@@rv2lyon8 Totally agree! Penang is such a gem-stunning heritage, incredible food, and a laid-back vibe. Are you planning to retire there or just love visiting?
@NomadNestNN I should retire in Malaysia but I still hesitate between different cities who have a lot of pro. I think that we will certainly test each place for 6 months before to finally decide.
I spoke with real estate agents in Penang. None had apartments at those prices. When I go there I pay more than twice the prices you are talking about for a one bedroom and the apartment is not in a new building and it is not on the shore. I can't imagine how one would live on $800 monthly anywhere in Penang or KL. That would be a very, very hard uncomfortable life for someone from the West.
@@TBara-e5e I agree one bedroom apartments in a new building are a bit more pricey. Check out the smaller studios, they are much more affordable if you’re just one person or a couple.
I'm old and a frugal minimalist looking for a small efficient studio - near all the good food ! --- How much is the very lower end rent (?) for a very small 250 sf furnished studio ? A low cost budget is quite desirable to allow for frequent travel from a 'home base' ? Flights all over S E Asia are quite easy from there. Sounds ideal perhaps ? 🤔 ❤ 👍 🙏 ✌ 🍺 🎯 🎉
@@KB3TLE I suppose you are looking for a long term rental in Penang, so I guess you should check the properties listed on PropertyGuru and contact the owners directly. Good luck 🤞
I am from Penang. I suggest you live in Tanjong Tokong in the northern part of Penang Island. There is a beautiful sea view unit, convenient living environment, good English communication, 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, 120 square meters, monthly rent is about RM2,500-2,800.
@@keangwooichoo6138 yeah the traffic can be really bad in rush hours, I agree. For crystal clear beaches the north of the island is just great, for example the Monkey beach.
From Bangkok, should I fly to Penang or take train? I'm open to either. How easy is it to get around Georgetown and Penang overall. I'm use to BTS in Bangkok. Is there a good public transport in Penang? Or something comparable? Thank you.
@@jnsa9454 For traveling from Bangkok to Penang, flying is definitely the most convenient option. There are direct flights available from Bangkok to Penang, with airlines like AirAsia and Thai Airways offering regular routes. Flight duration is around 1.5-2 hours, and prices can vary depending on the time of booking, but expect to pay around $30-$100 for a one-way ticket. As for traveling within Georgetown, Penang, public buses are an affordable option. The Rapid Penang bus service costs approximately RM 1.40-RM 3.00 (around $0.30-$0.70 USD) for a one-way ride, depending on the distance. Taxis and Grab rides are also available, with prices starting at around RM 10 (approximately $2 USD) for short trips. While there’s no MRT or BTS system like in Bangkok, the public transport in Penang is relatively affordable and easy to use. Georgetown itself is quite walkable, so you can also explore on foot if you prefer.
Well, I've been living here for 3 months, and this cost of living here is not what this guy is saying. The living unit or condo here would have a hard time getting approved in the U.S. Want a double sink, with a dishwasher, and hot water in the kitchen sink? Forget about it. You can eat really cheap here, if all you like to eat is rice, noodles, chicken, and eggs. Locally grown or produced food here is a rarity. Fruits and vegetables are plentiful in the markets, but they mostly come from China, Vietnam, Thailand, Egypt, etc. You want high quality meat like you would get in the U.S.? You can forget about that too. I have yet to see anything resembling a U.S. pork chop or a rack of spare ribs, as this is a Muslim country. And there is no locally grown beef (big Indian Hindu population here). The Australian beef and lamb is grass fed with different grasses than it the U.S. Consequently, the beef and lamb are not only pricey, but tough and gamey tasting because there are no grain fed lamb or cattle. And virtually all the meat comes from Australia, a few thousand miles away. One other thing that I would say is that this youtube video looks like it was produced from snippets of travelogues. Didn't see the video's producer in any segments. Doubt if the guy has ever even been here.
@@bobgarrasi533 thank you for taking time to write a comment on my video, appreciate that! I just got back from Penang, and I can say that the food there was definitely one of the best in the Southeast Asia… Next time you visit Penang try to eat at Viva Victoria or Bite an Eat (Micheline guide 2023 and 2024) restaurant and then check how much you paid for an amazing dinner and then compare it to an average restaurant in the US. I am not even talking about the local markets like the New World Park - where you can have a great lunch with just $3-4! I agree, rent is quite high here if you compare it to the Philippines, Thailand or Vietnam. But in this video I was talking about a really small studio apartment 25-30 square meters, which you can surely find quite reasonable price in most of the neighborhoods outside the historical center of Georgetown! Last but not least - some RUclipsrs prefer not to show their faces on their videos for different reasons and that’s totally fine, believe me. Have a great day!
