Penang beats 25 cities worldwide as cheapest base for digital nomads

The study by digital marketing agency Click Intelligence, published in Moneywise last month, placed Penang first with an overall score of 0.78. Busan in South Korea came second, followed by Kuala Lumpur in third place. Fukuoka in Japan and Seoul in South Korea ranked fourth and fifth respectively. — Bernama pic

By Malay Mail

First Published: Friday, 30 Oct 2026 10:47 AM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 30 — Penang has been named the world’s most budget-friendly city for digital nomads in an international study covering 26 cities across 15 countries.

The study by digital marketing agency Click Intelligence, published in Moneywise last month, placed Penang first with an overall score of 0.78, Berita Harian reported today. 

Busan in South Korea came second, followed by Kuala Lumpur in third place. 

Fukuoka in Japan and Seoul in South Korea ranked fourth and fifth respectively.

The other five cities in the top 10 were Tartu in Estonia, Chiang Mai in Thailand, Valencia in Spain, Osaka in Japan and Brno in the Czech Republic.

Digital nomads are professionals who are not tied to a specific location and use the internet and digital technology to work remotely while travelling.

The study estimated Penang’s monthly cost of living, including rent, at €850 (approximately RM3,860), highlighting its affordability alongside internet connectivity, safety and access to Malaysia’s DE Rantau Pass.

The DE Rantau Pass is a programme for eligible remote workers that allows them to stay in Malaysia for 12 months, with an option to renew the pass.

Language not a barrier

Click Intelligence co-founder and director James Owen said language was rarely an obstacle, as English was widely spoken throughout the island.

He also said Malaysia was generally regarded as a safe country to live in.

Penang Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said the international recognition reflected the state’s growing appeal as a destination of choice for digital nomads and international visitors.

“Penang offers more than just an affordable cost of living.

“Its Unesco World Heritage status, rich multicultural heritage, world-class food, thriving arts and creative landscape, as well as beautiful natural attractions, make the state an appealing destination to live, work and explore,” he said.

Wong said the recognition also reinforced the state government’s efforts to strengthen the tourism and creative economy industries.

“Penang has the lifestyle, culture and opportunities that international visitors and digital nomads are looking for,” he said.