Akureyri and Penang are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Penang throughout the year.
In the summer, Penang is much warmer than Akureyri. Typically, the summer temperatures in Penang in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Akureyri averages at about 11°C (52°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Penang. Penang usually receives more sunshine than Akureyri during summer. Penang gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Akureyri receives 158 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's quite rainy in Penang. In July, Penang usually receives more rain than Akureyri. Penang gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Akureyri receives 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPenang 27°C (81°F)Akureyri 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Penang or Akureyri in the Autumn?
Both Akureyri and Penang during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Penang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The weather in Akureyri can be very cold. In October, Penang is generally much warmer than Akureyri. Daily temperatures in Penang average around 27°C (81°F), and Akureyri fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Penang. Penang usually gets more rain in October than Akureyri. Penang gets 340 mm (13.4 in) of rain, while Akureyri receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPenang 27°C (81°F)Akureyri 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Penang or Akureyri in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Penang and Akureyri. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Penang year-round.
It's quite cold in Akureyri in the winter. Penang is much warmer than Akureyri in the winter. The daily temperature in Penang averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Akureyri fluctuates around -2°C (28°F).
In January, Penang usually receives more rain than Akureyri. Penang gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Akureyri receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPenang 28°C (82°F)Akureyri -2°C (28°F)
Should I visit Penang or Akureyri in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Penang as well as Akureyri. Penang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Akureyri. In the spring, Penang is much warmer than Akureyri. Typically, the spring temperatures in Penang in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Akureyri averages at about 2°C (36°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Penang this time of the year. In the spring, Penang often gets more sunshine than Akureyri. Penang gets 218 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Akureyri receives 130 hours of full sun.
Penang receives a lot of rain in the spring. Penang usually gets more rain in April than Akureyri. Penang gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Akureyri receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPenang 28°C (82°F)Akureyri 2°C (36°F)
Typical Weather for Akureyri and Penang
| Penang | Akureyri | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | -2°C (28°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | -1°C (30°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | -1°C (31°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 19 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 330 mm (13 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 340 mm (13.4 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) | -0°C (32°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Dec | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | -2°C (29°F) | 53 mm (2.1 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.