Last update: Oct 2026 Malaysia

Cost of Living in Sarawak

For one person, living costs in Sarawak are estimated at $954 a month, including rent and utilities, which take more than a third of the total. Other living expenses average about $19 a day.

Monthly Cost of Living

How much you'll spend in Sarawak

Real prices from locals and on-the-ground checks – rent, groceries, transit and the daily extras. Here's what a month in Sarawak actually costs, broken down by who's living it.

A single person spends around $954 per month with rent, or $582 for everyday expenses alone.

$954 /mo

A couple spends around $1,408 per month with rent, or $950 for everyday expenses alone.

$1,408 /mo

A family of three spends around $1,862 per month with rent, or $1,319 without housing.

$1,862 /mo

Overall, Sarawak is 30–34% below the global median across household types. Within Asia, costs are close to average – just 10% lower.

Currency
Do you live in Sarawak? Add cost details
🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$3.58 MYR 14.64
$2.39 MYR 9.77
$5.97 MYR 24.42
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$19.96 MYR 81.6
$14.96 MYR 61.2
$43.65 MYR 178
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$4.70 MYR 19.22
$4.34 MYR 17.73
$6.19 MYR 25.30
Cappuccino
$2.96 MYR 12.10
$1.99 MYR 8.15
$3.73 MYR 15.26
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.77 MYR 3.14
$0.62 MYR 2.52
$1.23 MYR 5.04
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.39 MYR 1.60
$0.28 MYR 1.13
$0.70 MYR 2.85
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$3.95 MYR 16.13
$2.47 MYR 10.08
$6.90 MYR 28.19
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$4.57 MYR 18.69
$3.09 MYR 12.62
$8.65 MYR 35.35
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.75 MYR 7.15
$1.46 MYR 5.96
$2.12 MYR 8.66
White Bread (500g)
$1.22 MYR 4.99
$0.83 MYR 3.40
$2.32 MYR 9.47
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.36 MYR 5.55
$0.68 MYR 2.77
$2.61 MYR 10.67
Eggs
$2.26 MYR 9.22
$1.17 MYR 4.78
$3.02 MYR 12.33
Local Cheese (1kg)
$14.46 MYR 59.1
$6.49 MYR 26.51
$20.75 MYR 84.8
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$4.07 MYR 16.63
$2.26 MYR 9.24
$6.77 MYR 27.68
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$9.85 MYR 40.26
$6.23 MYR 25.48
$15.11 MYR 61.7
Apples (1kg)
$2.90 MYR 11.85
$1.32 MYR 5.37
$3.95 MYR 16.12
Banana (1kg)
$1.45 MYR 5.91
$0.84 MYR 3.43
$1.78 MYR 7.27
Oranges (1kg)
$2.38 MYR 9.75
$1.43 MYR 5.85
$3.57 MYR 14.60
Tomato (1kg)
$1.31 MYR 5.35
$0.62 MYR 2.54
$2.50 MYR 10.22
Potato (1kg)
$1.23 MYR 5.04
$0.72 MYR 2.94
$2.41 MYR 9.87
Onion (1kg)
$1.24 MYR 5.08
$0.68 MYR 2.77
$1.93 MYR 7.88
Lettuce (1 head)
$1.11 MYR 4.52
$0.47 MYR 1.92
$1.88 MYR 7.70
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.46 MYR 1.90
$0.42 MYR 1.72
$0.63 MYR 2.56
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$4.27 MYR 17.46
$4.03 MYR 16.47
$4.59 MYR 18.77
Wine (Bottle)
$16.86 MYR 68.9
$7.57 MYR 30.93
$21.61 MYR 88.3
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$2.93 MYR 11.97
$1.95 MYR 7.98
$3.49 MYR 14.25
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$4.03 MYR 16.45
$2.16 MYR 8.82
$5.72 MYR 23.37
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.75 MYR 3.06
$0.25 MYR 1.00
$0.82 MYR 3.35
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$10.56 MYR 43.17
$9.51 MYR 38.87
$19.01 MYR 77.7
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$1.12 MYR 4.57
$0.67 MYR 2.73
$1.35 MYR 5.50
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$0.51 MYR 2.09
$0.51 MYR 2.09
$1.26 MYR 5.13
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$6.93 MYR 28.30
$5.77 MYR 23.60
$6.93 MYR 28.30
Gasoline (1 liter)
$0.77 MYR 3.16
$0.48 MYR 1.97
$1.08 MYR 4.42
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$50.4K MYR 205.9K
$46.9K MYR 191.9K
$51.2K MYR 209.2K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$39.9K MYR 163.0K
$39.8K MYR 162.8K
$39.9K MYR 163.1K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$52.9 MYR 216
$32.69 MYR 134
$89.7 MYR 367
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$10.66 MYR 43.56
$5.85 MYR 23.89
$18.61 MYR 76.1
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$29.13 MYR 119
$24.09 MYR 98.5
$39.94 MYR 163
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$40.05 MYR 164
$23.67 MYR 96.8
$46.81 MYR 191
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$7.22 MYR 29.52
$1.34 MYR 5.47
$7.22 MYR 29.52
Cinema Ticket
$5.60 MYR 22.90
$4.92 MYR 20.09
$7.01 MYR 28.66
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$241 MYR 984
$148 MYR 607
$467 MYR 1,909
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$6,956 MYR 28.4K
$5,081 MYR 20.8K
$16.3K MYR 66.6K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$58.1 MYR 237
$25.29 MYR 103
$88.5 MYR 362
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$29.97 MYR 122
$12.59 MYR 51.5
$36.74 MYR 150
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$87.0 MYR 356
$65.4 MYR 267
$105 MYR 428
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$75.9 MYR 310
$33.52 MYR 137
$141 MYR 577
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$410 MYR 1,674
$291 MYR 1,188
$485 MYR 1,980
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$318 MYR 1,301
$230 MYR 940
$442 MYR 1,806
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$704 MYR 2,879
$552 MYR 2,257
$1,007 MYR 4,115
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$491 MYR 2,006
$318 MYR 1,299
$597 MYR 2,439
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$2,170 MYR 8,868
$1,402 MYR 5,730
$2,181 MYR 8,915
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$1,323 MYR 5,409
$882 MYR 3,606
$1,544 MYR 6,311
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$349 MYR 1,425
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
4.06
3.55
4.85

