Cost of Living in Alor Setar - Updated Prices & Insights

15.76

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $436 (excluding rent), and $645 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $995 (excluding rent), and $1,372 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$2.4 MYR 10.12

$7.19 MYR 30.31

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$11.85 MYR 49.97

$35.56 MYR 150

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$3.98 MYR 16.78

$3.8 MYR 16.04

$4.6 MYR 19.42

Cappuccino

$1.66 MYR 7.02

$0.69 MYR 2.91

$3.59 MYR 15.14

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

$0.54 MYR 2.29

$0.36 MYR 1.51

$1.44 MYR 6.08

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.27 MYR 1.12

$0.23 MYR 0.96

$0.45 MYR 1.88

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$3.61 MYR 15.21

$6 MYR 25.3

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.35 MYR 9.9

$5.16 MYR 21.76

Milk (1 liter)

$1.56 MYR 6.56

$1.15 MYR 4.87

$2.31 MYR 9.74

White Bread (500g)

$0.9 MYR 3.78

$0.69 MYR 2.9

$1.26 MYR 5.32

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.16 MYR 4.88

$1.04 MYR 4.39

$2.41 MYR 10.18

Eggs

$1.45 MYR 6.12

$1.14 MYR 4.8

$2.67 MYR 11.24

Local Cheese (1kg)

$11.77 MYR 49.64

$5.85 MYR 24.65

$23.39 MYR 98.7

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$3.1 MYR 13.06

$2.86 MYR 12.08

$7.63 MYR 32.17

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$8.31 MYR 35.04

$7.12 MYR 30.03

$23.74 MYR 100

Apples (1kg)

$2.84 MYR 11.98

$1.66 MYR 6.98

$3.78 MYR 15.96

Banana (1kg)

$1.07 MYR 4.52

$0.95 MYR 4.01

$1.79 MYR 7.55

Oranges (1kg)

$1.42 MYR 6

$3.33 MYR 14.04

Tomato (1kg)

$2.13 MYR 8.96

$0.93 MYR 3.94

$3.74 MYR 15.79

Potato (1kg)

$0.96 MYR 4.06

$0.74 MYR 3.13

$2.2 MYR 9.27

Onion (1kg)

$0.54 MYR 2.29

$2.71 MYR 11.42

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.74 MYR 3.11

$0.36 MYR 1.53

$1.57 MYR 6.61

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.45 MYR 1.89

$0.25 MYR 1.04

$0.68 MYR 2.85

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$2.82 MYR 11.88

$4.46 MYR 18.81

Wine (Bottle)

$8.43 MYR 35.56

$4.33 MYR 18.27

$21.68 MYR 91.4

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.16 MYR 4.89

$3.01 MYR 12.69

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.14 MYR 9.04

$4.76 MYR 20.08

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.7 MYR 2.96

$0.46 MYR 1.96

$0.93 MYR 3.92

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$11.9 MYR 50.2

$9.53 MYR 40.19

$11.9 MYR 50.2

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$0.73 MYR 3.07

$2.42 MYR 10.2

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$0.53 MYR 2.24

$0.22 MYR 0.95

$1.37 MYR 5.77

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$7.16 MYR 30.2

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.49 MYR 2.07

$0.5 MYR 2.11

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

$33.3K MYR 140.4K

$28K MYR 118.2K

$38.5K MYR 162.5K

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

$27.7K MYR 116.6K

$27.3K MYR 115.1K

$34.4K MYR 145.1K

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

$37.94 MYR 160

$23.13 MYR 97.5

$57.8 MYR 244

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

$6.87 MYR 28.95

$4.57 MYR 19.29

$13.73 MYR 57.9

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$27.16 MYR 115

$23.47 MYR 99

$40.32 MYR 170

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$39.03 MYR 165

$21.17 MYR 89.3

$49.83 MYR 210

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$9.17 MYR 38.68

$4.58 MYR 19.32

$13.75 MYR 58

Cinema Ticket

$2.75 MYR 11.58

$8.01 MYR 33.77

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

$83 MYR 350

$71.1 MYR 300

$332 MYR 1,400

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$5,337 MYR 22.5K

$3,558 MYR 15K

$25.2K MYR 106.2K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$47.38 MYR 200

$23.69 MYR 99.9

$94.7 MYR 400

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$28.59 MYR 121

$21 MYR 88.6

$46.68 MYR 197

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$61.3 MYR 258

$40.08 MYR 169

$118 MYR 497

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$53.1 MYR 224

$35.61 MYR 150

$71.2 MYR 300

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$297 MYR 1,251

$119 MYR 501

$475 MYR 2,002

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$173 MYR 730

$70.8 MYR 299

$354 MYR 1,493

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$445 MYR 1,875

$234 MYR 987

$655 MYR 2,763

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$344 MYR 1,450

$142 MYR 600

$545 MYR 2,300

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$1,784 MYR 7,523

$1,388 MYR 5,851

$2,082 MYR 8,781

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$1,270 MYR 5,357

$863 MYR 3,639

$1,454 MYR 6,132

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$870 MYR 3,670

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

4.16

5.25

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

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.