Cost of Living in Kuantan - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

A single person spends around $795 per month with rent, or $510 for everyday expenses alone.

A couple spends around $1,177 per month with rent, or $832 for everyday expenses alone.

A family of three spends around $1,560 per month with rent, or $1,153 without housing.

Overall, Kuantan is 41–45% below the global median across household types. Within Asia, costs are 24% below average – relatively affordable for the region.

Currency
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$2.35 MYR 9.31
$1.99 MYR 7.89
$4.69 MYR 18.58
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$11.75 MYR 46.58
$11.75 MYR 46.58
$58.8 MYR 233
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$3.47 MYR 13.77
$3.35 MYR 13.29
$4.31 MYR 17.07
Cappuccino
$2.21 MYR 8.78
$1.60 MYR 6.35
$2.97 MYR 11.78
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.66 MYR 2.63
$0.49 MYR 1.93
$1.22 MYR 4.85
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.34 MYR 1.33
$0.23 MYR 0.91
$0.55 MYR 2.16
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$3.58 MYR 14.18
$1.91 MYR 7.57
$13.09 MYR 51.9
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$5.30 MYR 21.03
$2.31 MYR 9.16
$6.92 MYR 27.43
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.68 MYR 6.67
$1.32 MYR 5.25
$2.14 MYR 8.48
White Bread (500g)
$1.07 MYR 4.24
$0.63 MYR 2.50
$3.66 MYR 14.52
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.06 MYR 4.20
$0.32 MYR 1.26
$2.91 MYR 11.53
Eggs
$1.23 MYR 4.89
$1.23 MYR 4.89
$2.75 MYR 10.90
Local Cheese (1kg)
$10.00 MYR 39.66
$4.65 MYR 18.44
$34.91 MYR 138
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$3.48 MYR 13.80
$2.88 MYR 11.42
$6.24 MYR 24.74
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$5.99 MYR 23.74
$4.14 MYR 16.42
$16.58 MYR 65.7
Apples (1kg)
$3.00 MYR 11.90
$2.88 MYR 11.42
$4.79 MYR 19.00
Banana (1kg)
$1.77 MYR 7.01
$1.43 MYR 5.68
$2.27 MYR 9.02
Oranges (1kg)
$2.94 MYR 11.65
$2.11 MYR 8.38
$4.69 MYR 18.61
Tomato (1kg)
$2.03 MYR 8.03
$0.48 MYR 1.89
$4.77 MYR 18.92
Potato (1kg)
$1.26 MYR 5.01
$0.46 MYR 1.81
$2.29 MYR 9.10
Onion (1kg)
$1.03 MYR 4.09
$0.48 MYR 1.89
$1.91 MYR 7.58
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.74 MYR 2.93
$0.74 MYR 2.93
$1.23 MYR 4.88
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.54 MYR 2.15
$0.36 MYR 1.42
$0.77 MYR 3.05
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$4.32 MYR 17.12
$4.13 MYR 16.36
$7.20 MYR 28.55
Wine (Bottle)
$20.51 MYR 81.3
$16.65 MYR 66.0
$25.63 MYR 102
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.94 MYR 7.70
$1.21 MYR 4.81
$6.05 MYR 24.01
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.94 MYR 7.70
$1.94 MYR 7.70
$7.26 MYR 28.79
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.46 MYR 1.82
$0.46 MYR 1.82
$0.46 MYR 1.82
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$20.31 MYR 80.5
$11.94 MYR 47.35
$28.67 MYR 114
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$1.03 MYR 4.08
$0.97 MYR 3.83
$1.09 MYR 4.32
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$0.37 MYR 1.48
$0.33 MYR 1.29
$1.29 MYR 5.10
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$4.18 MYR 16.56
$2.29 MYR 9.09
$6.07 MYR 24.07
Gasoline (1 liter)
$0.46 MYR 1.81
$0.46 MYR 1.81
$0.47 MYR 1.85
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$33.2K MYR 131.6K
$33.2K MYR 131.6K
$47.4K MYR 188.0K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$31.8K MYR 126.0K
$28.6K MYR 113.5K
$33.3K MYR 132.2K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$23.18 MYR 91.9
$23.18 MYR 91.9
$151 MYR 597
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$9.52 MYR 37.75
$9.52 MYR 37.75
$10.71 MYR 42.47
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$21.18 MYR 84.0
$18.83 MYR 74.7
$47.08 MYR 187
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$36.75 MYR 146
$19.94 MYR 79.0
$46.92 MYR 186
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$5.75 MYR 22.81
$3.46 MYR 13.71
$5.75 MYR 22.81
Cinema Ticket
$4.06 MYR 16.11
$3.82 MYR 15.15
$4.77 MYR 18.92
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$119 MYR 473
$95.4 MYR 378
$143 MYR 568
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$4,303 MYR 17.1K
$3,520 MYR 14.0K
$4,694 MYR 18.6K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$72.0 MYR 285
$55.2 MYR 219
$120 MYR 476
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$27.88 MYR 111
$15.62 MYR 62.0
$45.07 MYR 179
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$37.02 MYR 147
$27.76 MYR 110
$85.6 MYR 339
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$47.66 MYR 189
$47.66 MYR 189
$119 MYR 472
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$167 MYR 663
$143 MYR 569
$191 MYR 758
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$270 MYR 1,071
$142 MYR 562
$303 MYR 1,203
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$209 MYR 828
$186 MYR 736
$232 MYR 920
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$472 MYR 1,870
$283 MYR 1,122
$660 MYR 2,618
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$1,947 MYR 7,718
$1,348 MYR 5,344
$2,001 MYR 7,934
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$958 MYR 3,800
$749 MYR 2,971
$1,325 MYR 5,255
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$1,003 MYR 3,977
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
3.62
2.75
5.39

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

Last update: June 1, 2026

Cost Breakdown

A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $167, dropping to $270 outside central areas. Housing accounts for roughly 17% of the average salary ($1,003) – close to the 30% international benchmark.

