Cost of Living in Kota Bharu - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $498 (excluding rent), and $648 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $984 (excluding rent), and $1,561 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$1.76 MYR 6.95

$1.40 MYR 5.53

$7.02 MYR 27.74

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$20.93 MYR 82.7

$17.44 MYR 68.9

$34.88 MYR 138

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$4.20 MYR 16.59

$3.51 MYR 13.85

$4.67 MYR 18.43

Cappuccino

$2.31 MYR 9.14

$1.64 MYR 6.47

$3.47 MYR 13.71

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

$0.46 MYR 1.81

$0.34 MYR 1.34

$1.37 MYR 5.42

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.25 MYR 0.99

$0.23 MYR 0.91

$0.45 MYR 1.78

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$4.27 MYR 16.88

$3.57 MYR 14.09

$5.94 MYR 23.45

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$4.28 MYR 16.92

$3.58 MYR 14.12

$5.24 MYR 20.71

Milk (1 liter)

$1.49 MYR 5.88

$1.37 MYR 5.42

$2.30 MYR 9.07

White Bread (500g)

$0.77 MYR 3.03

$0.46 MYR 1.83

$1.19 MYR 4.70

Rice (white) (1kg)

$0.77 MYR 3.05

$0.58 MYR 2.30

$2.35 MYR 9.27

Eggs

$1.48 MYR 5.85

$1.14 MYR 4.49

$2.67 MYR 10.54

Local Cheese (1kg)

$15.12 MYR 59.7

$3.56 MYR 14.05

$24.89 MYR 98.3

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$2.96 MYR 11.71

$2.40 MYR 9.50

$7.68 MYR 30.34

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$6.21 MYR 24.55

$4.07 MYR 16.06

$23.90 MYR 94.4

Apples (1kg)

$1.43 MYR 5.65

$3.83 MYR 15.11

Banana (1kg)

$1.45 MYR 5.73

$0.97 MYR 3.82

$1.82 MYR 7.19

Oranges (1kg)

$1.38 MYR 5.46

$3.24 MYR 12.78

Tomato (1kg)

$0.90 MYR 3.55

$0.72 MYR 2.86

$3.85 MYR 15.20

Potato (1kg)

$0.81 MYR 3.22

$0.72 MYR 2.86

$2.14 MYR 8.45

Onion (1kg)

$1.20 MYR 4.75

$0.72 MYR 2.86

$2.64 MYR 10.42

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.95 MYR 3.74

$0.36 MYR 1.41

$1.54 MYR 6.07

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.40 MYR 1.59

$0.25 MYR 0.99

$0.68 MYR 2.69

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$3.04 MYR 12.01

$2.75 MYR 10.86

$4.51 MYR 17.82

Wine (Bottle)

$19.44 MYR 76.8

$8.72 MYR 34.44

$19.93 MYR 78.7

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.39 MYR 5.50

$3.02 MYR 11.93

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.39 MYR 13.40

$2.32 MYR 9.17

$4.63 MYR 18.29

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.70 MYR 2.75

$0.46 MYR 1.82

$0.92 MYR 3.64

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$11.85 MYR 46.80

$9.48 MYR 37.46

$11.85 MYR 46.80

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$0.70 MYR 2.76

$2.32 MYR 9.16

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$0.53 MYR 2.10

$0.23 MYR 0.89

$1.37 MYR 5.42

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$3.60 MYR 14.22

$7.19 MYR 28.41

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.50 MYR 1.99

$0.51 MYR 2.03

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

$30.1K MYR 119.0K

$27.8K MYR 109.9K

$38.3K MYR 151.1K

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

$27.2K MYR 107.5K

$26.9K MYR 106.1K

$33.9K MYR 133.8K

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

$39.15 MYR 155

$23.87 MYR 94.3

$119 MYR 471

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

$8.41 MYR 33.22

$6.00 MYR 23.72

$14.41 MYR 56.9

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$26.11 MYR 103

$20.79 MYR 82.1

$39.28 MYR 155

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$37.05 MYR 146

$20.10 MYR 79.4

$47.31 MYR 187

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$5.84 MYR 23.08

$3.51 MYR 13.87

$5.84 MYR 23.08

Cinema Ticket

$4.27 MYR 16.87

$3.57 MYR 14.09

$8.31 MYR 32.83

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

$119 MYR 470

$334 MYR 1,317

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$6,291 MYR 24.8K

$3,588 MYR 14.2K

$25.4K MYR 100.3K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$52.2 MYR 206

$11.60 MYR 45.83

$92.8 MYR 367

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$18.77 MYR 74.1

$46.94 MYR 185

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$61.6 MYR 243

$35.52 MYR 140

$118 MYR 468

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$52.6 MYR 208

$35.29 MYR 139

$82.4 MYR 325

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$264 MYR 1,044

$240 MYR 949

$288 MYR 1,139

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$140 MYR 553

$117 MYR 461

$163 MYR 645

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$860 MYR 3,395

$712 MYR 2,811

$1,007 MYR 3,979

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$476 MYR 1,880

$286 MYR 1,128

$666 MYR 2,632

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$304 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: April 13, 2026

Kota Bharu Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

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.