To push the states development to another level, the state government of Penang has revealed its public transport masterplan last year and this is expected to boost the states economy further. Best of all, the cost of living in Penang is cheaper than in the capital city of Kuala Lumpur. But since moving to Puerto Vallarta, Ill be writing about our misadventures here. The downside of trying to do and see too much is you loose time travelling. A 900-square-foot apartment in the city center costs about USD$380-$470 per month. In 2013 we were sick of the rat race and decided to move across the globe and rewire our lives. If you read my last blog about culture shock, youd know I am still in the adaptation and acceptance stage and quite happy to be there. Wednesday, June 28, 2023 . of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans), 1 month of gym membership in business district, Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district in, Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) in. If you are an expat living in Penang, there is a revolving door of people moving to the island. While Penang has been making its way to be one of the famous tourist destinations all around the world, the locals are suffering from the food inflation at a faster pace. . The living areas are open plan and most contain floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing the year-round sunshine to beam through. . Is Penang a safe place to live? The second largest expat community in Malaysia is on the scenic island of Penang. 2. Malaysia has a subsidized public healthcare system that works in tandem with a private system to care for all citizens and residents. If you are thinking about retiring in Malaysia or moving to Penang, these blogs can help give you the bigger picture of life in Malaysia: Hey friends in Penang, tell me what Im missing. 1. Hey Kirsten, Im not saying imported items arent expensive in other places in Malaysia. (0.33 liter), Bottle of water This makes it a great destination for many expats especially retirees looking to keep their expenses to a minimum. There arent that many bars, period. Living 7 Reasons Why Penang Is The Ideal Location For Medical Tourism by Prem Anand. The newer homes contain at least three bedrooms. Penang vs Johor Bahru, Copyright 2009-2023 Numbeo. For expats who want to maintain their health and fitness at the gym, you can expect to pay about USD$28-$34 for a monthly health club membership for one adult. Cost of Living Comparison Between Berlin, Germany And Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Cost Of Living Index (Current) Switch to metric measurement units Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant 12.00 (61.14 RM) 2.94 (15.00 RM) Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course 60.00 (305.68 RM) 23.55 (120.00 RM) -60.7 % It is extremely chill here. We love going to KL for excellent restaurants and good service. Definitely not true at all. These prices were last updated on June 30, 2023. That same ride in Kuala Lumpur will set you back about USD$9.30-$11.30. When people from Singapore or KL want the best food in S E Asia, they visit Penang. There is no such thing as a perfect place. Currently living in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, 2023 Sand In My Curls. is it good to raise family in Penang, young kids. In a less expensive area, you can pay as little as USD$250-$300 per month. Typical accommodation ranges from bungalows and small houses to a few low-rise apartments. Rent is more affordable on the island of Penang than in KL. And by wild, I mean hitting three bars before calling it a night. So how does it feel living in Malaysia as an expat? (5 miles), Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands), Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes), Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city, Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub, 2 tickets to the theater (best available seats), Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert, 1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt. In general, the cost of living in Malaysia is 51.56% lower than living in the U.S. Of course the cost of living varies depending on where you decide to live, but even in the most expensive city you will save a lot on living expenses compared to the U.S. Whether you want the bustling city life of Kuala Lumpur or to chill out in stunning natural landscapes, Malaysia is a great place to live where your money will go a long way. Penang is the 2nd most expensive city to live in Malaysia. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-14095108', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Chinatown and Little India are VERY small compared to Penang. Sorry esorlegin, Ipoh's food quality and prices are still a few hundred leagues better than Penang's food :) honest opinion! Malaysia vs Malaysia ), 1 min. It is not surprising to know that buying a property in Kuala Lumpur costs more than buying one in Penang given the capital city status and higher population numbers. (1 liter), New Volkswagen Golf 1.4 (standard edition), Taxi trip in downtown area The rent and overall living cost in Kuala Lumpur isn't much different than in Penang. doesnt sound that good really would you agree. However, If you prefer city life, shopping malls, and other urban activities, Kuala Lumpur is the best place. Comparisons improve with every new data that you enter. Others are here for work, yet others are here for the overall quality of life in Penang. Whatever your reasons, Malaysia just might be the place for you. