What is the cost of living in Penang?

The cost of living in Penang is 78.1% cheaper than New York City (index: 21.9). Groceries are 57.1% cheaper than NYC. Restaurants are 75.3% cheaper than NYC. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs approximately MYR 1,648 per month. Local purchasing power index is 83.6 (NYC = 100).

🇲🇾 Malaysia · #465 of 577 cities · 2026

Should I Move to Penang?

Q: Should I move to Penang?

Penang, Malaysia has a cost of living 78.1% cheaper than New York City (index: 21.9). It is ranked #465 out of 577 cities globally. Local purchasing power is moderate (index: 83.6 vs NYC = 100). Use our salary comparison calculator to see exactly how your take-home pay would change.

78.1% cheaper to live here than in New York City.

Run the calculator below with your actual salary to get a personalised answer.

-78.1%

vs NYC

MYR 1,648

1-BR, city centre

83.6

Purchasing Power

Moderate

Purchasing Power

Cost index: Numbeo, blended with Expatistan and LivingCost where available (NYC = 100) · Data from October 2026

Personalised Answer

Compare your salary: move to Penang?

Cost breakdown: Penang

Cost indices vs NYC = 100

Cost of Living

21.9 Affordable

Rent

7.6 Very affordable

Groceries

42.9 Affordable

Restaurants

24.7 Very affordable

Purchasing Power

83.6 Moderate

Rent in Penang

1-BR, city centre MYR 1,648/mo

1-BR, outside centre MYR 939/mo

3-BR, city centre MYR 2,498/mo

3-BR, outside centre MYR 1,698/mo

Save by going outside centre 43% cheaper

Numbeo · 2026-10-02

Considering alternatives?

Cities in the same country or region with a comparable cost of living.

🇲🇾 Kuala Lumpur

Malaysia

CoL index 23.2

Compare Kuala Lumpur vs Penang →

🇲🇾 Kuching

Malaysia

CoL index 24.4

Compare Kuching vs Penang →

🇮🇶 Erbil

Iraq

CoL index 21.8

Compare Erbil vs Penang →

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Enter your salary and current city. Get exact take-home pay in Penang after tax, in seconds.

Compare salaries → Full cost of living data

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