Cost of Living in Kedah - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

Living costs for one person come to about $857 monthly including rent, or $630 excluding housing.

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $1,327 with rent, or $980 without housing.

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $1,798 including rent, or $1,329 for daily expenses alone.

Kedah sits about 36% below the global median. Within Asia, costs are 18% below average – relatively affordable for the region.

Currency
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$3.14 MYR 12.82
$2.42 MYR 9.89
$7.25 MYR 29.62
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$21.57 MYR 88.2
$17.98 MYR 73.5
$35.95 MYR 147
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$4.26 MYR 17.42
$4.24 MYR 17.33
$4.73 MYR 19.35
Cappuccino
$2.94 MYR 12.02
$1.69 MYR 6.92
$3.59 MYR 14.67
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.74 MYR 3.02
$0.49 MYR 2.00
$1.47 MYR 6.00
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.33 MYR 1.37
$0.23 MYR 0.94
$0.45 MYR 1.83
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$4.38 MYR 17.91
$3.56 MYR 14.54
$5.92 MYR 24.19
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$4.32 MYR 17.67
$3.46 MYR 14.15
$5.08 MYR 20.75
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.83 MYR 7.47
$1.39 MYR 5.69
$2.33 MYR 9.52
White Bread (500g)
$0.97 MYR 3.97
$0.89 MYR 3.63
$1.25 MYR 5.11
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.16 MYR 4.75
$1.16 MYR 4.75
$2.42 MYR 9.91
Eggs
$2.04 MYR 8.32
$1.13 MYR 4.62
$2.65 MYR 10.83
Local Cheese (1kg)
$14.76 MYR 60.4
$3.47 MYR 14.20
$24.31 MYR 99.4
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$5.00 MYR 20.44
$2.78 MYR 11.36
$7.41 MYR 30.27
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$14.52 MYR 59.4
$6.94 MYR 28.38
$23.14 MYR 94.6
Apples (1kg)
$2.77 MYR 11.31
$1.60 MYR 6.55
$3.66 MYR 14.96
Banana (1kg)
$1.21 MYR 4.95
$0.96 MYR 3.94
$1.81 MYR 7.42
Oranges (1kg)
$2.69 MYR 10.98
$1.67 MYR 6.84
$3.35 MYR 13.68
Tomato (1kg)
$2.11 MYR 8.64
$0.93 MYR 3.80
$3.72 MYR 15.23
Potato (1kg)
$1.19 MYR 4.88
$0.73 MYR 2.99
$2.16 MYR 8.84
Onion (1kg)
$1.21 MYR 4.94
$0.72 MYR 2.95
$2.63 MYR 10.75
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.97 MYR 3.96
$0.36 MYR 1.49
$1.57 MYR 6.42
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.45 MYR 1.83
$0.25 MYR 1.01
$0.68 MYR 2.77
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$4.15 MYR 16.96
$4.01 MYR 16.40
$4.38 MYR 17.92
Wine (Bottle)
$19.04 MYR 77.8
$8.55 MYR 34.94
$19.53 MYR 79.8
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$2.65 MYR 10.85
$2.48 MYR 10.16
$3.04 MYR 12.43
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.54 MYR 14.46
$2.42 MYR 9.89
$4.83 MYR 19.74
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.70 MYR 2.86
$0.46 MYR 1.89
$0.92 MYR 3.78
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$11.64 MYR 47.59
$9.32 MYR 38.10
$11.64 MYR 47.59
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$0.73 MYR 3.00
$0.73 MYR 3.00
$2.44 MYR 9.98
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$0.50 MYR 2.04
$0.22 MYR 0.92
$1.37 MYR 5.59
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$7.08 MYR 28.96
$7.08 MYR 28.96
$7.08 MYR 28.96
Gasoline (1 liter)
$0.50 MYR 2.04
$0.50 MYR 2.04
$0.97 MYR 3.95
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$33.6K MYR 137.5K
$28.3K MYR 115.8K
$38.9K MYR 159.2K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$27.8K MYR 113.6K
$27.4K MYR 112.1K
$34.6K MYR 141.4K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$38.56 MYR 158
$23.51 MYR 96.1
$58.8 MYR 240
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$9.94 MYR 40.63
$5.78 MYR 23.63
$13.87 MYR 56.7
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$11.76 MYR 48.07
$11.76 MYR 48.07
$40.00 MYR 164
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$37.42 MYR 153
$20.30 MYR 83.0
$47.77 MYR 195
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$6.04 MYR 24.68
$3.63 MYR 14.84
$6.04 MYR 24.68
Cinema Ticket
$2.81 MYR 11.49
$2.81 MYR 11.49
$8.20 MYR 33.51
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$236 MYR 964
$152 MYR 621
$327 MYR 1,337
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$6,189 MYR 25.3K
$3,530 MYR 14.4K
$25.0K MYR 102.1K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$54.0 MYR 221
$23.23 MYR 95.0
$92.9 MYR 380
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$28.68 MYR 117
$21.07 MYR 86.1
$46.83 MYR 191
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$62.3 MYR 255
$40.74 MYR 167
$120 MYR 490
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$53.8 MYR 220
$36.04 MYR 147
$72.1 MYR 295
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$382 MYR 1,561
$233 MYR 951
$430 MYR 1,760
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$274 MYR 1,118
$144 MYR 587
$307 MYR 1,256
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$650 MYR 2,657
$452 MYR 1,846
$1,046 MYR 4,275
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$476 MYR 1,946
$286 MYR 1,168
$666 MYR 2,724
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$2,045 MYR 8,362
$1,361 MYR 5,564
$2,045 MYR 8,362
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$1,134 MYR 4,635
$770 MYR 3,149
$1,295 MYR 5,296
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$1,301 MYR 5,319
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
4.16
3
5.25

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

Last update: July 21, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $382 for a central one-bedroom, or $274 outside the center. At 29% of the average salary ($1,301), housing is the biggest financial pressure.

Average take-home pay sits at $1,301, while typical expenses reach $857. This leaves solid room for saving and lifestyle spending.

Expect to spend about $270 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $22.00 for two – well below the Asian average of $35.00.

Public transport is priced at around $11.64 per month – among the cheapest in Asia (average $31.00).

Cost Highlights

Gasoline is cheaper than 94% of cities in Asia

Imported beer is more expensive than 91% of cities in Asia

Kedah Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms

Fixed Broadband

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
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The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.
Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
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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 $857 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 $857 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 $1,285 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 $274 to $382, 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 $11.64, 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 $270 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 $857. 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 $857 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 $857, so putting money aside takes more than $1,285 in income. Keeping housing costs low and avoiding lifestyle creep are the keys to building a decent savings rate here.

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