Which place is cheaper, Penang or Riga?
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 Riga or Penang?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Riga or Penang? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Riga or Penang?
Riga
Riga is the vibrant capital city of Latvia. It continues to gain popularity as a tourist destination in part because it is the base for the airline Air Baltic. This affordable airline offers discount flights around Europe and most of these flights pass through Riga with a forced overnight layover. This encourages travelers to visit this fascinating city for at least a night or two.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia.
-
Riga Prices
Latvia PricesPenang Prices
Malaysia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayRiga €122Penang €122
The average daily cost (per person) in Riga is €122, while the average daily cost in Penang is €122. 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 Riga and Penang in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personRiga €52Penang €47
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomRiga €104Penang €94
Compare Hotels in Riga and Penang
Looking for a hotel in Riga or Penang? 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: Riga Hotel Prices and Penang Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Riga €9.63Penang €12
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Riga
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Riga:
- Arrival Private Transfer from Riga Airport RIX to Riga City by Minivan: $51
- Departure Transfer from Riga to Riga Airport RIX by Car or Van: $68
- From Cesis and Sigulda Day Trip with Hotel Transfers: $164
- From Private Transfer to Tallinn: $563
- From Private Transfer to Tallinn with Sightseeing: $503
- From Private Transfer to Vilnius with Sightseeing: $468
- Private Transfer From Riga Airport To Riga City Center: $90
- Private Transfer Riga International Airport RIX to Jurmala City: $51
- Private Transfer from Riga Airport (RIX) to Riga Cruise Port: $60
- Private Transfer from Riga Airport to Riga City: $78
- Private Transfer to anywhere in Riga Center: $60
- Private transfer Riga - Hill of Crosses - Riga: $138
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Penang
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Penang:
-
Local Bus€1.21
-
Island Ferry€0.48
-
Bus From Airport to George Town€0.54
-
Taxi From Airport to George Town€9.28
-
Motorbike Rental (One Day)€6.05
-
Bicycle Rental (One Day)€2.02
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Penang
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Penang:
- Private Transfer : Penang International Airport Departure: $13
- Private Arrival Transfer : Penang International Airport: $13
- Private Departure Transfer : Penang International Airport: $19
- Private Arrival Transfer : Penang International Airport: $19
- Private Departure Transfer - Penang International Airport: $19
- Penang Airport (PEN) to Penang Island - Arrival Private transfer: $19
- Penang Island to Penang Airport(PEN) - Departure Private transfer: $19
- Private Transfer - Penang Airport (PEN) to Swettenham Cruise Port: $22
- Private Transfer from Penang Island to Swettenham Cruise Terminal: $22
- Private Transfer from Swettenham Cruise Terminal to Penang Island: $22
- Private Transfer - Swettenham Cruise Port to Penang Airport (PEN): $22
- Penang Airport (PEN) to Swettenham Cruise Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $23
Is it cheaper to fly into Riga or Penang?
Prices for flights to both Penang and Riga 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 dayRiga €57Penang €55
Typical Food Prices in Riga
Some typical examples of dining costs in Riga are as follows:
-
Fast Food Lunch€5.77
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Riga
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Riga.
