Cost of living in Georgetown (Penang) (Malaysia) is 77% cheaper than in London (United Kingdom)
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This comparison is lacking data. It provides a decent comparison, but it is not yet reliable. It is based on 1,026 prices entered by 159 different people.
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Currency:
Food | - 51% | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Food in Georgetown (Penang) (Malaysia) is 51% cheaper than in London (United Kingdom) | ||||
Update prices | Update prices | |||
Georgetown (Penang) | London | Diff | ||
Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district | RM24 (£4.09) | £15 | - 73% | |
Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) | RM16 (£2.79) | £8 | - 64% | |
500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast | RM7 (£1.19) | £3.85 | - 69% | |
1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk | RM7 (£1.23) | £1.09 | + 13% | |
12 eggs, large | RM6 (£1.11) | £3.98 | - 72% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes | RM3.97 (£0.69) | £2.20 | - 69% | |
500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese | RM31 (£5.32) | £4.40 | + 21% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of apples | RM11 (£1.95) | £1.97 | - 1% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes | RM4.86 (£0.84) | £0.79 | + 6% | |
0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket | RM10 (£1.73) | £1.83 | - 6% | |
1 bottle of red table wine, good quality | RM74 (£13) | £11 | + 20% | |
2 liters of coca-cola | RM4.89 (£0.85) | £2.10 | - 59% | |
Bread for 2 people for 1 day | RM3.34 (£0.58) | £1.23 | - 53% | |
Housing | - 84% | |||
Housing in Georgetown (Penang) (Malaysia) is 84% cheaper than in London (United Kingdom) | ||||
Update prices | Update prices | |||
Georgetown (Penang) | London | Diff | ||
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area | RM2,018 (£350) | £3,948 | - 91% | |
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area | RM1,536 (£267) | £3,483 | - 92% | |
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat | RM207 (£36) | £155 | - 77% | |
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area | RM2,561 (£444) | £3,406 | - 87% | |
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area | RM1,473 (£256) | £1,950 | - 87% | |
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio | RM798 (£138) | £136 | + 2% | |
Internet 8 mbps (1 month) | RM94 (£16) | £27 | - 40% | |
40” flat screen tv | RM827 (£144) | £254 | - 43% | |
Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) | RM603 (£105) | £121 | - 13% | |
Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) | RM27 (£4.64) | £5.72 | - 19% | |
Hourly rate for cleaning help | RM19 (£3.24) | £12 | - 74% | |
Clothes | - 43% | |||
Clothes in Georgetown (Penang) (Malaysia) is 43% cheaper than in London (United Kingdom) | ||||
Update prices | Update prices | |||
Georgetown (Penang) | London | Diff | ||
1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) | RM229 (£40) | £72 | - 45% | |
1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) | RM115 (£20) | £35 | - 44% | |
1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands) | RM331 (£58) | £83 | - 31% | |
1 pair of men’s leather business shoes | RM264 (£46) | £92 | - 50% | |
Transportation | - 87% | |||
Transportation in Georgetown (Penang) (Malaysia) is 87% cheaper than in London (United Kingdom) | ||||
Update prices | Update prices | |||
Georgetown (Penang) | London | Diff | ||
Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new | RM94,264 (£16,356) | £26,280 | - 38% | |
1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas | RM2.04 (£0.35) | £1.41 | - 75% | |
Monthly ticket public transport | RM66 (£12) | £180 | - 94% | |
Taxi trip on a business day, basic tariff, 8 km. (5 miles) | RM37 (£6) | £22 | - 71% | |
Personal Care | - 49% | |||
Personal Care in Georgetown (Penang) (Malaysia) is 49% cheaper than in London (United Kingdom) | ||||
Update prices | Update prices | |||
Georgetown (Penang) | London | Diff | ||
Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands) | RM13 (£2.31) | £2.79 | - 17% | |
1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) | RM23 (£3.96) | £7 | - 46% | |
Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) | RM79 (£14) | £52 | - 74% | |
1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, ...) | RM17 (£2.97) | £3.62 | - 18% | |
Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) | RM11 (£1.95) | £2.06 | - 5% | |
Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) | RM17 (£2.87) | £4.81 | - 40% | |
4 rolls of toilet paper | RM4.06 (£0.70) | £2.08 | - 66% | |
Tube of toothpaste | RM8 (£1.38) | £2.22 | - 38% | |
Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city | RM27 (£4.63) | £16 | - 71% | |
Entertainment | - 61% | |||
Entertainment in Georgetown (Penang) (Malaysia) is 61% cheaper than in London (United Kingdom) | ||||
Update prices | Update prices | |||
Georgetown (Penang) | London | Diff | ||
Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub | RM85 (£15) | £46 | - 68% | |
2 tickets to the movies | RM32 (£5.48) | £24 | - 77% | |
2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) | RM100 (£17) | £127 | - 86% | |
Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert | RM136 (£24) | £79 | - 70% | |
1 cocktail drink in downtown club | RM30 (£5.18) | £13 | - 59% | |
Cappuccino in expat area of the city | RM14 (£2.50) | £3.91 | - 36% | |
1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) | RM17 (£2.95) | £7 | - 59% | |
Ipad wi-fi 128gb | RM1,934 (£336) | £398 | - 16% | |
1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) | RM0.34 (£0.06) | £0.13 | - 53% | |
1 month of gym membership in business district | RM164 (£28) | £49 | - 42% | |
1 package of marlboro cigarettes | RM19 (£3.25) | £16 | - 79% | |
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TOTAL | - 77% |

These prices were last updated on June 24, 2025.
Exchange rate:
0.17351
GBP
/
MYR
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For example, to keep the same standard of living that would require £13,000 in London you would need to make just about £2,948 (RM16,990) in Georgetown (Penang).
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