Cost of Living in Alor Setar - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

A single person spends around $680 per month with rent, or $397 for everyday expenses alone.

A couple spends around $1,040 per month with rent, or $666 for everyday expenses alone.

A family of three spends around $1,401 per month with rent, or $936 without housing.

Overall, Alor Setar is about 51% below the global median. Within Asia, costs are well below average (33% lower) – one of the most affordable options in the region.

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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$2.39 MYR 9.77
$2.39 MYR 9.77
$7.15 MYR 29.26
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$11.99 MYR 49.08
$11.99 MYR 49.08
$35.99 MYR 147
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$4.00 MYR 16.38
$3.83 MYR 15.66
$4.63 MYR 18.96
Cappuccino
$1.62 MYR 6.63
$0.67 MYR 2.75
$3.50 MYR 14.30
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.55 MYR 2.27
$0.37 MYR 1.50
$1.47 MYR 6.03
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.29 MYR 1.19
$0.25 MYR 1.02
$0.49 MYR 2.00
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$3.58 MYR 14.64
$3.58 MYR 14.64
$5.95 MYR 24.36
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.32 MYR 9.47
$2.32 MYR 9.47
$5.09 MYR 20.84
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.61 MYR 6.57
$1.19 MYR 4.88
$2.38 MYR 9.75
White Bread (500g)
$0.87 MYR 3.58
$0.67 MYR 2.74
$1.23 MYR 5.03
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.17 MYR 4.77
$1.05 MYR 4.29
$2.43 MYR 9.95
Eggs
$1.47 MYR 6.00
$1.15 MYR 4.70
$2.70 MYR 11.03
Local Cheese (1kg)
$12.08 MYR 49.46
$6.00 MYR 24.56
$24.02 MYR 98.3
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$3.02 MYR 12.38
$2.80 MYR 11.45
$7.45 MYR 30.50
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$8.46 MYR 34.61
$7.25 MYR 29.66
$24.16 MYR 98.9
Apples (1kg)
$2.78 MYR 11.37
$1.62 MYR 6.63
$3.70 MYR 15.15
Banana (1kg)
$1.04 MYR 4.25
$0.92 MYR 3.77
$1.74 MYR 7.10
Oranges (1kg)
$1.39 MYR 5.67
$1.39 MYR 5.67
$3.24 MYR 13.27
Tomato (1kg)
$2.08 MYR 8.50
$0.91 MYR 3.73
$3.66 MYR 14.97
Potato (1kg)
$0.89 MYR 3.62
$0.68 MYR 2.80
$2.02 MYR 8.27
Onion (1kg)
$0.54 MYR 2.19
$0.54 MYR 2.19
$2.67 MYR 10.93
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.69 MYR 2.84
$0.34 MYR 1.40
$1.48 MYR 6.04
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.48 MYR 1.98
$0.27 MYR 1.09
$0.73 MYR 2.99
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$2.77 MYR 11.35
$2.77 MYR 11.35
$4.39 MYR 17.96
Wine (Bottle)
$18.93 MYR 77.5
$8.50 MYR 34.77
$19.41 MYR 79.5
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.19 MYR 4.88
$1.19 MYR 4.88
$3.09 MYR 12.66
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.09 MYR 8.54
$2.09 MYR 8.54
$4.64 MYR 18.98
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.74 MYR 3.03
$0.49 MYR 2.01
$0.98 MYR 4.02
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$11.93 MYR 48.82
$9.55 MYR 39.08
$11.93 MYR 48.82
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$0.69 MYR 2.82
$0.69 MYR 2.82
$2.29 MYR 9.39
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$0.51 MYR 2.08
$0.21 MYR 0.88
$1.31 MYR 5.36
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$7.00 MYR 28.65
$7.00 MYR 28.65
$7.00 MYR 28.65
Gasoline (1 liter)
$0.47 MYR 1.92
$0.47 MYR 1.92
$0.48 MYR 1.96
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$34.0K MYR 139.2K
$28.6K MYR 117.2K
$39.4K MYR 161.2K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$28.0K MYR 114.4K
$27.6K MYR 112.9K
$34.8K MYR 142.3K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$39.42 MYR 161
$24.03 MYR 98.4
$60.1 MYR 246
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$7.26 MYR 29.71
$4.84 MYR 19.79
$14.52 MYR 59.4
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$26.83 MYR 110
$23.19 MYR 94.9
$39.83 MYR 163
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$36.19 MYR 148
$19.64 MYR 80.4
$46.21 MYR 189
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$9.65 MYR 39.51
$4.82 MYR 19.73
$14.48 MYR 59.2
Cinema Ticket
$2.91 MYR 11.91
$2.91 MYR 11.91
$8.48 MYR 34.72
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$82.5 MYR 338
$70.7 MYR 289
$330 MYR 1,351
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$5,299 MYR 21.7K
$3,533 MYR 14.5K
$25.0K MYR 102.3K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$47.53 MYR 195
$23.77 MYR 97.3
$95.1 MYR 389
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$29.19 MYR 119
$21.45 MYR 87.8
$47.67 MYR 195
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$62.1 MYR 254
$40.63 MYR 166
$119 MYR 489
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$53.6 MYR 219
$35.90 MYR 147
$71.8 MYR 294
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$298 MYR 1,220
$119 MYR 488
$477 MYR 1,952
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$174 MYR 713
$71.3 MYR 292
$356 MYR 1,459
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$454 MYR 1,858
$239 MYR 978
$669 MYR 2,738
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$342 MYR 1,401
$142 MYR 580
$543 MYR 2,222
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$2,225 MYR 9,105
$1,481 MYR 6,059
$2,225 MYR 9,105
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$1,040 MYR 4,256
$706 MYR 2,891
$1,188 MYR 4,863
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$1,620 MYR 6,629
-
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: July 14, 2026

Cost Breakdown

A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $298, dropping to $174 outside central areas. Housing accounts for roughly 18% of the average salary ($1,620) – well above the 30% international benchmark.

The average net salary is $1,620 – comfortably above monthly costs of $680. Most workers can save and live well. A comfortable lifestyle typically starts at $1,020.

Groceries cost around $208 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 $11.93 – among the cheapest in Asia (average $31.00).

Cost Highlights

Gasoline is cheaper than 95% 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

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
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Fixed Broadband

Download
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Latency
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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 $1,020 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?
A central one-bedroom apartment in Alor Setar runs about $298 per month. Move further out and that drops to around $174. 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 $208 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 $11.93 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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