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans), 1 month of gym membership in business district, Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district in, Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) in. The average monthly net salary in Kuala Lumpur is 16.57% considerably higher than in Penang. The port city is about 2 hours south of Kuala Lumpur. If youre thinking of moving to Malaysia, heres what you need to know about the cost of living before you go. Or both? This is understandable considering that there are more tenants in Kuala Lumpur who are looking to rent a place as many of them travel from other states and work in the capital city. Penang is an incredible place, or we wouldnt have chosen to live there for 9 years. Yes, there is loads to do in KL, and 5 days is never enough for me! They are very pretty to look at and walk on, but if you want to dive into the water, its not the best. As for young families with kids, you will be surprised to know that it is more expensive to send a child to an international school in Penang, (51% higher to be specific) rather than international schools in Kuala Lumpur. From groceries to furniture, Penang is limited in what you can find. Cost of living It's relatively lower in Kuala Lumpur. Connections to Europe and the U.S, in the majority of cases, will have to be done through Kuala Lumpur (KL), and from Penang, KL is just 50 minutes away. This is a good indication of the markets preference towards property prices below RM500,000 in Klang Valley though affordable housing remains undersupplied in the city. of boneless chicken breast, 0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket, Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area, Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area, Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ) for 2 people in 85m2 flat, Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area, Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area, Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio, Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands), 1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers), 1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands), Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new, Taxi trip on a business day, basic tariff, 8 km. So, if you are trying to come to Penang because you think you can buy cheap housing and lounge on the beaches, its probably not for you. Given that Malaysia overall is much less expensive to live in than the U.S., Europe and many other Asian cities, the question is more about what kind of place you want to live in. > Seoul vs Kuala Lumpur. Your additions are spot on! Compare Cities For gorgeous clear water beaches, we go to Langkawi because its a 17-minute flight and duty-free. For more insights check salaries, prices of popular goods and services such as food, transportation, rent, entertainment, utilities and more. Johor Bahru, Malaysias second-largest city and gateway to Singapore on the other side of the Straits of Johor, was once an unpleasant industrial backdrop to Singapore, but it has developed greatly in recent years and brings in tourists and expats alike with its family-friendly attractions and economic opportunities. You are doing Langkawi which is a beach break, so the question is. ct intro final Indices Difference; Consumer Prices in Kuala Lumpur are 54.0% lower than in Seoul (without rent) It doesnt matter if you live in Batu Ferringhi, Tanjung Bungah, or Georgetown. People come to Penang for street food because its the best in Malaysia. Thank you all for your replies, it's really appreciated and all the information has helped me decide what to do! Yes, Penang is an island and has some pretty to look at beaches, but the water isnt clear. That still makes it far more affordable than most places in the U.S. For comparison, New York is rated number 7! Housing costs are quite low (about 59% less than in the U.S.), while the overall cost of living is about 52% less expensive. By the way, if you want to make a city price comparison check out Numbeo. Penang is one of the safest expat havens in Malaysia. KL, on the other hand is a big modern city. It is much better than it used to be but still has a long way to go. Same goes for places like Bali Hai - price increase is very very bad! In the last couple of years, more places for Penang digital nomads are popping up. The Insiders Guide: 5 Ways to Get to Know the Real Malaysia, https://lifehackerguy.com/living-life-as-an-expat-in-malaysia-pros-and-cons/. We are going to Malaysia in December and initially we are booked to stay in Penang, Langkawi and finishing in Singapore. That being said, Penang is better than Langkawi or Kuching for particular items. But to actually spoil ourselves with crystal clear water and fantastic coral, its best to go to Perhentians, Tioman, or Kota Kinabalu. But it was also the most rewarding one. 30 Things To Do In Kuala Lumpur; 35 Things To Do In Penang; Living in Penang As An Expat; 20 Things To Do In Melaka; 15 Things To Do In Sabah; However, we are lacking in decent restaurant choices. Your use of this service is subject to our, Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course, McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal), Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat), Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car), Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car), Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment, Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data, Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL), Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child, International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child, 1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ), Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre, Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre, Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate. (1 kg), Apples Privacy Policy. About; SEE & DO; EAT & DRINK; STAY; Getaways. Luckily, the train and bus systems throughout the country are reliable and inexpensive. Hi Ms. Adrianne Shelley, Here's a sample budget for a couple living in Penang, Malaysia: Expense: U.S. $ Rent: $900: Groceries: $200: Electricity: $100: Water: $. Terms of Use and Cost Of Living Index (Current) Cost Of Living Index By Country Basket of Goods and Services Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course 65.00 RM 90.00 RM McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) 17.50 RM 16.00 RM Domestic Beer (1 pint draught) 19.00 RM 15.00 RM Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) 15.00 RM Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. The average cost