A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Penang vs. Shenyang for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Penang or Shenyang?

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 Shenyang. 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 Shenyang?

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.

Shenyang

Shenyang, China is the capital, and largest, city in the Liaoning Province in northwest China which borders North Korea. Shenyang has a long, imperial, history and is the birthplace of the Qing Dynasty. The city has a blend of beautifully preserved architecture and modern buildings, creating a pleasant atmosphere for exploring!

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 China, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in China.


Which place is cheaper, Shenyang or Penang?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Penang is $144, while the average daily cost in Shenyang is $85. 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 Shenyang in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Penang $55
    Shenyang $41
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Penang $110
    Shenyang $82
Compare Hotels in Penang and Shenyang

Looking for a hotel in Penang or Shenyang? 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.

Hotels in Penang


Hotels in Shenyang


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 $14
    Shenyang $20
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:

  • Swettenham Pier to Penang Airport(PEN)-Departure Private Transfer: $23
  • Swettenham Pier Cruise Port to Penang Island hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $58
  • Swettenham Cruise Port to Penang Island hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $115
  • Private Transfer: Penang Island to or from Perak: $131
  • Private Transfer: Penang International Airport to or from Hotel: $49
  • Private Transfer from Swettenham Cruise Terminal to Penang Island: $22
  • Private Transfer from Penang Island to Swettenham Cruise Terminal: $22
  • Private Transfer : Penang International Airport Departure: $13
  • Private Transfer : Penang Hotel to Kuala Lumpur Hotel: $207
  • Private Transfer - Swettenham Cruise Port to Penang Airport (PEN): $22
  • Private Transfer - Penang Airport (PEN) to Swettenham Cruise Port: $22
  • Private Penang Arrival transfer to Hotel: $12

Is it cheaper to fly into Penang or Shenyang?

Prices for flights to both Shenyang 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 day
    Penang $64
    Shenyang $32
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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Penang $55
    Shenyang $7.81
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:

  • 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 Shenyang

For Shenyang, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Shenyang to Dandong: China North-eastern Border Day Tour: $350

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Penang $18
    Shenyang $5.91
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 Shenyang, we can see that Penang is more expensive. And not only is Shenyang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Shenyang would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Shenyang 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 Shenyang.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Penang Expensive? and Is Shenyang Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Penang or Shenyang?

Shenyang has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Penang. When comparing the sizes of Penang and Shenyang, 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 Shenyang?

Shenyang 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 Shenyang in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Penang as well as Shenyang. Penang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In July, Penang is generally around the same temperature as Shenyang. Daily temperatures in Penang average around 27°C (81°F), and Shenyang fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Shenyang. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Penang this time of the year. In the summer, Penang often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Shenyang. Penang gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shenyang receives 214 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Shenyang. Penang receives a lot of rain in the summer. Penang usually gets more rain in July than Shenyang. Penang gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Shenyang receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Penang 27°C (81°F) 
    Shenyang 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Penang or Shenyang in the Autumn?

Both Shenyang and Penang are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Penang throughout the year.

Penang is much warmer than Shenyang in the autumn. The daily temperature in Penang averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Shenyang fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

It's quite rainy in Penang. In October, Penang usually receives more rain than Shenyang. Penang gets 340 mm (13.4 in) of rain, while Shenyang receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Penang 27°C (81°F) 
    Shenyang 10°C (51°F)

Should I visit Penang or Shenyang in the Winter?

Both Shenyang and Penang during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Penang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Shenyang can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Penang is much warmer than Shenyang. Typically, the winter temperatures in Penang in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Shenyang averages at about -11°C (13°F).

Penang usually gets more rain in January than Shenyang. Penang gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Shenyang receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Penang 28°C (82°F) 
    Shenyang -11°C (13°F)

Should I visit Penang or Shenyang in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Penang and Shenyang. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Penang year-round.

In April, Penang is generally much warmer than Shenyang. Daily temperatures in Penang average around 28°C (82°F), and Shenyang fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Shenyang this time of the year. In Penang, it's very sunny this time of the year. Penang usually receives less sunshine than Shenyang during spring. Penang gets 218 hours of sunny skies, while Shenyang receives 241 hours of full sun in the spring.

Penang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Penang usually receives more rain than Shenyang. Penang gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Shenyang receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Penang 28°C (82°F) 
    Shenyang 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Shenyang and Penang

Penang Shenyang
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) -11°C (13°F) 8 mm (0.3 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) -7°C (19°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)
Mar 28°C (82°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 1°C (34°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)
Apr 28°C (82°F) 240 mm (9.4 in) 10°C (50°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
May 28°C (82°F) 240 mm (9.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 170 mm (6.7 in) 22°C (72°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 210 mm (8.3 in) 25°C (77°F) 174 mm (6.9 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 190 mm (7.5 in) 24°C (75°F) 153 mm (6 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 330 mm (13 in) 18°C (64°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 340 mm (13.4 in) 10°C (51°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 230 mm (9.1 in) 1°C (34°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)
Dec 28°C (82°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) -7°C (19°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)