For one person, living costs in Labuan are estimated at $1,020 a month, including rent and utilities, which take more than a third of the total. Other living expenses average about $21 a day.
Real prices from locals and on-the-ground checks – rent, groceries, transit and the daily extras. Here's what a month in Labuan actually costs, broken down by who's living it.
Living costs for one person come to about $1,020 monthly including rent, or $629 excluding housing.
$1,020 /mo
Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $1,487 with rent, or $1,035 without housing.
$1,487 /mo
Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $1,953 including rent, or $1,441 for daily expenses alone.
$1,953 /mo
📊
Labuan sits 24–31% below the global median across household types. Within Asia, costs are close to average – just 4% lower.
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l(Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$44.0KMYR 179.5K
$44.0KMYR 179.5K
$44.0KMYR 179.5K
Compact Sedan 1.6l(Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$32.5KMYR 132.7K
$32.1KMYR 131.2K
$33.3KMYR 135.8K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment(Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage)(85m2)
$48.90MYR 199
$24.31MYR 99.2
$78.9MYR 322
SIM Card Monthly Plan(Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$9.68MYR 39.49
$5.32MYR 21.72
$16.93MYR 69.1
Internet(50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$27.69MYR 113
$22.49MYR 91.8
$39.12MYR 160
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership(Monthly)
$41.60MYR 170
$19.10MYR 77.9
$45.83MYR 187
Tennis Court(1 Hour on Weekend)
$7.68MYR 31.32
$1.33MYR 5.43
$7.68MYR 31.32
Cinema Ticket
$4.29MYR 17.51
$4.29MYR 17.51
$4.29MYR 17.51
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child(Monthly)
$208MYR 849
$163MYR 664
$512MYR 2,089
International Primary School, 1 Child(Yearly)
$7,011MYR 28.6K
$5,121MYR 20.9K
$15.1KMYR 61.5K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans(Levis 501 Or Similar)
$55.8MYR 228
$24.32MYR 99.2
$85.1MYR 347
Summer Dress(H&M, Zara, etc)
$30.07MYR 123
$12.64MYR 51.6
$31.59MYR 129
Sport Shoes(Adidas, Nike)
$87.0MYR 355
$65.4MYR 267
$105MYR 427
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$81.8MYR 334
$36.11MYR 147
$139MYR 567
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center(Monthly)
$433MYR 1,768
$263MYR 1,073
$553MYR 2,254
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center(Monthly)
$342MYR 1,397
$221MYR 903
$400MYR 1,631
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center(Monthly)
$641MYR 2,614
$486MYR 1,981
$934MYR 3,812
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center(Monthly)
$464MYR 1,892
$305MYR 1,243
$586MYR 2,391
Buy Apartment in City Center(m2)
$2,282MYR 9,308
$1,455MYR 5,936
$2,282MYR 9,308
Buy Apartment Outside City Center(m2)
$1,136MYR 4,636
$822MYR 3,352
$1,451MYR 5,920
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary(After Tax)
$374MYR 1,525
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate(Annual %)
4.06
3.53
5
CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.
Last update: October 12, 2026
Monthly budget structure
Share of the monthly basket for one person, rent included.
Share of the monthly basket for a family of three, rent included.
Labuan$1,020
Labuan$1,953
🏠Accommodation & Living
$342 33.6%
🛒Groceries & Markets
$264 25.9%
🍽Eating Out
$145 14.2%
👕👟Clothing & Footwear
$115 11.2%
🧾Monthly Utilities & Internet
$86 8.5%
🎉Sport & Entertainment
$50 4.9%
🚌Getting Around
$18 1.7%
🏠Accommodation & Living
$464 23.8%
🛒Groceries & Markets
$589 30.2%
🍽Eating Out
$405 20.7%
👕👟Clothing & Footwear
$255 13%
🧾Monthly Utilities & Internet
$96 4.9%
🎉Sport & Entertainment
$108 5.5%
🚌Getting Around
$37 1.9%
Cost Breakdown
🏠Expect to pay about $433 for a central one-bedroom, or $342 outside the center. At 116% of the average salary ($374), housing is the biggest financial pressure.
💰Average take-home pay sits at $374, while typical expenses reach $1,020. The gap means tight budgeting for locals, though expats with foreign income can live comfortably.
🛒Expect to spend about $264 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $24.00 for two – well below the Asian average of $36.00.
🚌Public transport is priced at around $10.66 per month – among the cheapest in Asia (average $33.00).
Cost Highlights
⭐Imported beer is more expensive than 95% of cities in Asia
⭐Local beer is more expensive than 94% of cities in Asia
Popular online taxi apps offering convenient, cashless rides in many countries, including Uber, Bolt, Grab, inDrive, DiDi, Careem, Gojek, Maxim, and Yango
Cost of Living in Labuan - Frequently Asked Questions
Is Labuan a good-value base for travelers, expats, and digital nomads, and how does it compare to larger Malaysian cities?
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.
What does daily life look like in Labuan in terms of housing search, food options, transport, coworking, and errands?
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.
What are practical tips for maximizing quality of life, budgeting, seasonality, and finding the right neighborhood in Labuan?
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.
Does Labuan offer good value for money?
At around $1,020 monthly all-in, Labuan offers decent value. It's not the cheapest and not the priciest – a good fit for people who want city convenience without capital-level costs.
How expensive is daily life in Labuan?
Everyday life in Labuan is moderately priced at about $1,020 per month, rent included. Groceries and transport stay reasonable, though dining out and entertainment can feel a bit pricier than in budget destinations.
Is the average income in Labuan enough to cover living costs and save?
At $374 take-home, most residents in Labuan can cover the $1,020 monthly cost of living. Those earning $1,530 or more have room to save; below-average earners will find things noticeably tighter.
How much should I budget for housing in Labuan?
Where you live in Labuan makes all the difference. Central one-bedrooms cost about $433; commute-friendly outer districts come in around $342. Overall, the market runs from $342 to $433 depending on size, location, and apartment condition.
What does commuting cost in Labuan?
A monthly transit pass in Labuan goes for roughly $10.66, which is one of the lighter items on a monthly budget. Coverage across residential and business areas is solid, and most residents without a car rely on it daily.
What are kindergarten prices in Labuan?
Childcare averages $208 monthly at a private kindergarten in Labuan. For many families, this single cost rivals rent, so it's essential to factor in before making a move.
Is $1,500 a month enough for Labuan?
Living on $1,500 in Labuan means careful planning, since monthly costs average $1,020. It works with a cheap apartment and disciplined spending, but expect trade-offs on where you live, how often you eat out, and entertainment.
Is Labuan a good city to live in long-term?
Labuan offers genuinely appealing day-to-day living. Residents value fast internet, low crime rates, clean air, and at around $1,020 per month, it's accessible to a broad range of incomes. Most people find the cost-to-quality balance sustainable long-term.
Is it possible to save on a local salary in Labuan?
Monthly expenses in Labuan run around $1,020, so putting money aside takes more than $1,530 in income. Keeping housing costs low and avoiding lifestyle creep are the keys to building a decent savings rate here.