City Comparison
Padang Rengas vs Aiken
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Padang Rengas scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Padang Rengas
Aiken
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Padang Rengas is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
71% lower than in Aiken.
Housing costs are a major driver: Padang Rengas's average rent is
80% lower than Aiken's.
| Metric | Padang Rengas | Aiken | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $280 | $1,400 | -80% |
| Groceries | $200 | $400 | -50% |
| Utilities | $75 | $236 | -68% |
| Transport | $60 | $120 | -50% |
| Healthcare | $90 | $250 | -64% |
| Monthly Total | $705 | $2,406 | -71% |
| Cost Index | 38 | 89 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Aiken offers 87% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Aiken delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Padang Rengas is estimated at
$7,200 vs $55,000 in Aiken.
| Metric | Padang Rengas | Aiken |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $8,500 | $65,884 |
| Salary Needed | $7,200 | $55,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 22,368 idx | 74,027 idx |
| Household Income | $9,600 | $76,746 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Padang Rengas runs warmer on average — a 82°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Padang Rengas comes out ahead with 78 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Padang Rengas sees 0 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Padang Rengas | Aiken |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 82.00°F | °F |
| Summer High | 90.20°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 73.70°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 120.30 in | in |
| Snowfall | 0.00 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 78 | |
| Humidity | 82.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 2 minutes of each other.
Padang Rengas scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Padang Rengas leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Padang Rengas | Aiken |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 22 min | 24 min |
| Transit Score | 42.0/100 | 35.0/100 |
| Walkability | 58.0/100 | 55.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 30.00 | 45.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Aiken is the larger city
— approximately 0.9x the population of Padang Rengas.
From a growth perspective, Aiken is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Aiken has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Padang Rengas | Aiken |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 28,500 | 33,306 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.40% | 1.20% |
| Median Age | 36.0 | 46.6 |
| Unemployment | 3.80% | 3.40% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Padang Rengas
Advantages
Significantly lower cost of housing and daily expenses compared to major Malaysian urban centers
Peaceful, low-crime environment with a strong sense of traditional community and neighborliness
Proportionately affordable local dining featuring authentic traditional cuisine at modest prices
Scenic natural surroundings with proximity to rural Perak landscapes and outdoor recreational spots
Direct rail connectivity via the local KTM railway station linking to major regional cities
Drawbacks
Limited local job market with few high-paying corporate or professional employment opportunities
Heavy reliance on personal vehicles due to limited comprehensive public transit within the town
Hot and humid tropical climate year-round with frequent heavy rainfall events
Fewer entertainment, modern retail, and nightlife options compared to larger cities like Ipoh
Younger demographic drain as young professionals frequently relocate to larger urban economic hubs
Aiken
Advantages
The cost of living in Aiken is approximately 11% lower than the national average.
Aiken boasts a higher homeownership rate of 68.1% as of 2024.
The city offers a mild climate with ample opportunities for outdoor activities and a vibrant downtown.
Aiken County's unemployment rate of 3.4% in April 2026 is lower than the national average.
The average commute time of 24 minutes is considered manageable.
Drawbacks
Aiken's transportation system is largely car-dependent, with limited public transit options.
The city's safety index of 30 suggests a higher crime rate compared to national benchmarks.
Aiken County's poverty rate of 14.3% is higher than the national average of 12.5%.
While the downtown is walkable, the city overall has a lower walkability score due to car dependency.
Some utility costs are reported to be slightly higher than the national average.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Padang Rengas
#52Perak, Malaysia
75.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$280
Avg Salary
$8,500
Cost Index
38
Commute
22 min
Transit Score
42.0/100
Walkability
58.0/100
Sunny Days
78/yr
Avg Temp
82.00°F
Pop. Growth
0.40%
Unemployment
3.80%
Livability
72
Business
58
Aiken
#322South Carolina, USA
60.6 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,400
Avg Salary
$65,884
Cost Index
89
Commute
24 min
Transit Score
35.0/100
Walkability
55.0/100
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.20%
Unemployment
3.40%
Livability
72
Business
65
Calculate Your Cost Impact
Estimate the salary you'd need when moving between Padang Rengas and Aiken.
Open Cost Calculator