COST OF LIVING in Penang Malaysia, Expat Family of 4

In this video we share what our cost of living was in Penang, Malaysia as a family of four in early 2020. We hope to return someday and further explore all that Penang has to offer! Can you recommend other places to live in Malaysia that are near a beach?
00:00 Cost of living Penang
00:17 Rent
03:23 Transportation
03:40 Food
06:05 Entertainment
07:48 Mobile phone service
08:22 Health insurance
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ABOUT KENSHO QUEST 🏝
Aloha! We are a worldschooling family with two young kids. Our home base is the beautiful island of Oahu, Hawaii. We've been living a nomadic lifestyle for the past 12 years. Once we started traveling, we just wanted to keep on exploring!
We like to make new friends, eat local foods, and immerse ourselves in culture. We strive towards a natural, minimalist, zero-waste lifestyle. We're not perfect, but we keep trying!

[@AlvoLong]

Sounds like you really enjoyed your stay in Penang. Love & enjoying your very informative content.

[@Mxm9966]

Thanks for all the details, that’s very helpful! Can you do a video on the international schools there?

[@Proguard2020]

Very good breakdown, thanks for the information

[@KenshoQuest]

Glad it was helpful! thank you!

[@khangems]

Like your channel is your presentation real n true n fair

[@kimengland3231]

I’m loving this mini series - can’t wait to see the Japan cost of living.

[@KenshoQuest]

Yay! We're working on it. It varies a lot depending upon location. But I think most Americans would be surprised how affordable Japan can be (at least compared to California, Hawaii, etc). 🌺 Heidi

[@djhusk8683]

Peak residence at tanjung tokong. I used to stay at The TRI Pinacle just opposite at the Peak. Just down there at the Fettes park there's a chicken rice shop called fatty loh is so delicious plus the nasi kandar there too.

[@Nathan-rp8cg]

Penang is the famous choice for Expats.

[@zozoyi1]

The closest large grocery store to Batu Ferringi is Tesco at Tanjung Takong area. You don't need to go to Geroge Town. Also there are local markets where you can buy produce. not cheap but possible, There are some convenience stores in Batu Ferringi as well.

[@rayyoung9934]

Penang, KL, Ipoh, are the best cities to stay and retire. Cheap cost of living, good quality food and health care, good security and friendly ppl

[@kevinphang1382]

You guys should be back to Penang for the food. I am from Pg but now based in KL.. also go a bit up north to Langkawi... it is beautiful too

[@TheShahrilas]

Great info..👍

[@KenshoQuest]

Glad it was helpful!

[@penangwalker5711]

Thank you! 👍

[@weiliang1st]

Kota Kinabalu will be another city with a very nice beach and scenic mountain view

[@KenshoQuest]

We agree!

[@sawbeeang7385]

Penang was voted 3rd best island to retire in 2021 after Malta and Mallorca by international Living. Good choice, my home town.

[@KenshoQuest]

I'm not surprised :)

[@darrylk808]

So you have been to Penang...just discovered your channel one video ago...I suggested Penang or JB rather than KL. You have to try the Hawker Center in Batu Ferringhi for some of the best Hawker foods. Don't remember the bus price, but you can catch it by Gurney and take it out north. Get off early on the eastern end of the night market and walk up so you can catch it back at the end of the night market and get a seat on the bus. Did not like Gurney much...too Western and filled with expats. I like south of Georgetown by that mall area outside Georgetown. Trying to convince the wife to retire in Penang, but she is like a broken record "too hot, too hot, too hot" :)

[@KenshoQuest]

@Darryl K thanks for the tips on Penang! We saw the hawker stalls in Batu Ferringhi but it was when the pandemic was bad and they were all closed. Looking forward to returning and trying out more food!

[@jnsa9454]

Crazy prices for 1 year!!! Take me there now🛫

[@switchfooted]

Great video! Do you mind linking to the airbnb?

[@nesadcruz7840]

I am Malaysian. Glad you enjoyed your stay here. Malaysia does offer a good standard of living at a very affordable price and Penang is quite a favourite with expats.

[@KenshoQuest]

We hope to return!!

[@nesadcruz7840]

@@KenshoQuest I hope you do soon, let us hope for better days and safe travel

[@Pixics]

Can I get by with speaking only English?

[@nesadcruz7840]

@@Pixics definitely

[@Pixics]

@@nesadcruz7840 I guess I'll be planning a trip to Malaysia. Sounds like a great country

[@raymondtang7246]

Nearby your place u got Tesco and cold storage...... u dun need go so far down to go for grocery...

[@KacangFamily]

I actually got hurt while in Langkawi and a trip to the government hospital is 50RM for a non-citizen which is very affordable. The care wasn't the best and I had to get some private care at a pharmacy for an infection and that costs me about $30 USD in the end. Still not too bad. 💙 Annisa

[@KenshoQuest]

Ouch! Thanks for sharing your experience. I hope you healed well. 🌺Heidi

[@ycdi123]

thank you.

