Cost of Living in Alor Setar - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

A single person spends around $680 per month with rent, or $448 for everyday expenses alone.

A couple spends around $1,049 per month with rent, or $768 for everyday expenses alone.

A family of three spends around $1,417 per month with rent, or $1,088 without housing.

Overall, Alor Setar is about 50% below the global median. Within Asia, costs are well below average (35% lower) – one of the most affordable options in the region.

Currency
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$2.33 MYR 9.24
$2.33 MYR 9.24
$6.98 MYR 27.69
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$11.63 MYR 46.11
$11.63 MYR 46.11
$34.90 MYR 138
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$4.16 MYR 16.51
$3.98 MYR 15.78
$4.82 MYR 19.10
Cappuccino
$1.62 MYR 6.44
$0.67 MYR 2.67
$3.51 MYR 13.90
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.51 MYR 2.03
$0.34 MYR 1.34
$1.36 MYR 5.41
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.27 MYR 1.06
$0.23 MYR 0.91
$0.45 MYR 1.78
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$3.53 MYR 13.99
$3.53 MYR 13.99
$5.87 MYR 23.27
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.32 MYR 9.22
$2.32 MYR 9.22
$5.11 MYR 20.27
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.63 MYR 6.48
$1.21 MYR 4.81
$2.43 MYR 9.62
White Bread (500g)
$0.89 MYR 3.52
$0.68 MYR 2.70
$1.25 MYR 4.95
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.20 MYR 4.77
$1.08 MYR 4.28
$2.51 MYR 9.94
Eggs
$1.50 MYR 5.96
$1.18 MYR 4.67
$2.76 MYR 10.96
Local Cheese (1kg)
$11.76 MYR 46.62
$5.84 MYR 23.15
$23.37 MYR 92.7
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$3.12 MYR 12.37
$2.88 MYR 11.44
$7.68 MYR 30.47
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$8.27 MYR 32.79
$7.09 MYR 28.10
$23.63 MYR 93.7
Apples (1kg)
$2.89 MYR 11.47
$1.69 MYR 6.69
$3.85 MYR 15.28
Banana (1kg)
$1.04 MYR 4.12
$0.92 MYR 3.65
$1.73 MYR 6.87
Oranges (1kg)
$1.38 MYR 5.47
$1.38 MYR 5.47
$3.23 MYR 12.81
Tomato (1kg)
$2.09 MYR 8.29
$0.92 MYR 3.64
$3.68 MYR 14.60
Potato (1kg)
$0.88 MYR 3.50
$0.68 MYR 2.70
$2.01 MYR 7.99
Onion (1kg)
$0.54 MYR 2.13
$0.54 MYR 2.13
$2.68 MYR 10.62
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.68 MYR 2.70
$0.34 MYR 1.33
$1.45 MYR 5.74
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.46 MYR 1.81
$0.25 MYR 1.00
$0.69 MYR 2.73
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$2.81 MYR 11.13
$2.81 MYR 11.13
$4.44 MYR 17.62
Wine (Bottle)
$19.36 MYR 76.8
$8.69 MYR 34.46
$19.86 MYR 78.7
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.16 MYR 4.61
$1.16 MYR 4.61
$3.01 MYR 11.95
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.10 MYR 8.32
$2.10 MYR 8.32
$4.66 MYR 18.49
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.69 MYR 2.75
$0.46 MYR 1.82
$0.92 MYR 3.64
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$11.76 MYR 46.63
$9.41 MYR 37.33
$11.76 MYR 46.63
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$0.74 MYR 2.94
$0.74 MYR 2.94
$2.46 MYR 9.76
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$0.55 MYR 2.16
$0.23 MYR 0.91
$1.41 MYR 5.57
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$7.23 MYR 28.68
$7.23 MYR 28.68
$7.23 MYR 28.68
Gasoline (1 liter)
$0.46 MYR 1.84
$0.46 MYR 1.84
$0.47 MYR 1.88
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$33.8K MYR 134.0K
$28.5K MYR 112.8K
$39.1K MYR 155.2K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$27.9K MYR 110.8K
$27.6K MYR 109.3K
$34.8K MYR 137.8K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$39.16 MYR 155
$23.87 MYR 94.7
$59.7 MYR 237
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$7.01 MYR 27.80
$4.67 MYR 18.52
$14.02 MYR 55.6
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$27.13 MYR 108
$23.46 MYR 93.0
$40.28 MYR 160
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$36.34 MYR 144
$19.72 MYR 78.2
$46.40 MYR 184
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$9.33 MYR 37.00
$4.66 MYR 18.48
$13.99 MYR 55.5
Cinema Ticket
$2.76 MYR 10.95
$2.76 MYR 10.95
$8.05 MYR 31.93
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$83.4 MYR 331
$71.5 MYR 284
$334 MYR 1,323
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$5,240 MYR 20.8K
$3,493 MYR 13.9K
$24.7K MYR 98.0K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$46.55 MYR 185
$23.27 MYR 92.3
$93.1 MYR 369
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$28.70 MYR 114
$21.09 MYR 83.6
$46.86 MYR 186
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$62.1 MYR 246
$40.61 MYR 161
$119 MYR 474
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$52.5 MYR 208
$35.21 MYR 140
$70.4 MYR 279
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$299 MYR 1,185
$120 MYR 474
$478 MYR 1,896
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$170 MYR 675
$69.6 MYR 276
$348 MYR 1,380
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$442 MYR 1,752
$233 MYR 922
$651 MYR 2,582
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$335 MYR 1,328
$139 MYR 550
$531 MYR 2,107
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$1,912 MYR 7,582
$1,324 MYR 5,250
$1,966 MYR 7,794
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$900 MYR 3,569
$704 MYR 2,791
$1,245 MYR 4,936
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$1,649 MYR 6,536
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
4.16
3
5.25

