Cost of Living in Kota Bharu - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $528 (excluding rent), and $652 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,193 (excluding rent), and $1,602 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$1.8 MYR 7.42

$1.43 MYR 5.91

$7.18 MYR 29.62

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$21.06 MYR 86.9

$17.56 MYR 72.5

$35.1 MYR 145

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$4.26 MYR 17.58

$3.56 MYR 14.68

$4.73 MYR 19.53

Cappuccino

$2.3 MYR 9.48

$1.62 MYR 6.71

$3.44 MYR 14.22

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

$0.45 MYR 1.85

$0.33 MYR 1.37

$1.34 MYR 5.54

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.25 MYR 1.02

$0.23 MYR 0.94

$0.45 MYR 1.85

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$4.12 MYR 17.02

$3.44 MYR 14.21

$5.73 MYR 23.65

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$4.33 MYR 17.88

$3.62 MYR 14.93

$5.3 MYR 21.89

Milk (1 liter)

$1.55 MYR 6.41

$1.43 MYR 5.91

$2.4 MYR 9.89

White Bread (500g)

$0.77 MYR 3.17

$0.46 MYR 1.91

$1.19 MYR 4.91

Rice (white) (1kg)

$0.79 MYR 3.26

$0.59 MYR 2.45

$2.4 MYR 9.89

Eggs

$1.49 MYR 6.17

$1.15 MYR 4.74

$2.69 MYR 11.11

Local Cheese (1kg)

$15.17 MYR 62.6

$3.57 MYR 14.73

$24.98 MYR 103

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$2.96 MYR 12.23

$2.4 MYR 9.92

$7.68 MYR 31.68

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$6 MYR 24.77

$3.93 MYR 16.2

$23.08 MYR 95.3

Apples (1kg)

$1.39 MYR 5.75

$3.73 MYR 15.38

Banana (1kg)

$1.39 MYR 5.73

$0.92 MYR 3.82

$1.74 MYR 7.19

Oranges (1kg)

$1.44 MYR 5.95

$3.37 MYR 13.92

Tomato (1kg)

$0.86 MYR 3.56

$0.7 MYR 2.87

$3.7 MYR 15.26

Potato (1kg)

$0.78 MYR 3.22

$0.69 MYR 2.85

$2.05 MYR 8.44

Onion (1kg)

$1.21 MYR 4.99

$0.73 MYR 3

$2.65 MYR 10.94

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.91 MYR 3.74

$0.34 MYR 1.41

$1.47 MYR 6.08

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.4 MYR 1.66

$0.25 MYR 1.03

$0.68 MYR 2.81

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$3.05 MYR 12.57

$2.75 MYR 11.37

$4.52 MYR 18.65

Wine (Bottle)

$17.22 MYR 71.1

$8.61 MYR 35.52

$19.68 MYR 81.2

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.45 MYR 5.98

$3.14 MYR 12.98

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.35 MYR 13.81

$2.29 MYR 9.45

$4.57 MYR 18.86

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.74 MYR 3.07

$0.49 MYR 2.03

$0.99 MYR 4.07

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$11.84 MYR 48.87

$9.48 MYR 39.12

$11.84 MYR 48.87

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$0.69 MYR 2.83

$2.28 MYR 9.4

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$0.5 MYR 2.06

$0.21 MYR 0.87

$1.28 MYR 5.3

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$3.45 MYR 14.24

$6.89 MYR 28.44

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.47 MYR 1.92

$0.47 MYR 1.96

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

$30.9K MYR 127.4K

$28.5K MYR 117.6K

$39.2K MYR 161.7K

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

$27.5K MYR 113.5K

$27.1K MYR 112K

$34.2K MYR 141.2K

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

$39.42 MYR 163

$24.03 MYR 99.2

$120 MYR 496

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

$8.43 MYR 34.78

$6.02 MYR 24.83

$14.44 MYR 59.6

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$26.74 MYR 110

$21.3 MYR 87.9

$40.23 MYR 166

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$36.44 MYR 150

$19.77 MYR 81.6

$46.53 MYR 192

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$5.82 MYR 24.01

$3.5 MYR 14.43

$5.82 MYR 24.01

Cinema Ticket

$4.15 MYR 17.12

$3.46 MYR 14.29

$8.07 MYR 33.31

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

$120 MYR 494

$335 MYR 1,382

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$6,166 MYR 25.4K

$3,517 MYR 14.5K

$24.9K MYR 102.7K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$53.7 MYR 221

$11.92 MYR 49.2

$95.4 MYR 394

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$18.95 MYR 78.2

$47.38 MYR 196

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$61.4 MYR 253

$35.39 MYR 146

$118 MYR 487

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$51.9 MYR 214

$34.82 MYR 144

$81.3 MYR 335

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$261 MYR 1,079

$238 MYR 981

$285 MYR 1,177

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$142 MYR 584

$118 MYR 487

$165 MYR 682

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$848 MYR 3,498

$702 MYR 2,897

$993 MYR 4,100

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$471 MYR 1,942

$282 MYR 1,165

$659 MYR 2,719

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$293 MYR 1,209

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

4.16

5.25

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

Last update: December 1, 2025

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

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Cost of Living in Kota Bharu - Frequently Asked Questions

Compared with major hubs, Kota Bharu tends to offer a gentler, more budget-friendly pace. If you’re a traveler, an expat, or a digital nomad who prioritizes value over flashy amenities, you’ll notice cheaper daily meals, flexible accommodation options, and lower transport costs. The Cost of Living in Kota Bharu sits comfortably for longer stays and slower exploration, with convenient access to local markets and waterfronts. Beachside trips and cultural sites are close by, keeping day trips affordable. You’ll also find community-driven spaces and quiet cafes that suit focused work without the rock-bottom prices of larger cities. Tip: Choose neighborhoods near markets for walking access and save on transport.

Daily life in Kota Bharu centers on practical choices. Housing spans simple apartments, room shares, and guesthouses that can feel cozy and well located if you pick near markets or the riverfront. Food happens at lively hawker stalls, local eateries, and weekend markets, delicious and wallet-friendly. For transport, you'll rely on short rides, buses, or a bike if you're city-adventurous. Co-working spaces exist in pockets around town, but many digital nomads enjoy wifi-enabled cafes with reliable power. For errands, local markets handle groceries, while petrol stations and convenience stores cover essentials. Kota Bharu living cost varies by option, so plan ahead. Tip: map a routine that minimizes backtracks.

Quality of life in Kota Bharu comes from balance, community, and a sense of place. Favor neighborhoods with easy market access, riverfront walks, and quiet streets that fit your working rhythm. A practical budgeting framework leaves room for flexible housing and food choices, prioritizing local eateries and home-cooked meals when possible. Save by batching errands, using public transport, and choosing coworking cafes with reliable wifi during peak hours. Seasonal rains and humidity can influence comfort and travel, so build contingency plans for indoor work or flexible schedules. Neighborhood fit also hinges on safety, access to fresh produce, and a feeling of connection to local events. Tip: keep a simple, adjustable monthly plan.