Penang, Malaysia
Live cost-of-living data for Penang — rent, groceries, transport, healthcare and more, sourced and cross-checked by AI and refreshed regularly.
Cost Breakdown by Category
Each score runs 0–100, where higher means pricier. Representative prices shown per category.
Digital Nomad Profile
Best neighborhoods: Georgetown, Tanjung Bungah, Straits Quay
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Penang cheap to live in?
Penang has a cost of living index of 23/100, where New York = 100. It is 77% cheaper than New York. A single person can live comfortably for approximately $840–$1,176 per month.
How much does rent cost in Penang?
A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center of Penang costs approximately $427/month. Outside the center, expect to pay around $300/month.
Is Penang good for digital nomads?
Penang has a growing digital nomad community. Average internet speed is 35 Mbps, café wifi reliability is fair, and coworking spaces run about $200/month. English proficiency is high.
What is the average salary in Penang?
The median net monthly salary in Penang is approximately $1,900 USD. The income tax rate is around 0%.
How does Penang compare to New York for cost of living?
Penang (cost index 23) is 77% cheaper than New York (cost index 100). You could save roughly $1,925/month by moving from New York to Penang.
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