Cost of living · Malaysia

George Town Cost of Living

Monthly cost of living breakdown for George Town, Malaysia

Cost Level: Low

Housing

1BR Apartment — City Center RM1,600–2,900/mo (centre); RM1,200–2,100/mo (outer)
USD Reference Approx. USD 390–710/mo (1BR centre) · at 2026-10-09 FX rates

Food & Dining

Budget Restaurant / Local Eatery RM8–20 (casual); RM40–90 (restaurant for 2)
Monthly Groceries RM600–1,200/mo (groceries)

Transport

Monthly Transport Cost Monthly pass ~RM100

Buses (Rapid Penang) + ride-hailing (Grab) + ferries; driving common. Penang Airport (PEN). Walkable World Heritage old town; taxi/car overall.

Monthly Budget Summary

Budget Lifestyle (single)
USD 800–1,200
Comfortable Lifestyle (single)
USD 1,200–2,000
Family Budget (2–3 people)
USD 2,500–4,000

Band-level illustration: these three totals come from this city's cost band (level 2 of 5), not from the expenses above — every city on the same band shows the same ranges.

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Important Note

Data above is approximate and indicative. Actual costs vary by location, personal lifestyle, and exchange rate fluctuations. Verify with local sources after arrival.

Source: Richbay editorial estimate (indicative, not guaranteed)

Estimate baseline: 2026-06-21

How we estimate
  • Coverage: the city and its immediate surrounding area.
  • Housing: public statistics and current listing ranges (1-bedroom, city-centre baseline).
  • Food & transport: supermarket / restaurant reference baskets and official operator fares.
  • Currency conversion uses a reference rate; any USD figures are computed at the rate shown.
  • Confidence: Medium — an editorial estimate, not a crowdsourced index.
  • Cost level is relative to Richbay’s global city set, not an absolute index.
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