Penang

🇲🇾Malaysia•Southeast Asia

City Score

"A growing hub balancing local authenticity with emerging remote-work infrastructure."

City Metrics

Cost of Living50

Safety86

Healthcare77

Career Opportunities72

Climate62

Transport84

Air Quality74.5

Family Friendliness80

Education75

Top Neighborhoods

Central Core

Historic Quarter

Modern Suburbs

Housing Reality

Standard rental laws apply. Direct landlord negotiations are common, with 1-2 months deposit standard.

Getting Around

Ridesharing apps (Uber/Bolt/Local equivalent) are highly recommended outside the walkable core.

Other Cities in Malaysia

Frequently Asked Questions

▸Is Penang a good place to live?

Penang scores 72/100 overall. It is moderately affordable (cost score: 50/100), very safe (safety: 86/100), and has excellent healthcare (healthcare: 77/100). Top neighborhoods include Central Core, Historic Quarter, Modern Suburbs.

▸What is the cost of living in Penang?

Penang has a cost of living score of 50/100 (higher = more affordable). Standard rental laws apply. Direct landlord negotiations are common, with 1-2 months deposit standard.

▸How do I get around Penang?

Penang has a transport score of 84/100. Ridesharing apps (Uber/Bolt/Local equivalent) are highly recommended outside the walkable core.

▸What are the best neighborhoods in Penang?

The most recommended neighborhoods in Penang are Central Core, Historic Quarter, Modern Suburbs. A growing hub balancing local authenticity with emerging remote-work infrastructure.

▸Is Penang safe for expats?

Penang has a safety score of 86/100. The city very safe and has an air quality score of 74.5/100.

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City Deep Dive

Is Penang actually livable? See neighborhood rankings, real cost breakdowns, and local quality-of-life scores

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