Cost of Living in Penang, Malaysia

Penang has a cost of living index of 42/100 (New York = 100). It is 58% cheaper than New York. Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

42/100
Cost Index
$1,900/mo
Median Income
72/100
Safety Index
tropical
Climate

Cost Breakdown by Category

HousingScore: 32/100
1-Bed Apartment (City Center)$427/month
1-Bed Apartment (Outside Center)$300/month
3-Bed Apartment (City Center)$850/month
Food & GroceriesScore: 25/100
Milk (1 liter)$2.3/liter
Bread (500g loaf)$1.2/loaf
Rice (1 kg)$0.9/kg
Dining OutScore: 20/100
Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant$3/meal
Meal for 2 (Mid-Range)$30/meal
McMeal at McDonald's$5.5/meal
TransportationScore: 28/100
Monthly Transit Pass$35/month
One-Way Ticket$0.8/trip
Taxi (1 km)$0.5/km
UtilitiesScore: 22/100
Basic (Elec, Heat, Water, Garbage) 85m2$70/month
Internet (60+ Mbps)$35/month
Mobile Plan (10GB+)$20/month
HealthcareScore: 35/100
Doctor Visit (15 min)$30/visit
Dentist Visit$50/visit
Prescription Medicine (avg)$8/course
EntertainmentScore: 35/100
Cinema Ticket (1 seat)$7/ticket
Theater Ticket$25/ticket
Museum Entry$8/ticket
FitnessScore: 35/100
Gym Membership (monthly)$30/month
Tennis Court Rent (1 hr)$15/hour
Swimming Pool (adult entry)$5/entry
Personal CareScore: 30/100
Haircut (Men)$12/cut
Haircut (Women)$25/cut
Shampoo (400ml)$3.5/bottle
ClothingScore: 40/100
Jeans (Levi's or similar)$45/pair
Summer Dress (Zara/H&M)$30/piece
Running Shoes (Nike/Adidas)$65/pair

Digital Nomad Profile

35 Mbps
Internet Speed
$200
Coworking/Month
fair
Café WiFi
high
English Level
growing
Nomad Community
68/100
Walkability

Best neighborhoods: Georgetown, Tanjung Bungah, Straits Quay

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Penang cheap to live in?

Penang has a cost of living index of 42/100, where New York = 100. It is 58% 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 42) is 58% cheaper than New York (cost index 100). You could save roughly $1,450/month by moving from New York to Penang.

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