Quick answer: Penang runs about EUR 45 per day mid-range - noticeably less if you eat local and walk. Cheapest window: December-March - the driest months; September-October brings the heaviest rain.
What things actually cost
| char kway teow | 1.80 EUR |
| kopi (local coffee) | 0.50 EUR |
| assam laksa | 1.20 EUR |
| Grab across George Town | 1.50 EUR |
| Penang Hill funicular return | 6 EUR |
| Blue Mansion guided tour | 5 EUR |
Eat well for little
- Char kway teow at Siam Road Charcoal Char Koay Teowworth the queue, about 1.80 EUR
- Assam laksa at Air Itam marketsour fish noodle soup, Penang's signature, about 1.20 EUR
- Nasi kandar at Line Clearrice flooded with mixed curries, about 2.50 EUR
- Cendol at Penang Road Famous Teochew Chendulshaved ice with palm sugar, about 0.80 EUR
- Hokkien mee (prawn noodle soup) at a kopitiamabout 1.50 EUR
Money mistakes to avoid
- Assuming hawker legends are always openmany stalls close one or two weekdays and sell out by early afternoon; check days before you queue
- Basing yourself in Batu Ferringhi for a food tripyou will spend an hour a day commuting to George Town's stalls
- Renting a car for the islandparking is painful and Grab rides across George Town cost 1-2 EUR
- Walking the heritage core at middaydo murals and mansions before 11am, then museums or hill in the heat
Transport without the tourist tax
From Penang International Airport a Grab to George Town costs about 4-5 EUR and takes 30 minutes. In town, Grab rides run 1-2 EUR and the free CAT shuttle bus loops the heritage core.
Planning the full trip? Start with the 4-day Penang itinerary.