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The Daily Insight

Where do expats live in Penang?

Author

Ava Robinson

Updated on February 27, 2026

10 MIN READThe 4 best areas for retirees & expats to live in Penang
  1. Gurney Drive. Gurney Drive is one of the most popular areas among MM2H holders and foreigners mainly from Hong Kong and Europe.
  2. Tanjong Tokong & Tanjung Bungah.
  3. Batu Ferringhi.
  4. Gelugor / Bayan Lepas.

Likewise, how much do you need to retire in Penang?

Retiring to Penang will not only give you the financial freedom you need but also provides you with a First World lifestyle. A couple can live here for $1,500 if you really watch your spending, but if you want to splurge and spend $2,500 you will feel like royalty.

Secondly, what is it like living in Penang? In Penang especially people seem relaxed, happy and open. They welcome visitors warmly without cynicism and seem positive about their future and proud of their home. The service in restaurants and stores is better than we have experienced in other SE Asian countries we have visited.

Considering this, is Penang a good place to retire?

Penang is a great place to stay, be it as a retirement home, a place to relax and raise a family. It is famous for its food (especially street food), cultural diversity, friendly people and nice beaches(for walking on the beach).

Where is the best place to live in Malaysia?

The 3 Best Places to Live in Malaysia

  1. Kuala Lumpur. Kuala Lumpur is a thriving city of about 1.6 million people.
  2. Penang Island. Penang is an island off the coast of Malaysia and is about a three-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur.
  3. Malacca.

Related Question Answers

Is rm1 million enough to retire in Malaysia?

If you don't generate any other source of income, a million ringgit can last you about 50 years if you spend RM1,000 per month, nowhere close enough to living the dream life.

Is Penang a safe place to live?

The region as a whole has a number of locations that attract foreigners for various reasons. Penang is safe – crime rates are lower compared to other Asian countries and cities like KL, Manila, and more.

Why is Penang famous?

Nicknamed the Pearl of the Orient, Penang is famous for its soft sandy beaches and is fondly regarded as the food capital of Malaysia. Some of the most interesting sites of Penang include the sandy beaches of Tanjung Bungah, the landscape from the summit of Penang Hill and the vipers in the Snake Temple.

Where is the best place to retire in Malaysia?

Although Kuala Lumpur and Penang's beaches draw the most attention, other locations in Malaysia can offer better deals for retirees. Langkawi, Sabah, Johor, and Ipoh all have their charms.

Is Malaysia safe for expats?

There are many benefits of expat living and retiring in Malaysia. In fact, the cost of living is so low that many Westerners are able to retire early here – sometimes a decade sooner than anticipated. It's a friendly, comfortable, relaxed, welcoming place to live with a low crime rate.

How much does it cost to live in Malaysia for a month?

What are the general living expenses for Malaysia? How much can you get by on?
Living expenses in Malaysia (excluding rent) Kuala Lumpur average cost
Single person, per month MYR 2,036
Single person, per year MYR 24,432
University student, per month MYR 1,268
Four person family, per month MYR 7,310

How long can US citizen stay in Malaysia?

90 days

How much do you need to live comfortably in Malaysia?

So to give you a roundabout answer, if your income is below RM2,500 a month, you'll have to live pretty frugally (and many people here subsist on considerably less). RM2,500 to RM4,000 will get you further, and anything above RM5,000 will afford you a pretty comfortable life in KL.

Can US citizens retire in Malaysia?

Malaysia has a retirement visa option that is one of the best in the world. With the MM2H visa, after one year, you can withdraw RM50,000 ($11,627) for the purchase of a car, your children's education, medical expenses, or to buy a home. Malaysia is one of the few places in Asia where you can buy property freehold.

Where is the best place for retirement?

Fast-forward to 2021. Three decades have gone by, during which our scouts have scoured every corner of the globe many times over.
  • Vietnam. ©
  • Malta. ©
  • France. ©
  • Malaysia. ©
  • Ecuador.
  • Portugal.
  • Colombia.
  • Mexico.

Is Penang expensive?

Family of four estimated monthly costs are 1,681$ (6,798RM) without rent. A single person estimated monthly costs are 473$ (1,912RM) without rent. Penang is 59.92% less expensive than New York (without rent).

Is it cheap to live in Malaysia?

