Cost of living in George Town
George Town, the capital city of the Malaysian state of Penang, is known for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant street life. Understanding the cost of living in George Town is crucial for anyone considering moving to or visiting this dynamic city.
The cost of living encompasses various aspects such as housing, transportation, groceries, and dining, which are essential for budgeting and financial planning.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $2.91 on average, with a range between $1.9 and $4.48.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $22.38, with prices ranging from $14.32 to $33.57.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $4.03, with a range between $3.58 and $4.48.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $2.24 to $5.59, imported beer $3.36 to $8.95, cappuccino $1.79 to $3.36, and Coke/Pepsi $0.45 to $1.01.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $1.34 and $2.24 per liter, averaging $1.86.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $0.67 and $1.57, with an average price of $0.95.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.21 to $2.69, averaging $1.97.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $1.57 to $3.58 per kg, while oranges range from $1.12 to $3.13 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $0.45 and $1.99 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.34 to $1.12 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs $0.45.
- Monthly Pass - A monthly pass for public transport is priced between $8.95 and $11.19.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.46 and $0.48 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $0.9, with a cost of $0.22 per km and $5.59 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $223.79 to $559.47, averaging $346.87.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $190.22 to $447.58, averaging $271.34.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $447.58 to $895.15, averaging $688.15.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $335.68 to $783.26, averaging $542.69.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $963.54 to $1445.31, averaging $1204.42.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $722.65 to $963.54, averaging $843.09.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $22.38 and $76.09, averaging $38.77.
- Internet - Internet services range from $22.16 to $38.04, with an average cost of $28.12.
Cost of Living Rankings
The cost of living indices for Malaysia are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in Malaysia, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.
Cost of Living Data
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Rent Per Month
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Clothing And Shoes
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Buy Apartment Price
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Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Childcare
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"Key Takeaways"
George Town offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to many Western cities, with low prices for dining and transportation.
Housing is particularly affordable, especially outside the city centre, making it an attractive option for expatriates and locals alike.
Grocery prices are reasonable, though imported goods may be more expensive.
Utilities and internet costs are low, contributing to the overall affordability of living in George Town.
Conclusion
In conclusion, George Town, Malaysia, presents a cost-effective living environment with affordable housing, dining, and transportation options.
The city's low cost of living makes it an appealing destination for both expatriates and locals seeking a vibrant yet budget-friendly lifestyle.