Which place is cheaper, Nanjing or Penang?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Penang or Nanjing?
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 Nanjing. 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 Nanjing?
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.
Nanjing
Nanjing is the capital city of the Jiangsu Province on the central eastern coast of China, just north of Shanghai. This historically and culturally rich city lies at the lower end of the Yangtze river, resulting in lush and scenic landscapes. Nanjing is well-known for having many popular historical sites, some of which have been listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia, The Best Historical Tours in China, and The Best 10-Day Tours in China.
-
Penang Prices
Malaysia PricesNanjing Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPenang $144Nanjing $118
The average daily cost (per person) in Penang is $144, while the average daily cost in Nanjing is $118. 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 Nanjing in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPenang $55Nanjing $47
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPenang $110Nanjing $94
Compare Hotels in Penang and Nanjing
Looking for a hotel in Penang or Nanjing? 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.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Penang $14Nanjing $39
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Penang
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Penang:
-
Local Bus$1.43
-
Island Ferry$0.57
-
Bus From Airport to George Town$0.64
-
Taxi From Airport to George Town$11
-
Motorbike Rental (One Day)$7.13
-
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 Nanjing
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nanjing:
- Nanjing Airport (NKG) to Nanjing - Arrival Private Transfer : $45
- Nanjing Airport (NKG) to Nanjing - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $91
- Nanjing Downtown hotels to Lukou Intl Airport (NKG) - Departure Private Transfer: $47
- Nanjing Lukou Airport Chauffeur Service, Nanjing Airport Transfer, Pickup: $30
- Nanjing Lukou International Airport (NKG) to Nanjing - Arrival Private Transfer : $47
- Nanjing Lukou International Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Center: $45
- Nanjing Private Round Trip Transfer to Niushoushan Cultural Park: $67
- Nanjing Private Transfer from Nanjing Lukou Airport (NKG) to central Nanjing: $125
- Nanjing Railway Station Private Arrival Transfer to City Hotels: $35
- Nanjing To Huangshan Bullet Train Ticket with Local Private Transfers: $129
- Nanjing to Hangzhou Bullet Train Ticket with Train Station Transfer: $52
- Nanjing to Shanghai Bullet Train Ticket with Train Station Transfer: $60
Is it cheaper to fly into Penang or Nanjing?
Prices for flights to both Nanjing 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
-
Food Meals for one dayPenang $64Nanjing $49
Typical Food Prices in Penang
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Penang:
-
Snack$1.90
-
Dinner at The Suffolk House (for 2)$81
-
Lunch at Sakae Sushi (for 2)$69
-
Lassy Juice$1.66
-
Dinner for 2$3.57
-
Street Stall Food$0.67
-
Casual Lunch (for Two)$4.52
-
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nanjing
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Nanjing.
- 3-Hour Nanjing Authentic Local Food Tour by Public Transportation: $93
- Flexible Private Nanjing City Night Tour with Dinner Option : $112
- Private Amazing Nanjing Airport Layover Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $181
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Penang $55Nanjing $9.41
Typical Entertainment Prices in Penang
Here are a few typical costs in Penang for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
-
Butterfly Gardens$7.37
-
Trishaw Tour (One Hour)$7.13
-
Fort Cornwallis Entrance$0.48
-
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 Nanjing
Here are a few actual costs in Nanjing for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Qixia Mountain Ticket for Adult: $20
- Night Cruise on Outer Qinhuai River for Adults: $20
- Flexible Private Nanjing Independent Tour : $63
- Nanjing Self-Guided Day Tour with Private Car and Driver Service: $72
- Nanjing Private English Tour Guide Service: $75
- Private Amazing Nanjing City Day Tour in Your Way: $75
- Nanjing Professional English Tour Guide Service: $91
- 3-Hour Local Food Tasting Tour: $93
- Nanjing Private Day Tour With Must-Visit Attractions: $100
- Half-Day Nanjing City Private Flexible Tour : $109
- 4-Hour Nanjing City Private Tailor-Made Tour in Your Way : $109
- 6-Hour Private Tour of Xiaoling Tomb,City Wall & Memorial Hall : $115
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayPenang $18Nanjing $9.61
Typical Alcohol Prices in Penang
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Penang:
-
Beer$1.90
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Penang and Nanjing, we can see that Penang is more expensive. And not only is Nanjing much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Nanjing would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nanjing 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 Nanjing.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Penang Expensive? and Is Nanjing Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Penang or Nanjing?
Nanjing has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Penang. When comparing the sizes of Penang and Nanjing, 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 Nanjing?
Nanjing 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 Nanjing in the Summer?
Both Nanjing 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 July, Penang is generally around the same temperature as Nanjing. Daily temperatures in Penang average around 27°C (81°F), and Nanjing fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Nanjing. It's quite rainy in Penang. In July, Penang usually receives more rain than Nanjing. Penang gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Nanjing receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyPenang 27°C (81°F)Nanjing 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Penang or Nanjing in the Autumn?
Both Nanjing 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.
Penang is much warmer than Nanjing in the autumn. The daily temperature in Penang averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Nanjing fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Penang. Penang usually gets more rain in October than Nanjing. Penang gets 340 mm (13.4 in) of rain, while Nanjing receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPenang 27°C (81°F)Nanjing 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Penang or Nanjing in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Penang and Nanjing. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Penang year-round.
Nanjing can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Penang is much warmer than Nanjing. Typically, the winter temperatures in Penang in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Nanjing averages at about 3°C (37°F).
In January, Penang usually receives more rain than Nanjing. Penang gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Nanjing receives 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPenang 28°C (82°F)Nanjing 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Penang or Nanjing in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Penang as well as Nanjing. Penang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Penang is generally much warmer than Nanjing. Daily temperatures in Penang average around 28°C (82°F), and Nanjing fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).
It's quite rainy in Nanjing. Penang receives a lot of rain in the spring. Penang usually gets more rain in April than Nanjing. Penang gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Nanjing receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilPenang 28°C (82°F)Nanjing 15°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Nanjing and Penang
| Penang | Nanjing | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 174 mm (6.9 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 330 mm (13 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 340 mm (13.4 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Dec | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 25 mm (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.