Cost of Living in Kota Bharu - Updated Prices & Insights

18.7

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $455 (excluding rent), and $637 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,056 (excluding rent), and $1,599 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$1.8 MYR 7.6

$1.44 MYR 6.05

$7.2 MYR 30.35

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$21.39 MYR 90.2

$17.83 MYR 75.2

$35.66 MYR 150

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$4.31 MYR 18.18

$3.6 MYR 15.18

$4.79 MYR 20.2

Cappuccino

$2.32 MYR 9.78

$1.64 MYR 6.92

$3.48 MYR 14.67

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

$0.49 MYR 2.08

$0.37 MYR 1.55

$1.48 MYR 6.23

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.27 MYR 1.15

$0.25 MYR 1.06

$0.49 MYR 2.08

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$4.19 MYR 17.67

$3.5 MYR 14.76

$5.82 MYR 24.55

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$4.34 MYR 18.32

$3.63 MYR 15.3

$5.32 MYR 22.42

Milk (1 liter)

$1.49 MYR 6.3

$1.38 MYR 5.8

$2.3 MYR 9.71

White Bread (500g)

$0.75 MYR 3.16

$0.45 MYR 1.9

$1.16 MYR 4.9

Rice (white) (1kg)

$0.85 MYR 3.56

$0.64 MYR 2.68

$2.57 MYR 10.82

Eggs

$1.47 MYR 6.21

$1.13 MYR 4.77

$2.65 MYR 11.19

Local Cheese (1kg)

$15.07 MYR 63.5

$3.54 MYR 14.95

$24.81 MYR 105

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$2.9 MYR 12.21

$2.35 MYR 9.9

$7.5 MYR 31.64

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$5.96 MYR 25.12

$3.9 MYR 16.43

$22.9 MYR 96.6

Apples (1kg)

$1.43 MYR 6.01

$3.81 MYR 16.07

Banana (1kg)

$1.43 MYR 6.02

$0.95 MYR 4.01

$1.79 MYR 7.55

Oranges (1kg)

$1.39 MYR 5.86

$3.25 MYR 13.71

Tomato (1kg)

$0.9 MYR 3.78

$0.72 MYR 3.05

$3.84 MYR 16.21

Potato (1kg)

$0.78 MYR 3.27

$0.69 MYR 2.9

$2.04 MYR 8.59

Onion (1kg)

$1.16 MYR 4.89

$0.7 MYR 2.94

$2.54 MYR 10.73

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.96 MYR 4.06

$0.36 MYR 1.53

$1.56 MYR 6.6

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.44 MYR 1.84

$0.27 MYR 1.14

$0.74 MYR 3.11

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$2.99 MYR 12.59

$2.7 MYR 11.38

$4.43 MYR 18.68

Wine (Bottle)

$14.29 MYR 60.3

$4.28 MYR 18.07

$21.43 MYR 90.4

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.39 MYR 5.86

$3.02 MYR 12.72

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.4 MYR 14.33

$2.32 MYR 9.8

$4.64 MYR 19.56

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.74 MYR 3.14

$0.49 MYR 2.08

$0.99 MYR 4.15

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$11.92 MYR 50.3

$9.54 MYR 40.24

$11.92 MYR 50.3

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$0.74 MYR 3.12

$2.46 MYR 10.37

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$0.53 MYR 2.24

$0.22 MYR 0.95

$1.37 MYR 5.78

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$3.61 MYR 15.23

$7.21 MYR 30.42

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.5 MYR 2.1

$0.51 MYR 2.15

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

$30.6K MYR 128.9K

$28.2K MYR 119K

$38.8K MYR 163.7K

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

$27.9K MYR 117.5K

$27.5K MYR 115.9K

$34.7K MYR 146.2K

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

$38.12 MYR 161

$23.24 MYR 98

$116 MYR 490

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

$8.07 MYR 34.03

$5.76 MYR 24.3

$13.83 MYR 58.3

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$26.65 MYR 112

$21.23 MYR 89.5

$40.11 MYR 169

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$37.47 MYR 158

$20.33 MYR 85.7

$47.84 MYR 202

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$5.46 MYR 23.04

$3.28 MYR 13.85

$5.46 MYR 23.04

Cinema Ticket

$4.15 MYR 17.5

$3.47 MYR 14.61

$8.08 MYR 34.05

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

$116 MYR 490

$325 MYR 1,371

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$6,216 MYR 26.2K

$3,545 MYR 15K

$25.1K MYR 105.8K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$53.5 MYR 226

$11.88 MYR 50.1

$95.1 MYR 401

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$18.62 MYR 78.5

$46.55 MYR 196

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$61.4 MYR 259

$35.41 MYR 149

$118 MYR 498

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$52.6 MYR 222

$35.27 MYR 149

$82.3 MYR 347

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$264 MYR 1,111

$240 MYR 1,010

$287 MYR 1,212

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$143 MYR 601

$119 MYR 501

$166 MYR 701

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$869 MYR 3,665

$720 MYR 3,035

$1,019 MYR 4,295

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$476 MYR 2,007

$286 MYR 1,204

$666 MYR 2,810

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$1,771 MYR 7,468

$1,377 MYR 5,808

$2,067 MYR 8,717

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$1,253 MYR 5,282

$851 MYR 3,588

$1,434 MYR 6,045

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$317 MYR 1,338

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

4.16

5.25

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

City tags:

⛩️ Asia

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.