Cost of Living in Alor Setar - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $491 (excluding rent), and $657 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,136 (excluding rent), and $1,382 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$2.41 MYR 9.77

$7.21 MYR 29.27

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$11.59 MYR 47.04

$34.77 MYR 141

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$3.99 MYR 16.22

$3.82 MYR 15.50

$4.62 MYR 18.77

Cappuccino

$1.66 MYR 6.72

$0.69 MYR 2.79

$3.57 MYR 14.51

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

$0.51 MYR 2.06

$0.33 MYR 1.36

$1.35 MYR 5.48

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.27 MYR 1.09

$0.23 MYR 0.93

$0.45 MYR 1.83

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$3.60 MYR 14.62

$5.99 MYR 24.33

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.33 MYR 9.47

$5.13 MYR 20.82

Milk (1 liter)

$1.56 MYR 6.32

$1.16 MYR 4.69

$2.31 MYR 9.38

White Bread (500g)

$0.83 MYR 3.37

$0.64 MYR 2.59

$1.17 MYR 4.75

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.20 MYR 4.85

$1.07 MYR 4.36

$2.49 MYR 10.12

Eggs

$1.50 MYR 6.10

$1.18 MYR 4.78

$2.76 MYR 11.21

Local Cheese (1kg)

$11.87 MYR 48.20

$5.90 MYR 23.94

$23.60 MYR 95.8

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$2.98 MYR 12.09

$2.76 MYR 11.19

$7.34 MYR 29.80

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$8.37 MYR 33.99

$7.17 MYR 29.13

$23.92 MYR 97.1

Apples (1kg)

$2.90 MYR 11.79

$1.69 MYR 6.88

$3.87 MYR 15.71

Banana (1kg)

$1.03 MYR 4.20

$0.92 MYR 3.72

$1.73 MYR 7.01

Oranges (1kg)

$1.37 MYR 5.57

$3.21 MYR 13.03

Tomato (1kg)

$2.19 MYR 8.88

$0.96 MYR 3.90

$3.85 MYR 15.65

Potato (1kg)

$0.95 MYR 3.87

$0.74 MYR 2.99

$2.18 MYR 8.84

Onion (1kg)

$0.54 MYR 2.20

$2.70 MYR 10.96

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.73 MYR 2.97

$0.36 MYR 1.47

$1.56 MYR 6.32

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.49 MYR 1.98

$0.27 MYR 1.10

$0.74 MYR 2.99

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$2.80 MYR 11.38

$4.44 MYR 18.02

Wine (Bottle)

$8.68 MYR 35.25

$19.83 MYR 80.5

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.15 MYR 4.68

$2.99 MYR 12.13

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.08 MYR 8.46

$4.63 MYR 18.79

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.73 MYR 2.97

$0.48 MYR 1.96

$0.97 MYR 3.93

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$11.60 MYR 47.09

$9.29 MYR 37.70

$11.60 MYR 47.09

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$0.74 MYR 3.01

$2.46 MYR 9.99

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$0.49 MYR 2.01

$0.21 MYR 0.85

$1.27 MYR 5.17

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$6.89 MYR 27.97

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.50 MYR 2.02

$0.51 MYR 2.06

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

$33.4K MYR 135.7K

$28.2K MYR 114.3K

$38.7K MYR 157.2K

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

$27.1K MYR 109.9K

$26.7K MYR 108.4K

$33.7K MYR 136.7K

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

$38.03 MYR 154

$23.19 MYR 94.1

$58.0 MYR 235

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

$7.12 MYR 28.91

$4.74 MYR 19.26

$14.24 MYR 57.8

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$26.52 MYR 108

$22.92 MYR 93.1

$39.37 MYR 160

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$36.64 MYR 149

$19.88 MYR 80.7

$46.79 MYR 190

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$9.36 MYR 38.00

$4.68 MYR 18.98

$14.04 MYR 57.0

Cinema Ticket

$2.88 MYR 11.68

$8.38 MYR 34.04

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

$83.1 MYR 337

$71.2 MYR 289

$332 MYR 1,349

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$5,262 MYR 21.4K

$3,508 MYR 14.2K

$24.8K MYR 100.8K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$46.57 MYR 189

$23.29 MYR 94.6

$93.1 MYR 378

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$29.16 MYR 118

$21.42 MYR 87.0

$47.61 MYR 193

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$62.3 MYR 253

$40.71 MYR 165

$120 MYR 486

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$53.8 MYR 218

$36.04 MYR 146

$72.1 MYR 293

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$294 MYR 1,195

$118 MYR 478

$471 MYR 1,912

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$171 MYR 693

$69.8 MYR 284

$349 MYR 1,418

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$439 MYR 1,784

$231 MYR 939

$648 MYR 2,629

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$341 MYR 1,385

$141 MYR 573

$541 MYR 2,197

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$1,100 MYR 4,466

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: January 11, 2026

Alor Setar Median Internet Speeds (Updated December 2025)

Mobile

266

Mbps

Fixed Broadband

174

Mbps

The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.

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.