Which place is cheaper, Canberra 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 Canberra?
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 Canberra. 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 Canberra?
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.
Canberra
There is something special about the capital city of Australia. Canberra's not just a wonderful spot for outdoor adventures. It's a city completely designed and built up around the coast of an artificial lake. When architects Walter Burley and Marion Mahony Griffin proposed their plans for Canberra it was met with a lot of criticism. Many people thought it would be a "waste of a good sheep pasture."
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Melbourne, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Australia.
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Penang Prices
Malaysia PricesCanberra Prices
Australia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPenang $144Canberra $159
The average daily cost (per person) in Penang is $144, while the average daily cost in Canberra is $159. 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 Canberra in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPenang $55Canberra $83
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPenang $110Canberra $166
Compare Hotels in Penang and Canberra
Looking for a hotel in Penang or Canberra? 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 Canberra Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Penang $14Canberra $24
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:
- Swettenham Pier to Penang Airport(PEN)-Departure Private Transfer: $23
- Swettenham Pier Cruise Port to Penang Island hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $57
- Swettenham Cruise Port to Penang Island hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $115
- Private Transfer: Penang Island to or from Perak: $131
- Private Transfer: Penang International Airport to or from Hotel: $49
- Private Transfer from Swettenham Cruise Terminal to Penang Island: $22
- 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 Penang Arrival transfer to Hotel: $12
- Private Half Day Tour to Penang Island with Transfer Included: $70
- Private Economy Penang Airport Transfer-Departure: $29
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Canberra
Also for Canberra, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Canberra Airport (CBR) to Canberra - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $134
- Canberra Int'l Airport (CBR) to Canberra Arrival Private Transfer: $67
- Canberra to Canberra Airport (CBR) - Departure Private Transfer: $67
- Guided Tour of Floriade Festival with Transfers: $125
Is it cheaper to fly into Penang or Canberra?
Prices for flights to both Canberra 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 $64Canberra $60
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
Typical Food Prices in Canberra
For Canberra, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Lunch$16
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Penang $55Canberra $17
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:
- George Town Highlights & Upside Down Museum tours (5 Hours): $67
- Penang City Temple Tour with Penang Hill(Fast Lane) & Kek Lok Si: $147
- 6 Hours Highlights of Penang Shared Tour : $75
- 6-Hours Penang Private Tour: $169
- 8 Hours of Penang Tour: $60
- Back of the Bike Street Food Experience – Real Penang!: $88
- Best of Historical George Town Half Day Tour: $80
- Bukit Merah Orang Utan and Penang City Private Tour: $140
- Colors of George Town Walking Tour: $138
- Countryside Cycling Tour. T1.0 by Matahari: $97
- ESCAPE Penang Theme Park Admission Ticket : $73
- Enjoy Amazing Night Tour in Penang : $84
Tours and Activities in Canberra
For Canberra, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- National Portrait Gallery Guided Tour: $9.92
- Museum Highlights Tour | 1pm Daily: $13
- Building + Architecture Tour | 10am Daily: $13
- First Australians Tour | 3pm Daily: $13
- Australian Institute of Sport: The AIS Tour: $14
- Personalised Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing in Canberra, with John: $40
- Ultimate Museum Experience | Tour + Dine + Shop (10am daily): $42
- Ultimate Museum Experience | Dine + Tour + Shop (1pm daily): $42
- Spies in the Capital: Women in Espionage Walking Tour: $43
- The Women Behind Inspiring Tour with Local Guide: $43
- Guided Tree Ropes Course Experience in Majura Pines: $46
- Canberra Glassblowing Experience: Make Your Own Bird: $79
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPenang $18Canberra $16
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
Typical Alcohol Prices in Canberra
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Canberra from other travelers:
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Drinks at a Bar$9.16
Sample the Local Flavors in Canberra
Also in Canberra, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Canberra Bar Crawl Can I Get a Drink Canberra: $15
- Wine Tour From Canberra to Murrumbateman - Hop on Hop Off: $60
- 2 People - Indulgence Wine Tasting with Matched Elements Canberra: $87
- Canberra Brewery Winery and Distillery Tour: $114
- From Winery, Distillery, & Tasting Tour with Lunch: $149
- Canberra Wine Tour: $161
- Full-Day Canberra Brewery, Wineries & Distillery tour /w lunch: $174
- 2 People - Premium Wine Tasting Experience and 2-Course Lunch: $181
When comparing the travel costs between Penang and Canberra, we can see that Canberra 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 Penang is in Asia and Canberra is in Pacific, 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 Penang Expensive? and Is Canberra Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Penang or Canberra?
Canberra has a larger population, and is about 84% larger than the population of Penang. When comparing the sizes of Penang and Canberra, 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 Canberra?
Canberra 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 Canberra in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Penang as well as Canberra. Penang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Canberra for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Penang is generally a little warmer than Canberrain January. Daily temperatures in Penang average around 27°C (81°F), and Canberra fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
Penang receives a lot of rain in the summer. Penang usually gets more rain in July than Canberrain January. Penang gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryPenang 27°C (81°F)Canberra 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Penang or Canberra in the Autumn?
Both Canberra and Penang are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Penang throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Canberra in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.
Penang is much warmer than Canberra in the autumn. The daily temperature in Penang averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Canberra fluctuates around 17°C (63°F)in April.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Canberra. It's quite rainy in Penang. In October, Penang usually receives more rain than Canberrain April. Penang gets 340 mm (13.4 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilPenang 27°C (81°F)Canberra 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Penang or Canberra in the Winter?
Both Canberra and Penang during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Penang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, most visitors come to Canberra for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
In the winter, Penang is much warmer than Canberra. Typically, the winter temperatures in Penang in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Canberra averages at about 11°C (52°F)in July.
Penang usually gets more rain in January than Canberrain July. Penang gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyPenang 28°C (82°F)Canberra 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Penang or Canberra in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Penang and Canberra. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Penang year-round. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Canberra because of the activities around the city.
In April, Penang is generally much warmer than Canberrain October. Daily temperatures in Penang average around 28°C (82°F), and Canberra fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).
Penang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Penang usually receives more rain than Canberrain October. Penang gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberPenang 28°C (82°F)Canberra 15°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Canberra and Penang
| Penang | Canberra | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 330 mm (13 in) | 14°C (56°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 340 mm (13.4 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Dec | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 79 mm (3.1 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.