George Town, Malaysia
Penang's UNESCO-listed capital, famous for its street art, colonial architecture, and world-renowned street food.
Overview
George Town is a city in Penang with a population of 794,000. Penang’s UNESCO-listed capital, famous for its street art, colonial architecture, and world-renowned street food. Housing is more affordable than the national average. The overall cost of living is below the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 8a growing zone supports Warm — citrus, avocados, tomatoes, peppers. Reported crime rates are relatively low. The population skews young, with a median age of 30.0.
Last updated: August 30, 2026
Below Average vs Malaysia Avg (100)
Affordable
Household income
Job market health
George Town vs Malaysia Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: None
- Sales Tax: 8.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: RM 60,000
- Unemployment: 2.8%
- Population: 794,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 190/year
- Summer High: 90°F
- Winter Low: 75°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 8a
Housing
- Median Home: RM400,000
- 1BR Rent: RM1200/mo
Cost of Living
George Town's cost of living index is 45 (Malaysia average = 100).
| Category | George Town | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 45 | 100 | -55.0% |
| Housing | 32 | 100 | -68.0% |
Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | RM400,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | RM1200/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | RM1,500/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | RM266 |
Data source: Zillow Research, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in George Town:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | RM80 | |
| Heating & Cooling | N/A | Estimated based on local climate. |
| Cooling (AC) | RM96 | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | RM25 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | RM100 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | Included in taxes | Municipal service (covered by property taxes) |
| Total Utilities | RM301 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Remote Work Score
George Town scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
George Town has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 95°F | 75°F | 2.5" |
| April | 75°F | 90°F | 2.8" |
| July | 90°F | 65°F | 1.5" |
| October | 70°F | 93°F | 2.2" |
Warm — citrus, avocados, tomatoes, peppers
Natural Hazards
George Town faces the following natural hazards:
Extreme summer heat.
Moderate seismic activity with occasional earthquakes.
Coastal areas with tsunami risk.
Moderate typhoon risk.
Monsoon floods in eastern states.
Forest fires.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 0% (None)
- Sales Tax: 8%
- Property Tax: ~0.1% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 2.8%.
Schools & Education
Academic Schedule
Year-end break is the longest. Breaks for Hari Raya, Chinese New Year, and Deepavali.
Demographics
The population of George Town is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.
Ethnicity
Education
Religion
City-level demographic data is not available for this location. The figures shown are national averages, which may differ from actual conditions in this city.
Data source: Department of Statistics Malaysia (2020)
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in George Town, Malaysia?
The cost of living index in George Town is 45, which is Lower the Malaysia national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in George Town?
The median home price in George Town is RM400,000. The housing index is 32.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in George Town is approximately RM1200/mo.
Does George Town, PG have income tax?
George Town is in PG, which has no income tax.
What is the climate like in George Town?
George Town enjoys approximately 190 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 90°F, while winter lows can drop to around 75°F.
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
- Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
- Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
- Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Data last updated: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.