Is Astana or Penang cheaper to live in?

Penang is 14% cheaper than Astana. The average monthly cost in Penang is $820, while Astana costs $948 per month.

Which city is better for digital nomads: Astana or Penang?

For digital nomads, Astana offers faster internet at 130 Mbps. Penang is more budget-friendly with lower living costs. Both cities have their strengths - Astana has a NomadIQ score of 7.9/10 while Penang scores 8.3/10.

What is the rent difference between Astana and Penang?

A 1-bedroom apartment costs $528/month in Astana and $438/month in Penang. Penang has 17% lower rent.

Is Astana or Penang safer?

Penang has a higher safety score of 7.1/10. Astana scores 6.7/10 for safety while Penang scores 7.1/10.

Should I move to Astana or Penang as an expat?

The choice depends on your priorities. Choose Penang if budget is important ($820/month). Choose Penang for better safety. Astana is better for remote work with 130 Mbps internet.

Back to Comparison Tool

Astana vs Penang

Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

Astana

Kazakhstan

$948/mo7.9/10

Penang

Malaysia

$820/mo8.3/10

Astana

Kazakhstan

$948/moNomadIQ 7.9/10

Penang

Malaysia

$820/moNomadIQ 8.3/10

Detailed Comparison

Factor

Astana

Penang

Winner

Total Monthly Cost

$948

$820

Penang

Rent (1BR)

$528

$438

Penang

Groceries

$290

$240

Penang

Transport

$30

$40

Astana

Healthcare

$85

$70

Penang

Safety Score

6.7/10

7.1/10

Penang

Internet Speed

130 Mbps

100 Mbps

Astana

NomadIQ Score

7.9/10

8.3/10

Penang

Overall Winner: Penang

Based on our comparison, Penang wins 6 out of 8 categories.Astana wins 2 categories.

Which city is better for digital nomads?

For digital nomads choosing between Astana and Penang, the answer depends on your priorities. Here's our analysis:

Best for Budget

Penang

$820/mo

Best Internet

Astana

130 Mbps

Best NomadIQ Score

Penang

8.3/10

Our Recommendation: Penang is the clear winner for digital nomads, offering both affordability and excellent nomad infrastructure.

Digital Nomad Analysis: Astana vs Penang

When comparing Astana and Penang for digital nomads, several factors come into play.

Cost of Living: Penang is the more budget-friendly option at $820/month versus Astana's $948/month.

Internet & Remote Work: Astana leads with 130 Mbps average internet speed, ideal for video calls and large file transfers. Penang offers 100 Mbps.

Safety: With a safety score of 7.1/10, Penang offers better security than Astana (6.7/10).

Overall: Penang's NomadIQ score of 8.3/10 gives it an edge for remote workers.

Cost of Living Comparison

Penang is 14% cheaper than Astana.

• Astana rent: $528/mo
• Penang rent: $438/mo
• Difference: $90/mo

Safety Comparison

Penang has a higher safety score (7.1/10) compared to Astana (6.7/10).

6.7/10

Astana

7.1/10

Penang

Digital Nomad Friendliness

For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Astana offers faster internet at 130 Mbps vs 100 Mbps.

130 Mbps

Astana

100 Mbps

Penang

Which City Is Better for Expats?

Based on our analysis, Penang edges out as the better choice for expats, winning 6 of 8 comparison factors.

Astana: Best for those prioritizing amenities

Penang: Best for budget-conscious expats

Astana vs Penang

Astana

Penang

Astana

Penang

Detailed Comparison

Overall Winner: Penang

Which city is better for digital nomads?

Digital Nomad Analysis: Astana vs Penang

Cost of Living Comparison

Safety Comparison

Digital Nomad Friendliness

Which City Is Better for Expats?

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Frequently Asked Questions: Astana vs Penang