Cost of Living in Sandakan, Sabah - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

Living costs for one person come to about $838 monthly including rent, or $512 excluding housing.

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $1,292 with rent, or $836 without housing.

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $1,747 including rent, or $1,160 for daily expenses alone.

Sandakan, Sabah sits about 39% below the global median. Within Asia, costs are 18% below average – relatively affordable for the region.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$2.40 MYR 9.82

$5.28 MYR 21.59

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$18.83 MYR 77.0

$14.13 MYR 57.7

$35.32 MYR 144

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$4.63 MYR 18.91

$3.70 MYR 15.14

$6.95 MYR 28.39

Cappuccino

$2.59 MYR 10.57

$1.86 MYR 7.60

$3.01 MYR 12.30

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

$0.68 MYR 2.78

$0.48 MYR 1.95

$0.96 MYR 3.91

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.23 MYR 0.94

$0.45 MYR 1.84

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$2.40 MYR 9.80

$3.05 MYR 12.45

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.45 MYR 14.10

$3.22 MYR 13.15

$5.85 MYR 23.91

Milk (1 liter)

$1.66 MYR 6.79

$1.49 MYR 6.07

$3.56 MYR 14.57

White Bread (500g)

$1.20 MYR 4.89

$1.04 MYR 4.25

$1.27 MYR 5.21

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.14 MYR 4.68

$0.62 MYR 2.54

$3.66 MYR 14.95

Eggs

$2.76 MYR 11.26

$1.37 MYR 5.61

$4.96 MYR 20.26

Local Cheese (1kg)

$15.33 MYR 62.6

$3.61 MYR 14.73

$25.24 MYR 103

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$3.43 MYR 14.01

$2.75 MYR 11.23

$4.81 MYR 19.64

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$7.16 MYR 29.24

$4.05 MYR 16.55

$10.74 MYR 43.89

Apples (1kg)

$2.56 MYR 10.46

$2.09 MYR 8.56

$3.26 MYR 13.33

Banana (1kg)

$1.18 MYR 4.83

$0.97 MYR 3.95

$1.45 MYR 5.92

Oranges (1kg)

$3.23 MYR 13.21

$1.90 MYR 7.76

$5.91 MYR 24.17

Tomato (1kg)

$1.98 MYR 8.09

$1.42 MYR 5.82

$2.38 MYR 9.75

Potato (1kg)

$1.19 MYR 4.86

$0.46 MYR 1.89

$2.32 MYR 9.48

Onion (1kg)

$1.34 MYR 5.46

$0.48 MYR 1.98

$2.43 MYR 9.92

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.12 MYR 4.57

$0.96 MYR 3.91

$1.43 MYR 5.86

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.47 MYR 1.92

$0.34 MYR 1.37

$0.68 MYR 2.78

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$4.16 MYR 17.02

$3.76 MYR 15.37

$5.95 MYR 24.34

Wine (Bottle)

$17.39 MYR 71.1

$8.11 MYR 33.16

$23.18 MYR 94.8

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.91 MYR 7.82

$1.43 MYR 5.83

$2.39 MYR 9.76

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.68 MYR 6.86

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.68 MYR 2.78

$0.45 MYR 1.84

$0.90 MYR 3.68

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$12.00 MYR 49.04

$9.60 MYR 39.25

$12.00 MYR 49.04

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$1.15 MYR 4.71

$0.69 MYR 2.83

$1.38 MYR 5.62

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.03 MYR 4.23

$0.69 MYR 2.80

$1.37 MYR 5.61

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$6.04 MYR 24.69

$4.83 MYR 19.75

$7.25 MYR 29.64

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.50 MYR 2.05

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

$29.9K MYR 122.1K

$28.7K MYR 117.2K

$31.1K MYR 127.0K

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

$28.1K MYR 114.7K

$17.9K MYR 73.2K

$38.2K MYR 156.2K

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

$46.63 MYR 191

$20.98 MYR 85.8

$85.3 MYR 349

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

$3.50 MYR 14.29

$9.32 MYR 38.08

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$23.79 MYR 97.2

$17.13 MYR 70.0

$51.1 MYR 209

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$36.28 MYR 148

$19.68 MYR 80.4

$46.32 MYR 189

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$6.00 MYR 24.53

$3.61 MYR 14.74

$6.00 MYR 24.53

Cinema Ticket

$2.87 MYR 11.75

$5.98 MYR 24.45

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

$94.8 MYR 388

$154 MYR 630

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$4,390 MYR 17.9K

$3,004 MYR 12.3K

$5,545 MYR 22.7K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$59.3 MYR 242

