Which place is cheaper, Kanazawa 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 Kanazawa?
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 Kanazawa. 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 Kanazawa?
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.
Kanazawa
An important city of the Edo-period, Kanazawa is a well preserved city from a time when samurai, merchants, geisha, and lords made up the core of its culture. Though it is often overlooked by foreigners, the city is a gem of Japanese tourism with a number of preserved historic districts, temples, regional handicrafts, art museums, and some of the best food to be had in Japan.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Japan, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Japan.
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Penang Prices
Malaysia PricesKanazawa Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPenang $144Kanazawa $131
The average daily cost (per person) in Penang is $144, while the average daily cost in Kanazawa is $131. 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 Kanazawa in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPenang $55Kanazawa $66
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPenang $110Kanazawa $132
Compare Hotels in Penang and Kanazawa
Looking for a hotel in Penang or Kanazawa? 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 Kanazawa Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Penang $14Kanazawa $9.66
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:
- Full-Day Private Transfer in Penang City : $277
- Penang to KUL Hotel (One Way Transfer): $237
- Chauffeur: Penang Island to Singapore Van Transfer: $146
- Penang City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur City Hotels One-way Transfer: $140
- Penang City to Kuala Lumpur City One-way Transfer: $140
- Penang City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur Airport One-way Transfer: $140
- Private Transfer: Penang Island to or from Perak: $131
- Swettenham Cruise Port to Penang Island hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $115
- Penang City to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $107
- Penang to Kuala Lumpur 1-way Transfer: $107
- Private Half Day Tour to Penang Island with Transfer Included: $70
- ATV Ride in Balik Pulau with Snacks and Transfers: $66
Is it cheaper to fly into Penang or Kanazawa?
Prices for flights to both Kanazawa 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 $64Kanazawa $58
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kanazawa
For Kanazawa, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Authentic Japanese Cooking and Sushi-Making Lesson: $101
- traditional Japanese & sushi cooking classes: $103
- Fishing Experience with Gyotaku and Cooking: $423
- Geisha Performance with Dinner and Drinks: $1,217
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Penang $55Kanazawa $10
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
- 6 Hours Highlights of Penang Shared Tour : $75
- 6-Hours Penang Private Tour: $169
- 8 Hours of Penang Tour: $60
- All-Inclusive Penang George Town Private Tour: $154
- Asia Camera Museum Admission Ticket: $6.10
- 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
Tours and Activities in Kanazawa
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Kanazawa.
- Rental Kimono Selfie Photo Experience: $21
- Ring making experience　 Completed in about 1 hour! : $23
- Private Ring Craft Experience in Kanazawa: $23
- Selfie Photo Experience with Rental Kimono - Moon: $23
- Selfie Photo Experience with Rental Kimono - Color: $27
- Tea Ceremony Experience at Kenrokuen: $30
- Kanazawa:Traditional Experience -kimono rent at wargo: $33
- Kenrokuen Tea Ceremony Experience: $37
- Kanazawa Private/Group Walking Tour: Local & Major Highlight: $50
- Private Custom Tour with Local Guide: $54
- Private Walking Tour with a Local: $55
- Market Tastings and Castle Town Adventure in Kanazawa: $55
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPenang $18Kanazawa $13
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
Sample the Local Flavors in Kanazawa
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Kanazawa:
- Kanazawa Historic Brewery: Fermentation Tour, Tasting, Lunch: $81
When comparing the travel costs between Penang and Kanazawa, we can see that Penang 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. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Penang Expensive? and Is Kanazawa Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Penang or Kanazawa?
Kanazawa has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Penang. When comparing the sizes of Penang and Kanazawa, 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 Kanazawa?
Kanazawa 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 Kanazawa in the Summer?
Both Kanazawa and Penang during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Penang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Kanazawa in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Penang is around the same temperature as Kanazawa. Typically, the summer temperatures in Penang in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Kanazawa averages at about 26°C (78°F).
It's quite sunny in Penang. In the summer, Penang often gets more sunshine than Kanazawa. Penang gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kanazawa receives 180 hours of full sun.
Kanazawa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Penang. Penang usually gets less rain in July than Kanazawa. Penang gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 251 mm (9.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPenang 27°C (81°F)Kanazawa 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Penang or Kanazawa in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Penang and Kanazawa. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Penang year-round. Also, most visitors come to Kanazawa for the shopping scene during these months.
In October, Penang is generally much warmer than Kanazawa. Daily temperatures in Penang average around 27°C (81°F), and Kanazawa fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).
Kanazawa receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Penang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Penang usually receives more rain than Kanazawa. Penang gets 340 mm (13.4 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 203 mm (8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPenang 27°C (81°F)Kanazawa 17°C (62°F)
Should I visit Penang or Kanazawa in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Penang as well as Kanazawa. Penang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Kanazawa because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Kanazawa can be very cold. Penang is much warmer than Kanazawa in the winter. The daily temperature in Penang averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Kanazawa fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
It's quite rainy in Kanazawa. Penang usually gets less rain in January than Kanazawa. Penang gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 294 mm (11.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPenang 28°C (82°F)Kanazawa 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Penang or Kanazawa in the Spring?
Both Kanazawa and Penang are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Penang throughout the year.
In the spring, Penang is much warmer than Kanazawa. Typically, the spring temperatures in Penang in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Kanazawa averages at about 12°C (54°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Penang. Penang usually receives more sunshine than Kanazawa during spring. Penang gets 218 hours of sunny skies, while Kanazawa receives 183 hours of full sun in the spring.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Kanazawa. It's quite rainy in Penang. In April, Penang usually receives more rain than Kanazawa. Penang gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPenang 28°C (82°F)Kanazawa 12°C (54°F)
Typical Weather for Kanazawa and Penang
| Penang | Kanazawa | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 294 mm (11.6 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 192 mm (7.6 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 202 mm (8 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 251 mm (9.9 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 330 mm (13 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 248 mm (9.8 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 340 mm (13.4 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 203 mm (8 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 266 mm (10.5 in) |
| Dec | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 306 mm (12 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.