Cost of Living in George Town - Updated Prices & Insights

36.27

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $558 (excluding rent), and $838 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,253 (excluding rent), and $1,787 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$3.13 MYR 13.22

$2.42 MYR 10.2

$7.24 MYR 30.54

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$21.07 MYR 88.9

$13.11 MYR 55.3

$35.12 MYR 148

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$4.29 MYR 18.09

$3.58 MYR 15.1

$4.76 MYR 20.09

Cappuccino

$2.51 MYR 10.57

$1.64 MYR 6.92

$3.48 MYR 14.68

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

$0.77 MYR 3.26

$0.48 MYR 2.04

$1.22 MYR 5.13

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.37 MYR 1.55

$0.25 MYR 1.06

$0.49 MYR 2.08

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$4.37 MYR 18.41

$1.95 MYR 8.21

$6.06 MYR 25.57

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$4.57 MYR 19.28

$2.29 MYR 9.66

$6.86 MYR 28.94

Milk (1 liter)

$1.82 MYR 7.66

$1.38 MYR 5.81

$2.31 MYR 9.72

White Bread (500g)

$1.08 MYR 4.55

$0.78 MYR 3.31

$1.62 MYR 6.82

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.62 MYR 6.84

$0.92 MYR 3.89

$2.42 MYR 10.19

Eggs

$2.1 MYR 8.86

$1.17 MYR 4.92

$2.85 MYR 12

Local Cheese (1kg)

$17.14 MYR 72.3

$4.66 MYR 19.66

$23.32 MYR 98.4

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$5.02 MYR 21.17

$2.86 MYR 12.08

$6.66 MYR 28.09

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$10.65 MYR 44.91

$4.26 MYR 17.95

$17.03 MYR 71.8

Apples (1kg)

$2.93 MYR 12.35

$1.7 MYR 7.15

$3.88 MYR 16.34

Banana (1kg)

$1.42 MYR 6

$0.95 MYR 4

$1.79 MYR 7.53

Oranges (1kg)

$2.21 MYR 9.34

$1.19 MYR 5.01

$3.32 MYR 14

Tomato (1kg)

$1.21 MYR 5.09

$0.57 MYR 2.42

$1.37 MYR 5.79

Potato (1kg)

$0.89 MYR 3.77

$0.49 MYR 2.06

$2.18 MYR 9.2

Onion (1kg)

$1.15 MYR 4.87

$0.46 MYR 1.92

$2.75 MYR 11.58

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.68 MYR 2.86

$0.33 MYR 1.41

$1.44 MYR 6.07

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.55 MYR 2.31

$0.27 MYR 1.13

$0.73 MYR 3.1

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$4.04 MYR 17.03

$3.93 MYR 16.57

$4.62 MYR 19.47

Wine (Bottle)

$14.42 MYR 60.8

$4.32 MYR 18.24

$21.63 MYR 91.2

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$2.64 MYR 11.15

$1.17 MYR 4.93

$3.03 MYR 12.78

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.36 MYR 14.16

$1.84 MYR 7.76

$4.59 MYR 19.34

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.48 MYR 2.02

$1.21 MYR 5.08

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$11.62 MYR 49.01

$9.3 MYR 39.23

$11.62 MYR 49.01

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$1.19 MYR 5.02

$0.95 MYR 4

$2.38 MYR 10.05

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$0.47 MYR 1.96

$0.23 MYR 0.96

$1.62 MYR 6.84

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$6.42 MYR 27.08

$5.84 MYR 24.61

$7.01 MYR 29.54

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.47 MYR 1.98

$0.46 MYR 1.94

$0.48 MYR 2.02

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

$34K MYR 143.5K

$21K MYR 88.6K

$39.4K MYR 166.1K

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

$25.4K MYR 107K

$33.2K MYR 140.2K

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

$39.09 MYR 165

$23.83 MYR 100

$71.5 MYR 301

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

$9.69 MYR 40.85

$5.87 MYR 24.75

$10.57 MYR 44.59

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$28.7 MYR 121

$23.01 MYR 97

$39.51 MYR 167

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$38.26 MYR 161

$8.12 MYR 34.23

$92.7 MYR 391

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$3.68 MYR 15.51

$2.76 MYR 11.64

$4.59 MYR 19.37

Cinema Ticket

$3.99 MYR 16.81

$3.52 MYR 14.84

$11.71 MYR 49.38

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

$150 MYR 633

$94.8 MYR 400

$332 MYR 1,400

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$4,515 MYR 19K

$3,491 MYR 14.7K

$24.7K MYR 104.2K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$51.5 MYR 217

$23.42 MYR 98.8

$93.7 MYR 395

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$28.7 MYR 121

$16.4 MYR 69.2

$46.86 MYR 198

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$60.2 MYR 254

$39.39 MYR 166

$116 MYR 488

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$52.3 MYR 221

$35.08 MYR 148

$234 MYR 986

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$369 MYR 1,557

$238 MYR 1,004

$595 MYR 2,511

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$254 MYR 1,071

$199 MYR 837

$467 MYR 1,970

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$726 MYR 3,062

$475 MYR 2,001

$1,186 MYR 5,003

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$496 MYR 2,093

$355 MYR 1,495

$827 MYR 3,488

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$1,279 MYR 5,393

$1,023 MYR 4,314

$1,535 MYR 6,471

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$893 MYR 3,765

$765 MYR 3,227

$1,020 MYR 4,302

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$1,395 MYR 5,884

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

4.16

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

City tags:

⛩️ Asia

Cost of Living in George Town - Frequently Asked Questions

Overall, you’ll find the mix of costs balanced for a city with rich street life and modern amenities. For many travelers and longer-term visitors, the pace of life, access to affordable eats, and compact neighborhoods create solid value, especially when you compare it with regional hubs. Cost of Living in George Town, Malaysia tends to be friendlier than bigger metros while offering robust amenities and a lively expat scene. Housing can range from affordable flats to nicer riverfront options, depending on location. Tip: plan a week-by-week budget to test your assumptions.

On daily life, you’ll notice housing options range from heritage apartments in the old town to modern towers near the coast, with rents and leases shaped by location and size. Food culture is a standout: bustling morning markets, hawker stalls, and a mix of casual cafes provide variety and value for every budget. Transport is practical: walkable streets, Grab, ferries or buses for longer trips. For work or collaboration, several coworking spaces exist. When budgeting, George Town, Malaysia living cost helps you anticipate utilities and internet depending on season and usage. Tip: Look for short-term leases to test neighborhoods and keep flexible with a dining plan.

Quality of life here blends cultural richness with practical choices. For budgeting frameworks, track housing, food, and transport separately, then set a weekly cap for dining out and coffee runs while leaving room for occasional experiences like festivals or waterfront strolls. If you’re choosing neighborhoods, Old Town (heritage area) offers walkability and character, while newer neighborhoods by the coastline provide quieter evenings and easier parking. Seasonality matters: the heat and humidity shape outdoor plans, while monsoon months can affect transport and some businesses. Tip: Build a simple monthly template with category budgets and a small buffer for surprises.