Cost of Living in Ipoh - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $584 (excluding rent), and $849 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,249 (excluding rent), and $1,738 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$2.57 MYR 10.62

$1.88 MYR 7.75

$4.68 MYR 19.32

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$19 MYR 78.4

$13.31 MYR 54.9

$59.4 MYR 245

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$3.82 MYR 15.76

$3.59 MYR 14.8

$4.29 MYR 17.72

Cappuccino

$2.34 MYR 9.67

$1.7 MYR 7

$3.39 MYR 14

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

$0.76 MYR 3.14

$0.48 MYR 1.97

$1.2 MYR 4.94

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.34 MYR 1.39

$0.23 MYR 0.95

$0.45 MYR 1.86

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$3.52 MYR 14.54

$1.88 MYR 7.76

$12.9 MYR 53.2

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$4.51 MYR 18.61

$2.38 MYR 9.8

$7.12 MYR 29.37

Milk (1 liter)

$1.87 MYR 7.73

$1.54 MYR 6.36

$2.11 MYR 8.73

White Bread (500g)

$1.02 MYR 4.23

$0.81 MYR 3.35

$1.67 MYR 6.91

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.3 MYR 5.35

$0.57 MYR 2.37

$2.76 MYR 11.38

Eggs

$1.83 MYR 7.56

$1.29 MYR 5.34

$2.77 MYR 11.44

Local Cheese (1kg)

$13.14 MYR 54.3

$4.75 MYR 19.62

$35.69 MYR 147

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$5.35 MYR 22.08

$2.66 MYR 10.97

$9.2 MYR 37.97

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$7.4 MYR 30.56

$4.14 MYR 17.09

$16.58 MYR 68.4

Apples (1kg)

$2.93 MYR 12.1

$2.11 MYR 8.7

$4.68 MYR 19.32

Banana (1kg)

$1.71 MYR 7.08

$1.37 MYR 5.67

$2 MYR 8.24

Oranges (1kg)

$2.94 MYR 12.11

$2.29 MYR 9.47

$4 MYR 16.53

Tomato (1kg)

$2.04 MYR 8.41

$1.17 MYR 4.82

$2.47 MYR 10.21

Potato (1kg)

$1.46 MYR 6.04

$0.53 MYR 2.2

$2.48 MYR 10.24

Onion (1kg)

$1.41 MYR 5.8

$0.73 MYR 3.01

$2.05 MYR 8.47

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.57 MYR 6.49

$0.46 MYR 1.9

$2.53 MYR 10.44

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.43 MYR 1.76

$0.23 MYR 0.96

$0.69 MYR 2.84

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$4.32 MYR 17.82

$4.12 MYR 17.02

$7.2 MYR 29.72

Wine (Bottle)

$16.86 MYR 69.6

$8.44 MYR 34.82

$31.34 MYR 129

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$3.48 MYR 14.35

$1.18 MYR 4.85

$5.87 MYR 24.22

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$4.26 MYR 17.57

$4.2 MYR 17.32

$7 MYR 28.89

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.72 MYR 2.98

$0.48 MYR 1.97

$0.96 MYR 3.95

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$11.76 MYR 48.54

$9.42 MYR 38.86

$11.76 MYR 48.54

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$1.2 MYR 4.93

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.15 MYR 4.73

$0.92 MYR 3.8

$1.37 MYR 5.65

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$4.26 MYR 17.58

$2.34 MYR 9.65

$6.19 MYR 25.55

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.47 MYR 1.93

$0.48 MYR 1.97

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

$43.8K MYR 180.9K

$40.3K MYR 166.5K

$47.3K MYR 195.2K

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

$31.1K MYR 128.5K

$28K MYR 115.7K

$34.5K MYR 142.5K

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

$65.4 MYR 270

$47.54 MYR 196

$154 MYR 638

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

$9.2 MYR 37.95

$29.88 MYR 123

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$28.3 MYR 117

$23.66 MYR 97.6

$47.31 MYR 195

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$23.7 MYR 97.8

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$5.99 MYR 24.71

$3.6 MYR 14.85

$5.99 MYR 24.71

Cinema Ticket

$2.97 MYR 12.28

$2.75 MYR 11.35

$5.73 MYR 23.63

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

$119 MYR 491

$95.2 MYR 393

$190 MYR 786

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$2,326 MYR 9,601

$4,653 MYR 19.2K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$58.1 MYR 240

$53.5 MYR 221

$116 MYR 480

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$26.94 MYR 111

$15.1 MYR 62.3

$43.54 MYR 180

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$75.5 MYR 312

$59 MYR 244

$118 MYR 487

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$52.7 MYR 217

$46.82 MYR 193

$117 MYR 483

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$381 MYR 1,573

$232 MYR 958

$429 MYR 1,772

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$267 MYR 1,102

$140 MYR 578

$300 MYR 1,238

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$649 MYR 2,678

$451 MYR 1,861

$1,044 MYR 4,309

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$466 MYR 1,922

$279 MYR 1,153

$652 MYR 2,691

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$948 MYR 3,914

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

3.96

2.75

5.39

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

Last update: November 24, 2025

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

⛩️ Asia

Cost of Living in Ipoh - Frequently Asked Questions

Ipoh tends to be more approachable on a cost front than many big regional hubs, especially if you value a relaxed pace, good food, and a compact city center. You'll find a range of housing from older walkups to newer condos at reasonable rents, and local markets keep daily groceries affordable if you shop smart. Transit is practical, with a decent bus network and walkable neighborhoods that shorten commute times. Those who prioritize heritage, student-friendly campuses, or remote-work flexibility often find value here. Cost of Living in Ipoh, Malaysia reflects that balance between comfort and controllable expenses. Tip: Start with a neighborhood tour to spot savings on housing and groceries.

Daily life in Ipoh centers on easy access to food, walking-friendly streets, and practical transport. For housing, you'll find affordable options in older walkups and quiet suburbs, with newer towers closer to the city core offering better amenities. Food options range from bustling morning markets to beloved hawker centers and mid-range cafes; you can eat well without blowing your budget if you mix local fare with occasional splurges. Local transport is reliable for short hops, and many remote workers gravitate toward coworking spaces that cluster near cafes. Ipoh living cost remains comfortable for a diverse mix of schedules. Tip: Prioritize neighborhoods with good market access and reliable transit.

Quality of life in Ipoh rewards a thoughtful budgeting framework rather than grand expenses. Build a simple plan: separate fixed costs (housing, utilities) from discretionary (eating out, entertainment), then track loosely to spot leaks. Favor neighborhoods with walkable centers and access to parks, coffee shops, and good greenery – Old Town and nearby suburbs fit many tastes, while the hills offer a cooler breeze after rain. Seasonal shifts are mild by tropical standards, so plan for sudden showers and occasional heat, not severe cold. Prioritize multi-use spaces for living and working to reduce commute friction. Tip: test coworking hours to match your energy peaks and rhythms.