Osaka vs Penang

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Osaka is roughly 7% more affordable than Penang (index 22 vs 23, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Osaka
More affordable overall
7% cheaper than Penang · Cost index: 22 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

22Cost Index23
1,929Median Income /mo1,900
72Safety Index72
20Income Tax %0
74Internet (Mbps)35
180Coworking /mo200

Price Breakdown

OsakaCategoryPenang
$600/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
29% ← cheaper
$427/month
$1.7/liter
Meal for One
26% cheaper →
$2.3/liter
$10/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
70% ← cheaper
$3/meal
$48/month
Monthly Transit Pass
27% ← cheaper
$35/month
$110/month
Utilities (Monthly)
36% ← cheaper
$70/month
$50/visit
Doctor Visit
40% ← cheaper
$30/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Osaka

Internet74 Mbps
Coworking$180/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishmoderate
Communitygrowing
Walkability72/100

Penang

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Osaka cheaper than Penang?

Osaka is cheaper than Penang. Osaka has a cost of living index of 22/100 compared to 23/100 for Penang (New York = 100), making it roughly 7% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Osaka than Penang?

Osaka is approximately 7% cheaper than Penang based on cost index scores (22 vs 23, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Penang could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,786/month in Osaka.

What is the rent comparison between Osaka and Penang?

In Osaka, 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 — Osaka or Penang?

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Osaka offers 74 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$180/month. Penang offers 35 Mbps and coworking at ~$200/month. Osaka has a cost advantage of 7%.

What is the average income in Osaka vs Penang?

The median net monthly salary in Osaka is approximately $1,929 USD, compared to $1,900 USD in Penang.

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