Which place is cheaper, Matsue 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 Matsue?
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 Matsue. 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 Matsue?
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.
Matsue
Matsue, Japan is located on the scenic shores of Lake Shinji in the Shimane Prefecture. Matsue is the capital city of the prefecture and is known as the water city due to being located between Lake Shinji, Lake Nakaumi, and the Sea of Japan. This historically rich city is famous for being a laid back samurai village with stunning sunsets and traditional confectioneries.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia, The Best Contiki Tours to Japan, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan.
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Penang Prices
Malaysia PricesMatsue Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPenang $144Matsue $88
The average daily cost (per person) in Penang is $144, while the average daily cost in Matsue is $88. 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 Matsue in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPenang $55Matsue $27
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPenang $110Matsue $54
Compare Hotels in Penang and Matsue
Looking for a hotel in Penang or Matsue? 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 Matsue Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Penang $14Matsue $20
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: $147
- Full-Day Private Transfer in Penang City : $277
- 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 Hotels to Kuala Lumpur Airport One-way Transfer: $140
- Penang City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur City Hotels 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 hotels to Swettenham Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $58
- Penang Island to Penang Airport(PEN) - Departure Private transfer: $19
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Matsue
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Matsue:
- Private Transfer Yonago Airport: $62
Is it cheaper to fly into Penang or Matsue?
Prices for flights to both Matsue 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 $64Matsue $49
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.
- Penang Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Good Morning Penang Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Penang Food Tour - Georgetown: $62
- Local Street Food Tour in Georgetown Penang : $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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Penang $55Matsue $9.13
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:
- Asia Camera Museum Admission Ticket: $6.10
- 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: $7.32
- Tropical Spice Garden Entrance Ticket & Guided Tours: $8.16
- 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
- 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
Tours and Activities in Matsue
Here are a few actual costs in Matsue for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Tour around Matsue Horikawa: $11
- Private Kimono Elegant Experience in the Castle Town of Matsue: $38
- Matsue 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $103
- Sakaiminato Private Tour for Shore Excursion: $300
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPenang $18Matsue $7.10
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 Matsue, we can see that Penang is more expensive. And not only is Matsue much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Matsue would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Matsue 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 Penang would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Penang than you might in Matsue.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Penang Expensive? and Is Matsue Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Penang or Matsue?
Penang has a larger population, and is about 14% larger than the population of Matsue. When comparing the sizes of Penang and Matsue, 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 Matsue?
Matsue 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 Matsue in the Summer?
Both Matsue and Penang are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Penang throughout the year. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Matsue because of the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Penang is generally around the same temperature as Matsue. Daily temperatures in Penang average around 27°C (81°F), and Matsue fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).
It's quite sunny in Matsue. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Penang. Penang usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Matsue during summer. Penang gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Matsue receives 201 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Matsue. It's quite rainy in Penang. In July, Penang usually receives less rain than Matsue. Penang gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 268 mm (10.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPenang 27°C (81°F)Matsue 25°C (78°F)
Should I visit Penang or Matsue in the Autumn?
Both Matsue 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. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Matsue this time of year.
Penang is much warmer than Matsue in the autumn. The daily temperature in Penang averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Matsue fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).
Matsue gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Penang. Penang usually gets more rain in October than Matsue. Penang gets 340 mm (13.4 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPenang 27°C (81°F)Matsue 17°C (62°F)
Should I visit Penang or Matsue in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Penang and Matsue. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Penang year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Matsue for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Matsue. In the winter, Penang is much warmer than Matsue. Typically, the winter temperatures in Penang in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Matsue averages at about 4°C (39°F).
Matsue receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Penang usually receives less rain than Matsue. Penang gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPenang 28°C (82°F)Matsue 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Penang or Matsue in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Penang as well as Matsue. Penang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Matsue in the spring for the natural beauty.
In April, Penang is generally much warmer than Matsue. Daily temperatures in Penang average around 28°C (82°F), and Matsue fluctuates around 13°C (55°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 Matsue. Penang gets 218 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Matsue receives 194 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Matsue. Penang receives a lot of rain in the spring. Penang usually gets more rain in April than Matsue. Penang gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPenang 28°C (82°F)Matsue 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Matsue and Penang
| Penang | Matsue | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 124 mm (4.9 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 21°C (71°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 268 mm (10.6 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 330 mm (13 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 216 mm (8.5 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 340 mm (13.4 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) | 11°C (53°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) |
| Dec | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 138 mm (5.4 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.