Bali vs Penang

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Bali is roughly 10% more affordable than Penang (index 21 vs 23, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Bali
More affordable overall
10% cheaper than Penang · Cost index: 21 vs 23

Life Power at $3,000/mo

The same salary ranks differently depending on where you live — from Beggar to King.

Head-to-Head Stats

21Cost Index23
350Median Income /mo1,900
50Safety Index72
15Income Tax %0
48Internet (Mbps)35
125Coworking /mo200

Price Breakdown

BaliCategoryPenang
$600/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
29% ← cheaper
$427/month
$1.4/liter
Meal for One
39% cheaper →
$2.3/liter
$2/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
33% cheaper →
$3/meal
$8/month
Monthly Transit Pass
77% cheaper →
$35/month
$45/month
Utilities (Monthly)
36% cheaper →
$70/month
$45/visit
Doctor Visit
33% ← cheaper
$30/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Bali

Internet48 Mbps
Coworking$125/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishmoderate
Communitylarge
Walkability35/100

Penang

Internet35 Mbps
Coworking$200/mo
Café WiFifair
Englishhigh
Communitygrowing
Walkability68/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bali cheaper than Penang?

Bali is cheaper than Penang. Bali has a cost of living index of 21/100 compared to 23/100 for Penang (New York = 100), making it roughly 10% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Bali than Penang?

Bali is approximately 10% cheaper than Penang based on cost index scores (21 vs 23, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Penang could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,714/month in Bali.

What is the rent comparison between Bali and Penang?

In Bali, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $600/month. In Penang, the equivalent is around $427/month.

Which city is better for digital nomads — Bali or Penang?

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Bali offers 48 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$125/month. Penang offers 35 Mbps and coworking at ~$200/month. Bali has a cost advantage of 10%.

What is the average income in Bali vs Penang?

The median net monthly salary in Bali is approximately $350 USD, compared to $1,900 USD in Penang.

Compare Bali with…

Popular head-to-heads — see exactly where Bali wins or loses.

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