Last update: Oct 2026 Malaysia 375.4K

Cost of Living in Kuala Terengganu

For one person, living costs in Kuala Terengganu are estimated at $924 a month, including rent and utilities, which take more than a third of the total. Other living expenses average about $19 a day.

Monthly Cost of Living

How much you'll spend in Kuala Terengganu

Real prices from locals and on-the-ground checks – rent, groceries, transit and the daily extras. Here's what a month in Kuala Terengganu actually costs, broken down by who's living it.

Living costs for one person come to about $924 monthly including rent, or $566 excluding housing.

$924 /mo

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $1,372 with rent, or $935 without housing.

$1,372 /mo

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $1,821 including rent, or $1,304 for daily expenses alone.

$1,821 /mo

Kuala Terengganu sits 32–36% below the global median across household types. Within Asia, costs are 13% below average – relatively affordable for the region.

Currency
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$2.49 MYR 10.15
$2.49 MYR 10.15
$2.49 MYR 10.15
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$23.06 MYR 94.1
$17.00 MYR 69.3
$29.12 MYR 119
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$4.72 MYR 19.25
$4.41 MYR 18.01
$6.21 MYR 25.34
Cappuccino
$2.72 MYR 11.08
$2.21 MYR 9.01
$3.22 MYR 13.15
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.47 MYR 1.90
$0.46 MYR 1.86
$0.48 MYR 1.94
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.28 MYR 1.14
$0.25 MYR 1.02
$0.30 MYR 1.23
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$3.56 MYR 14.52
$2.38 MYR 9.69
$6.64 MYR 27.10
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$4.18 MYR 17.05
$2.82 MYR 11.52
$7.91 MYR 32.25
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.70 MYR 6.94
$1.67 MYR 6.82
$1.72 MYR 7.02
White Bread (500g)
$1.02 MYR 4.15
$0.69 MYR 2.83
$1.93 MYR 7.88
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.28 MYR 5.22
$0.64 MYR 2.61
$2.32 MYR 9.44
Eggs
$2.13 MYR 8.68
$1.17 MYR 4.78
$3.02 MYR 12.33
Local Cheese (1kg)
$15.66 MYR 63.9
$7.03 MYR 28.67
$22.49 MYR 91.7
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$4.35 MYR 17.73
$2.42 MYR 9.87
$7.25 MYR 29.58
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$8.41 MYR 34.29
$5.34 MYR 21.77
$12.40 MYR 50.6
Apples (1kg)
$3.36 MYR 13.73
$1.53 MYR 6.23
$4.58 MYR 18.68
Banana (1kg)
$1.61 MYR 6.59
$0.95 MYR 3.89
$2.02 MYR 8.25
Oranges (1kg)
$2.10 MYR 8.59
$1.26 MYR 5.15
$3.15 MYR 12.86
Tomato (1kg)
$1.50 MYR 6.13
$0.70 MYR 2.85
$2.81 MYR 11.47
Potato (1kg)
$1.47 MYR 6.01
$0.83 MYR 3.38
$2.49 MYR 10.17
Onion (1kg)
$1.09 MYR 4.45
$0.68 MYR 2.78
$1.83 MYR 7.46
Lettuce (1 head)
$1.00 MYR 4.09
$0.43 MYR 1.74
$1.28 MYR 5.22
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.53 MYR 2.17
$0.47 MYR 1.93
$0.71 MYR 2.88
