Cost of Living in Alor Setar - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $410 (excluding rent), and $661 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $854 (excluding rent), and $1,405 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$2.31 MYR 9.40

$6.92 MYR 28.16

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$11.73 MYR 47.76

$35.21 MYR 143

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$4.19 MYR 17.04

$4.00 MYR 16.29

$4.85 MYR 19.72

Cappuccino

$1.59 MYR 6.49

$0.66 MYR 2.69

$3.44 MYR 14.01

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

$0.55 MYR 2.25

$0.36 MYR 1.48

$1.47 MYR 5.98

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.29 MYR 1.19

$0.25 MYR 1.02

$0.49 MYR 1.99

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$3.47 MYR 14.11

$5.77 MYR 23.48

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.41 MYR 9.82

$5.30 MYR 21.59

Milk (1 liter)

$1.61 MYR 6.56

$1.20 MYR 4.87

$2.39 MYR 9.74

White Bread (500g)

$0.83 MYR 3.38

$0.64 MYR 2.59

$1.17 MYR 4.75

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.16 MYR 4.70

$1.04 MYR 4.23

$2.41 MYR 9.81

Eggs

$1.52 MYR 6.17

$1.19 MYR 4.84

$2.79 MYR 11.35

Local Cheese (1kg)

$11.76 MYR 47.88

$5.84 MYR 23.78

$23.38 MYR 95.2

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$3.14 MYR 12.80

$2.91 MYR 11.83

$7.75 MYR 31.53

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$8.21 MYR 33.43

$7.04 MYR 28.65

$23.46 MYR 95.5

Apples (1kg)

$2.85 MYR 11.61

$1.66 MYR 6.77

$3.80 MYR 15.46

Banana (1kg)

$1.07 MYR 4.37

$0.95 MYR 3.88

$1.79 MYR 7.30

Oranges (1kg)

$1.38 MYR 5.60

$3.22 MYR 13.11

Tomato (1kg)

$2.16 MYR 8.78

$0.95 MYR 3.86

$3.80 MYR 15.46

Potato (1kg)

$0.88 MYR 3.56

$0.68 MYR 2.75

$2.00 MYR 8.13

Onion (1kg)

$0.54 MYR 2.21

$2.70 MYR 10.99

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.69 MYR 2.82

$0.34 MYR 1.39

$1.47 MYR 6.00

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.48 MYR 1.96

$0.27 MYR 1.09

$0.73 MYR 2.96

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$2.82 MYR 11.47

$4.46 MYR 18.16

Wine (Bottle)

$8.70 MYR 35.43

$19.89 MYR 81.0

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.16 MYR 4.71

$3.00 MYR 12.23

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.14 MYR 8.73

$4.76 MYR 19.39

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.73 MYR 2.98

$0.49 MYR 1.98

$0.97 MYR 3.95

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$11.88 MYR 48.34

$9.51 MYR 38.69

$11.88 MYR 48.34

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$0.70 MYR 2.83

$2.31 MYR 9.42

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$0.53 MYR 2.17

$0.23 MYR 0.92

$1.37 MYR 5.59

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$6.96 MYR 28.33

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.46 MYR 1.88

$0.47 MYR 1.92

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

$33.4K MYR 136.0K

$28.1K MYR 114.5K

$38.7K MYR 157.5K

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

$27.9K MYR 113.7K

$27.6K MYR 112.2K

$34.8K MYR 141.4K

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

$39.29 MYR 160

$23.96 MYR 97.5

$59.9 MYR 244

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

$6.95 MYR 28.30

$4.63 MYR 18.85

$13.91 MYR 56.6

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$26.87 MYR 109

$23.22 MYR 94.5

$39.89 MYR 162

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$36.24 MYR 148

$19.66 MYR 80.0

$46.27 MYR 188

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$9.19 MYR 37.41

$4.59 MYR 18.68

$13.78 MYR 56.1

Cinema Ticket

$2.90 MYR 11.81

$8.46 MYR 34.42

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

$83.6 MYR 340

$71.6 MYR 292

$334 MYR 1,360

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$5,324 MYR 21.7K

$3,549 MYR 14.4K

$25.1K MYR 102.2K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$47.74 MYR 194

$23.87 MYR 97.2

$95.5 MYR 389

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$28.88 MYR 118

$21.22 MYR 86.4

$47.16 MYR 192

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$61.5 MYR 250

$40.23 MYR 164

$118 MYR 482

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$53.5 MYR 218

$35.85 MYR 146

$71.7 MYR 292

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$290 MYR 1,179

$116 MYR 472

$464 MYR 1,886

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$176 MYR 717

$72.1 MYR 293

$360 MYR 1,467

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$444 MYR 1,805

$233 MYR 950

$654 MYR 2,660

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$337 MYR 1,374

$140 MYR 568

$535 MYR 2,179

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$1,109 MYR 4,515

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 6, 2026

Alor Setar Median Internet Speeds (Updated September 2025)

Mobile

99.82

Mbps

12.45

Mbps

Fixed Broadband

170.76

Mbps

64.48

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.