Cost of Living in George Town - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $465 (excluding rent), and $840 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,266 (excluding rent), and $1,760 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$3.11 MYR 12.30

$2.40 MYR 9.48

$7.19 MYR 28.41

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$21.33 MYR 84.3

$13.28 MYR 52.4

$35.55 MYR 140

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$4.19 MYR 16.55

$3.50 MYR 13.82

$4.65 MYR 18.38

Cappuccino

$2.51 MYR 9.92

$1.65 MYR 6.50

$3.49 MYR 13.77

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

$0.73 MYR 2.88

$0.46 MYR 1.81

$1.15 MYR 4.53

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.36 MYR 1.43

$0.25 MYR 0.98

$0.49 MYR 1.92

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$4.35 MYR 17.17

$1.94 MYR 7.65

$6.04 MYR 23.86

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$4.78 MYR 18.87

$2.39 MYR 9.45

$7.17 MYR 28.32

Milk (1 liter)

$1.83 MYR 7.22

$1.39 MYR 5.48

$2.32 MYR 9.17

White Bread (500g)

$1.09 MYR 4.29

$0.79 MYR 3.12

$1.63 MYR 6.43

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.62 MYR 6.41

$0.92 MYR 3.65

$2.42 MYR 9.55

Eggs

$2.06 MYR 8.14

$1.14 MYR 4.52

$2.79 MYR 11.03

Local Cheese (1kg)

$17.19 MYR 67.9

$4.67 MYR 18.46

$23.39 MYR 92.4

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$5.11 MYR 20.18

$2.91 MYR 11.51

$6.78 MYR 26.77

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$10.59 MYR 41.84

$4.23 MYR 16.72

$16.94 MYR 66.9

Apples (1kg)

$2.78 MYR 10.98

$1.61 MYR 6.36

$3.68 MYR 14.52

Banana (1kg)

$1.43 MYR 5.66

$0.95 MYR 3.77

$1.80 MYR 7.10

Oranges (1kg)

$2.14 MYR 8.46

$1.15 MYR 4.54

$3.21 MYR 12.69

Tomato (1kg)

$1.21 MYR 4.80

$0.58 MYR 2.28

$1.38 MYR 5.45

Potato (1kg)

$0.85 MYR 3.35

$0.46 MYR 1.83

$2.07 MYR 8.19

Onion (1kg)

$1.21 MYR 4.79

$0.48 MYR 1.89

$2.88 MYR 11.38

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.73 MYR 2.90

$0.36 MYR 1.43

$1.56 MYR 6.17

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.55 MYR 2.18

$0.27 MYR 1.07

$0.74 MYR 2.93

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$4.14 MYR 16.37

$4.03 MYR 15.93

$4.74 MYR 18.71

Wine (Bottle)

$12.37 MYR 48.88

$8.66 MYR 34.19

$19.79 MYR 78.2

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$2.59 MYR 10.25

$1.15 MYR 4.53

$2.97 MYR 11.75

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.53 MYR 13.93

$1.93 MYR 7.63

$4.82 MYR 19.02

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.46 MYR 1.80

$1.15 MYR 4.53

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$11.61 MYR 45.85

$9.29 MYR 36.71

$11.61 MYR 45.85

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$1.20 MYR 4.76

$0.96 MYR 3.79

$2.41 MYR 9.52

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$0.44 MYR 1.73

$0.21 MYR 0.85

$1.53 MYR 6.04

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$6.53 MYR 25.78

$5.93 MYR 23.43

$7.12 MYR 28.13

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.49 MYR 1.94

$0.48 MYR 1.90

$0.50 MYR 1.98

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

$33.4K MYR 132.1K

$20.7K MYR 81.6K

$38.7K MYR 152.9K

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

$25.5K MYR 100.6K

$33.4K MYR 131.8K

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

$38.75 MYR 153

$23.63 MYR 93.3

$70.9 MYR 280

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

$9.58 MYR 37.84

$5.81 MYR 22.93

$10.46 MYR 41.31

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$29.34 MYR 116

$23.52 MYR 92.9

$40.39 MYR 160

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$39.10 MYR 154

$8.29 MYR 32.76

$94.8 MYR 374

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$3.72 MYR 14.68

$2.79 MYR 11.02

$4.64 MYR 18.34

Cinema Ticket

$4.05 MYR 15.98

$3.57 MYR 14.11

$11.88 MYR 46.94

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

$152 MYR 599

$95.7 MYR 378

$335 MYR 1,323

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$4,547 MYR 18.0K

$3,516 MYR 13.9K

$24.9K MYR 98.3K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$50.8 MYR 201

$23.11 MYR 91.3

$92.4 MYR 365

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$28.60 MYR 113

$16.35 MYR 64.6

$46.70 MYR 184

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$61.4 MYR 242

$40.12 MYR 158

$118 MYR 466

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$52.9 MYR 209

$35.49 MYR 140

$237 MYR 935

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$365 MYR 1,441

$235 MYR 930

$588 MYR 2,324

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$257 MYR 1,014

$201 MYR 793

$472 MYR 1,865

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$732 MYR 2,890

$478 MYR 1,889

$1,196 MYR 4,722

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$498 MYR 1,965

$355 MYR 1,404

$829 MYR 3,275

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$1,199 MYR 4,737

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

4.16

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

Last update: April 14, 2026

George Town Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Mbps

Fixed Broadband

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.