Malaysia
George Town
#2 Top 5 cities
George Town in Penang combines coastal living, strong food culture, and good healthcare, making it a long-time favorite with expats and retirees.
Country overview
Population
158Β 336
Year-round temperatures
Day: 31°C aΕΎ 33°C
Night: 24°C aΕΎ 26°C
Climate
Hot tropical coastal climate with steady humidity and warm nights.
Distance to the sea
0 km
Social atmosphere
8/10
Costs
Housing cost
7/10
Food cost
8/10
Business friendliness
7/10
Safety
8/10
George Town is comparatively safe for a large tourist city, though petty theft, scams, road hazards, and occasional property crime call for routine care in busy areas and after dark.
Natural disaster resilience
6/10
Monsoon downpours can produce flash floods and slope failures on Penang Island, while coastal storms, heat, and haze create periodic disruption; major earthquakes are uncommon.
Other scores
Other scores
Internet availability
9/10
Internet speed
8/10
Internet stability
8/10
Electricity stability
8/10
Community types
Largest nationality groups
- π¬π§British
- π¦πΊAustralians
- π―π΅Japanese
- πΈπ¬Singaporeans
- πΊπΈAmericans
Pros / Cons
Pros
- +Beaches and sea
- +Cafe culture
- +Quality services
- +Pleasant atmosphere
- +Good for long-term stay
Cons
- βHigher prices
- βTourism seasonality
- βLocal traffic pressure