- Central Market Traditional Food Tour in a Small Group: $41
- Central Market Latvian Food Tour: $53
- Khinkali and Pelmeni Cooking Master Class: $70
- Exclusive Igloo for Lunches, Dinners and Events: $72
- Latvian Art Museum, Dinner, and Black Balsam Tasting: $210
- Pizza Making Master Class in Riga: $251
- Traditional Latvian Dinner with Private Folk Show: $252
Typical Food Prices in Penang
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Penang:
-
Snack€1.61
-
Dinner at The Suffolk House (for 2)€69
-
Lunch at Sakae Sushi (for 2)€58
-
Lassy Juice€1.41
-
Dinner for 2€3.03
-
Street Stall Food€0.56
-
Casual Lunch (for Two)€3.83
-
Italian Lunch (for Two)€9.68
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
- Private Half-Day Hawker Trails Food Tour in George Town: $51
- Local Street Food Tour in Georgetown Penang : $62
- Eat Like A Local: Penang Street Food Tour: $62
- Penang Food Tour - Georgetown: $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
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Riga €14Penang €47
Tours and Activities in Riga
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Riga are as follows:
- An audio tour of Old from St Peter's Church to the Monument of Freedom: $6.99
- Entrance Ticket - House of the Black Heads: $8.21
- Canal Boat Tour with Welcome Drink & Audio Guide: $8.21
- Panorama Riga Observation Deck Ticket: $9.38
- Old Town Electrobus Tour + Audio Guide & Drink: $9.38
- Riga Exploration Game and City Tour on your Phone: $9.57
- Riga Canal and Daugava Boat Tour with Welcome Drink & Audio Guide: $9.58
- Evening or Sunset Boat Tour with Welcome Drink: $10
- Rowing boats and Pedal boat rental - River Cruises Latvia: $11
- Riga English Self-guided Audio Tour on your Phone: $11
- Evening or Sunset Boat Tour with Drink and Audio Guide: $11
- Riga Golden Autumn Canal & River Cruise | River Cruises LV: $11
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€6.25
-
Trishaw Tour (One Hour)€6.05
-
Fort Cornwallis Entrance€0.40
-
Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi Entrance€2.02
Tours and Activities in Penang
Here are a few actual costs in Penang for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 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: $7.31
- 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
- Penang Rainbow Skywalk at The Top Komtar Observation Deck Tickets: $22
- Entopia Butterfly and Nature Discovery Park Entry Ticket Penang : $28
- Half-Day Penang Countryside Cycling Tour: $32
- Georgetown Half Day City Tour: $42
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayRiga €20Penang €15
Sample the Local Flavors in Riga
Also in Riga, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Old town pub & bar crawl, hidden gems, and local party: $21
- Pub Crawl with Local Guide: $29
- Brewery Tour and Beer Tasting in Riga: $35
- Riga Pub Crawl: $41
- Latvian Brewery Visit & 5 Beer tasting: $47
- Riga Evening Adventure: Pub Crawl & Games Night: $50
- Game Night & Pub Crawl: $52
- Riga Happy Hour Pub Crawl: $59
- Riga Brewery Tour: $59
- Prosecco Bike & Pub Crawl: $65
- Riga Brewery Tour: $77
- Riga's Old Town Beer Bike Tour & Guided Pub Crawl: $94
Typical Alcohol Prices in Penang
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Penang:
-
Beer€1.61
When comparing the travel costs between Riga and Penang, 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 Riga is in Europe and Penang is in Asia, 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 Riga Expensive? and Is Penang Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Riga or Penang?
Riga has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Penang. When comparing the sizes of Riga and Penang, 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 Riga or Penang?
Riga 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 Riga or Penang in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Riga and Penang. Most visitors come to Riga for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Penang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the summer, Riga is much colder than Penang. Typically, the summer temperatures in Riga in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Penang averages at about 27°C (81°F).
Penang receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Riga usually receives less rain than Penang. Riga gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Penang receives 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyRiga 17°C (63°F)Penang 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Riga or Penang in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Riga as well as Penang. The autumn months attract visitors to Riga because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. The warm climate attracts visitors to Penang throughout the year.
In October, Riga is generally much colder than Penang. Daily temperatures in Riga average around 7°C (45°F), and Penang fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
It's quite rainy in Penang. Riga usually gets less rain in October than Penang. Riga gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Penang receives 340 mm (13.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberRiga 7°C (45°F)Penang 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Riga or Penang in the Winter?
Both Penang and Riga are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Riga this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Penang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It's quite cold in Riga in the winter. Riga is much colder than Penang in the winter. The daily temperature in Riga averages around -5°C (23°F) in January, and Penang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
In January, Riga usually receives less rain than Penang. Riga gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Penang receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryRiga -5°C (23°F)Penang 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Riga or Penang in the Spring?
Both Penang and Riga during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Riga for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Penang year-round.
In the spring, Riga is much colder than Penang. Typically, the spring temperatures in Riga in April average around 5°C (42°F), and Penang averages at about 28°C (82°F).
Penang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Riga usually gets less rain in April than Penang. Riga gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Penang receives 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilRiga 5°C (42°F)Penang 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Penang and Riga
| Riga | Penang | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -5°C (23°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Feb | -4°C (24°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | -0°C (31°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Apr | 5°C (42°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) |
| May | 12°C (53°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) |
| Jun | 15°C (60°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Jul | 17°C (63°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) |
| Aug | 16°C (62°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Sep | 12°C (54°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 330 mm (13 in) |
| Oct | 7°C (45°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 340 mm (13.4 in) |
| Nov | 2°C (36°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) |
| Dec | -2°C (28°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 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.