Penang (George Town) travel guide
Penang (George Town) Travel Budget: Daily Costs & Calculator
Budget travellers need about $33 USD per day in Penang; mid-range travellers average $100 with a heritage shophouse hotel and hawker feasts; luxury starts around $275. Food is the joy and the bargain — the island’s best dishes cost RM5–14 ($1–3).
How expensive is Penang (George Town)?
Penang is gloriously cheap for its quality — the country’s best food costs $1–3 a plate, heritage shophouse hotels start under $40, and most sights are free.
Penang (George Town) trip budget calculator
Pick your travel style and trip length — the calculator estimates your total budget in USD using real 2026 Penang (George Town) prices.
Excludes international flights. Lodging is per room (shared by travellers); other costs are per person. Prices in USD, converted from Malaysian Ringgit (MYR).
Penang (George Town) daily costs by travel style
| Cost per day | Backpacker | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lodging | $12 | $55 | $160 |
| Food | $10 | $25 | $65 |
| Transport | $3 | $6 | $15 |
| Activities | $8 | $15 | $35 |
| Total per day | $33 | $101 | $275 |
Money-saving tips for Penang (George Town)
- Hawker dishes run RM5–14 — three stalls make a feast for two under RM40
- The CAT free bus loops George Town’s core zone
- Rapid Penang buses reach Kek Lok Si and Penang Hill for RM2
Also in malaysia
Penang (George Town) travel budget — FAQs
How much money do I need per day in Penang?
Budget travellers need about $33 USD per day in Penang; mid-range travellers average $100 with a heritage shophouse hotel and hawker feasts; luxury starts around $275. Food is the joy and the bargain — the island’s best dishes cost RM5–14 ($1–3).
Last reviewed and updated: by the AmazingAsia editorial team. See our editorial policy.