Housing costs are quite low (about 72% less than the U.S.), while the overall cost of living is about 43% less expensive. For retirees looking to stretch their savings, Malaysia is a destination worth considering. From city life to island living, you can enjoy it all in Malaysia.

How can I get mm2h visa?

All applicants in Peninsular Malaysia must be sponsored by a Malaysian citizen, or apply for the MM2H visa through a registered agent. A sponsor, or agent, must place a Personal Bond of up to RM2,000 to support the application.

How do you get to Batu Ferringhi beach?

From just off of Gurney Drive, you can catch a bus out to Batu Ferringhi from the main road. Both buses 101 and 102 stop at the bus stop just a short walk away from the western end of Gurney Drive. From here it is 10.5 km to Batu Ferringhi and the fare is RM 2.00. Buses come along every 10 to 20 minutes.

Why Malaysia is the best place to live?

Malaysia has the advantage of being one of the lowest populated countries in Asia. This means plenty of unspoiled countryside where you can explore the rain forests, hill stations and tropical islands, or relax on the many beaches. There is a wealth of flora and fauna as well as wild life.

Is Penang safe at night?

Quite safe in BF and Georgetown. Like everywhere else in the world keep your whits about you. Not many peeps walk on the beach in BF late at night to be honest. Apart from a couple of bars there is not much to see.

How is life in Malaysia?

Living in Malaysia is cheaper as compared to many other countries in the world. Taxation in Malaysia is kept at a very lower rate and due to currency depreciation, housing, food, traveling etc. are cheaper in the country.

Can a foreigner buy a house in Malaysia?

Foreign ownership of property is liberal (foreigners can even own 100% of the property) in Malaysia as long as minimum requirements are met. In law, foreigners can own any type of properties except for: Properties valued less than RM1 million. Low and medium cost residential units as defined by state authority.

Can I retire to Malaysia?

Malaysia has everything from beaches to jungles and is, therefore, an attractive place to retire. Buying a home in Malaysia is relatively simple, and individuals do not get taxed on income earned outside of the country. Overall, Malaysians are very friendly and welcomes foreigners who want to retire there.

Is property a good investment in Malaysia?

A rental property is a great start for investment as you can enjoy positive cash flows while leveraging on the potential capital gains/growth from property appreciation – We will touch more on capital growth in the next point.

What is the safest city in Malaysia?

Explore Malaysia: Quality of Life in Malaysia.

By City in Malaysia.

Rank City Crime Index
1 Klang 68.22
2 Kuala Lumpur 64.83
3 Petaling Jaya 56.77
4 Johor Bahru 55.75

Can you retire with RM1mil?

While RM1mil might not be enough to retire with, it's still a lot of money, which can be used for investment purposes and to grow your wealth even further. “Don't retire! We advise our clients that if it's possible, they should continue working. At 55, you're still young enough to generate more income for yourself.

Where do rich live in Malaysia?

The Area: Bukit Tunku is home to Malaysia's elite, with mansions and bungalows costing in the milions of Ringgit dotted around this affluent neighbourhood. The area routinely features in the most expensive property transactions in Malaysia, with average transactions often topping the RM25 million price range.

How much does an apartment cost in Malaysia?

How expensive is housing and accommodation in Malaysia?
Renting in Malaysia Average monthly cost (Kuala Lumpur)
One bedroom apartment (outside of city centre) MYR 1,342
Three bedroom family home (city centre) MYR 4,495
Three bedroom family home (outside of city centre) MYR 2,156
Internet MYR 163

Where do expats live in Kuala Lumpur?

The Best Neighbourhoods for Expats in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  • Kuala Lumpur City Centre. Expats working for one of the big companies in the city centre often stay in KLCC.
  • Damansara Heights. Damansara Heights, also called Bukit Damansara or Kuala Lumpur's Beverly Hills, ranks among the more affluent parts of the city.
  • Bangsar.
  • Desa Sri Hartamas.
  • Mont Kiara.
  • Bukit Tunku.

What is the best place to live on earth?

  • Canada. #1 in Quality of Life Rankings.
  • Denmark. #2 in Quality of Life Rankings.
  • Sweden. #3 in Quality of Life Rankings.
  • Norway. #4 in Quality of Life Rankings.
  • Australia. #5 in Quality of Life Rankings.
  • Netherlands. #6 in Quality of Life Rankings.
  • Switzerland. #7 in Quality of Life Rankings.
  • New Zealand.