← All cities
Southeast Asia86% Lower than the US

Penang, Malaysia

Estimated monthly cost

$590

Average net salary

$957

Monthly cost breakdown

1-bed apartment (city center)$419
1-bed apartment (outside center)$241
Utilities (monthly)$38
Internet$31
Mobile plan$10
Monthly transit pass$13
Meal, inexpensive restaurant$4
Meal for two, mid-range$20
Cappuccino$3
Domestic beer (0.5L)$4

Source: Numbeo, in USD. A single-person estimate; couples and families will vary. Updated regularly.

Penang vs. the average US city

Penang$590
US average$4,200

You'd keep about $3,610/month in your pocket — roughly 86% lower than the typical US cost of living.

How we estimate $590/mo

A single-person monthly budget, built from real Numbeo prices.

Rent

1-bed, city centre$419
1-bed, outside centre$241
Rent used (average of the two)$330

Living costs

Utilities$38
Internet$31
Mobile plan$10
Public transit pass$13
Groceries(monthly basket for one)$102
Eating out(~12 meals @ $4)$46
Subtotal$240
+10% misc / entertainment$24
Estimated total$590/mo

Excludes health insurance, flights, visas and one-time setup — see the guide and tools below for those.

Ready to actually move to Penang?

Our move-abroad guides walk you through visas, banking, healthcare and taxes — start with Moving to Portugal 2026.

Get the guide · $19