Which place is cheaper, Nikko 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 Nikko?
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 Nikko. 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 Nikko?
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.
Nikko
Nikko is a small Japanese city located in the mountains north of Tokyo. It is well-known for the site of Toshogu, a famed Shinto shrine established in 1617, in memory of Tokugawa Ieyasu who was the founding ruler of the Edo Period. The town is situated just outside of Nikko National Park which offers scenic mountain landscapes, lakes, waterfalls, hot springs, wild monkeys, and hiking trails.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia, The Best 10-Day Tours in Japan, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan.
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Penang Prices
Malaysia PricesNikko Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPenang $144Nikko $108
The average daily cost (per person) in Penang is $144, while the average daily cost in Nikko is $108. 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 Nikko in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPenang $55Nikko $48
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPenang $110Nikko $96
Compare Hotels in Penang and Nikko
Looking for a hotel in Penang or Nikko? 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 Nikko Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Penang $14Nikko -
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
- Private Transfer : Penang Hotel to Kuala Lumpur Hotel: $207
- Chauffeur: Penang Island to Singapore Van Transfer: $147
- Penang City to Kuala Lumpur City One-way Transfer: $140
- Penang City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur City Hotels 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
Is it cheaper to fly into Penang or Nikko?
Prices for flights to both Nikko 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 $64Nikko $55
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 $55Nikko $22
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
- 4 Hour Food and Heritage Walking Tour in Penang George Town: $93
- 4-Hour Heritage Walking Tour of Georgetown: $60
- 4-Hour Private Heritage Tour in George Town: $68
- 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
Tours and Activities in Nikko
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Nikko.
- Senjogahara Nature Guide Tour in Nikko: $31
- Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura Admission Ticket: $50
- Oku-Nikko 3-hour Cycling Tour (Half-day) – No lunch: $66
- Nikko Early Morning Tour with English-Speaking Guide: $73
- Bike and Hike on Mt Hangetsu with Outdoor Matcha Experience: $83
- World Heritage Nikko Walking Tour Toshogu and Kanmangafuchi: $90
- Visit the Unexplored Regions of Lake Chuzenji-Scenic Trekking and Rafting Tour: $97
- Hidden Canyoning Adventure in Nikko　: $104
- Bask in the beauty of winter Nikko in this unforgettable ice climbing experience: $116
- Oku-Nikko 5-hour Cycling Tour (Full-day) – Lunch included: $124
- Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $152
- Nikko Private Customizable Half Day Tour: $166
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPenang $18Nikko $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 Nikko, we can see that Penang is more expensive. And not only is Nikko much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Nikko would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nikko 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 Nikko.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Penang Expensive? and Is Nikko Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Penang or Nikko?
Penang has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Nikko. When comparing the sizes of Penang and Nikko, 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 Nikko?
Nikko 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 Nikko in the Summer?
Both Nikko 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, the summer months attract visitors to Nikko because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Penang is around the same temperature as Nikko. Typically, the summer temperatures in Penang in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Nikko averages at about 25°C (77°F).
It's quite sunny in Penang. In the summer, Penang often gets more sunshine than Nikko. Penang gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nikko receives 136 hours of full sun.
Nikko 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 July than Nikko. Penang gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPenang 27°C (81°F)Nikko 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Penang or Nikko in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Penang and Nikko. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Penang year-round. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Nikko this time of year.
In October, Penang is generally much warmer than Nikko. Daily temperatures in Penang average around 27°C (81°F), and Nikko fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
Nikko 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 Nikko. Penang gets 340 mm (13.4 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPenang 27°C (81°F)Nikko 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Penang or Nikko in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Penang as well as Nikko. Penang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Nikko for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Nikko. Penang is much warmer than Nikko in the winter. The daily temperature in Penang averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Nikko fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).
Penang usually gets more rain in January than Nikko. Penang gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPenang 28°C (82°F)Nikko 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Penang or Nikko in the Spring?
Both Nikko and Penang are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Penang throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Nikko in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Penang is much warmer than Nikko. Typically, the spring temperatures in Penang in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Nikko averages at about 13°C (55°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Penang. Penang usually receives more sunshine than Nikko during spring. Penang gets 218 hours of sunny skies, while Nikko receives 191 hours of full sun in the spring.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Nikko. It's quite rainy in Penang. In April, Penang usually receives more rain than Nikko. Penang gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 108 mm (4.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPenang 28°C (82°F)Nikko 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Nikko and Penang
| Penang | Nikko | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 108 mm (4.2 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 206 mm (8.1 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 195 mm (7.7 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 330 mm (13 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 201 mm (7.9 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 340 mm (13.4 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 32 mm (1.2 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.