Manila vs Penang: cost of living for digital nomads
Manila, Philippines and Penang, Malaysia, line by line from the catalogue: what a month costs, rent, food, coworking, safety and internet. Every figure links back to its source on the city page.
The short version
- Penang is about 13% cheaper than Manila for a month of nomad living ($1,125 vs $1,300).
- Rent is the biggest gap: $450 in Penang against $560 in Manila.
- Penang scores higher on safety (8/10 vs 6/10).
- Internet is faster in Penang: 180 Mbps typical against 90 Mbps.
- Both have a tropical climate.
Manila wins 0 of the measured lines; Penang wins 8.
Frequently asked questions
Which city is cheaper, Manila or Penang?
Penang is cheaper: about $1,125/month against $1,300/month in Manila, roughly 13% less for a typical remote worker's budget.
Which city is safer, Manila or Penang?
Penang scores higher on safety: 8/10 against 6/10 for Manila.
Which has faster internet, Manila or Penang?
Penang has faster typical internet: 180 Mbps against 90 Mbps in Manila.
| Line | Manila | Penang |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly total (USD) | $1,300 | $1,125 |
| Rent | $560 | $450 |
| Food | $350 | $300 |
| Transport | $60 | $35 |
| Coworking | $120 | $90 |
| Safety (out of 10) | 6/10 | 8/10 |
| Internet (Mbps) | 90 | 180 |
| Climate | tropical | tropical |
| City size | metro | metro |
| Setting | coast | island |
| Nomad score (out of 10) | 7/10 | 8/10 |
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Costs are typical monthly figures for one person in USD, from the sources named on each city page; safety and internet are the catalogue's own ratings. Cost figures verified (Eastern Time): Manila November 9, 2026, Penang September 11, 2026.