Cost of living comparison between Georgetown (Penang) (Malaysia) and New York City (United States)
| Food | 28% | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Food in Georgetown (Penang) (Malaysia) is 28% cheaper than in New York City (United States) | |||
| Daily menu in the business district | RM24 ($8.02) | $14.33 | 44% |
| Combo meal in fast food restaurant (Big Mac Meal or similar) | RM11.46 ($3.81) | $7.56 | 50% |
| 1/2 Kg (1 lb.) of chicken breast | RM11.11 ($3.69) | $5.40 | 32% |
| 1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk | RM7.94 ($2.64) | $2.78 | 5% |
| 12 eggs, large | RM7.34 ($2.44) | $3.48 | 30% |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes | - | $4.92 | - |
| 500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese | RM30 ($10.06) | $6.55 | 53% |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of apples | RM9.88 ($3.28) | $4.46 | 27% |
| 2 kg (4,5 lb.) of potatoes | RM8.88 ($2.95) | $5.10 | 42% |
| 0.5 l (16 oz) beer in the supermarket | RM9.75 ($3.24) | $2.65 | 22% |
| 1 bottle of red table wine, good quality | RM40 ($13.28) | $17.01 | 22% |
| 2 liters of Coca-Cola | RM4.10 ($1.36) | $2.35 | 42% |
| bread for 2 people for 1 day | RM5.73 ($1.90) | $2.94 | 35% |
| Housing | 60% | ||
| Housing in Georgetown (Penang) (Malaysia) is 60% cheaper than in New York City (United States) | |||
| monthly rent for a 85 m2 (900 Sqft) furnished apartment in expensive area of the city | RM3,243 ($1,077) | $3,656 | 71% |
| utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat | RM492 ($163) | $161 | 2% |
| Internet 8MB (1 month) | RM226 ($75) | $53 | 41% |
| 40” flat screen TV | RM3,738 ($1,241) | $779 | 59% |
| Microwave, known brand, 800/900 Watt | RM300 ($100) | $161 | 38% |
| Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) | RM20 ($6.64) | $12.25 | 46% |
| Hourly rate for cleaning help | RM30 ($9.96) | $22 | 55% |
| Clothes | 52% | ||
| Clothes in Georgetown (Penang) (Malaysia) is 52% more expensive than in New York City (United States) | |||
| 1 pair of Levis 501 | RM260 ($86) | $59 | 46% |
| 1 summer dress in a chain store (Zara, H&M, ...) | RM245 ($81) | $40 | 105% |
| 1 pair of Adidas trainers | RM258 ($86) | $92 | 7% |
| 1 pair of average business shoes | RM266 ($88) | $118 | 25% |
| Transportation | 27% | ||
| Transportation in Georgetown (Penang) (Malaysia) is 27% cheaper than in New York City (United States) | |||
| Volkswagen Golf 2.0 TDI 140 CV 6 vel. (or equivalent), with no extras, new | RM174,984 ($58,105) | $27,674 | 110% |
| 1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas | RM2.04 ($0.68) | $1.06 | 36% |
| monthly ticket public transport | RM103 ($34) | $107 | 68% |
| Taxi trip on a business day, basic tariff, 8 Km. (5 miles) | - | $16.66 | - |
| Personal Care | 42% | ||
| Personal Care in Georgetown (Penang) (Malaysia) is 42% cheaper than in New York City (United States) | |||
| medicine against cold for 6 days (Frenadol, Coldrex, ...) | RM26 ($8.60) | $13.24 | 35% |
| 1 box of 32 tampons (Tampax, OB, ...) | RM19.46 ($6.46) | $8.07 | 20% |
| Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) | RM6.25 ($2.08) | $4.92 | 58% |
| Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) | - | $5.78 | - |
| 4 rolls of toilet paper | RM6.48 ($2.15) | $4.29 | 50% |
| Tube of toothpaste | RM8.20 ($2.72) | $4.28 | 36% |
| Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city | RM43 ($14.20) | $30 | 53% |
| Entertainment | 43% | ||
| Entertainment in Georgetown (Penang) (Malaysia) is 43% cheaper than in New York City (United States) | |||
| basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub | RM73 ($24) | $51 | 53% |
| 2 tickets to the movies | RM21 ($7.02) | $26 | 73% |
| 2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) | RM221 ($74) | $296 | 75% |
| dinner out for two in Italian restaurant with wine and dessert | RM216 ($72) | $115 | 38% |
| 1 cocktail drink in downtown club | RM23 ($7.64) | $13.97 | 45% |
| Capuccino in expat area of the city | RM10.50 ($3.49) | $4.47 | 22% |
| 1 beer in neighbourhood pub | RM14.43 ($4.79) | $6.23 | 23% |
| iPod nano 16GB | RM597 ($198) | $157 | 26% |
| 1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) | RM0.36 ($0.12) | $0.34 | 65% |
| 1 month of gym in business district | RM231 ($77) | $99 | 22% |
| 1 package of Marlboro cigarretes | RM12.50 ($4.15) | $12.37 | 66% |
| TOTAL | 42% | ||
WARNING! This comparison is based on only a few data points. At this point it is only a guess. It is based on 8,547 prices entered by 874 different people.
These prices were last updated on May 19, 2013.
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Cost of living in Georgetown (Penang) (Malaysia) is 42% cheaper than in New York City (United States)
For example, to keep the same standard of living that would require
$18,750
in New York City
you would need to make just about $10,782
(RM32,471)
in Georgetown (Penang).