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$4.46 MYR 18.18
$4.20 MYR 17.15
$4.63 MYR 18.88
Wine (Bottle)
$17.84 MYR 72.8
$8.01 MYR 32.67
$20.59 MYR 84.0
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$2.92 MYR 11.91
$1.95 MYR 7.97
$3.49 MYR 14.23
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$4.82 MYR 19.66
$2.58 MYR 10.54
$5.81 MYR 23.71
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.67 MYR 2.75
$0.43 MYR 1.77
$0.79 MYR 3.24
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$10.62 MYR 43.31
$8.49 MYR 34.64
$10.62 MYR 43.31
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$1.27 MYR 5.20
$0.76 MYR 3.11
$1.54 MYR 6.26
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$0.46 MYR 1.89
$0.41 MYR 1.66
$1.28 MYR 5.22
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$6.55 MYR 26.73
$5.46 MYR 22.29
$6.55 MYR 26.73
Gasoline (1 liter)
$0.90 MYR 3.65
$0.53 MYR 2.18
$1.19 MYR 4.87
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$43.8K MYR 178.8K
$43.8K MYR 178.8K
$43.8K MYR 178.8K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$32.1K MYR 131.0K
$31.7K MYR 129.5K
$32.9K MYR 134.1K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$45.25 MYR 185
$22.50 MYR 91.8
$73.0 MYR 298
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$8.79 MYR 35.87
$4.84 MYR 19.73
$15.38 MYR 62.7
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$25.10 MYR 102
$20.39 MYR 83.2
$35.46 MYR 145
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$44.04 MYR 180
$20.21 MYR 82.5
$48.51 MYR 198
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$7.97 MYR 32.49
$1.38 MYR 5.63
$7.97 MYR 32.49
Cinema Ticket
$4.81 MYR 19.61
$4.08 MYR 16.65
$6.01 MYR 24.50
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$172 MYR 701
$135 MYR 549
$423 MYR 1,727
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$6,936 MYR 28.3K
$5,067 MYR 20.7K
$14.9K MYR 60.8K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$57.5 MYR 235
$25.07 MYR 102
$87.7 MYR 358
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$36.37 MYR 148
$15.29 MYR 62.4
$38.21 MYR 156
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$86.5 MYR 353
$65.0 MYR 265
$104 MYR 424
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$68.0 MYR 278
$30.05 MYR 123
$116 MYR 471
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$361 MYR 1,472
$219 MYR 893
$460 MYR 1,876
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$312 MYR 1,275
$202 MYR 824
$365 MYR 1,488
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$722 MYR 2,946
$547 MYR 2,232
$1,053 MYR 4,295
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$471 MYR 1,923
$310 MYR 1,264
$596 MYR 2,430
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$2,073 MYR 8,456
$1,322 MYR 5,393
$2,073 MYR 8,456
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$1,145 MYR 4,669
$828 MYR 3,376
$1,462 MYR 5,962
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
4.06
3.53
5