Exactly! I spend quite a bit of time in Penang and I've never found apartments or food at those prices. I've spoken to real estate agents about long term rentals. They don't have anything at those prices--not even the older apartments. About coffee, I usually pay $3.50 to $5 USD for one coffee. I would plan $2,000 USD min. for monthly expenses. It's very easy to spend $3,000 monthly for a more or less average existence.
@@TBara-e5e check out PropertyGuru for accommodation in Penang and just filter out the real estate agents posts to skip those fees and I am sure you will find more affordable housing options 🤞
'Like royalty' ? Really ? Perhaps if you only leave your apartment to eat. Buy ANYTHING imported. including beer and coffee, and you will soon scurry back to that cheap apartment. Malaysia has grand plans to be the next Singapore - they still have a way to go but that doesn't bode well for the future of budget retirement.
@@arthurwatts1680 maybe the word ‘royalty’ doesn’t describe it very well, but let’s agree that you’ll definitely spend 3-4 times less budget there than in any major western city, while having a much better life Penang! And let’s not forget people have different expectations about a good life.
I totally agree. That's a wonderful place for retirement
@@rv2lyon8 Totally agree! Penang is such a gem-stunning heritage, incredible food, and a laid-back vibe. Are you planning to retire there or just love visiting?
@NomadNestNN I should retire in Malaysia but I still hesitate between different cities who have a lot of pro. I think that we will certainly test each place for 6 months before to finally decide.
@@rv2lyon8 I guess testing a couple of different cities is the best idea because you make your final decision. Cheers !
@@NomadNestNN I will test Mallaca, KK, Kuching, KL and Penang. I will maybe add JB from a friend of mine who often sees her parents there.
@ hmm interesting! Good luck with that 💚
Thanks for sharing this info, i was looking for a detailed overview of the price of living in Penang!
Glad it was helpful 🙌
I woud Iove to live there when I retire.
Me too….
And with these prices maybe you could retire even earlier.
Me too... Love the beautiful mix of British architecture and the modern city vibes! ... and the food scene looks interesting as well 🤤
I spoke with real estate agents in Penang. None had apartments at those prices. When I go there I pay more than twice the prices you are talking about for a one bedroom and the apartment is not in a new building and it is not on the shore. I can't imagine how one would live on $800 monthly anywhere in Penang or KL. That would be a very, very hard uncomfortable life for someone from the West.
@@TBara-e5e I agree one bedroom apartments in a new building are a bit more pricey. Check out the smaller studios, they are much more affordable if you’re just one person or a couple.
Can't wait to visit Penang. I liked KL but it was a bit too urban for me. Next time I need a visa run this is the top spot on my list.
You should!
I'm old and a frugal minimalist looking for a small efficient studio - near all the good food ! --- How much is the very lower end rent (?) for a very small 250 sf furnished studio ? A low cost budget is quite desirable to allow for frequent travel from a 'home base' ? Flights all over S E Asia are quite easy from there. Sounds ideal perhaps ? 🤔 ❤ 👍 🙏 ✌ 🍺 🎯 🎉
@@KB3TLE I suppose you are looking for a long term rental in Penang, so I guess you should check the properties listed on PropertyGuru and contact the owners directly. Good luck 🤞
@@NomadNestNN That has very little choices and nothing at all like I would be interested in ? Any other suggestions ?
I am from Penang. I suggest you live in Tanjong Tokong in the northern part of Penang Island. There is a beautiful sea view unit, convenient living environment, good English communication, 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, 120 square meters, monthly rent is about RM2,500-2,800.
Hmm looks like Penang is going to be the next expat hub in SE Asia 🤔
I’m sure about that!
The only issues there are traffic and sea water is not clear for swimming.
@@keangwooichoo6138 yeah the traffic can be really bad in rush hours, I agree. For crystal clear beaches the north of the island is just great, for example the Monkey beach.
@NomadNestNN they are building metro system this year starting from south to north
@NomadNestNN they are building cable car from penang hill to botanical garden
@@keangwooichoo6138 yes, the cable car will start operating later this year 🙌
From Bangkok, should I fly to Penang or take train? I'm open to either. How easy is it to get around Georgetown and Penang overall. I'm use to BTS in Bangkok. Is there a good public transport in Penang? Or something comparable? Thank you.
