Cost of Living in Kulim - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $671 (excluding rent), and $985 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,648 (excluding rent), and $2,008 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$2.53 MYR 10.28

$1.96 MYR 7.94

$4.61 MYR 18.70

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$23.34 MYR 94.8

$13.07 MYR 53.1

$58.4 MYR 237

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$3.68 MYR 14.94

$3.46 MYR 14.03

$4.60 MYR 18.67

Cappuccino

$2.22 MYR 9.01

$1.84 MYR 7.47

$2.75 MYR 11.18

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

$0.72 MYR 2.93

$0.45 MYR 1.84

$1.14 MYR 4.61

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.37 MYR 1.49

$0.25 MYR 1.02

$0.74 MYR 3.02

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$4.18 MYR 16.97

$1.86 MYR 7.57

$12.78 MYR 51.9

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$5.29 MYR 21.47

$2.30 MYR 9.35

$6.90 MYR 28.01

Milk (1 liter)

$1.83 MYR 7.43

$1.62 MYR 6.59

$2.07 MYR 8.39

White Bread (500g)

$1.12 MYR 4.56

$0.82 MYR 3.31

$1.68 MYR 6.84

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.43 MYR 5.81

$0.92 MYR 3.74

$2.77 MYR 11.26

Eggs

$1.89 MYR 7.69

$1.34 MYR 5.43

$2.87 MYR 11.64

Local Cheese (1kg)

$22.43 MYR 91.1

$4.72 MYR 19.16

$35.42 MYR 144

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$5.01 MYR 20.33

$3.62 MYR 14.71

$6.28 MYR 25.48

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$10.56 MYR 42.89

$4.22 MYR 17.14

$16.89 MYR 68.6

Apples (1kg)

$3.90 MYR 15.83

$2.79 MYR 11.34

$4.65 MYR 18.88

Banana (1kg)

$1.70 MYR 6.92

$1.62 MYR 6.56

$1.85 MYR 7.52

Oranges (1kg)

$3.45 MYR 14.02

$2.17 MYR 8.80

$4.81 MYR 19.54

Tomato (1kg)

$2.60 MYR 10.56

$0.47 MYR 1.92

$4.73 MYR 19.20

Potato (1kg)

$1.76 MYR 7.14

$0.48 MYR 1.94

$2.40 MYR 9.74

Onion (1kg)

$1.00 MYR 4.08

$0.46 MYR 1.88

$1.62 MYR 6.59

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.08 MYR 4.37

$0.70 MYR 2.82

$1.16 MYR 4.69

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.50 MYR 2.05

$0.33 MYR 1.35

$0.68 MYR 2.74

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$4.30 MYR 17.47

$4.11 MYR 16.69

$7.18 MYR 29.13

Wine (Bottle)

$16.51 MYR 67.0

$11.39 MYR 46.24

$18.22 MYR 74.0

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$4.20 MYR 17.05

$1.15 MYR 4.66

$5.73 MYR 23.25

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$5.51 MYR 22.38

$4.25 MYR 17.25

$7.09 MYR 28.77

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.53 MYR 2.13

$0.32 MYR 1.30

$0.73 MYR 2.97

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$12.01 MYR 48.75

$9.61 MYR 39.03

$12.01 MYR 48.75

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$1.20 MYR 4.87

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.03 MYR 4.19

$0.68 MYR 2.78

$1.37 MYR 5.55

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$4.42 MYR 17.95

$2.43 MYR 9.85

$6.43 MYR 26.10

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.47 MYR 1.89

$0.48 MYR 1.93

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

$43.7K MYR 177.2K

$40.2K MYR 163.2K

$47.1K MYR 191.3K

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

$30.9K MYR 125.3K

$27.8K MYR 112.8K

$32.4K MYR 131.4K

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

$73.1 MYR 297

$50.5 MYR 205

$151 MYR 611

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

$9.44 MYR 38.32

$9.16 MYR 37.18

$10.30 MYR 41.83

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$28.36 MYR 115

$23.54 MYR 95.6

$47.07 MYR 191

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$36.70 MYR 149

$19.91 MYR 80.8

$46.86 MYR 190

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$5.97 MYR 24.23

$3.59 MYR 14.57

$5.97 MYR 24.23

Cinema Ticket

$5.68 MYR 23.04

$5.20 MYR 21.13

$5.91 MYR 23.98

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

$120 MYR 486

$95.8 MYR 389

$144 MYR 583

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$4,379 MYR 17.8K

$3,583 MYR 14.5K

$4,777 MYR 19.4K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$111 MYR 450

$54.7 MYR 222

$119 MYR 482

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$27.01 MYR 110

$15.14 MYR 61.5

$43.66 MYR 177

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$76.3 MYR 310

$59.7 MYR 242

$88.3 MYR 359

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$78.9 MYR 320

$47.34 MYR 192

$118 MYR 480

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$391 MYR 1,587

$238 MYR 967

$440 MYR 1,788

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$271 MYR 1,100

$142 MYR 577

$304 MYR 1,236

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$655 MYR 2,660

$455 MYR 1,848

$1,054 MYR 4,280

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$474 MYR 1,926

$285 MYR 1,155

$664 MYR 2,696

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$1,505 MYR 6,110

$1,121 MYR 4,552

$1,872 MYR 7,599

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$797 MYR 3,235

$520 MYR 2,113

$1,195 MYR 4,851

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.

Last update: January 10, 2026

Kulim Median Internet Speeds (Updated December 2025)

Mobile

Mbps

Fixed Broadband

217

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 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.