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Phuket vs Penang (George Town): which is cheaper?
For a mid-range week for two, Penang (George Town) is about 46% cheaper (excluding flights).
| 7-day trip | Phuket | Penang (George Town) |
|---|---|---|
| Backpacker (1 person) | $336 | $203 |
| Mid-range (2 people) | $1,820 | $987 |
| Comfort (2 people) | $5,250 | $2,730 |
Prices side by side
| Typical price (USD) | Phuket | Penang (George Town) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (mid-range room) | $70 | $45 |
| Hostel dorm bed | $15 | $12 |
| Food per day (mid-range) | $35 | $25 |
| Transport per day (mid-range) | $20 | $8 |
| Activities per day (mid-range) | $40 | $15 |
Best time to visit
Phuket: November to April (dry season, calm seas). May to October is monsoon season, with rougher seas and much lower prices.
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.
Phuket cost guide Penang (George Town) cost guide
Estimates for planning, checked 2026-10-11. Flights are not included because they depend on where you fly from.