Daily Budget Overview
Penang offers excellent value for travellers, with daily budgets ranging from RM80–150 (USD 17–32) for budget-conscious visitors to RM250–400+ (USD 53–85) for mid-range comfort. Budget travellers staying in hostels, eating at hawker stalls, and using public transport can easily spend less than RM100 daily. Mid-range visitors enjoying decent hotels and restaurant meals typically spend RM200–300 per day. The island's mix of affordable street food and upmarket dining means you can adjust spending to suit your preferences.
Accommodation Costs
Hostels in Georgetown and Batu Ferringhi charge RM30–60 per night for dorm beds, while budget guesthouses range from RM60–120. Mid-range hotels offer comfortable rooms for RM150–250 nightly. Airbnb apartments provide flexibility at similar prices. Georgetown's heritage streets attract more visitors, so booking ahead during weekends and holidays is advisable.
Food and Transport
Hawker centres and food courts serve excellent meals for RM6–12—try Penang laksa, char kway teow, and roti canai at places like Gurney Drive Hawker Centre and New Lane Hawker Centre. Restaurant meals cost RM25–60. Public transport is remarkably cheap: bus rides within Georgetown cost RM1–3, while taxis charge around RM15–25 for short trips. The CapitaLand Penang transport card provides discounts on buses. Activities like temple visits are free or very inexpensive, while attractions like Penang Hill cost RM30–40 return.