The average net salary is $1,003. With monthly costs around $795, saving is possible but often limited. A more comfortable lifestyle typically starts at $1,192.

Groceries cost around $219 per month for one person. A mid-range dinner for two is priced at $12.00 – well below the Asian average of $35.00.

A monthly public transport pass costs about $20.31 – among the cheapest in Asia (average $31.00).

Cost Highlights

Gasoline is cheaper than 97% of cities in Asia

Kuantan is cheaper than 76% globally but more expensive than 60% within Asia.

Kuantan Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms

Fixed Broadband

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms
The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.
Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
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Cost of Living in Kuantan - Frequently Asked Questions
How does Kuantan compare in value for travelers, expats, and digital nomads?
Generally, Cost of Living in Kuantan feels more approachable than in Malaysia's largest cities, with affordable housing options and easy access to fresh, inexpensive meals from street stalls and markets. You can find clean, comfortable apartments in central neighborhoods without paying premium rents, and utilities are predictable in residential areas. Internet service is typically reliable near town centers, supporting remote work. The city’s pace lets you balance work with beach and nature days, which adds value beyond price. Tip: identify a couple of anchor neighborhoods and test a short stay there to feel the rhythm before committing.
What does daily life look like for housing, food, transport, and coworking in Kuantan?
Daily life in Kuantan blends markets, seafood, and a relaxed pace. When you search for housing, look for furnished units near the town center or along the coast; shorter leases and straightforward landlords are common, and walking distance to amenities saves time. For food, you’ll enjoy fresh markets, affordable hawker stalls, and family-run eateries with dependable options. Transport is flexible: scooters or car rentals work well, and ride-hailing covers short trips. For work, choose a coworking space with reliable Wi‑Fi and a quiet lounge; errands are manageable by foot or a quick ride. Kuantan living cost can help you calibrate priorities as you settle. Tip: build a simple weekly routine to minimize back-and-forth trips.
What’s the quality of life like in Kuantan and how can you budget and pick a neighborhood?
Quality of life in Kuantan is shaped by balance, access to nature, and a straightforward budgeting approach. A simple framework – prioritize essentials, experiences, and savings – helps you manage housing, food, and transport without overspending. Neighborhood fit matters: coastal strips offer sunset walks and seafood markets, while the city center keeps commuting short and lively. Take advantage of seasonal changes, such as monsoon periods, by stocking up on non-perishable staples and planning outdoor activities in drier months. Tip: keep a flexible plan that accommodates the pace of life here and short trips to nearby islands or parks.
What makes Kuantan a budget-friendly city to live in?
Kuantan is affordable because both rent and daily expenses are genuinely low. Total monthly costs with housing come to just $795, making it firmly budget-friendly for residents and long-term visitors alike.
How affordable is daily life in Kuantan?
By most standards, Kuantan is a budget-friendly place to live. Total monthly costs with rent usually land around $795, and both housing and daily expenses fall below global averages. It's a solid pick for remote workers, long-term travelers, or anyone watching their spending.
How much do people earn on average in Kuantan?
After taxes, the average worker in Kuantan takes home about $1,003 per month. Of course, that varies a lot by industry and experience – tech and finance pay well above this, while service jobs often fall below it.
How affordable is housing in Kuantan?
Rent is one of Kuantan's biggest advantages – 1-bedroom apartments range from $270 to $167 per month, and even central neighborhoods stay accessible on modest incomes. Cheap housing frees up cash for everything else.
Is grocery shopping affordable in Kuantan?
Groceries in Kuantan are cheap – a single person spends about $219 per month. Local markets and budget supermarkets push costs even lower. Food is one of the city's strongest affordability points.
What is a monthly transit pass in Kuantan?
Public transport in Kuantan costs about $20.31 per month – usually unlimited rides on buses, metro, or trams within the main zone. Much cheaper than owning a car, and the practical choice for most residents.
Is $1,000 enough to live comfortably in Kuantan?
$1,000 a month in Kuantan? Very doable. Average costs with rent come to just $795, which leaves real room to save, eat out, and enjoy the city without watching every dollar.
Is Kuantan a good city to live in long-term?
Quality of life in Kuantan is solid. Standout factors include fast internet, low crime rates, clean air, backed by good public transport, varied dining and leisure, and well-maintained infrastructure. At about $795 monthly all-in, it suits mid-range budgets for a comfortable – if not luxurious – lifestyle.
Is Kuantan a cheap city to live in?
Kuantan is affordable by most measures, which is why it appeals to long-term travelers, remote workers, and budget-conscious residents. At $795 per month with rent, it sits well below the global average for cities of similar size.

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