🇲🇾 Malaysia · #464 of 546 cities · 2026

Should I Move to Penang?

65.9% cheaper to live here than in New York City.

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

-65.9%
vs NYC
MYR 973
Estimated rent in
78.5
Purchasing Power
Moderate
Purchasing Power

Source: Numbeo · NYC = 100 baseline · Data verified Q1 2026

Personalised Answer

Compare your salary — move to Penang?

The numbers

Cost breakdown — Penang

Cost indices vs NYC = 100

Cost of Living
34.1 Very affordable
Rent
8.0 Very affordable
Groceries
44.1 Affordable
Restaurants
23.6 Very affordable
Purchasing Power
78.5 Moderate

Estimated rent in Penang

1-BR — City centre MYR 973/mo
1-BR — Outside centre MYR 730/mo
3-BR — City centre MYR 1,694/mo
Save by going outside centre ~25% cheaper

Estimated from rent index. Actual prices vary.

Similar options

Considering alternatives?

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

🇲🇾 Kuching
Malaysia
CoL index 35.7
🇲🇾 Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia
CoL index 39.6
🇱🇰 Colombo
Sri Lanka
CoL index 34.3

Ready to run the numbers?

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

Relocation Toolkit

Trusted services for your move

We may earn a commission if you sign up — at no extra cost to you.