Penang offers expat families an excellent balance of Asian culture, colonial heritage, and modern amenities with quality international schools. George Town's UNESCO World Heritage status provides rich cultural experiences while maintaining family-friendly environments. The island boasts exceptional food culture, mixing Malay, Chinese, and Indian influences. Healthcare standards are high with internationally accredited hospitals. English is widely spoken due to British colonial history, easing the transition for expat families. Housing options include modern condos and traditional shophouses. The tropical climate is consistent year-round. Malaysia's MM2H visa program makes long-term residence accessible. Weekend getaways to Thailand or other Malaysian states are convenient and affordable.

☀️ Climate & Weather

Monthly temperatures, rainfall, and sea conditions

32°C

Hottest (Jul)

24°C

Coolest (Dec)

Sunny days/mo avg

2305mm

Annual rainfall

Avg highAvg lowSea tempRainfall

28°

🌊 Jan

28°

🌊 Feb

29°

🌊 Mar

30°

🌊 Apr

30°

🌊 May

30°

🌊 Jun

29°

🌊 Jul

29°

🌊 Aug

29°

🌊 Sep

29°

🌊 Oct

29°

🌊 Nov

28°

🌊 Dec

💰 Cost of Living

Monthly family budget estimates (USD)

At a Glance

$650

Avg. rent /mo

$2.50

Budget meal

$20

Mid-range dinner (2 ppl)

Dining & Drinks

Cappuccino$2.80

Domestic beer$3.20

Imported beer$4.50

Water (1.5L)$0.50

Groceries

Loaf of bread$1.20

Milk (1L)$2.10

Dozen eggs$1.80

Chicken (1 kg)$2.90

Transport

Taxi flag-drop$0.90

Taxi per km$0.55

Monthly transit pass$22

Gasoline (per liter)$0.55

Monthly Bills

Internet$22 /mo

Utilities (avg.)$65 /mo

Gym membership$35 /mo

Domestic help$300 /mo

Preschool / nursery$350 /mo

Comfortable

Modest condo outside Georgetown, heavy use of hawker food, Grab and motorbike, mid-tier international school. A very liveable standard at low cost.

$3,800/mo

Rent$700

Groceries$400

Lifestyle & leisure$250

Transport$100

Utilities$100

Dining out$200

Healthcare$200

School fees (per child)$1,500

Domestic help$300

Established

Modern 3-bedroom condo in Tanjung Tokong or Gurney area, regular restaurant dining, private car, established international school, weekend trips to Langkawi or Cameron Highlands.

$7,000/mo

Rent$1,600

Groceries$650

Lifestyle & leisure$550

Transport$280

Utilities$150

Dining out$450

Healthcare$350

School fees (per child)$2,200

Domestic help$600

Premium

Luxury seafront condo or bungalow in Tanjung Bungah, premium international school (Dalat/POWIIS), private driver, fine dining, golf club membership, regular travel.

$13,000/mo

Rent$3,500

Groceries$1,000

Lifestyle & leisure$1,200

Transport$600

Utilities$220

Dining out$900

Healthcare$550

School fees (per child)$3,200

Domestic help$1,200

Estimates for a family of four on Penang Island (Georgetown and surroundings). Rent assumes a 2–3 bedroom condo or terrace house. Groceries mix local hawker/wet market sourcing with imported items. School fees reflect a single child at a mid-tier international school. All figures in USD at approximately 1 USD = 4.5 MYR. Penang is significantly cheaper than Kuala Lumpur for housing while offering comparable food quality.