Cost of Living in Labuan - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $599 (excluding rent), and $903 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,279 (excluding rent), and $1,847 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$5.36 MYR 22.14

$4.77 MYR 19.67

$5.96 MYR 24.6

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$23.18 MYR 95.7

$18.54 MYR 76.5

$27.82 MYR 115

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$6.41 MYR 26.45

$5.83 MYR 24.04

$6.99 MYR 28.86

Cappuccino

$3.74 MYR 15.45

$2.82 MYR 11.63

$4.67 MYR 19.28

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

$1.07 MYR 4.4

$0.95 MYR 3.93

$1.17 MYR 4.81

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.43 MYR 1.77

$0.37 MYR 1.51

$0.49 MYR 2.03

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$3.59 MYR 14.83

$2.63 MYR 10.85

$7.17 MYR 29.61

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$4.81 MYR 19.87

$3.44 MYR 14.21

$6.88 MYR 28.38

Milk (1 liter)

$1.69 MYR 6.98

$1.44 MYR 5.96

$1.94 MYR 7.99

White Bread (500g)

$1 MYR 4.15

$0.73 MYR 3

$2.01 MYR 8.29

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.28 MYR 5.29

$0.6 MYR 2.46

$2.38 MYR 9.84

Eggs

$2.13 MYR 8.78

$1.15 MYR 4.75

$2.77 MYR 11.43

Local Cheese (1kg)

$15.33 MYR 63.3

$3.61 MYR 14.88

$25.24 MYR 104

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$4.39 MYR 18.13

$2.85 MYR 11.77

$6.63 MYR 27.37

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$9.36 MYR 38.64

$4.21 MYR 17.37

$15.48 MYR 63.9

Apples (1kg)

$2.93 MYR 12.11

$1.66 MYR 6.84

$4.26 MYR 17.58

Banana (1kg)

$1.52 MYR 6.26

$0.72 MYR 2.98

$1.92 MYR 7.94

Oranges (1kg)

$2.53 MYR 10.44

$1.22 MYR 5.03

$4.2 MYR 17.35

Tomato (1kg)

$1.42 MYR 5.87

$0.71 MYR 2.91

$2.38 MYR 9.82

Potato (1kg)

$1.19 MYR 4.9

$0.46 MYR 1.9

$2.32 MYR 9.56

Onion (1kg)

$1.34 MYR 5.51

$0.48 MYR 1.99

$2.42 MYR 10.01

Lettuce (1 head)

$1 MYR 4.12

$0.7 MYR 2.87

$1.67 MYR 6.87

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.53 MYR 2.17

$0.34 MYR 1.41

$0.69 MYR 2.86

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$4.33 MYR 17.87

$3.61 MYR 14.92

$5.18 MYR 21.36

Wine (Bottle)

$17.81 MYR 73.5

$10.17 MYR 41.97

$20.35 MYR 84

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$2.86 MYR 11.8

$1.71 MYR 7.04

$3.44 MYR 14.2

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.91 MYR 12

$1.74 MYR 7.2

$4.64 MYR 19.16

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.68 MYR 2.79

$0.45 MYR 1.85

$0.9 MYR 3.69

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$11.61 MYR 47.9

$9.29 MYR 38.35

$11.61 MYR 47.9

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$1.15 MYR 4.74

$0.69 MYR 2.85

$1.37 MYR 5.67

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$0.99 MYR 4.08

$0.66 MYR 2.71

$1.31 MYR 5.42

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$5.99 MYR 24.72

$4.79 MYR 19.77

$7.19 MYR 29.67

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.47 MYR 1.94

$0.48 MYR 1.98

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

$35.4K MYR 146K

$38.9K MYR 160.6K

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

$31.2K MYR 128.6K

$28.1K MYR 115.8K

$34.6K MYR 142.8K

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

$44.1 MYR 182

$23.86 MYR 98.5

$72.2 MYR 298

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

$8.93 MYR 36.86

$5.76 MYR 23.78

$13.83 MYR 57.1

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$28.55 MYR 118

$22.21 MYR 91.7

$39.3 MYR 162

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$36.59 MYR 151

$19.85 MYR 81.9

$46.72 MYR 193

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$5.81 MYR 23.97

$3.49 MYR 14.41

$5.81 MYR 23.97

Cinema Ticket

$5.07 MYR 20.93

$4.11 MYR 16.96

$6.03 MYR 24.91

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

$188 MYR 775

$118 MYR 487

$260 MYR 1,071

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$6,847 MYR 28.3K

$3,501 MYR 14.5K

$11.2K MYR 46.2K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$60.3 MYR 249

$35.08 MYR 145

$81.9 MYR 338

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$27.44 MYR 113

$15.37 MYR 63.5

$44.35 MYR 183

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$72.6 MYR 300

$37.48 MYR 155

$93.7 MYR 387

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$51.5 MYR 212

$29.9 MYR 123

$108 MYR 444

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$384 MYR 1,584

$234 MYR 965

$433 MYR 1,786

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$270 MYR 1,115

$142 MYR 585

$304 MYR 1,253

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$641 MYR 2,645

$445 MYR 1,838

$1,031 MYR 4,256

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$476 MYR 1,964

$286 MYR 1,179

$666 MYR 2,750

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$1,965 MYR 8,110

$1,323 MYR 5,460

$1,994 MYR 8,229

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$1,266 MYR 5,224

$646 MYR 2,667

$1,495 MYR 6,170

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$357 MYR 1,473

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

4.07

3.6

4.5

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

Last update: November 30, 2025

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

⛩️ Asia

Cost of Living in Labuan - Frequently Asked Questions

Labuan offers a slower pace and generally calmer prices than many urban hubs in Southeast Asia. For travelers, expats, and digital nomads who value stability and simpler logistics, it can be a solid-value base. Housing is varied – from compact apartments to modest houses, often with lower rents than bigger cities, though imported goods can push costs up. Local markets provide fresh produce at approachable prices, and seafood is widely available. Transport is manageable with short distances and reliable ferry links or buses. Entertainment options are quieter but still fulfilling if you enjoy outdoor activities and waterfront scenery. Cost of Living in Labuan can be a meaningful baseline for planning. Tip: Start with a short-term rental to gauge the rhythm before committing long-term.

Daily life in Labuan centers on a compact town feel with easy access to water, markets, and coworking spaces. Housing search is straightforward in popular neighborhoods near the coast or the town center; expect a range from compact flats to small houses, with rental conversations driven by size and exact location. Food options span local markets, seafood stalls, and casual eateries, often offering good value. For transport, you'll rely on taxis, rideshares, or short car trips; walking or cycling is pleasant in many areas. If you work remotely, a few coworking spots and cafes support focused work. Labuan living cost tends to be predictable for everyday necessities. Tip: Start with a month-long housing search and test neighborhoods by walking at different times.

Quality of life in Labuan hinges on a calm lifestyle balanced with practical amenities. A simple budgeting framework helps: allocate for housing, groceries, transport, and personal needs, then review weekly. Saving tips include cooking at home, buying seasonal produce from markets, and choosing energy-conscious options to reduce bills. Seasonality affects outdoor plans and fishing/seafood availability, so keep flexible when you plan activities around the weather. Neighborhood fit matters: the coast, commercial areas, and inland pockets each offer different rhythms, spaces, and access to services. Tip: identify a base that matches your work tempo and social life, and allow a practice month to adjust.