Cost of Living in Kulim - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $676 (excluding rent), and $998 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,513 (excluding rent), and $2,076 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$2.57 MYR 10.82

$1.98 MYR 8.36

$4.67 MYR 19.68

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$23.13 MYR 97.5

$12.95 MYR 54.6

$57.8 MYR 244

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$3.86 MYR 16.3

$3.63 MYR 15.3

$4.83 MYR 20.36

Cappuccino

$2.24 MYR 9.45

$1.86 MYR 7.84

$2.78 MYR 11.73

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

$0.73 MYR 3.07

$0.46 MYR 1.93

$1.15 MYR 4.83

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.36 MYR 1.53

$0.25 MYR 1.05

$0.74 MYR 3.11

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$4.27 MYR 17.99

$1.9 MYR 8.02

$13.04 MYR 55

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$5.33 MYR 22.5

$2.32 MYR 9.8

$6.96 MYR 29.35

Milk (1 liter)

$1.89 MYR 7.99

$1.68 MYR 7.08

$2.14 MYR 9.02

White Bread (500g)

$1.07 MYR 4.53

$0.78 MYR 3.3

$1.61 MYR 6.8

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.5 MYR 6.31

$0.96 MYR 4.06

$2.9 MYR 12.23

Eggs

$1.83 MYR 7.74

$1.3 MYR 5.46

$2.78 MYR 11.71

Local Cheese (1kg)

$22.29 MYR 94

$4.69 MYR 19.77

$35.19 MYR 148

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$4.84 MYR 20.4

$3.5 MYR 14.77

$6.06 MYR 25.57

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$10.79 MYR 45.5

$4.31 MYR 18.18

$17.26 MYR 72.8

Apples (1kg)

$3.99 MYR 16.83

$2.86 MYR 12.06

$4.76 MYR 20.07

Banana (1kg)

$1.73 MYR 7.28

$1.64 MYR 6.9

$1.88 MYR 7.91

Oranges (1kg)

$3.32 MYR 14.02

$2.08 MYR 8.79

$4.63 MYR 19.53

Tomato (1kg)

$2.52 MYR 10.64

$0.46 MYR 1.93

$4.59 MYR 19.34

Potato (1kg)

$1.71 MYR 7.19

$0.46 MYR 1.95

$2.33 MYR 9.81

Onion (1kg)

$1.01 MYR 4.26

$0.47 MYR 1.96

$1.63 MYR 6.89

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.08 MYR 4.56

$0.7 MYR 2.94

$1.16 MYR 4.89

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.54 MYR 2.28

$0.36 MYR 1.5

$0.72 MYR 3.05

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$4.3 MYR 18.12

$4.1 MYR 17.31

$7.16 MYR 30.21

Wine (Bottle)

$29.09 MYR 123

$23.28 MYR 98.2

$34.91 MYR 147

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$4.22 MYR 17.81

$1.15 MYR 4.86

$5.76 MYR 24.28

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$5.48 MYR 23.12

$4.23 MYR 17.82

$7.05 MYR 29.72

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.49 MYR 2.08

$0.3 MYR 1.26

$0.69 MYR 2.9

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$11.16 MYR 47.06

$8.93 MYR 37.67

$11.16 MYR 47.06

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$1.15 MYR 4.86

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.06 MYR 4.46

$0.7 MYR 2.96

$1.4 MYR 5.91

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$4.25 MYR 17.91

$2.33 MYR 9.83

$6.17 MYR 26.03

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.47 MYR 1.96

$0.48 MYR 2

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

$43.6K MYR 183.7K

$40.1K MYR 169.1K

$47K MYR 198.3K

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

$30.9K MYR 130.2K

$27.8K MYR 117.2K

$32.4K MYR 136.6K

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

$73.7 MYR 311

$50.8 MYR 214

$152 MYR 640

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

$9.62 MYR 40.59

$9.34 MYR 39.38

$10.51 MYR 44.3

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$28.53 MYR 120

$23.68 MYR 99.8

$47.35 MYR 200

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$34.74 MYR 146

$18.85 MYR 79.5

$44.35 MYR 187

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$6.07 MYR 25.59

$3.65 MYR 15.38

$6.07 MYR 25.59

Cinema Ticket

$5.58 MYR 23.52

$5.12 MYR 21.57

$5.8 MYR 24.48

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

$116 MYR 488

$92.5 MYR 390

$139 MYR 585

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$4,347 MYR 18.3K

$3,556 MYR 15K

$4,742 MYR 20K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$110 MYR 465

$54.4 MYR 229

$118 MYR 498

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$27.61 MYR 116

$15.47 MYR 65.2

$44.63 MYR 188

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$76.7 MYR 323

$60 MYR 253

$88.7 MYR 374

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$80 MYR 337

$47.98 MYR 202

$120 MYR 506

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$407 MYR 1,718

$248 MYR 1,047

$459 MYR 1,936

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$278 MYR 1,172

$146 MYR 615

$312 MYR 1,316

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$597 MYR 2,516

$415 MYR 1,748

$960 MYR 4,048

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$425 MYR 1,793

$255 MYR 1,076

$595 MYR 2,510

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$1,574 MYR 6,636

$1,224 MYR 5,161

$1,837 MYR 7,746

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$1,091 MYR 4,602

$741 MYR 3,126

$1,249 MYR 5,267

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

3.96

2.75

5.39

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

City tags:

⛩️ Asia

Cost of Living in Kulim - Frequently Asked Questions

Cost of Living in Kulim, Malaysia typically favors those seeking a straightforward, slower-paced lifestyle. Housing options tend to be practical for longer stays, local eateries offer dependable value, and everyday services stay accessible with a modest budget. For travelers, expats, and digital nomads who prioritize balance over flash, Kulim often feels affordable without sacrificing comfort. The city provides easy access to markets, parks, and nearby nature, making day trips rewarding rather than costly. The overall vibe is friendly and navigable, with practical amenities close to quieter residential areas. Tip: Track a simple monthly spend to tune your pace with the rhythm of the town.

Kulim, Malaysia living cost tends to be predictable for daily tasks, so your planning can focus on neighborhoods and routines. Start near markets or town centers for easy access to groceries, cafes, and coworking spaces. Housing search often favors mid-density flats or houses in quiet lanes, with leases that suit longer stays. Public transport exists but is still modest; many residents prefer scooters, rideshares, or a car for weekend trips. For errands, bulk stores, local fruit stalls, and small service shops keep things convenient. Tip: spend a weekend walking distinct neighborhoods to compare commuting times and vibe before you commit.

Quality of life here comes from a balance of low-stress routines and accessible amenities. Create a simple budgeting framework: separate essentials, flexibility funds, and occasional leisure, then adjust as seasons and work rhythms shift. In Kulim, Malaysia, you can optimize costs by exploring non-brand options for groceries, using shared workspaces, and picking one or two favorite eateries rather than frequenting many. Neighborhood fit depends on pace; central areas offer faster access, while outskirts deliver quieter evenings. Seasonal patterns in rainfall influence outdoor plans, so keep a flexible schedule for markets and parks. Tip: Build in a quarterly review of your budget and neighborhood mix to stay aligned with changing work and life needs.