Cost of Living in Penang, Penang (2026)
COL Index
44
100 = US avg
1BR Rent
$460
per month
Median HHI
—
per year
State Tax
None
income tax
Full cost breakdown
| Category | Penang |
|---|---|
| 🏠 HousingQ1 2026 | |
| Studio rent/mo | $340 |
| 1BR rent/mo | $460 |
| 2BR rent/mo | $720 |
| Median home price | — |
| 🛒 Food & GroceriesQ1 2026 | |
| Groceries index (100 = US avg) | — |
| Budget meal (1 person) | $4 |
| Mid-range dinner (2 people) | $16 |
| 🚌 TransportationQ1 2026 | |
| Monthly transit pass/mo | — |
| Gas price/gal | — |
| Car insurance/mo | — |
| ⚡ UtilitiesQ1 2026 | |
| Utilities bundle (elec + gas + water)/mo | $55 |
| Internet/mo | $22 |
| 💰 Income & TaxesQ1 2026 | |
| Median household income/yr | — |
| State income tax rate | 0.0% |
| Sales tax (combined) | 6.0% |
| 📊 OverviewQ1 2026 | |
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 44 |
| Walk score / 100 | 62 |
Is Penang affordable on your salary?
How rent burden (1BR) changes across income levels. Under 30% is comfortable; above 40% is tight.
$40K
~$2,728/mo take-home
17% rent burden · Very comfortable
$50K
~$3,160/mo take-home
15% rent burden · Very comfortable
$60K
~$3,793/mo take-home
12% rent burden · Very comfortable
$75K
~$4,741/mo take-home
10% rent burden · Very comfortable
$80K
~$5,057/mo take-home
9% rent burden · Very comfortable
$100K
~$6,321/mo take-home
7% rent burden · Very comfortable
$120K
~$7,155/mo take-home
6% rent burden · Very comfortable
$150K
~$8,944/mo take-home
5% rent burden · Very comfortable
Too expensive? Find cheaper alternatives.
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Data: Zillow Observed Rent Index, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation, US Census ACS · Q1 2026 · For general guidance only