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Cost of Living in George Town

George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia · Population 794,313

▲ +0% vs Malaysia average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)RM2,322 ($494)
Couple, monthlyRM4,150 ($883)
Family of four, monthlyRM5,395 ($1,148)

Estimated Prices in George Town

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurantRM23.91 ($5.09)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-rangeRM95.65 ($20.35)per meal
CappuccinoRM7.17 ($1.53)each
Monthly groceries (single person)RM542 ($115)per month
Monthly public transport passRM87.68 ($18.66)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartmentRM231 ($49.18)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)RM66.96 ($14.25)per month
Fitness club membershipRM66.96 ($14.25)per month
Cinema ticketRM17.54 ($3.73)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centreRM1,046 ($223)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centreRM728 ($155)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centreRM2,184 ($465)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in George Town is RM4,484 ($954) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of RM2,322 ($494) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly RM3,019 ($642) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre (RM728 ($155)) represents about 31% of the total single-person budget.

Compare George Town

George Town vs Kuala LumpurGeorge Town vs KlangGeorge Town vs IpohGeorge Town vs Taman RiaGeorge Town vs Seberang JayaGeorge Town vs Johor Bahru

Nearby Cities

Kampung Sungai Glugur

2 km away · Pulau Pinang

Jelutong

3 km away · Pulau Pinang

Butterworth

3 km away · Pulau Pinang

Seberang Jaya

4 km away · Pulau Pinang

Ayer Itam

6 km away · Pulau Pinang

Perai

6 km away · Pulau Pinang

Tanjung Tokong

6 km away · Pulau Pinang

Tanjung Bunga

8 km away · Pulau Pinang

Other Major Cities in Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur · pop. 8,911,000

RM2,895 ($616) / mo

Klang

Selangor · pop. 878,000

RM2,322 ($494) / mo

Ipoh

Perak · pop. 866,772

RM2,322 ($494) / mo

Taman Ria

Perak · pop. 858,118

RM2,322 ($494) / mo

Seberang Jaya

Pulau Pinang · pop. 815,767

RM2,322 ($494) / mo

Johor Bahru

Johor · pop. 797,882

RM2,322 ($494) / mo

Petaling Jaya

Selangor · pop. 638,516

RM2,322 ($494) / mo

Kuantan

Pahang · pop. 607,778

RM2,322 ($494) / mo

Living in George Town

George Town is one of the key cities in Malaysia. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is RM2,322 ($494), placing it above the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around RM728 ($155) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to RM5,395 ($1,148) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately RM4,150 ($883) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in George Town is RM4,484 ($954). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least RM3,019 ($642) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is George Town expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated RM2,322 ($494) per month in George Town including rent outside the city centre. That is 0% more than the national average for Malaysia.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in George Town?
A net salary of around RM3,019 ($642) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in George Town with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in George Town is RM4,484 ($954).
How much is rent in George Town?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated RM1,046 ($223) per month in the city centre and RM728 ($155) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about RM2,184 ($465).
Is George Town cheaper than Malaysia on average?
No — George Town is estimated to be about 0% more expensive than the Malaysia average, mainly due to housing demand.
What is the cost of groceries in George Town?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at RM542 ($115) in George Town. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about RM24 ($5) and a cappuccino runs around RM7 ($2).
How do transport costs in George Town compare?
A monthly public transport pass in George Town is estimated at RM88 ($19). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for George Town are estimates based on Malaysia national averages adjusted for city size (population 794,313). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.