Penang vs Port Louis: cost of living for digital nomads
Penang, Malaysia and Port Louis, Mauritius, 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 30% cheaper than Port Louis for a month of nomad living ($1,125 vs $1,600).
- Rent is the biggest gap: $450 in Penang against $720 in Port Louis.
- Both score 8/10 on safety.
- Internet is faster in Penang: 180 Mbps typical against 60 Mbps.
- Both have a tropical climate.
Penang wins 7 of the measured lines; Port Louis wins 0.
Frequently asked questions
Which city is cheaper, Penang or Port Louis?
Penang is cheaper: about $1,125/month against $1,600/month in Port Louis, roughly 30% less for a typical remote worker's budget.
Which city is safer, Penang or Port Louis?
Penang and Port Louis score the same on safety, 8/10 each.
Which has faster internet, Penang or Port Louis?
Penang has faster typical internet: 180 Mbps against 60 Mbps in Port Louis.
| Line | Penang | Port Louis |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly total (USD) | $1,125 | $1,600 |
| Rent | $450 | $720 |
| Food | $300 | $430 |
| Transport | $35 | $55 |
| Coworking | $90 | $130 |
| Safety (out of 10) | 8/10 | 8/10 |
| Internet (Mbps) | 180 | 60 |
| Climate | tropical | tropical |
| City size | metro | mid |
| Setting | island | island |
| Nomad score (out of 10) | 8/10 | 7/10 |
Compare Penang with
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): Penang September 11, 2026, Port Louis November 2, 2026.