Cost of Living in Kulim - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $648 (excluding rent), and $997 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,664 (excluding rent), and $1,996 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$2.56 MYR 10.56

$1.98 MYR 8.16

$4.65 MYR 19.21

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$23.97 MYR 98.9

$13.42 MYR 55.4

$59.9 MYR 247

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$3.69 MYR 15.22

$3.46 MYR 14.29

$4.61 MYR 19.02

Cappuccino

$2.34 MYR 9.64

$1.94 MYR 7.99

$2.9 MYR 11.96

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

$0.72 MYR 2.99

$0.45 MYR 1.87

$1.14 MYR 4.7

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.36 MYR 1.5

$0.25 MYR 1.03

$0.74 MYR 3.05

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$4.34 MYR 17.9

$1.93 MYR 7.98

$13.26 MYR 54.7

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$5.32 MYR 21.96

$2.32 MYR 9.56

$6.94 MYR 28.64

Milk (1 liter)

$1.9 MYR 7.85

$1.69 MYR 6.96

$2.15 MYR 8.86

White Bread (500g)

$1.07 MYR 4.43

$0.78 MYR 3.22

$1.61 MYR 6.64

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.42 MYR 5.87

$0.92 MYR 3.78

$2.76 MYR 11.38

Eggs

$1.92 MYR 7.92

$1.35 MYR 5.59

$2.9 MYR 11.98

Local Cheese (1kg)

$22.38 MYR 92.4

$4.71 MYR 19.43

$35.33 MYR 146

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$4.79 MYR 19.79

$3.47 MYR 14.33

$6.01 MYR 24.81

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$10.57 MYR 43.62

$4.22 MYR 17.43

$16.91 MYR 69.8

Apples (1kg)

$4.05 MYR 16.72

$2.9 MYR 11.98

$4.83 MYR 19.94

Banana (1kg)

$1.71 MYR 7.05

$1.62 MYR 6.68

$1.85 MYR 7.65

Oranges (1kg)

$3.31 MYR 13.65

$2.07 MYR 8.56

$4.61 MYR 19.02

Tomato (1kg)

$2.61 MYR 10.78

$0.47 MYR 1.96

$4.75 MYR 19.61

Potato (1kg)

$1.76 MYR 7.27

$0.48 MYR 1.98

$2.4 MYR 9.92

Onion (1kg)

$1 MYR 4.15

$0.46 MYR 1.91

$1.63 MYR 6.71

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.12 MYR 4.61

$0.72 MYR 2.98

$1.2 MYR 4.95

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.55 MYR 2.26

$0.36 MYR 1.49

$0.73 MYR 3.02

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$4.29 MYR 17.7

$4.1 MYR 16.91

$7.15 MYR 29.52

Wine (Bottle)

$16.66 MYR 68.8

$9.51 MYR 39.27

$19.04 MYR 78.6

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$4.26 MYR 17.6

$1.16 MYR 4.81

$5.81 MYR 24

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$5.44 MYR 22.43

$4.19 MYR 17.29

$6.99 MYR 28.83

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.52 MYR 2.16

$0.32 MYR 1.31

$0.73 MYR 3.01

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$11.82 MYR 48.77

$9.46 MYR 39.04

$11.82 MYR 48.77

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$1.2 MYR 4.94

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$0.99 MYR 4.09

$0.66 MYR 2.71

$1.31 MYR 5.42

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$4.28 MYR 17.67

$2.35 MYR 9.7

$6.22 MYR 25.69

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.5 MYR 2.05

$0.51 MYR 2.09

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

$43K MYR 177.3K

$39.5K MYR 163.2K

$46.4K MYR 191.3K

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

$31.1K MYR 128.2K

$28K MYR 115.4K

$32.6K MYR 134.5K

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

$73.5 MYR 303

$50.7 MYR 209

$151 MYR 624

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

$9.75 MYR 40.26

$9.46 MYR 39.06

$10.65 MYR 43.94

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$28.95 MYR 120

$24.03 MYR 99.2

$48.06 MYR 198

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$36.89 MYR 152

$20.02 MYR 82.6

$47.11 MYR 194

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$5.84 MYR 24.12

$3.51 MYR 14.5

$5.84 MYR 24.12

Cinema Ticket

$5.65 MYR 23.31

$5.18 MYR 21.38

$5.88 MYR 24.26

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

$117 MYR 483

$93.6 MYR 386

$140 MYR 580

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$4,297 MYR 17.7K

$3,516 MYR 14.5K

$4,688 MYR 19.3K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$108 MYR 447

$53.4 MYR 220

$116 MYR 479

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$27.33 MYR 113

$15.31 MYR 63.2

$44.17 MYR 182

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$74.1 MYR 306

$57.9 MYR 239

$85.7 MYR 354

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$78.2 MYR 323

$46.89 MYR 194

$117 MYR 484

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$380 MYR 1,569

$232 MYR 956

$428 MYR 1,768

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$272 MYR 1,124

$143 MYR 590

$306 MYR 1,263

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$636 MYR 2,626

$442 MYR 1,825

$1,024 MYR 4,226

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$479 MYR 1,977

$287 MYR 1,186

$671 MYR 2,768

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$1,846 MYR 7,616

$1,243 MYR 5,128

$1,872 MYR 7,728

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$991 MYR 4,090

$506 MYR 2,088

$1,170 MYR 4,831

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: December 1, 2025

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

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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.