[@KenshoQuest]

You're welcome

[@ad2894]

These videos are great! Thanks so much for all the useful content. I'm considering moving to KL or Penang for 12 months or more if possible, but I'm not sure about visa options. Is it possible to get a 12 month visa easily enough? I'm a British national. Thanks!

[@KenshoQuest]

Glad it was helpful! Unfortunately, unless you have a job lined up there aren't many visa options yet. If you want to stay 12 months your best option is their MM2H program: mm2h.gov.my Other SEA nations have more options. Good luck!

[@aie144]

Hi. You can try Happyfresh app to buy groceries. Always helpful as it send groceries to your place

[@peggyhiew1730]

I live in Kuantan,Pahang.It's located on the east coast of peninsular Malaysia.There are many beaches in Kuantan but the most famous one is Teluk Cempedak.Besides that,there are a few new condominiums in Kuantan now.There are also shopping malls & parks that you can go to.

[@KenshoQuest]

Hi, thanks for the information! Now I've heard this from a few people so thanks for letting us know! We will check it out.

[@darum321]

Kuantan dwfinitely is a nice place for expats, not too busy and not too quiet got all the amenitiies and on plus side cheaper than kl as far as accomodation is concerned. Its only about 2-2.5 hrs to kl.

[@amirulazharomar7483]

When the East Coast Rail is completed, Kuantan would be connected to KL by rail. Travelling time would only be 2 to 3 hours. Then Kuantan would be viewed more positively.

[@khangems]

One of topic should discuss of rental car price n how easy each country

[@KenshoQuest]

Thanks, we will definitely do this upon our return, hopefully soon!

[@khangems]

@@KenshoQuest after this pandemic thing will change

[@absolutrudy]

Ahh so I using safety wing for health insurance however your paying for the basic plan so basically serious issues almost emergency care as any normal health care is part of their other plan that’s more comprehensive

[@KenshoQuest]

Yes, you are correct :) It really depends on your circumstances and what you feel you need. We really like Safetywing for their responsive service and two kids are included for free and I don't think any of the other nomad health care providers offer anything so comprehensive at such low rates.

[@amirulazharomar7483]

1. Also try Ipoh. Pace is slower. Cheaper than Penang. Only two hours by rail from KL. You can easily get to the Pangkor Island from Ipoh. And you can also cool off in the Cameron Highlands. Unfortunately no international airport. 2. For anybody who is going to stay long term in Malaysia, it is advisable to get a car. Even a small local one of approx USD 10,000. And stay in a house within a gated community. More value for money. 3. There are other towns in Malaysia to consider, e.g. Melaka, Johor Bahru as well as Kuching and Kota Kinabalu in East Malaysia. 4. Have fun and stay safe.

[@KenshoQuest]

Thank you for the great tips! We do intent to explore more of Malaysia and would like to look into houses as well.

[@Pixics]

Is there a lot of foreigners in Malaysia? I heard that a lot of Japanese go to Malaysia and live there. Actually $10,000 was my budget. I was thinking about renting my house in the U.S. and live in Malaysia full time and just work as a freelance web developer there.

[@KenshoQuest]

@Pixics, yes many foreigners. Japanese are all over SE Asia. Partly because of work and expats. In fact, in Thailand the Japanese make up the largest foreign population! Keep an eye on MM2H for when it reopens. It's an option if you plan to work legally while living there.

[@Pixics]

@@KenshoQuest yes I heard about MM2H today actually. But I read I need to bring a lot of money and put it in their bank, which I don't want to do.

[@KenshoQuest]

@PIxics I totally get your concern but for us, we have a lot of confidence in Malaysia and are seriously considering it.

[@dinal389]

Great info.....thank you. Is Penang safe for a female solo traveler???

[@KenshoQuest]

Hi Dina, yes. I would say in general all of Malaysia is safe for solo female travelers. Though with anywhere, please be safe and with normal street smarts and you should be fine :)

[@marcuslcs6336]

Come Melaka

[@IPlusOneAcademy]

Thanks a lot guys, what can you do for work if you want to work? Also, what about education? I have a 12-year-old and 10-year-old.

[@KenshoQuest]

Your'e welcome! Without a working visa or MM2H and over 50, we are not allowed to legally work. For education, we homeschool our kids but there are many many options all over Malaysia for schools in different languages and curriculums.

[@henrytuttle]

Did you prefer Penang or KL? Which do you think is a better environment for children (schooling, etc.)?

[@KenshoQuest]

I think they are both great environments for children as both have great international schools and lots of parks, arts, museums, etc. Having beaches on Penang are also great though the ones in Langkawi are superior. But I haven't really answered your question! I guess it's a toss up at this point.

[@beehive5835]

What are your thoughts on options of spending 4 months per countries: Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand (repeat)? Thank you, thank you for health care insurance info! Do you know if there are good, inexpensive health care insurance options if staying 4 months per country (as I mentioned above)? Rather than "retire" to one of the countries in S.E. Asia, I would rather "slow travel" -- i.e. spend at least 2 but not more than 4 months per country, and then moving on to another country. What would be the average cost of raising a kid in Malaysia, and how good would the education be?

