Cost of Living in Kedah - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

Living costs for one person come to about $955 monthly including rent, or $600 excluding housing.

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $1,409 with rent, or $952 without housing.

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $1,862 including rent, or $1,304 for daily expenses alone.

Kedah sits 31–37% below the global median across household types. Within Asia, costs are 12% below average – relatively affordable for the region.

Currency
Do you live in Kedah? Add cost details
🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$3.44 MYR 13.98
$2.46 MYR 9.99
$7.37 MYR 29.97
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$12.37 MYR 50.3
$12.37 MYR 50.3
$19.80 MYR 80.6
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$4.92 MYR 20.00
$4.92 MYR 20.00
$6.15 MYR 25.00
Cappuccino
$2.79 MYR 11.37
$2.03 MYR 8.24
$3.81 MYR 15.49
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.97 MYR 3.94
$0.63 MYR 2.57
$1.26 MYR 5.14
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.33 MYR 1.34
$0.24 MYR 0.98
$0.72 MYR 2.91
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$2.47 MYR 10.03
$1.73 MYR 7.04
$3.70 MYR 15.05
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$4.34 MYR 17.67
$3.62 MYR 14.74
$4.83 MYR 19.65
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$2.45 MYR 9.97
$1.50 MYR 6.11
$3.75 MYR 15.26
White Bread (500g)
$1.31 MYR 5.34
$0.96 MYR 3.92
$1.93 MYR 7.83
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.70 MYR 6.92
$1.21 MYR 4.93
$1.94 MYR 7.88
Eggs
$2.59 MYR 10.53
$1.35 MYR 5.49
$4.19 MYR 17.05
Local Cheese (1kg)
$15.46 MYR 62.9
$9.76 MYR 39.70
$24.41 MYR 99.3
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$5.16 MYR 20.98
$3.05 MYR 12.39
$7.10 MYR 28.86
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$9.82 MYR 39.94
$9.82 MYR 39.94
$9.82 MYR 39.94
Apples (1kg)
$2.38 MYR 9.68
$1.96 MYR 7.99
$2.46 MYR 10.00
Banana (1kg)
$1.53 MYR 6.22
$1.27 MYR 5.18
$1.79 MYR 7.27
Oranges (1kg)
$2.24 MYR 9.12
$1.92 MYR 7.82
$2.41 MYR 9.79
Tomato (1kg)
$1.21 MYR 4.92
$0.97 MYR 3.93
$1.45 MYR 5.92
Potato (1kg)
$0.94 MYR 3.84
$0.52 MYR 2.11
$1.29 MYR 5.23
Onion (1kg)
$0.81 MYR 3.28
$0.49 MYR 1.98
$1.20 MYR 4.90
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.77 MYR 3.13
$0.77 MYR 3.13
$0.77 MYR 3.13
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.69 MYR 2.79
$0.38 MYR 1.56
$1.29 MYR 5.24
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$4.48 MYR 18.22
$4.11 MYR 16.72
$4.84 MYR 19.69
Wine (Bottle)
$21.57 MYR 87.8
$12.32 MYR 50.1
$30.81 MYR 125
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$2.49 MYR 10.14
$2.49 MYR 10.14
$2.49 MYR 10.14
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.61 MYR 14.68
$3.61 MYR 14.68
$3.61 MYR 14.68
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.72 MYR 2.92
$0.46 MYR 1.86
$0.85 MYR 3.44
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$12.16 MYR 49.48
$12.16 MYR 49.48
$12.16 MYR 49.48
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$1.26 MYR 5.12
$1.01 MYR 4.09
$2.52 MYR 10.25
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$0.51 MYR 2.09
$0.26 MYR 1.04
$1.79 MYR 7.27
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$6.74 MYR 27.41
$6.13 MYR 24.92
$7.35 MYR 29.91
Gasoline (1 liter)
$0.64 MYR 2.61
$0.52 MYR 2.12
$1.00 MYR 4.07
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$42.4K MYR 172.6K
$42.4K MYR 172.6K
$42.4K MYR 172.6K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$28.1K MYR 114.5K
$28.1K MYR 114.5K
$35.4K MYR 144.2K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$50.1 MYR 204
$36.67 MYR 149
$73.4 MYR 298
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$8.22 MYR 33.46
$6.17 MYR 25.11
$10.37 MYR 42.17
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$31.52 MYR 128
$24.53 MYR 99.8
$47.59 MYR 194
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$41.66 MYR 169
$25.25 MYR 103
$50.5 MYR 205
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$6.61 MYR 26.88
$1.23 MYR 5.00
$6.61 MYR 26.88
Cinema Ticket
$4.67 MYR 18.99
$2.46 MYR 10.00
$12.28 MYR 49.96
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$175 MYR 711
$175 MYR 711
$175 MYR 711
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$4,909 MYR 20.0K
$3,663 MYR 14.9K
$6,154 MYR 25.0K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$55.1 MYR 224
$25.08 MYR 102
$75.2 MYR 306
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$35.44 MYR 144
$17.44 MYR 70.9
$49.82 MYR 203
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$74.4 MYR 303
$60.8 MYR 247
$99.2 MYR 404
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$70.5 MYR 287
$37.10 MYR 151
$98.9 MYR 402
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$423 MYR 1,720
$293 MYR 1,191
$546 MYR 2,223
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$333 MYR 1,355
$199 MYR 811
$374 MYR 1,520
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$697 MYR 2,835
$517 MYR 2,103
$988 MYR 4,018
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$492 MYR 2,002
$344 MYR 1,401
$677 MYR 2,752
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$2,052 MYR 8,347
$1,337 MYR 5,440
$2,052 MYR 8,347
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$1,131 MYR 4,601
$796 MYR 3,238
$1,432 MYR 5,827
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$1,313 MYR 5,343
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
4.43
3.3
6

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

Last update: September 6, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $423 for a central one-bedroom, or $333 outside the center. At 32% of the average salary ($1,313), housing is the biggest financial pressure.

