Penang beats 25 cities worldwide as cheapest base for digital nomads

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 30 — Penang has been crowned the world's most economically advantageous city for digital nomads in an international study evaluating 26 cities across 15 nations. Conducted by digital marketing agency Click Intelligence and published in Moneywise last month, Penang secured the top spot with an overall score of 0.78, followed by Busan in South Korea and Kuala Lumpur in third place.

Fukuoka and Seoul in Japan rounded out the top five. Other cities in the top 10 included Tartu in Estonia, Chiang Mai in Thailand, Valencia in Spain, Osaka in Japan, and Brno in the Czech Republic.

Digital nomads, professionals unbound by a specific location, leverage the internet and digital tools to work remotely while traveling. Penang's monthly cost of living, including rent, was estimated at €850 (approximately RM3,860), underscoring its affordability. The study also highlighted the city's excellent internet connectivity, safety, and access to Malaysia’s DE Rantau Pass, a program for remote workers to stay in Malaysia for 12 months, with the option to renew.

James Owen, co-founder and director of Click Intelligence, noted that language was seldom a barrier, as English is widely spoken across Penang Island. Owen also emphasized Malaysia's reputation as a safe country for residents. Wong Hon Wai, chairman of the Penang Tourism and Creative Economy Committee, stated that the international recognition reflected the state's rising popularity among digital nomads and international visitors.

He added that Penang offers more than just an affordable cost of living, citing its UNESCO World Heritage status, diverse cultural heritage, culinary scene, thriving arts and creative landscape, and natural attractions as key draws.

Wong emphasized that the recognition solidified the state government's initiatives to bolster the tourism and creative economy sectors. "Penang provides the lifestyle, culture, and opportunities sought by international visitors and digital nomads," he concluded.