@@jnsa9454 For traveling from Bangkok to Penang, flying is definitely the most convenient option. There are direct flights available from Bangkok to Penang, with airlines like AirAsia and Thai Airways offering regular routes. Flight duration is around 1.5-2 hours, and prices can vary depending on the time of booking, but expect to pay around $30-$100 for a one-way ticket.
As for traveling within Georgetown, Penang, public buses are an affordable option. The Rapid Penang bus service costs approximately RM 1.40-RM 3.00 (around $0.30-$0.70 USD) for a one-way ride, depending on the distance. Taxis and Grab rides are also available, with prices starting at around RM 10 (approximately $2 USD) for short trips. While there’s no MRT or BTS system like in Bangkok, the public transport in Penang is relatively affordable and easy to use. Georgetown itself is quite walkable, so you can also explore on foot if you prefer.
Well, I've been living here for 3 months, and this cost of living here is not what this guy is saying. The living unit or condo here would have a hard time getting approved in the U.S. Want a double sink, with a dishwasher, and hot water in the kitchen sink? Forget about it. You can eat really cheap here, if all you like to eat is rice, noodles, chicken, and eggs. Locally grown or produced food here is a rarity. Fruits and vegetables are plentiful in the markets, but they mostly come from China, Vietnam, Thailand, Egypt, etc. You want high quality meat like you would get in the U.S.? You can forget about that too. I have yet to see anything resembling a U.S. pork chop or a rack of spare ribs, as this is a Muslim country. And there is no locally grown beef (big Indian Hindu population here). The Australian beef and lamb is grass fed with different grasses than it the U.S. Consequently, the beef and lamb are not only pricey, but tough and gamey tasting because there are no grain fed lamb or cattle. And virtually all the meat comes from Australia, a few thousand miles away.
One other thing that I would say is that this youtube video looks like it was produced from snippets of travelogues. Didn't see the video's producer in any segments. Doubt if the guy has ever even been here.
@@bobgarrasi533 thank you for taking time to write a comment on my video, appreciate that! I just got back from Penang, and I can say that the food there was definitely one of the best in the Southeast Asia… Next time you visit Penang try to eat at Viva Victoria or Bite an Eat (Micheline guide 2023 and 2024) restaurant and then check how much you paid for an amazing dinner and then compare it to an average restaurant in the US. I am not even talking about the local markets like the New World Park - where you can have a great lunch with just $3-4! I agree, rent is quite high here if you compare it to the Philippines, Thailand or Vietnam. But in this video I was talking about a really small studio apartment 25-30 square meters, which you can surely find quite reasonable price in most of the neighborhoods outside the historical center of Georgetown! Last but not least - some RUclipsrs prefer not to show their faces on their videos for different reasons and that’s totally fine, believe me. Have a great day!
Exactly! I spend quite a bit of time in Penang and I've never found apartments or food at those prices. I've spoken to real estate agents about long term rentals. They don't have anything at those prices--not even the older apartments. About coffee, I usually pay $3.50 to $5 USD for one coffee. I would plan $2,000 USD min. for monthly expenses. It's very easy to spend $3,000 monthly for a more or less average existence.
@@TBara-e5e check out PropertyGuru for accommodation in Penang and just filter out the real estate agents posts to skip those fees and I am sure you will find more affordable housing options 🤞
@@NomadNestNN They have NOTHING frugal in studios !!! All high priced large places.
Live within your means, you can
@@shaqisumari304 definitely 🤜🤛
'Like royalty' ? Really ? Perhaps if you only leave your apartment to eat. Buy ANYTHING imported. including beer and coffee, and you will soon scurry back to that cheap apartment. Malaysia has grand plans to be the next Singapore - they still have a way to go but that doesn't bode well for the future of budget retirement.
@@arthurwatts1680 maybe the word ‘royalty’ doesn’t describe it very well, but let’s agree that you’ll definitely spend 3-4 times less budget there than in any major western city, while having a much better life Penang! And let’s not forget people have different expectations about a good life.
@@NomadNestNN you don't spend 3-4 times less...you spend 1/4 to 1/3 as much.
@@bobgarrasi533 yeah, I guess 3-4 times less is the same as 1/4, isn’t it? 🤔
I never found those cheap apartments. I am sure they must exist somewhere.