Penang vs Jakarta

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Penang is roughly 0% more affordable than Jakarta (index 23 vs 23, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Penang
More affordable overall
0% cheaper than Jakarta · Cost index: 23 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

23Cost Index23
1,900Median Income /mo523
72Safety Index47
0Income Tax %15
35Internet (Mbps)14
200Coworking /mo150

Price Breakdown

PenangCategoryJakarta
$427/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
31% cheaper →
$620/month
$2.3/liter
Meal for One
48% ← cheaper
$1.2/liter
$3/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
$3/meal
$35/month
Monthly Transit Pass
66% ← cheaper
$12/month
$70/month
Utilities (Monthly)
15% cheaper →
$82/month
$30/visit
Doctor Visit
25% cheaper →
$40/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Penang

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

Jakarta

Internet14 Mbps
Coworking$150/mo
Café WiFifair
Englishmoderate
Communitygrowing
Walkability35/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Penang cheaper than Jakarta?

Penang is cheaper than Jakarta. Penang has a cost of living index of 23/100 compared to 23/100 for Jakarta (New York = 100), making it roughly 0% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Penang than Jakarta?

Penang is approximately 0% cheaper than Jakarta based on cost index scores (23 vs 23, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Jakarta could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $3,000/month in Penang.

What is the rent comparison between Penang and Jakarta?

In Penang, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $427/month. In Jakarta, the equivalent is around $620/month.

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

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Penang offers 35 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$200/month. Jakarta offers 14 Mbps and coworking at ~$150/month. Penang has a cost advantage of 0%.

What is the average income in Penang vs Jakarta?

The median net monthly salary in Penang is approximately $1,900 USD, compared to $523 USD in Jakarta.

Compare Penang with…

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