Living in Penang, Malaysia: costs, housing and getting around

Penang Island is a popular destination for relocation, second to Kuala Lumpur, an island where the World Heritage-listed historic district of George Town and the beach areas in the north exist side by side. Prices are relatively moderate, and it is an area often considered as an option after obtaining MM2H. Rents and prices change with the period and the property, so please treat the levels in this article as a rough guide only.

What the areas are like

George Town is a World Heritage district lined with historic buildings, an area full of cafes and art that is enjoyable to explore on foot. Around Gurney Drive in the north, seafront high-rise condominiums and shopping malls are concentrated, and it is known as an area with a high level of everyday convenience. Batu Ferringhi, on the outskirts, has a strong resort character and is favoured by those looking for a calm living environment.

Prices and daily life

Eating out and local food are plentiful, and because street-stall culture is well established, food costs are easy to keep down. Imported goods and Japanese ingredients, on the other hand, tend to be expensive, so it is reassuring to work out a household budget in advance. You can estimate monthly living costs with the cost-of-living simulator.

Getting around the island

There is a bus network on the island, but this is an area where many people also use their own car or a ride-hailing app. The island is linked to the mainland by the Penang Bridge, and the airport is on the island as well, so access to domestic and international destinations is relatively good.

Points to note when looking for a home

• The World Heritage district has character, but many of its buildings are old
• Seafront high-rise properties tend to combine views with convenience
• The range of properties you can choose from changes with the status of your long-stay visa

You can check the latest visa requirements with the MM2H requirement check. To compare properties see the listings, and for a sense of area price levels please also see the area guide. If you have questions, our free consultation offers support in English, Japanese, Chinese and Malay.