Cost of Living in George Town - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $483 (excluding rent), and $842 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,263 (excluding rent), and $1,785 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$3.02 MYR 12.25

$2.33 MYR 9.45

$6.97 MYR 28.30

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$21.51 MYR 87.3

$13.38 MYR 54.3

$35.84 MYR 146

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$4.12 MYR 16.75

$3.44 MYR 13.98

$4.58 MYR 18.60

Cappuccino

$2.48 MYR 10.06

$1.62 MYR 6.59

$3.44 MYR 13.96

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

$0.78 MYR 3.17

$0.49 MYR 1.99

$1.23 MYR 5.00

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.37 MYR 1.49

$0.25 MYR 1.02

$0.49 MYR 2.00

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$4.32 MYR 17.54

$1.93 MYR 7.82

$6.00 MYR 24.36

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$4.78 MYR 19.42

$2.40 MYR 9.73

$7.18 MYR 29.15

Milk (1 liter)

$1.88 MYR 7.61

$1.42 MYR 5.77

$2.38 MYR 9.66

White Bread (500g)

$1.08 MYR 4.39

$0.79 MYR 3.19

$1.62 MYR 6.58

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.67 MYR 6.79

$0.95 MYR 3.87

$2.49 MYR 10.12

Eggs

$2.03 MYR 8.24

$1.13 MYR 4.57

$2.75 MYR 11.16

Local Cheese (1kg)

$17.25 MYR 70.0

$4.69 MYR 19.05

$23.48 MYR 95.3

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$4.90 MYR 19.88

$2.79 MYR 11.34

$6.49 MYR 26.37

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$10.74 MYR 43.62

$4.29 MYR 17.43

$17.19 MYR 69.8

Apples (1kg)

$2.79 MYR 11.33

$1.62 MYR 6.56

$3.69 MYR 14.99

Banana (1kg)

$1.39 MYR 5.65

$0.93 MYR 3.76

$1.75 MYR 7.09

Oranges (1kg)

$2.27 MYR 9.20

$1.22 MYR 4.93

$3.40 MYR 13.80

Tomato (1kg)

$1.26 MYR 5.11

$0.60 MYR 2.43

$1.43 MYR 5.81

Potato (1kg)

$0.88 MYR 3.58

$0.48 MYR 1.96

$2.15 MYR 8.74

Onion (1kg)

$1.20 MYR 4.89

$0.48 MYR 1.93

$2.86 MYR 11.63

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.70 MYR 2.83

$0.34 MYR 1.40

$1.48 MYR 6.03

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.54 MYR 2.21

$0.27 MYR 1.08

$0.73 MYR 2.96

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$4.06 MYR 16.49

$3.95 MYR 16.05

$4.64 MYR 18.85

Wine (Bottle)

$12.54 MYR 50.9

$8.78 MYR 35.66

$20.06 MYR 81.5

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$2.63 MYR 10.68

$1.16 MYR 4.72

$3.01 MYR 12.24

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.52 MYR 14.30

$1.93 MYR 7.83

$4.81 MYR 19.52

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.45 MYR 1.83

$1.13 MYR 4.59

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$11.83 MYR 48.04

$9.47 MYR 38.46

$11.83 MYR 48.04

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$1.15 MYR 4.68

$0.92 MYR 3.72

$2.30 MYR 9.35

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$0.43 MYR 1.74

$0.21 MYR 0.85

$1.50 MYR 6.08

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$6.29 MYR 25.52

$5.71 MYR 23.20

$6.86 MYR 27.85

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.49 MYR 2.00

$0.48 MYR 1.95

$0.50 MYR 2.04

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

$33.9K MYR 137.5K

$20.9K MYR 84.9K

$39.2K MYR 159.2K

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

$25.0K MYR 101.5K

$32.8K MYR 133.1K

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

$38.07 MYR 155

$23.21 MYR 94.2

$69.6 MYR 283

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

$9.76 MYR 39.62

$5.91 MYR 24.01

$10.65 MYR 43.25

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$29.50 MYR 120

$23.64 MYR 96.0

$40.61 MYR 165

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$38.70 MYR 157

$8.21 MYR 33.33

$93.8 MYR 381

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$3.75 MYR 15.23

$2.82 MYR 11.44

$4.69 MYR 19.03

Cinema Ticket

$3.95 MYR 16.05

$3.49 MYR 14.17

$11.61 MYR 47.15

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

$152 MYR 618

$96.1 MYR 390

$336 MYR 1,366

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$4,565 MYR 18.5K

$3,530 MYR 14.3K

$25.0K MYR 101.4K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$52.1 MYR 211

$23.70 MYR 96.2

$94.8 MYR 385

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$28.68 MYR 116

$16.39 MYR 66.6

$46.84 MYR 190

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$60.4 MYR 245

$39.48 MYR 160

$116 MYR 471

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$52.3 MYR 213

$35.09 MYR 142

$234 MYR 950

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$368 MYR 1,494

$237 MYR 964

$593 MYR 2,409

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$261 MYR 1,059

$204 MYR 827

$480 MYR 1,947

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$725 MYR 2,944

$474 MYR 1,924

$1,185 MYR 4,810

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$498 MYR 2,022

$356 MYR 1,445

$830 MYR 3,371

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$1,172 MYR 4,757

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

4.16

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

Last update: January 13, 2026

George Town Median Internet Speeds (Updated December 2025)

Mobile

118

Mbps

Fixed Broadband

244

Mbps

125

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 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.