Penang

MalaysiaGMT+8

Information

A composite score evaluating the city's appeal to digital nomads, on a scale of 0-100. Calculated using a weighted formula considering factors like cost, internet quality, nomad community strength, climate suitability, and visa flexibility, derived from all relevant data points.

82.0/ 100

Information

Estimated number of digital nomads in the city. Based on nomad platforms and community estimates, reflecting its popularity among remote workers.

1,000+

Information

The total monthly cost of living, combining housing, utilities, food, transport, workspace, and leisure expenses. Sourced from cost-of-living databases and adjusted for exchange rates, rounded to the nearest dollar.

$952/mo

Information

Median download speed in Mbps in public, work-friendly spaces like libraries and cafes. Measured using recent crowdsourced data from platforms like Speedtest, excluding private residences.

100Mbps

About Penang

Penang, officially known as Pulau Pinang, is a Malaysian state located on the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia. It consists of Penang Island, where the capital city George Town is situated, and Seberang Perai on the mainland, connected by the Penang Bridge and the Second Penang Bridge. Founded by Francis Light in 1786 as a British colony, Penang became part of the Straits Settlements and later joined Malaysia in 1963. The state is renowned for its cultural melting pot, with significant Malay, Chinese, Indian, and other ethnic communities, each contributing to its rich tapestry of traditions, languages, and cuisines.

Economically, Penang is one of Malaysia's most prosperous states, boasting the highest GDP per capita in the country. It is a global leader in the electronics manufacturing industry, particularly in semiconductor production, and serves as Malaysia's leading exporter. The state's economy is diversified, with strong sectors in services, manufacturing, and tourism. Penang also has a high Human Development Index, reflecting its advanced infrastructure, education, and healthcare systems.

Tourism plays a crucial role in Penang's economy, with George Town being a major draw due to its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is famous for its well-preserved colonial architecture, vibrant street art, and world-class street food, earning it the nickname 'Food Capital of Malaysia.' Additionally, Penang is a leading destination for medical tourism, offering high-quality healthcare services at competitive prices.

The state is well-connected with the Penang International Airport, one of Malaysia's busiest, and the Port of Penang, a significant maritime hub. Ongoing infrastructure projects, such as the Light Rail Transit (LRT) system, are set to further enhance connectivity and support the state's growing economy. Penang's strategic location, combined with its business-friendly environment, continues to attract both local and foreign investments, making it a dynamic and thriving destination for residents and visitors alike.

Demographics

Population1,740,405
LanguagesMalay, English, Chinese, Tamil

Location

CountryMalaysia
TimezoneGMT+8
Airport to City30 minutes
TransportBus, Taxi, Grab, Car Rental

Visa & Travel Info

Tourist Stay90 days
Visa CostFree
Digital Nomad VisaAvailable

Cost of Living

$952
/mo
46.4% lower than average

The total monthly cost of living in Penang, Malaysia is $952, which is 46.4% lower than the global average of $1,776. This combines housing, utilities, food, transport, workspace, and leisure expenses. Data is sourced from cost-of-living databases and adjusted for exchange rates, rounded to the nearest dollar.

housing
$371
39.0% of total
Monthly rent for a furnished 1-bedroom apartment in a central, expat-friendly area.
utilities
$77
8.1% of total
Monthly cost for electricity, water, high-speed internet, and a mobile plan.
food
$275
28.9% of total
Monthly food budget covering groceries, 8-12 restaurant meals, and occasional takeout.
transport
$50
5.3% of total
Monthly transportation cost, including public transit passes and occasional taxis or ride-sharing.
workspace
$79
8.3% of total
Monthly budget for coworking space membership or cafe working sessions.
leisure
$100
10.5% of total
Monthly spending on fitness, entertainment, events, and activities.

Internet & Community

Penang has a robust internet infrastructure with high-speed broadband available, including gigabit speeds in some areas. Major providers include TM (Unifi), Time dotCom, Maxis, Celcom, and YTL Communications. The internet is reliable, with minimal disruptions, making it suitable for digital nomads and remote workers.

Penang has a growing digital nomad community, attracted by its affordable living costs, high-speed internet, and vibrant culture. There are approximately 15 coworking spaces, providing flexible work environments. The community is supported by events and meetups, making it a welcoming destination for remote workers.

100Mbps
5G
5providers
1,000
Nomads
15+
Coworking Spaces

Weather & Climate

Tropical
Penang enjoys a tropical rainforest climate with high temperatures year-round, averaging 28-29°C, and significant rainfall, particularly from September to October. The climate is warm and humid, with the northeast monsoon bringing heavier rains from November to March.
Temperature Range
28°C - 29°C
Avg: 28°C
Annual Rainfall
2350mm
Monthly Avg: 196mm
Jan
01
28°C
☀️
70 mm
Feb
02
28°C
☀️
70 mm
Mar
03
28°C
☀️
120 mm
💧
Apr
04
29°C
☀️
240 mm
💧
May
05
29°C
☀️
240 mm
💧
Jun
06
29°C
☀️
170 mm
💧
Jul
07
28°C
☀️
210 mm
💧
Aug
08
28°C
☀️
190 mm
💧
Sep
09
28°C
☀️
330 mm
💧
Oct
10
28°C
☀️
340 mm
💧
Nov
11
28°C
☀️
230 mm
💧
Dec
12
28°C
☀️
140 mm
💧
🥵 Hot☀️ Warm🥶 Cold💧 Rain❄️ Snow

Nearby Cities

Shopify - Start your online store for $1/month
Stay up to date with the latest

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Stay up to date with the latest city insights delivered directly to your inbox