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

Last update: June 1, 2026

Cost Breakdown

A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $299, dropping to $170 outside central areas. Housing accounts for roughly 18% of the average salary ($1,649) – well above the 30% international benchmark.

The average net salary is $1,649 – comfortably above monthly costs of $680. Most workers can save and live well. A comfortable lifestyle typically starts at $1,021.

Groceries cost around $209 per month for one person. A mid-range dinner for two is priced at $12.00 – well below the Asian average of $35.00.

A monthly public transport pass costs about $11.76 – among the cheapest in Asia (average $31.00).

Cost Highlights

Gasoline is cheaper than 96% of cities in Asia

Alor Setar is cheaper than 84% of cities worldwide and 56% within Asia.

Alor Setar Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

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Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
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Fixed Broadband

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The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.
Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
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Cost of Living in Alor Setar - Frequently Asked Questions
How affordable is Alor Setar for travelers, expats, and digital nomads, and who tends to find good value here?
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.
What does daily life look like for someone renting, eating, commuting, or working remotely in Alor Setar?
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.
What factors influence your quality of life and budgeting choices in Alor Setar, including seasonality and neighborhood fit?
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.
Why is Alor Setar considered affordable?
Alor Setar is affordable because both rent and daily expenses are genuinely low. Total monthly costs with housing come to just $680, making it firmly budget-friendly for residents and long-term visitors alike.
Is Alor Setar expensive to live in?
By most standards, Alor Setar is a budget-friendly place to live. Total monthly costs with rent usually land around $680, and both housing and daily expenses fall below global averages. It's a solid pick for remote workers, long-term travelers, or anyone watching their spending.
How much do you need to earn to live comfortably in Alor Setar?
You'll want at least $1,021 per month after taxes to live comfortably in Alor Setar. That covers a decent apartment, groceries, utilities, transport, and enough left over for dining out occasionally. Families or people wanting a central location should budget higher.
How much is rent in Alor Setar?
In Alor Setar's center, a one-bedroom apartment runs about $299 per month. Move further out and that drops to around $170. Location makes a big difference here – and furnished places or short-term rentals will cost more on top of these figures.
Is food expensive in Alor Setar?
Food in Alor Setar is genuinely cheap. A single person's grocery bill runs about $209 per month, and local markets and street vendors push costs even lower. Cooking at home is easy and affordable, and eating out at local spots won't break the bank either.
How much is public transport in Alor Setar?
Getting around Alor Setar by public transport costs about $11.76 per month. A monthly pass generally covers buses, trams, and metro – much cheaper than owning a car for the daily commute.
Can you live on $800 a month in Alor Setar?
$800 a month in Alor Setar? Very doable. Average costs with rent come to just $680, which leaves real room to save, eat out, and enjoy the city without watching every dollar.
What is quality of life like in Alor Setar?
Quality of life in Alor Setar is solid. Standout factors include fast internet, low crime rates, clean air, backed by good public transport, varied dining and leisure, and well-maintained infrastructure. At about $680 monthly all-in, it suits mid-range budgets for a comfortable – if not luxurious – lifestyle.
How affordable is Alor Setar?
Alor Setar is affordable by most measures, which is why it appeals to long-term travelers, remote workers, and budget-conscious residents. At $680 per month with rent, it sits well below the global average for cities of similar size.

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