Cost of Living in Kota Bharu - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $492 (excluding rent), and $660 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,096 (excluding rent), and $1,568 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$1.78 MYR 7.24

$1.42 MYR 5.77

$7.12 MYR 28.91

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$21.13 MYR 85.8

$17.61 MYR 71.5

$35.22 MYR 143

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$4.22 MYR 17.12

$3.52 MYR 14.29

$4.68 MYR 19.02

Cappuccino

$2.40 MYR 9.73

$1.70 MYR 6.89

$3.60 MYR 14.60

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

$0.49 MYR 2.00

$0.37 MYR 1.49

$1.48 MYR 6.00

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.27 MYR 1.10

$0.25 MYR 1.01

$0.49 MYR 1.99

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$4.27 MYR 17.34

$3.57 MYR 14.47

$5.93 MYR 24.08

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$4.36 MYR 17.70

$3.64 MYR 14.78

$5.34 MYR 21.66

Milk (1 liter)

$1.56 MYR 6.32

$1.43 MYR 5.82

$2.40 MYR 9.74

White Bread (500g)

$0.75 MYR 3.04

$0.45 MYR 1.83

$1.16 MYR 4.72

Rice (white) (1kg)

$0.84 MYR 3.39

$0.63 MYR 2.56

$2.54 MYR 10.31

Eggs

$1.54 MYR 6.25

$1.18 MYR 4.80

$2.77 MYR 11.25

Local Cheese (1kg)

$15.20 MYR 61.7

$3.57 MYR 14.51

$25.02 MYR 102

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$2.96 MYR 12.01

$2.40 MYR 9.74

$7.66 MYR 31.11

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$6.30 MYR 25.59

$4.12 MYR 16.74

$24.23 MYR 98.4

Apples (1kg)

$1.42 MYR 5.78

$3.80 MYR 15.45

Banana (1kg)

$1.44 MYR 5.87

$0.96 MYR 3.91

$1.81 MYR 7.36

Oranges (1kg)

$1.45 MYR 5.87

$3.38 MYR 13.74

Tomato (1kg)

$0.84 MYR 3.42

$0.68 MYR 2.76

$3.61 MYR 14.64

Potato (1kg)

$0.82 MYR 3.31

$0.72 MYR 2.94

$2.14 MYR 8.69

Onion (1kg)

$1.21 MYR 4.93

$0.73 MYR 2.96

$2.66 MYR 10.81

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.97 MYR 3.95

$0.37 MYR 1.49

$1.58 MYR 6.42

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.40 MYR 1.63

$0.25 MYR 1.01

$0.68 MYR 2.75

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$3.06 MYR 12.43

$2.77 MYR 11.24

$4.54 MYR 18.45

Wine (Bottle)

$19.27 MYR 78.2

$8.65 MYR 35.13

$19.76 MYR 80.2

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.40 MYR 5.67

$3.03 MYR 12.31

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.43 MYR 13.93

$2.35 MYR 9.53

$4.68 MYR 19.01

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.73 MYR 2.96

$0.48 MYR 1.96

$0.97 MYR 3.92

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$11.83 MYR 48.02

$9.47 MYR 38.44

$11.83 MYR 48.02

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$0.73 MYR 2.98

$2.44 MYR 9.89

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$0.50 MYR 2.03

$0.21 MYR 0.86

$1.29 MYR 5.23

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$3.51 MYR 14.26

$7.01 MYR 28.48

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.46 MYR 1.88

$0.47 MYR 1.92

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

$31.0K MYR 125.9K

$28.6K MYR 116.2K

$39.4K MYR 159.8K

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

$27.7K MYR 112.5K

$27.3K MYR 111.0K

$34.5K MYR 140.0K

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

$38.23 MYR 155

$23.31 MYR 94.6

$117 MYR 473

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

$8.28 MYR 33.60

$5.91 MYR 23.99

$14.18 MYR 57.6

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$26.57 MYR 108

$21.16 MYR 85.9

$39.98 MYR 162

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$36.55 MYR 148

$19.83 MYR 80.5

$46.67 MYR 189

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$5.88 MYR 23.86

$3.53 MYR 14.34

$5.88 MYR 23.86

Cinema Ticket

$4.33 MYR 17.59

$3.62 MYR 14.68

$8.43 MYR 34.22

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

$120 MYR 486

$335 MYR 1,361

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$6,149 MYR 25.0K

$3,507 MYR 14.2K

$24.8K MYR 100.8K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$52.8 MYR 214

$11.72 MYR 47.59

$93.8 MYR 381

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$19.22 MYR 78.0

$48.07 MYR 195

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$61.0 MYR 248

$35.18 MYR 143

$117 MYR 476

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$53.0 MYR 215

$35.50 MYR 144

$82.9 MYR 336

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$258 MYR 1,049

$235 MYR 953

$282 MYR 1,144

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$143 MYR 580

$119 MYR 484

$167 MYR 677

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$847 MYR 3,438

$701 MYR 2,847

$993 MYR 4,030

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$473 MYR 1,920

$284 MYR 1,152

$662 MYR 2,688

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$297 MYR 1,207

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: January 11, 2026

Kota Bharu Median Internet Speeds (Updated December 2025)

Mobile

Mbps

Fixed Broadband

162

Mbps

The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

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.