Penang vs Swakopmund: cost of living for digital nomads
Penang, Malaysia and Swakopmund, Namibia, 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 and Swakopmund cost about the same per month ($1,125).
- Both score 8/10 on safety.
- Internet is faster in Penang: 180 Mbps typical against 80 Mbps.
- Penang is tropical; Swakopmund is arid.
Penang wins 3 of the measured lines; Swakopmund wins 2.
Frequently asked questions
Which city is cheaper, Penang or Swakopmund?
Penang and Swakopmund cost about the same per month for a remote worker, both around $1,125.
Which city is safer, Penang or Swakopmund?
Penang and Swakopmund score the same on safety, 8/10 each.
Which has faster internet, Penang or Swakopmund?
Penang has faster typical internet: 180 Mbps against 80 Mbps in Swakopmund.
| Line | Penang | Swakopmund |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly total (USD) | $1,125 | $1,125 |
| Rent | $450 | $450 |
| Food | $300 | $320 |
| Transport | $35 | $30 |
| Coworking | $90 | $75 |
| Safety (out of 10) | 8/10 | 8/10 |
| Internet (Mbps) | 180 | 80 |
| Climate | tropical | arid |
| City size | metro | small |
| Setting | island | coast |
| Nomad score (out of 10) | 8/10 | 6/10 |
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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): Penang September 11, 2026, Swakopmund September 11, 2026.