Cost of Living in Kota Bharu - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $520 (excluding rent), and $648 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,061 (excluding rent), and $1,565 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$1.79 MYR 7.02

$1.42 MYR 5.59

$7.14 MYR 28.04

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$20.94 MYR 82.3

$17.46 MYR 68.6

$34.90 MYR 137

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$4.26 MYR 16.74

$3.56 MYR 13.97

$4.73 MYR 18.59

Cappuccino

$2.29 MYR 9.01

$1.62 MYR 6.38

$3.44 MYR 13.52

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

$0.49 MYR 1.91

$0.36 MYR 1.42

$1.46 MYR 5.73

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.27 MYR 1.06

$0.25 MYR 0.98

$0.49 MYR 1.92

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$4.36 MYR 17.14

$3.64 MYR 14.31

$6.06 MYR 23.81

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$4.25 MYR 16.71

$3.55 MYR 13.95

$5.20 MYR 20.45

Milk (1 liter)

$1.50 MYR 5.90

$1.38 MYR 5.44

$2.32 MYR 9.10

White Bread (500g)

$0.75 MYR 2.95

$0.45 MYR 1.78

$1.17 MYR 4.58

Rice (white) (1kg)

$0.83 MYR 3.24

$0.62 MYR 2.44

$2.51 MYR 9.85

Eggs

$1.47 MYR 5.80

$1.13 MYR 4.45

$2.66 MYR 10.44

Local Cheese (1kg)

$14.82 MYR 58.2

$3.49 MYR 13.70

$24.40 MYR 95.9

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$2.92 MYR 11.48

$2.37 MYR 9.31

$7.57 MYR 29.74

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$5.96 MYR 23.43

$3.90 MYR 15.33

$22.92 MYR 90.1

Apples (1kg)

$1.38 MYR 5.44

$3.70 MYR 14.54

Banana (1kg)

$1.38 MYR 5.42

$0.92 MYR 3.61

$1.73 MYR 6.80

Oranges (1kg)

$1.40 MYR 5.49

$3.27 MYR 12.84

Tomato (1kg)

$0.85 MYR 3.33

$0.68 MYR 2.69

$3.63 MYR 14.27

Potato (1kg)

$0.84 MYR 3.29

$0.74 MYR 2.92

$2.20 MYR 8.65

Onion (1kg)

$1.21 MYR 4.76

$0.73 MYR 2.86

$2.66 MYR 10.44

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.95 MYR 3.72

$0.36 MYR 1.40

$1.54 MYR 6.04

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.43 MYR 1.70

$0.27 MYR 1.05

$0.73 MYR 2.87

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$2.94 MYR 11.57

$2.66 MYR 10.46

$4.37 MYR 17.16

Wine (Bottle)

$19.73 MYR 77.5

$8.85 MYR 34.79

$20.23 MYR 79.5

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.42 MYR 5.60

$3.09 MYR 12.14

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.40 MYR 13.37

$2.33 MYR 9.14

$4.64 MYR 18.25

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.69 MYR 2.73

$0.46 MYR 1.81

$0.92 MYR 3.61

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$11.91 MYR 46.82

$9.54 MYR 37.48

$11.91 MYR 46.82

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$0.72 MYR 2.84

$2.40 MYR 9.43

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$0.54 MYR 2.13

$0.23 MYR 0.90

$1.40 MYR 5.49

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$3.59 MYR 14.11

$7.17 MYR 28.19

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.46 MYR 1.82

$0.47 MYR 1.86

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

$30.5K MYR 119.8K

$28.1K MYR 110.5K

$38.7K MYR 152.0K

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

$27.7K MYR 108.9K

$27.3K MYR 107.5K

$34.5K MYR 135.5K

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

$38.69 MYR 152

$23.59 MYR 92.7

$118 MYR 463

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

$8.28 MYR 32.55

$5.91 MYR 23.24

$14.19 MYR 55.8

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$26.70 MYR 105

$21.26 MYR 83.6

$40.17 MYR 158

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$36.78 MYR 145

$19.95 MYR 78.4

$46.96 MYR 185

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$6.06 MYR 23.83

$3.64 MYR 14.32

$6.06 MYR 23.83

Cinema Ticket

$4.14 MYR 16.27

$3.46 MYR 13.59

$8.06 MYR 31.67

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

$118 MYR 463

$330 MYR 1,296

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$6,225 MYR 24.5K

$3,550 MYR 14.0K

$25.1K MYR 98.7K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$52.3 MYR 206

$11.63 MYR 45.69

$93.0 MYR 366

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$18.74 MYR 73.6

$46.85 MYR 184

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$60.6 MYR 238

$34.93 MYR 137

$116 MYR 458

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$53.2 MYR 209

$35.66 MYR 140

$83.2 MYR 327

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$261 MYR 1,024

$237 MYR 931

$284 MYR 1,117

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$140 MYR 551

$117 MYR 459

$164 MYR 643

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$852 MYR 3,349

$706 MYR 2,773

$999 MYR 3,925

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$481 MYR 1,889

$288 MYR 1,134

$673 MYR 2,645

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$305 MYR 1,199

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: February 28, 2026

Kota Bharu Median Internet Speeds (Updated December 2025)

Mobile

Mbps

Fixed Broadband

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.