Cost of Living in Alor Setar - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $483 (excluding rent), and $655 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,040 (excluding rent), and $1,374 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$2.31 MYR 9.54

$6.93 MYR 28.57

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$11.92 MYR 49.16

$35.76 MYR 148

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$3.99 MYR 16.45

$3.81 MYR 15.73

$4.62 MYR 19.04

Cappuccino

$1.67 MYR 6.88

$0.69 MYR 2.85

$3.6 MYR 14.86

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.54 MYR 2.25

$0.36 MYR 1.48

$1.45 MYR 5.97

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.29 MYR 1.2

$0.25 MYR 1.03

$0.49 MYR 2.01

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$3.61 MYR 14.9

$6.01 MYR 24.79

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.41 MYR 9.95

$5.3 MYR 21.87

Milk (1 liter)

$1.6 MYR 6.61

$1.19 MYR 4.91

$2.38 MYR 9.81

White Bread (500g)

$0.9 MYR 3.71

$0.69 MYR 2.84

$1.26 MYR 5.21

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.16 MYR 4.78

$1.04 MYR 4.29

$2.41 MYR 9.96

Eggs

$1.46 MYR 6.03

$1.15 MYR 4.72

$2.69 MYR 11.08

Local Cheese (1kg)

$11.78 MYR 48.6

$5.85 MYR 24.14

$23.41 MYR 96.6

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$3.07 MYR 12.67

$2.84 MYR 11.71

$7.57 MYR 31.21

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$8.07 MYR 33.27

$6.91 MYR 28.51

$23.04 MYR 95.1

Apples (1kg)

$2.86 MYR 11.79

$1.67 MYR 6.87

$3.81 MYR 15.71

Banana (1kg)

$1.05 MYR 4.32

$0.93 MYR 3.83

$1.75 MYR 7.21

Oranges (1kg)

$1.45 MYR 5.97

$3.39 MYR 13.96

Tomato (1kg)

$2.18 MYR 9

$0.96 MYR 3.95

$3.84 MYR 15.86

Potato (1kg)

$0.89 MYR 3.67

$0.69 MYR 2.84

$2.03 MYR 8.39

Onion (1kg)

$0.54 MYR 2.22

$2.68 MYR 11.04

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.7 MYR 2.88

$0.34 MYR 1.42

$1.49 MYR 6.13

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.45 MYR 1.86

$0.25 MYR 1.03

$0.68 MYR 2.81

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$2.84 MYR 11.73

$4.5 MYR 18.57

Wine (Bottle)

$8.36 MYR 34.47

$19.1 MYR 78.8

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.19 MYR 4.91

$3.09 MYR 12.74

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.16 MYR 8.92

$4.8 MYR 19.81

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.69 MYR 2.84

$0.46 MYR 1.88

$0.91 MYR 3.76

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$11.69 MYR 48.21

$9.35 MYR 38.59

$11.69 MYR 48.21

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$0.74 MYR 3.04

$2.45 MYR 10.11

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$0.54 MYR 2.22

$0.23 MYR 0.94

$1.39 MYR 5.71

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$7.2 MYR 29.69

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.49 MYR 2.04

$0.5 MYR 2.08

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$33.6K MYR 138.4K

$28.3K MYR 116.5K

$38.8K MYR 160.3K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$27.9K MYR 115.1K

$27.5K MYR 113.6K

$34.7K MYR 143.2K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$38.14 MYR 157

$23.25 MYR 95.9

$58.1 MYR 240

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$6.98 MYR 28.77

$4.65 MYR 19.17

$13.95 MYR 57.6

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$27.49 MYR 113

$23.77 MYR 98

$40.82 MYR 168

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$36.47 MYR 150

$19.78 MYR 81.6

$46.56 MYR 192

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$9.17 MYR 37.85

$4.58 MYR 18.9

$13.76 MYR 56.8

Cinema Ticket

$2.81 MYR 11.6

$8.2 MYR 33.82

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$82.6 MYR 341

$70.8 MYR 292

$330 MYR 1,363

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$5,366 MYR 22.1K

$3,577 MYR 14.8K

$25.3K MYR 104.4K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$47.55 MYR 196

$23.77 MYR 98.1

$95.1 MYR 392

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$29.33 MYR 121

$21.55 MYR 88.9

$47.89 MYR 198

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$60.6 MYR 250

$39.62 MYR 163

$117 MYR 481

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$52.4 MYR 216

$35.14 MYR 145

$70.3 MYR 290

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$294 MYR 1,212

$118 MYR 485

$470 MYR 1,940

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$171 MYR 703

$69.8 MYR 288

$349 MYR 1,439

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$455 MYR 1,878

$240 MYR 989

$671 MYR 2,768

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$341 MYR 1,406

$141 MYR 582

$541 MYR 2,231

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$1,320 MYR 5,444

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$892 MYR 3,678

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

4.16

5.25

Citycost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: November 24, 2025

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

⛩️ Asia

Cost of Living in Alor Setar - Frequently Asked Questions

Alor Setar offers a balance of affordability and quality that many travelers and long stay visitors appreciate. In general, you can stretch a modest budget further here than in larger coastal cities, with costs concentrated in housing and daily essentials rather than flashy experiences. For long stays, the city’s slower pace supports a comfortable lifestyle when you choose local markets, simple meals, and neighborhood housing over tourist spots. For value, look to historic core areas or older residences that retain character and easy access to markets. Cost of Living in Alor Setar is a useful reference point for planning. Tip: Start with a short trial stay in multiple neighborhoods to test daily routines.

Daily life centers on markets, hawker centers, and a growing, relaxed scene for remote work. Housing options span central Kota Setar terraces to quieter flats on the outskirts, with longer leases often bringing lower rents. Food comes from affordable stalls and casual cafes offering quick, flavorful meals. Local transport includes public buses, ride-hailing, and scooter rental, while walking covers short hops in the old town. If you work remotely, seek cafes with solid Wi-Fi and occasional co-working days. Alor Setar living cost remains a handy reference for planning. Tip: Map a short trial period across a few neighborhoods to see what fits.

Quality of life in Alor Setar hinges on pace, access to markets, and reliable internet in public spaces. Use a simple budgeting framework that separates housing, food, transport, and personal expenses, then test a weekly plan that aligns with local suppliers and leisure options. Expect seasonality to influence activities and crowds; the year brings a mix of indoor and outdoor options, so adjust routines accordingly. Neighborhood fit matters: the historic center offers walkable access and character, while calmer residential zones reduce commute times and support longer work sessions. Tip: pick a base that minimizes long trips to markets and makes errands efficient.