of living in Penang for an expat is around $1,000-$1,500 USD per month. Actually, its quite the contrary. I would know since Ive lived in three US states and six foreign countries. Expatriate Resources, 18 Shipyard Drive, Hingham, MA 02043, USA | info@internationalcitizens.com. Your email address will not be published. More and more are popping up these days, but still, there is a gap in the market here. > What do I need to know about living in Penang? Malaysia also offers a mix of fast-paced city life and beautiful beaches, rainforests and mountains. It's the hub. I would say - 3 days in KL (twin towers, KL tower, merdeka Square, (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Thanks, > I agree with your pros and cons for sure and mention many of these in my similar post on the pros and cons of living in Penang. Within that region, there are four main places that I would recommend: Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Langkawi, and Malacca. The difference was shocking as it has only been two years since I had the exact same dish in the same restaurant, he added. The difference is that prior to 2014, the quantum of appreciation is between 5% and 10% per annum, while now it is between 0% and 2%, due to an oversupply of new and sub-sale properties in the market. Just like rent, these prices are less than one-third of what you would pay in the USA. However, the imports in KL are cheaper than in Penang. Menara [KL] Tower, Petronas Towers / KLCC Park / KLCC Suria Mall; Bukit Bintang - 10 or so malls, restaurants, bars/Jalan Alor street food plus Times Square - more malls but do have a theme park; Central Market/Independence Square/Sultan Abdul building/Royal Selangor Club/Kuala Lumpur Railway Station - Colonial heritage; Chinatown/Petaling Street/night market/street food; All of these things (except the towers) Sinagpore probally does better than KL (as much as it hurts me to say that). The Perak Japanese School is a supplementary education programme in Ipoh, Perak. They are. It costs about 74.5% less to rent an apartment in Kuala Lumpur than it does to rent in the United States. Malacca (also spelled Melaka) may be lesser known than Kuala Lumpur and Penang. Food is also cheap and your P1000 will go a long way here; also, there are wider options of raw ingredients available here and fruits/veggies are everywhere. Cost of Living in Penang vs. Kuala Lumpur Overall, living costs in Penang are lower than in many other cities throughout the world. Expert agents will speak with you to understand your needs, research options, provide multiple quotes, review coverage details, answer all of your questions, and find the right plan for YOU! Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate, Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment, 1 min. Kuala Lumpur. Probably slightly cheaper. I suggest that you stick with the original plan - Singapore will give you a real taste of a concrete modern city - KL, in that sense, is much the same. Ive been here long enough to know all about the crap on top of the ice cream sundae, and it aint no cherry, my friends. Id have to say, pretty damn good even though this list has more cons than pros. Here are five popular destinations for expats and people with MM2H visas, listed by most to least expensive. Comparison Cost of living in Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) is 12% more expensive than in Georgetown (Penang) (Malaysia) We need your help! Speaking to CompareHero.my recently, Wong Keng Goon, a young admin executive who recently visited Penang said that the price of the infamous Char Koay Teow in his favorite restaurant has gone up 60% to RM8, compared to two years ago. Since this article only discusses the cost of living in different cities, it is safe to announce that Penang is still cheaper to live in when compared with the cost of living in Kuala Lumpur. what life is like in countries and cities around the world. The old city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and boasts restored British Colonial buildings, Chinese temples, Indian mosques and other influences in its distinctive architecture. Use a personal loan to consolidate your outstanding debt at a lower interest rate! Copyright 2009-2023 Numbeo. Often, condos or bungalows can even have five or six. MyLifeElsewhere is a collaborative project. A return flight to KL can cost as little as $50. The statistics used to build this comparison are calculated using data from users just like you. However, property prices in Penang have been catching up over the past few years up till 2014, boosted by foreign investors and property developers. Hence, monthly fees of gym membership in Penang may be cheaper even though gyms in Kuala Lumpur may be more appealing with better facilities for the members. 1. I dont want pretty beaches. The weekend gets busy with tourists, so if that is what you mean by packed and noisy, then I guess you are correct. Night life There are a number of bars in the city, but alcohol is . Congratulations on successfully joining CompareHero Newsletter. We are in Penang now - lunch yesterday cost rm10.50 plus drinks. However, this number does not represent all jobs across all sectors and may not be the best factor to base your decision to make your move on. Join the Elsewhere community and ask a question about Penang or Kuala Lumpur. Hi Sue! We had previously lived in China for two years, so it is delightful to be able to easily navigate the island and communicate in English. Apologies if this has been asked before but Im in such a dilemma about what to do.! If you crave luxury condos, fantastic shopping, hopping nightlife and all the other attractions of an ultra-modern Asian city, KL is where its at. Compare Cities Overall, living costs in Penang are lower than in many other cities throughout the world. Coming from Chicago, that small-town feel is endearing and makes us feel like we are part of a village. Dubbed the 'Pearl of the Orient', Penang is mostly known as a state island on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia in the northern region.
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living in penang vs kuala lumpur