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

Last update: October 10, 2026

Monthly budget structure
Share of the monthly basket for one person, rent included.
Kuala Terengganu $924
Accommodation & Living
$312
Groceries & Markets
$254
Clothing & Footwear
$112
Eating Out
$96
Monthly Utilities & Internet
$79
Sport & Entertainment
$54
Getting Around
$17

Cost Breakdown

Expect to spend about $254 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $23.00 for two – well below the Asian average of $36.00.

Public transport is priced at around $10.62 per month – among the cheapest in Asia (average $33.00).

Cost Highlights

Imported beer is more expensive than 96% of cities in Asia

Local beer is more expensive than 92% of cities in Asia

Good to know
🕒 Local time
07:24 7:24 AM
🌤 Weather
👥 Population
375,424
💱 Currency
Exchange rates and currency converter

USD, EUR to MYR – Malaysian Ringgit Converter

Malaysian Ringgit exchange rates as of October 18, 2026: 1 USD = 4.08 MYR (1 MYR = 0.245 USD). 1 EUR = 4.59 MYR (1 MYR = 0.218 EUR).

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Kuala Terengganu Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

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Cost of Living in Kuala Terengganu - Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kuala Terengganu affordable for travelers, expats, and digital nomads, and how does it compare to similar Southeast Asian coastal cities?
Cost of Living in Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia tends to be moderate relative to major urban centers in the country and many Southeast Asian coastal towns. The city offers a mix of budget guesthouses, mid-range apartments, and family homes that suit shorter visits or longer stays. Local markets and casual eateries provide affordable meals, while there are some international options in tourist areas. The pace is slower, so you often get more value per day for housing and food than in bigger hubs. Seasonal demand can shift prices modestly, but fundamentals stay friendly for a simple, comfortable life. Tip: Start with a short-term stay to feel out neighborhoods and routines.
What is daily life like in Kuala Terengganu for housing, food, transport, coworking, and errands?
Daily life in Kuala Terengganu blends coastal charm with budget-minded options. Housing search centers on central districts near the river, with a range from budget guesthouses to modest apartments; long-term leases are common and negotiation helps. Food is plentiful and affordable; you’ll find fresh seafood markets, Malay and Chinese stalls, and convenient supermarkets for everyday goods. Transport is flexible: local buses cover core routes, ride-hailing is reliable, and many digital nomads bike or scooter short distances. Co-working spaces exist in town and near university areas, good for occasional focused work. Errands such as banks, post offices, and pharmacies are well served. Be mindful of [location] living cost as you shortlist neighborhoods. Tip: Test several areas during a first week to gauge comfort and commute.
How can you evaluate quality of life, budgeting, seasonality, and neighborhood fit in Kuala Terengganu for a longer stay?
Quality of life in Kuala Terengganu leans on the blend of sea breezes, cultural markets, and accessible services. A practical budgeting framework is to split spending into fixed housing, variable food, transport, and leisure, then track weekly changes. Savings come from cooking at home, shopping at local markets, and choosing neighborhoods with easy access to groceries and public transport. Seasons matter; the Northeast Monsoon can affect travel to nearby islands and some outdoor activities, so plan for indoor days in peak rain periods. Neighborhood fit favors central, well-connected areas near the river or waterfront for safety and socializing. Tip: Build a simple monthly framework (housing, food, transport, and leisure) and adjust after your first 4 weeks.
Is Kuala Terengganu a cheap city to live in for foreigners?
Your money goes further in Kuala Terengganu than in most cities its size. Expect to spend roughly $924 per month with housing included – groceries, transport, and eating out are all priced well below what you'd pay in comparable urban centers.
What are typical monthly expenses for a single person in Kuala Terengganu?
All in, Kuala Terengganu runs about $924 monthly with rent, or $566 without it. These numbers assume a moderate lifestyle – comfortable but not lavish. Choosing a cheaper neighborhood and cooking at home are the easiest ways to spend less.
What income level supports a comfortable lifestyle in Kuala Terengganu?
Earning $1,386 monthly in Kuala Terengganu means you're living well – a one-bedroom, regular groceries, transport, and some entertainment without stress. That's the threshold where most residents feel genuinely comfortable rather than just getting by.
What is the rental price range for apartments in Kuala Terengganu?
Rents for a 1-bedroom flat in Kuala Terengganu range from $312 to $361, depending on location and condition. Central apartments sit at the top of that range; outer neighborhoods and suburbs deliver noticeably better value per square meter.
Is public transport affordable in Kuala Terengganu?
A monthly transit pass in Kuala Terengganu runs about $10.62, with good coverage across residential and business areas. It's entirely feasible to live car-free here for daily commuting and errands.
What is a typical monthly grocery bill in Kuala Terengganu?
Groceries in Kuala Terengganu cost around $254 monthly – well below what you'd pay in most cities. Fresh produce, staples, and locally made goods are all well-priced, so eating well on a budget is straightforward here.
Does $1,200 cover living expenses in Kuala Terengganu?
$1,200 stretches far in Kuala Terengganu – all-in monthly costs average only $924. The surplus means you can build savings, travel a bit, and live above the local average without much effort.
Why do remote workers choose Kuala Terengganu?
Kuala Terengganu draws remote workers with fast internet, low crime rates, clean air, and at around $924 per month all-in, the price-to-lifestyle ratio is hard to beat. A growing international community makes networking and social life easy for newcomers.
How much can you save per month in Kuala Terengganu?
Monthly expenses in Kuala Terengganu run around $924, so putting money aside takes more than $1,386 in income. Keeping housing costs low and avoiding lifestyle creep are the keys to building a decent savings rate here.

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