Which place is cheaper, Wollongong 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 Wollongong?
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 Wollongong. 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 Wollongong?
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.
Wollongong
Wollongong is south of Sydney in New South Wales. It is also the third largest city in the state. Wollongong has a unique geography in that it is only six kilometers wide at its widest point and is forty kilometers long. It is squeezed in between the mountains and the ocean and in the process of growth, has swallowed several coastal towns between Dapto and Port Kembla. Wollongong is home to the University of Wollongong and has a diverse population that includes people of Serbian, Croatian, Italian, and Turkish descent among other nationalities. The influence of these cultures is obvious in the city's restaurant and entertainment options. Throughout the city you'll find some wonderful beaches with few crowds and some decent surfing opportunities.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Australia, and The Best Water Sports Tour Packages in Australia.
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Penang Prices
Malaysia PricesWollongong Prices
Australia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPenang $144Wollongong $144
The average daily cost (per person) in Penang is $144, while the average daily cost in Wollongong is $144. 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 Wollongong in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPenang $55Wollongong $65
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPenang $110Wollongong $130
Compare Hotels in Penang and Wollongong
Looking for a hotel in Penang or Wollongong? 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 Wollongong Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Penang $14Wollongong $39
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 : $275
- Penang to KUL Hotel (One Way Transfer): $237
- Chauffeur: Penang Island to Singapore Van Transfer: $146
- Penang City to Kuala Lumpur City 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
- ATV Ride in Balik Pulau with Snacks and Transfers: $66
- Penang Airport Transfer ( 24/7): $59
Is it cheaper to fly into Penang or Wollongong?
Prices for flights to both Wollongong 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 $64Wollongong $53
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.
- Good Morning Penang Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Penang Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Penang Food Tour - Georgetown: $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
- Private Dinner at THE TOP with Skywalk Experience from Penang: $103
Typical Food Prices in Wollongong
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Wollongong:
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Lunch$7.85
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Penang $55Wollongong $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
- 6 Hours Highlights of Penang Shared Tour : $75
- 6-Hours Penang Private Tour: $169
- 8 Hours of Penang Tour: $60
- Back of the Bike Street Food Experience – Real Penang!: $88
- Best of Historical George Town Half Day Tour: $80
- Bukit Merah Orang Utan and Penang City Private Tour: $140
- Colors of George Town Walking Tour: $138
- Countryside Cycling Tour. T1.0 by Matahari: $97
- ESCAPE Penang Theme Park Admission Ticket : $73
- Enjoy Amazing Night Tour in Penang : $84
Tours and Activities in Wollongong
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Wollongong.
- From Sydney: Jervis Bay Tour with Beach, Koalas & Kangaroos: $145
- Sydney: Kiama Costal Private Day Tour with Local Experiences: $562
- Sydney: Private South Coast, Highlands and Kiama Tour: $906
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPenang $18Wollongong $18
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 Wollongong, 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. Even though Penang is in Asia and Wollongong is in Pacific, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Penang Expensive? and Is Wollongong Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Penang or Wollongong?
Wollongong has a larger population, and is about 46% larger than the population of Penang. When comparing the sizes of Penang and Wollongong, 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 Wollongong?
Wollongong 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 Wollongong in the Summer?
Both Wollongong 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, many travelers come to Wollongong for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
Penang is a little warmer than Wollongong in the summer. The daily temperature in Penang averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Wollongong fluctuates around 23°C (74°F)in January.
In Wollongong, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Penang. In the summer, Penang often gets less sunshine than Wollongongin January. Penang gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wollongong receives 236 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Penang. Penang usually gets more rain in July than Wollongongin January. Penang gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryPenang 27°C (81°F)Wollongong 23°C (74°F)
Should I visit Penang or Wollongong in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Penang and Wollongong. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Penang year-round. Also, many visitors come to Wollongong in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.
In the autumn, Penang is much warmer than Wollongong. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Penang in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Wollongong averages at about 18°C (64°F)in April.
Penang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Penang usually receives more rain than Wollongongin April. Penang gets 340 mm (13.4 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilPenang 27°C (81°F)Wollongong 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Penang or Wollongong in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Penang as well as Wollongong. Penang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Wollongong for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
In January, Penang is generally much warmer than Wollongongin July. Daily temperatures in Penang average around 28°C (82°F), and Wollongong fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).
Penang usually gets more rain in January than Wollongongin July. Penang gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyPenang 28°C (82°F)Wollongong 10°C (50°F)
Should I visit Penang or Wollongong in the Spring?
Both Wollongong 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, the spring months attract visitors to Wollongong because of the beaches and the activities around the city.
Penang is much warmer than Wollongong in the spring. The daily temperature in Penang averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Wollongong fluctuates around 17°C (63°F)in October.
It's quite sunny in Wollongong. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Penang. Penang usually receives less sunshine than Wollongong during spring. Penang gets 218 hours of sunny skies, while Wollongong receives 240 hours of full sun in the spring.
It's quite rainy in Penang. In April, Penang usually receives more rain than Wollongongin October. Penang gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberPenang 28°C (82°F)Wollongong 17°C (63°F)
Typical Weather for Wollongong and Penang
| Penang | Wollongong | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 47 mm (1.8 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 330 mm (13 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 340 mm (13.4 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) |
| Dec | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 54 mm (2.1 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.