Which place is cheaper, Okinawa 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 Okinawa?
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 Okinawa. 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 Okinawa?
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.
Okinawa
Okinawa is the southernmost prefecture of Japan and includes hundreds of the Ryukyu Islands. The chain of islands is off the southern mainland portion of the country and is made up of 49 inhabited islands and over one hundred uninhabited islands. Naha is Okinawa's capital, which is located in the southern part of Okinawa Island.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Tokyo.
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Penang Prices
Malaysia PricesOkinawa Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPenang $144Okinawa $125
The average daily cost (per person) in Penang is $144, while the average daily cost in Okinawa is $125. 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 Okinawa in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPenang $55Okinawa $75
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPenang $110Okinawa $150
Compare Hotels in Penang and Okinawa
Looking for a hotel in Penang or Okinawa? 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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Penang $14Okinawa $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:
- Private Penang Arrival transfer to Hotel: $12
- Private Arrival Transfer : Penang International Airport: $13
- Private Transfer : Penang International Airport Departure: $13
- Private Departure Transfer : Penang International Airport: $19
- Private Arrival Transfer : Penang International Airport: $19
- Private Departure Transfer - Penang International Airport: $19
- Penang Island to Penang Airport(PEN) - Departure Private transfer: $19
- 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 Transfer from Swettenham Cruise Terminal to Penang Island: $22
- Swettenham Pier to Penang Airport(PEN)-Departure Private Transfer: $23
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Okinawa
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Okinawa:
- Airport Transfer! Center of Naha to Naha Airport (OKA): $125
- Nakagusuku Cruise Port to Naha - Arrival Private Transfer: $138
- Private Transfer from Nakagusuku Port to Okinawa Airport (OKA): $200
- Private Transfer from Okinawa Airport (OKA) to Nakagusuku Port: $200
- Private Transfer from Okinawa Airport (OKA) to Nakagusuku Port: $220
Is it cheaper to fly into Penang or Okinawa?
Prices for flights to both Okinawa 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 $64Okinawa $41
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Okinawa
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Okinawa.
- Naha: Airport Food Tour for a Delicious Start or Farewell: $166
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Penang $55Okinawa $14
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: $8.15
- 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 Okinawa
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Okinawa are as follows:
- Okinawa World Admission Ticket: $14
- Private Ring Craft Experience in Okinawa: $23
- Okinawa World Admission Ticket | Japan: $23
- Official Street Go-Kart Tour - Okinawa Shop: $38
- Beautiful sunset kayak tour in Okinawa: $38
- Naha: Full-Day Snorkeling Experience in the Kerama Islands, Okinawa: $48
- Okinawa Jungle Trails & Waterfalls – Private Yanbaru Tour: $49
- Okinawa Sightseeing Bus Tour: $51
- Tropical Dream , Ryukyu Mura, Banta Cafe Bus Tour: $53
- Kintsugi Accessory Experience in Naha, Okinawa: $53
- Okinawa Hip-hop Bus A Course Tour｜Churaumi Aqualium,Kori Island: $54
- 60Min Gorilla Go-Kart Tour in Naha City: (NIGHT SLOTS AVAILABLE): $55
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPenang $18Okinawa $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 comparing the travel costs between Penang and Okinawa, 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 Okinawa Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Penang or Okinawa?
Penang has a larger population, and is about 42% larger than the population of Okinawa. When comparing the sizes of Penang and Okinawa, 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 Okinawa?
Okinawa 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 Okinawa in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Penang and Okinawa. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Penang year-round. Furthermore, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Okinawa this time of year.
Penang is around the same temperature as Okinawa in the summer. The daily temperature in Penang averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Okinawa fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Okinawa this time of the year. In Penang, it's very sunny this time of the year. Penang usually receives less sunshine than Okinawa during summer. Penang gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Okinawa receives 258 hours of full sun in the summer.
Okinawa receives a lot of rain in the summer. Penang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Penang usually receives more rain than Okinawa. Penang gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPenang 27°C (81°F)Okinawa 29°C (84°F)
Should I visit Penang or Okinawa in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Penang as well as Okinawa. Penang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Okinawa for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Penang is around the same temperature as Okinawa. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Penang in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Okinawa averages at about 25°C (77°F).
It's quite rainy in Okinawa. Penang receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Penang usually gets more rain in October than Okinawa. Penang gets 340 mm (13.4 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPenang 27°C (81°F)Okinawa 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Penang or Okinawa in the Winter?
Both Okinawa and Penang are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Penang throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Okinawa in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In January, Penang is generally much warmer than Okinawa. Daily temperatures in Penang average around 28°C (82°F), and Okinawa fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Okinawa. In January, Penang usually receives less rain than Okinawa. Penang gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPenang 28°C (82°F)Okinawa 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Penang or Okinawa in the Spring?
Both Okinawa and Penang during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Penang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Okinawa for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.
Penang is a little warmer than Okinawa in the spring. The daily temperature in Penang averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Okinawa fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).
It's quite sunny in Penang. In the spring, Penang often gets more sunshine than Okinawa. Penang gets 218 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Okinawa receives 149 hours of full sun.
Okinawa 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 April than Okinawa. Penang gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPenang 28°C (82°F)Okinawa 22°C (71°F)
Typical Weather for Okinawa and Penang
| Penang | Okinawa | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 254 mm (10 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 266 mm (10.5 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 330 mm (13 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 161 mm (6.3 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 340 mm (13.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) |
| Dec | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 116 mm (4.6 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.