Penang (George Town) on a budget: daily costs 2026
How much a trip to Penang (George Town), Malaysia costs per day: where you sleep, eat, get around and what you do. Estimates in US dollars with today's MYR rate.
Daily costs by category
| Per person per day | Backpacker | Mid-range | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $12 dorm | $23 ($45 room) | $75 ($150 room) |
| Food & drink | $10 | $25 | $60 |
| Local transport | $3 | $8 | $20 |
| Activities & sights | $4 | $15 | $40 |
Hostel dorm bed, street food & markets, public transport, mostly free sights. Mid-range and comfort room prices are per room per night, shared by two.
Trip budgets for Penang (George Town)
| Trip length | Backpacker (1) | Mid-range (2) | Comfort (2) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 days | $87 | $423 | $1,170 |
| 5 days | $145 | $705 | $1,950 |
| 7 days | $203 | $987 | $2,730 |
| 14 days | $406 | $1,974 | $5,460 |
Book for less
Flights to Penang (George Town)
- From Bangkok
- From Chiang Mai
- From Phuket
- From Bali
- From Kuala Lumpur
- From Singapore
- From Hanoi
- From Ho Chi Minh City
- From Da Nang
- From Siem Reap
- From anywhere else
Best time to visit
December to February is the driest. Penang is good to visit year-round; it rains briefly most afternoons from April to October.
Money-saving tips
- George Town's heritage zone is very walkable, and the CAT free shuttle bus loops through it.
- Hawker centres like Gurney Drive and New Lane are the cheapest and best places to eat.
- Rapid Penang buses go to Penang Hill, the beaches and the airport for a few ringgit.
Free things to do
- Hunt for the street art murals in George Town.
- Walk the Clan Jetties on the waterfront.
- Hike the trails in Penang National Park (free entry).
Compare Penang (George Town) with
- Penang (George Town) vs Bangkok
- Penang (George Town) vs Chiang Mai
- Penang (George Town) vs Phuket
- Penang (George Town) vs Bali
- Penang (George Town) vs Kuala Lumpur
- Penang (George Town) vs Singapore
Questions
How much does a day in Penang (George Town) cost?
As a rough guide: about $29 per day for a backpacker, $71 per person per day mid-range (two people sharing a room), and $195 per person per day for a comfortable trip. Flights are extra.
How much money do I need for 5 days in Penang (George Town)?
For one backpacker about $145; for two people mid-range about $705 in total, excluding flights. Add a 10% buffer.
When is the best time to visit Penang (George Town)?
December to February is the driest. Penang is good to visit year-round; it rains briefly most afternoons from April to October.
What currency is used in Penang (George Town)?
MYR. Use the live converter on this page and pay in local currency when given the choice.
These are planning estimates based on typical prices, checked 2026-10-11. Prices vary by season, neighbourhood and how you travel. Always check the final price when you book. How we estimate