[@KenshoQuest]

Hi! I can address a couple of these questions. As Americans, we can stay 90 days in Malaysia. In Thailand we can apply for a 60 day visa and extend for 30 days one time. So we often stay places 3 months at a time. We use Safety Wing insurance while slow traveling, but it's just for emergency type situations. We often pay for healthcare out of pocket since it is affordable. We haven't enrolled our kids in school in Malaysia, but we would like to in the future. Your particular cost is going to depend on your budget. 🌺 Heidi

[@beehive5835]

@@KenshoQuest Thanks Heidi. I'm many years away from retirement but I want to "plan ahead" so I don't make any mistakes. I like the idea of slow travelling between different cities and different countries so I get a chance to really get to know a place (a two week vacation is not enough time!), and I am a little worried about the cost of foreign health insurance once I do reach retirement age. Your information is very helpful.

[@khangems]

Another area you should try on is Malacca, you surprise that better than Penang in some opinion

[@KenshoQuest]

Ah, we did visit Malaka and loved it. We have videos for Melaka as well ;) Do you have other suggestions? We are trying to return to MALAYSIA soon!

[@khangems]

@@KenshoQuest what is the topic,

[@Pixics]

Goodness, your airbnb increased the cost per month. I wanted to live in Cambodia for $500 a month in a few years. So expats can sign leases to apartments in Malaysia?

[@KenshoQuest]

Cambodia, very interesting... It is certainly doable at that price right now. May I ask what is your interest in Cambodia? You must know something about it that we don't! And yes, I don't know how legal it is, but signing a lease is available if willing to sign for at least a year.

[@Pixics]

@@KenshoQuest My wife is cambodian, so it may be easier for us language wise. But you've peaked our interest into Malaysia. I was reading that you can leave the country every 3 months and come back a week later to renew the visa. BTW, do Malaysians speak good English?

[@KenshoQuest]

@Pixics, I see. Makes perfect sense about Cambodia and great to have a connection like that! Yes, you can leave Malaysia every three months but be aware that immigration can sometimes be tough - meaning that they can refuse you entry. It does happen if you do it too often or return too soon. I recommend mixing it up, go somewhere farther for more than a week. And yes, almost all Malaysians speak English and many speak better than Americans! It is a requirement in their schools up to a certain grade. I recommend learning a little Malay as well... it goes a long way ;)

[@nyxdoc2801]

Thank you so much for sharing. You guys are awesome and beautiful family. We love you here in iran 🇮🇷

[@KenshoQuest]

Thank you so much! Are you planning a trip to Penang?

[@nyxdoc2801]

@@KenshoQuest Hi Yes. I’m a practicing ER physician and moving to Penang permanently.

[@pradsalem1027]

Can you post a video on how you file taxes in the US and what expenses are tax deductible ?

[@KenshoQuest]

Hi @Pradeepa Shriram, this is an interesting idea. We will discuss this, thank you :)

[@nicolefischer3419]

How do you use Grab with small kids? Do they provide child seats, do you carry your own, or do you take the risk of going without (will the driver agree to that)?

[@KenshoQuest]

Hi, this is a great question. They do not provide child seats and we do carry ride safers. These work great, as they are compact and can be stuffed in a bag went we are out. We use these almost everyday. Here is an affiliate link: amzn.to/3pb05n5 For our one-year-old, we carry our Doona car seat/stroller. We have never been asked nor have drivers seem to ever care if you have any type of safety restraint for your child. So you can certainly take the risk which will happen at some point. But in Malaysia, the drivers have always been very courteous, especially when have children in the car and asking them to slow down is not an issue either.

[@nicolefischer3419]

@@KenshoQuest Never heard of it before, but looks super useful! Thanks alot for getting back to me, so kind of you!

[@InvestingWithAdamK]

I watched a few of your videos on the nomad visa but maybe missed some of it. Do you have someone who helps with Visa’s

[@KenshoQuest]

Hi! We did the whole application process ourselves for the De Rantau Nomad Pass. Are you looking for help with your visa? I know of iVisa (but haven't personally used their service). Here's our referral link: www.pjatr.com/t/2-390209-289115-189604

[@InvestingWithAdamK]

@@KenshoQuest I found a service in Penang that suggested the Sarawak program. They said the nomad one is intended for IT, but I think I may be able to try for it and don’t love the idea of 30 days in Sarawak. Thank you for the ivisa site. I’m just kicking tires currently, but want to see what options are available

[@KenshoQuest]

@@InvestingWithAdamK The Nomad Visa includes any type of Remote Worker and a variety of online freelancers, including content creators. mdec.my/derantau/foreign

[@InvestingWithAdamK]

@@KenshoQuest thank you

[@wolf8900]

Penang is about beach win and sun

[@KenshoQuest]

Yes, and amazing food and art!

[@jada1230]

as foreigners you can rent in malaysia?

[@KenshoQuest]

Yes, absolutely.