🇲🇾Cost of Living in Penang
Malaysia · Population: 790,000 · Cost Index: 30/100
Cost of Living in Penang
Malaysia · Asia
Penang is a Malaysian island state known for its UNESCO-listed George Town, vibrant street art, and legendary hawker food culture. It offers a slightly lower cost of living than Kuala Lumpur with excellent food and a relaxed tropical lifestyle.
790,000
Population
30
Cost Index
65
Safety Index
64
Quality of Life
Average Monthly Cost: $1,200 (single person, excluding rent)
Cost Breakdown
Housing
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$400.001-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$240.003-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$850.003-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$480.00Food & Groceries
Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant(per meal)
$2.00Meal for 2 at Mid-Range Restaurant(per meal)
$15.00McMeal at McDonald's(per meal)
$4.20Milk (1 liter)(per liter)
$1.70Bread (500g loaf)(per loaf)
$1.00Rice (1 kg)(per kg)
$0.85Eggs (12)(per dozen)
$1.40Chicken Breast (1 kg)(per kg)
$3.00Apples (1 kg)(per kg)
$3.30Banana (1 kg)(per kg)
$1.10Transportation
Monthly Public Transit Pass(per month)
$22.00One-Way Ticket (Local Transport)(per trip)
$0.45Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)(base fare)
$0.70Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)(per km)
$0.30Gasoline (1 liter)(per liter)
$0.50Utilities
Basic Utilities (85m² Apartment)(per month)
$50.00Mobile Phone Plan(per month)
$11.00Internet (60 Mbps+)(per month)
$20.00Healthcare
Doctor Visit(per visit)
$12.00Dentist Visit(per visit)
$16.00Prescription Medicine (avg)(per prescription)
$4.50Entertainment
Fitness Club Monthly(per month)
$25.00Cinema Ticket(per ticket)
$4.00Cappuccino(per cup)
$2.50Beer (0.5l) at Restaurant(per glass)
$3.20Clothing
Pair of Jeans (Levi's)(per pair)
$38.00Summer Dress (Chain Store)(per item)
$20.00Running Shoes (Nike, Adidas)(per pair)
$65.00Compare Penang with another city
See how Penang stacks up against any other city in our database.
Quick Facts
- Currency
- MYR
- Language
- Malay/English
- Cost Index
- 30/100
- Safety Index
- 65/100
- Quality of Life
- 64/100
Data last updated: 2026-01-15. Prices are approximate and shown in USD.