Average take-home pay sits at $1,313, while typical expenses reach $955. This leaves some room for savings, though a comfortable buffer starts closer to $1,433.

Expect to spend about $271 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $12.00 for two – well below the Asian average of $36.00.

Public transport is priced at around $12.16 per month – among the cheapest in Asia (average $34.00).

Cost Highlights

Milk is more expensive than 96% of cities in Asia

Kedah is cheaper than 71% globally but more expensive than 70% within Asia.

Kedah Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms

Fixed Broadband

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms
The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.
Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
City tags:
Cost of Living in Kedah - Frequently Asked Questions
How affordable is Kedah for travelers, expats, and digital nomads, and how does it compare to other parts of Malaysia?
Cost of Living in Kedah, Malaysia gives a practical baseline to compare value across towns like Alor Setar, Sungai Petani, and Langkawi. Everyday costs – street meals, market groceries, and public transport – tend to be more affordable than major urban centers, while still offering reliable services. Housing is the big lever: you can find generous space in smaller towns for less money than in bigger cities, with rents and utilities that scale with location. Langkawi may lift prices during peak season, but steady options exist elsewhere. Tip: plan a flexible itinerary that balances low-cost days with occasional splurges.
What does a typical day look like for someone staying in Kedah long-term, in terms of housing, food, transport, and workspaces?
Expect a laid-back pace in many towns, with a mix of traditional markets and modern cafes. For housing search, start in Alor Setar or Sungai Petani neighborhoods near markets and transit, then widen to Kulim or rural suburbs for better value. Food options range from bustling hawker centers to curated cafes; you'll find halal and non-halal choices, fresh produce, and affordable meals. Transport is flexible: reliable bus routes, ride-hailing, and scooters make short trips easy. If you work remotely, look for cafes or co-working spaces with solid Wi-Fi, plus occasional language or cultural meetups. Kedah, Malaysia living cost helps you budget for daily needs. Tip: Keep a small cushion for seasonal travel and market fluctuations.
How can you approach budgeting and neighborhood fit to maximize quality of life in Kedah while adapting to seasonality and local rhythms?
Quality of life in Kedah hinges on balancing simple living with access to nature and good connectivity. Build a flexible budgeting framework around essentials, lifestyle, and savings rather than fixed prices. Prioritize neighborhoods that feel safe and walkable – Alor Setar’s riverfront zones or quieter rural outskirts offer different vibes and costs. Save by shopping at markets, cooking at home, and using public transport or bikes rather than frequent rides. Langkawi adds weekend escapes with a taste of resort life, so plan those trips during off-peak times for better value. Seasonality shapes crowds more than prices in many areas, keeping life steady most of the year. Tip: Build a simple monthly plan and reassess seasonally to stay aligned with your budget.
Is the cost of living in Kedah reasonable?
At around $955 monthly all-in, Kedah offers decent value. It's not the cheapest and not the priciest – a good fit for people who want city convenience without capital-level costs.
Is Kedah affordable on an average income?
Everyday life in Kedah is moderately priced at about $955 per month, rent included. Groceries and transport stay reasonable, though dining out and entertainment can feel a bit pricier than in budget destinations.
What income level supports a comfortable lifestyle in Kedah?
Earning $1,433 monthly in Kedah means you're living well – a one-bedroom, regular groceries, transport, and some entertainment without stress. That's the threshold where most residents feel genuinely comfortable rather than just getting by.
What is the rental price range for apartments in Kedah?
Rents for a 1-bedroom flat in Kedah range from $333 to $423, depending on location and condition. Central apartments sit at the top of that range; outer neighborhoods and suburbs deliver noticeably better value per square meter.
Is public transport affordable in Kedah?
A monthly transit pass in Kedah runs about $12.16, with good coverage across residential and business areas. It's entirely feasible to live car-free here for daily commuting and errands.
What should I budget for groceries in Kedah?
At about $271 monthly, food costs in Kedah sit in moderate territory. A mix of local markets and supermarkets covers most needs at fair prices, and most residents eat well without having to pinch pennies.
Does $2,000 cover living expenses in Kedah?
Living on $2,000 in Kedah means careful planning, since monthly costs average $955. It works with a cheap apartment and disciplined spending, but expect trade-offs on where you live, how often you eat out, and entertainment.
What are the pros and cons of living in Kedah?
Kedah offers genuinely appealing day-to-day living. Residents value fast internet, low crime rates, clean air, and at around $955 per month, it's accessible to a broad range of incomes. Most people find the cost-to-quality balance sustainable long-term.
How much can you save per month in Kedah?
Monthly expenses in Kedah run around $955, so putting money aside takes more than $1,433 in income. Keeping housing costs low and avoiding lifestyle creep are the keys to building a decent savings rate here.

Kedah vs other spots: cost of living compared

Nearby cities

Similar cities