Which place is cheaper, Penang or Zanzibar?
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 Zanzibar or Penang?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Zanzibar and Penang can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Zanzibar or Penang?
Zanzibar
Just off the coast of Tanzania lies an entrancing archipelago known as Zanzibar. This gorgeous string of islands is the land of sultans, palaces beaches and spice-filled markets. Once an important trading center, many restorations have been done in recent years to restore Zanzibar to its ancient grandeur - earning its capital city UNESCO World Heritage status in 2000.
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 Eco Tours in Tanzania, The Best Cultural Tours in Tanzania, The Best 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia.
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Zanzibar Prices
Tanzania PricesPenang Prices
Malaysia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZanzibar $66Penang $144
The average daily cost (per person) in Zanzibar is $66, while the average daily cost in Penang 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 Zanzibar and Penang in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZanzibar $26Penang $55
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZanzibar $52Penang $110
Compare Hotels in Zanzibar and Penang
Looking for a hotel in Zanzibar 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: Zanzibar Hotel Prices and Penang Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zanzibar $12Penang $14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zanzibar
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zanzibar:
- Airport /Hotel Transfers in Zanzibar : $25
- Airport Transfer in Zanzibar for Arrivals: $20
- Airport Transfer in Zanzibar for Departures: $55
- Airport to Stown Town or Stown Town To Airport transfer: $20
- Airport/port Transfer : $70
- Arrival Private Transfer from Airport to Nungwi Beach Zanzibar: $40
- Arrival Transfer Zanzibar Airport ZNZ to Zanzibar by Luxury Car: $250
- Discover Jozani Forest & Rock Restaurant W/ Transfer – Zanzibar: $50
- Explore Jozani Forest & Rock Restaurant with Transfer – Zanzibar: $50
- Guided Tour of Stone Town's Historic Sites + Transfer – Zanzibar: $20
- Half Day Zanzibar City Tour with Airport Transfer: $30
- Jet Ski to Zanzibar with photos and video and transfer included: $120
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:
- Chauffeur: Penang Island to Singapore Van Transfer: $146
- Full-Day Private Transfer in Penang City : $275
- Penang Airport (PEN) to Penang Island - Arrival Private transfer: $19
- Penang Airport (PEN) to Swettenham Cruise Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $23
- Penang Airport Transfer ( 24/7): $59
- Penang Airport Transfer - Arrival or Departure: $36
- Penang Balik Pulau Countryside Morning Cycling with Transfers: $33
- Penang City to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $107
- Penang City to Kuala Lumpur City One-way Transfer: $140
- Penang Island hotels to Swettenham Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $57
- Penang Island to Penang Airport(PEN) - Departure Private transfer: $19
- Penang to KUL Hotel (One Way Transfer): $237
Is it cheaper to fly into Zanzibar or Penang?
Prices for flights to both Penang and Zanzibar 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 dayZanzibar $30Penang $64
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zanzibar
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zanzibar.
- Zanzibar Traditional Cooking Class: $49
- Zanzibar Spice Farm Tour and Cooking Class With Lunch: $52
- Zanzibar Spice Tour & Cooking Class : $59
- Zanzibar Cooking Class [Swahili food test ] and Spice farm Private tour: $59
- Spice Tour & Cooking Class in Zanzibar: $60
- Zanzibar Cooking Lesson: $70
- Traditional Cooking Class in Zanzibar: $77
- A Half Day Private Cooking Class At the Spice Farm: $90
- 5 Hours Guided Spice Tour and Cooking Class in Zanzibar: $101
- Full-Day Private Tour in Zanzibar with Cooking Class: $110
- Spice Tour; Secret Garden Restaurant; Stone Town; Dinner at The Rock Restaurant: $130
- Exclusive Private Sunset Dinner Sail along North Coast Zanzibar: $140
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
- 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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zanzibar $13Penang $55
Tours and Activities in Zanzibar
Here are a few actual costs in Zanzibar for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Zanzibar Organic Spice Farm Tour: $13
- Zanzibar : Stone Town Tour,history without transport: $14
- Spice Tour Zanzibar : $15
- Zanzibar stonetown walking tour with local guide: $18
- Stone Town tour: $20
- Zanzibar stone town city tour: $20
- Zanzibar Green Tour Park Experience: $20
- Stone Town Historical & Cultural Walking Adventure – Zanzibar: $20
- 3 Hours Private Stone Town Walking Tour : $20
- City tours zanzibar : $20
- Guided Stone Town Tour In Zanzibar: $24
- Stone Town Tour, Historical & Cultural Landmarks in - Zanzibar: $24
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:
- 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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayZanzibar $7.20Penang $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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zanzibar and Penang, we can see that Penang is more expensive. And not only is Zanzibar much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Zanzibar is in Africa and Penang is in Asia, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Zanzibar would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Zanzibar 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 Zanzibar.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Zanzibar Expensive? and Is Penang Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zanzibar or Penang?
Zanzibar has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Penang. When comparing the sizes of Zanzibar 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 Zanzibar or Penang?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Zanzibar or Penang in the Summer?
Both Penang and Zanzibar are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Zanzibar throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Penang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Penang. In July, Zanzibar usually receives less rain than Penang. Zanzibar gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Penang receives 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
It's quite sunny in Penang. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zanzibar. Zanzibar usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Penang during summer. Zanzibar gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Penang receives 211 hours of full sun in the summer.
Zanzibar is around the same temperature as Penang in the summer. The daily temperature in Zanzibar averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Penang fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyZanzibar 25°C (77°F)Penang 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Penang in the Autumn?
Both Penang and Zanzibar during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Zanzibar because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Penang year-round.
Penang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Zanzibar usually gets less rain in October than Penang. Zanzibar gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Penang receives 340 mm (13.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the autumn, Zanzibar is around the same temperature as Penang. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Zanzibar in October average around 25°C (78°F), and Penang averages at about 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberZanzibar 25°C (78°F)Penang 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Penang in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Zanzibar and Penang. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Zanzibar year-round. Penang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Zanzibar usually receives more rain than Penang. Zanzibar gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Penang receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In January, Zanzibar is generally around the same temperature as Penang. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 28°C (82°F), and Penang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryZanzibar 28°C (82°F)Penang 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Penang in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Zanzibar as well as Penang. Zanzibar attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Penang throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Penang. Zanzibar receives a lot of rain in the spring. Zanzibar usually gets more rain in April than Penang. Zanzibar gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Penang receives 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Penang. In the spring, Zanzibar often gets less sunshine than Penang. Zanzibar gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Penang receives 218 hours of full sun.
Zanzibar is around the same temperature as Penang in the spring. The daily temperature in Zanzibar averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Penang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilZanzibar 27°C (81°F)Penang 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Penang and Zanzibar
| Zanzibar | Penang | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 269 mm (10.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) |
| May | 26°C (78°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 330 mm (13 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (78°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 340 mm (13.4 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 116 mm (4.6 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.