$35.25 MYR 144

$94.9 MYR 388

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$22.95 MYR 93.8

$14.25 MYR 58.2

$35.62 MYR 146

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$71.8 MYR 293

$42.84 MYR 175

$168 MYR 685

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$95.8 MYR 392

$47.92 MYR 196

$144 MYR 588

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$391 MYR 1,598

$238 MYR 974

$441 MYR 1,801

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$267 MYR 1,092

$140 MYR 573

$300 MYR 1,227

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$652 MYR 2,664

$453 MYR 1,851

$1,049 MYR 4,288

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$479 MYR 1,958

$287 MYR 1,175

$671 MYR 2,741

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$1,998 MYR 8,166

$1,330 MYR 5,434

$1,998 MYR 8,166

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$995 MYR 4,065

$676 MYR 2,762

$1,136 MYR 4,645

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$1,215 MYR 4,965

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

4.5

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

Last update: July 27, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $391 for a central one-bedroom, or $267 outside the center. At 32% of the average salary ($1,215), housing is the biggest financial pressure.

Average take-home pay sits at $1,215, while typical expenses reach $838. This leaves some room for savings, though a comfortable buffer starts closer to $1,257.

Expect to spend about $236 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $19.00 for two – well below the Asian average of $35.00.

Public transport is priced at around $12.00 per month – among the cheapest in Asia (average $31.00).

Cost Highlights

Gasoline is cheaper than 93% of cities in Asia

Sandakan, Sabah is cheaper than 74% globally but more expensive than 64% within Asia.

Sandakan, Sabah Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Mbps

Fixed Broadband

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 Sandakan, Sabah - Frequently Asked Questions

Sandakan offers a relaxed pace and cheaper day-to-day living compared with Malaysia’s metro hubs, making it appealing for travelers, expats, and digital nomads who want lower fixed costs. In Cost of Living in Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia you’ll notice affordable housing options, fresh market meals, and inexpensive local transport, with comfort achievable on a modest budget. Neighborhoods range from waterfront and town-center flats to hillside quarters; longer leases often unlock better rates. Cultural amenities and nature-based leisure provide a strong value proposition for a balanced lifestyle. Tip: Track a simple monthly budget and adjust as you settle.

Your housing search tends to offer options near the city center and along the coast, from older walk-ups to newer low-rise buildings. For food, local markets and seafood shacks deliver freshness at reasonable prices, while groceries in supermarkets offer familiar brands. Transport is practical: reliable local buses or rideshares, plus bike or scooter options for short hops. If you work remotely, you’ll find small co-working spaces or community hubs with steady internet in town. Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia living cost is typically friendly to budgets, especially if you prioritize locally sourced meals and walking trips. Tip: Start with a short trial to map transit routes and housing viewings.

Quality of life here blends nature, safety, and a slower tempo. You gain easy access to beaches, river walks, and seafood without long daily commutes. To budget effectively, set a simple framework: cover essential housing, food, transport, and utilities first, then allocate for occasional leisure and travel. Seasonal patterns are gentle but the rainy season can influence outdoor plans, so build flex days for errands or hikes. Look for neighborhoods that suit your routine – downtown proximity for amenities or quieter coastal pockets for evenings by the water. Tip: Compare a couple of different areas for a few days to feel out noise, access, and safety before signing a lease.

As of 2026, monthly living costs in Sandakan, Sabah come to around $838 including rent, or roughly $512 excluding it. Numbers shift a bit by season and neighborhood, but this range works well as a planning baseline.

Compared to most cities worldwide, Sandakan, Sabah is just cheap – all-in costs average $838 monthly. Both housing and daily necessities sit below the international median, which explains its popularity with budget travelers, nomads, and locals on modest incomes.

Earning $1,257 monthly in Sandakan, Sabah means you're living well – a one-bedroom, regular groceries, transport, and some entertainment without stress. That's the threshold where most residents feel genuinely comfortable rather than just getting by.

Rents for a 1-bedroom flat in Sandakan, Sabah range from $267 to $391, depending on location and condition. Central apartments sit at the top of that range; outer neighborhoods and suburbs deliver noticeably better value per square meter.

A monthly transit pass in Sandakan, Sabah runs about $12.00, with good coverage across residential and business areas. It's entirely feasible to live car-free here for daily commuting and errands.

Groceries in Sandakan, Sabah cost around $236 monthly – well below what you'd pay in most cities. Fresh produce, staples, and locally made goods are all well-priced, so eating well on a budget is straightforward here.

$1,200 stretches far in Sandakan, Sabah – all-in monthly costs average only $838. The surplus means you can build savings, travel a bit, and live above the local average without much effort.

Living in Sandakan, Sabah means access to fast internet, low crime rates, clean air at about $838 per month including rent. It works for a wide range of budgets, and most residents find the lifestyle-to-cost balance appealing. Your experience will depend on priorities like climate, culture, and career.

Monthly expenses in Sandakan, Sabah run around $838, so putting money aside takes more than $1,257 in income. Keeping housing costs low and avoiding lifestyle creep are the keys to building a decent savings rate here.