Are you considering a move to Penang, Malaysia, and wondering about the cost of living? Penang is a diverse city with a lot to offer, but like any city, it comes with its own set of expenses. In this page, we'll break down the cost of living in Penang and help you understand whether $1278 per month is moderately priced, given the average monthly salary of $1032.63.
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Restaurants |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant |
2.36 $ |
|
|
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course |
19.86 $ |
|
|
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) |
3.86 $ |
|
|
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught) |
4.29 $ |
|
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
3.54 $ |
|
|
Cappuccino (regular) |
2.83 $ |
|
|
Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle) |
0.66 $ |
|
|
Water (12 oz small bottle) |
0.43 $ |
|
|
Markets |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Milk (regular), (1 gallon) |
1.58 $ |
|
|
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) |
0.92 $ |
|
|
Rice (white), (1 lb) |
1.26 $ |
|
|
Eggs (regular) (12) |
1.71 $ |
|
|
Local Cheese (1 lb) |
14.38 $ |
|
|
Chicken Fillets (1 lb) |
4.55 $ |
|
|
Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) |
11.86 $ |
|
|
Apples (1 lb) |
2.17 $ |
|
|
Banana (1 lb) |
1.23 $ |
|
|
Oranges (1 lb) |
2.68 $ |
|
|
Tomato (1 lb) |
1.07 $ |
|
|
Potato (1 lb) |
0.64 $ |
|
|
Onion (1 lb) |
0.96 $ |
|
|
Lettuce (1 head) |
1.08 $ |
|
|
Water (1.5 liter bottle) |
0.38 $ |
|
|
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) |
10.73 $ |
|
|
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) |
2.23 $ |
|
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
3.04 $ |
|
|
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) |
3.97 $ |
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|
Transportation |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
One-way Ticket (Local Transport) |
0.43 $ |
|
|
Monthly Pass (Regular Price) |
16.1 $ |
|
|
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) |
1.07 $ |
|
|
Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff) |
0.21 $ |
|
|
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) |
6.44 $ |
|
|
Gasoline (1 gallon) |
0.44 $ |
|
|
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) |
35876.5 $ |
|
|
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) |
27312.58 $ |
|
|
Utilities (Monthly) |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment |
37.48 $ |
|
|
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans) |
-- |
|
|
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) |
26.07 $ |
|
|
Sports And Leisure |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult |
27.3 $ |
|
|
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) |
3.58 $ |
|
|
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat |
3.43 $ |
|
|
Childcare |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child |
184.27 $ |
|
|
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child |
4240.02 $ |
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|
Clothing And Shoes |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) |
61.95 $ |
|
|
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...) |
28.98 $ |
|
|
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) |
69.01 $ |
|
|
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes |
51.31 $ |
|
|
Rent Per Month |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre |
373.01 $ |
|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre |
292.51 $ |
|
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre |
710.84 $ |
|
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre |
574.88 $ |
|
|
Buy Apartment Price |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre |
2108.43 $ |
|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre |
1147.41 $ |
|
|
Salaries And Financing |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) |
1032.63 $ |
|
|
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate |
3.98 % |
|
The monthly expenses for living in Penang come to a total of approximately $1278. This includes an average monthly rent of around $373 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, along with utilities costing about $50 per month. Additionally, other expenses such as groceries, transportation, dining out, and leisure activities for one person amount to approximately $480 per month.
Living in Penang appears to be relatively budget-friendly when considering the average monthly income of $1032.63. However, to enjoy a comfortable standard of living in Penang, you would likely need an income exceeding $1032.63.
In Penang, the average monthly post-tax salary hovers around $1032.63, and it isn't tied to any particular skillset or qualification.
The typical monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the central area of Penang is approximately $373. If you're open to living in a location outside the city center, you can expect to pay around $292.51 for such an apartment.
The expense for groceries in Penang can fluctuate based on personal choices and shopping patterns. Typically, an individual can budget around $423 per month for groceries. Nevertheless, the actual costs may change depending on various factors, including the specific items bought, the choice of stores, and the availability of discounts or special offers.
The cost of living in Malaysia can vary significantly depending on the particular city you have in mind. Using a nationwide average might not provide accurate information. To get a more precise understanding, it's crucial to examine the cost of living in various cities throughout Malaysia.
Penang is the city where crime risks are medium, which means that you will need to exercise common sense since some petty crimes might occur, but n the other hand, some more serious criminal acts rarely happen.
Always ask taxi drivers to turn on the meter, use only licensed ones and call them by phone instead of hailing one on the street. If you decide to drive, get ready for the paralyzing traffic jams periodically throughout the day.
There is a great risk of pickpockets. In this city, you definitely shouldn't let your guard down. Avoid carrying your belongings with you, and if you do, never carry anything in your pocket or a purse.
Flooding and landslides are a common threat, due to heavy rains. Oceanic coastlines may experience tsunamis, and the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre website offers more information on the potential for tsunamis. Earthquakes are also a threat.
Mugging and kidnapping risk in Penang exists. Extremists represent a great danger. Foreigners can be assaulted and robbed after their drinks were 'spiked', so never accept food or drinks from strangers. Do not hail taxis on the street.
Malaysia is a country where terrorist attacks can happen. The threat of terrorism exists in Penang and there was recently a plan to attack Penang. Malaysian authorities have made several arrests around Penang.
There are many scams performed in Malaysia, mostly distractions executed to separate you from your belongings or take advantage of you in another way. Many taxis do not have meters so be sure to negotiate the price of the ride before entering the vehicle, and do not use your credit card unless it's at established buildings and businesses.
Penang is a city where most women travel without any issues, but still, the threat exists. Female travelers need to take particular care in crowds, on public transportation, they should wear clothes that cover their arms, legs, and chest, in order not to attract male’s unwanted attention.
Tourists get a visa on arrival for a stay of up to 90 days. If you're visiting for other purposes, you may need to arrange a visa in advance, by contacting an Embassy, High Commission or Consulate of Malaysia. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months.
The official currency is the Malaysian Ringgit. ATMs are widely available throughout the city, as well as cash machines. You can use your credit cards to pay, but pay attention to credit card fraud.
Penang mostly has a tropical climate, but the extreme temperatures are not common. The average temperature is from 20°C to 30°C. The monsoon season is from October to March. The wettest month is November with a lot of rainfall and the driest month is June.
Penang International Airport is one of the busiest airports in Malaysia and the busiest one serving Penang. The airport is located near Bayan Lepas at the southeastern tip of Penang Island, about 16 km south of the city center.
If you are a visitor to Penang, make sure that you have taken out comprehensive travel insurance before you depart. Consider your physical and mental health and get vaccinated before you travel.
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 88°F | 89°F | 89°F | 89°F | 89°F | 88°F | 88°F | 87°F | 87°F | 87°F | 87°F | 87°F |
| Temp | 82°F | 82°F | 83°F | 83°F | 83°F | 82°F | 82°F | 81°F | 81°F | 80°F | 81°F | 81°F |
| Low | 76°F | 76°F | 77°F | 77°F | 78°F | 77°F | 76°F | 76°F | 76°F | 76°F | 76°F | 76°F |
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 31°C | 31°C | 31°C | 31°C | 31°C | 31°C | 31°C | 30°C | 30°C | 30°C | 30°C | 30°C |
| Temp | 27°C | 27°C | 28°C | 28°C | 28°C | 27°C | 27°C | 27°C | 27°C | 26°C | 27°C | 27°C |
| Low | 24°C | 24°C | 25°C | 25°C | 25°C | 25°C | 24°C | 24°C | 24°C | 24°C | 24°C | 24°C |