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Cost of Living Comparison (2026)
Penang is 55% cheaper than Da Nang
Quick answer
Comparing Penang, Malaysia and Da Nang, Vietnam: a moderate single-person monthly budget is approximately $1,000 in Penang versus $450 in Da Nang. Penang is roughly 55% cheaper overall. Central 1-bed rent: $400/mo (Penang) vs $350/mo (Da Nang). Estimates use World Bank PPP data + national statistics + (where available) item-level price snapshots.
Key facts
| Lifestyle | 🇲🇾 Penang | 🇻🇳 Da Nang | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | $700/mo | $300/mo | -57% |
| Moderate | $1,000/mo | $450/mo | -55% |
| Comfortable | $1,500/mo | $700/mo | -53% |
Estimates for a single person. Based on World Bank PPP data and national statistics.
| Category | 🇲🇾 Penang | 🇻🇳 Da Nang | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing (1-bed, center) | $400/mo | $350/mo | -12% |
| Groceries & Food | $200/mo | $90/mo | -55% |
| Dining Out | $60/mo | $40/mo | -33% |
| Transport | $12/mo | $10/mo | -17% |
| Utilities & Internet | $100/mo | $45/mo | -55% |
| Healthcare | $80/mo | $36/mo | -55% |
| Leisure & Personal | $70/mo | $32/mo | -54% |
Sources: DOSM (Malaysia), World Bank / GSO (Vietnam), World Bank. Updated Jan 2026.
| Item | 🇲🇾 Penang | 🇻🇳 Da Nang | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loaf of bread (500g) | $1 | $0 | -69% |
| Milk (1 liter) | $2 | $1 | -18% |
| Eggs (12) | $1 | $1 | -9% |
| Chicken breast (1 kg) | $2 | $3 | +18% |
| Rice (1 kg) | $1 | $1 | -19% |
| Item | 🇲🇾 Penang | 🇻🇳 Da Nang | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nasi lemak (hawker) | $1 | $1 | +12% |
| Fast food combo meal | $4 | $4 | +16% |
| Cappuccino | $2 | $2 | -22% |
| Beer (0.5L, restaurant) | $4 | $1 | -78% |
| Item | 🇲🇾 Penang | 🇻🇳 Da Nang | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bedroom condo, center (George Town) | $415 | $350 | -16% |
| 1-bedroom apartment, outside | $265 | $220 | -17% |
| 3-bedroom condo, center | $825 | $700 | -15% |
| 3-bedroom apartment, outside | $490 | $400 | -18% |
| Item | 🇲🇾 Penang | 🇻🇳 Da Nang | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly transit pass (Rapid Penang) | $12 | $45 | +281% |
| Grab ride (10 km) | $3 | $1 | -75% |
| Item | 🇲🇾 Penang | 🇻🇳 Da Nang | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electricity, water, garbage (85m²) | $46 | $45 | -2% |
| Internet (60+ Mbps) | $20 | $9 | -55% |
| Item | 🇲🇾 Penang | 🇻🇳 Da Nang | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gym membership (monthly) | $30 | $18 | -40% |
| Item | 🇲🇾 Penang | 🇻🇳 Da Nang | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Haircut (men) | $3 | $2 | -41% |
Explore more: Penang city guide | Da Nang city guide | Malaysia | Vietnam