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

Last update: October 24, 2026

Monthly budget structure
Share of the monthly basket for one person, rent included.
Sarawak $954
Accommodation & Living
$318
Groceries & Markets
$249
Clothing & Footwear
$113
Eating Out
$112
Monthly Utilities & Internet
$93
Sport & Entertainment
$51
Getting Around
$17

Cost Breakdown

The average net salary is $349 – below monthly costs of $954. Most locals rely on shared housing or dual incomes. Remote workers earning abroad will find stronger purchasing power.

Groceries cost around $249 per month for one person. A mid-range dinner for two is priced at $20 – well below the Asian average of $35.

A monthly public transport pass costs about $10.56 – among the cheapest in Asia (average $33).

Cost Highlights

Imported beer is more expensive than 92% of cities in Asia

Local beer is more expensive than 91% of cities in Asia

Good to know
🕒 Local time
14:40 2:40 PM
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💱 Currency
Exchange rates and currency converter

USD, EUR to MYR – Malaysian Ringgit Converter

Malaysian Ringgit exchange rates as of October 28, 2026: 1 USD = 4.09 MYR (1 MYR = 0.245 USD). 1 EUR = 4.55 MYR (1 MYR = 0.22 EUR).

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Sarawak Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

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Cost of Living in Sarawak - Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sarawak a good value for travelers, expats, and digital nomads, and how does it compare to other regions?
Compared with major Malaysian cities and many regional hubs, Sarawak tends to offer a favorable balance of price and quality. You can find comfortable, well-connected neighborhoods in Kuching and smaller towns where rents and utilities feel more affordable than in Peninsular centers. Local markets and hawker stalls deliver flavorful meals at low cost, helping you stretch your budget without sacrificing variety. Transport between towns is practical and often inexpensive, with buses and occasional short domestic flights opening up the region. Services, utilities, and everyday goods stay modest when you opt for local options over imports. The Cost of Living in Sarawak supports a relaxed, value-driven lifestyle. Tip: Start by testing a couple of neighborhoods before committing and track monthly basics.
How does daily life look here in terms of housing, food, transport, and errands for long stays?
Housing search tends to hinge on location and access to services. In Kuching and other urban hubs you’ll find more rental options, coworking spaces, and shorter leases; in smaller towns, housing is cheaper but options can be more limited. Begin with local agents, check online listings, and verify in person across several neighborhoods to compare noise, proximity, and light. Food options range from vibrant street stalls to supermarkets; cooking at home helps stretch your budget, while occasional meals out support local culture. For transport, you’ll rely on car, motorbike, or buses; errands are easy when a market or mall is nearby. The Sarawak living cost varies by area, so map your plan accordingly. Tip: Build a short trial stay into your search to see how daily life feels.
What quality of life opportunities and budgeting approaches help you decide where to settle and how to plan seasonally?
Quality of life in Sarawak blends easy access to nature, cultural experiences, and a pace that suits many remote workers. Use a simple budgeting framework: allocate housing, groceries, utilities, transport, and leisure, then adjust as you test neighborhoods. Save by cooking at home, choosing local products, and using public transport where practical. Be mindful of seasonality: heavy rains can influence outdoor plans and travel routes, while regional festivals bring lively markets and activities. Neighborhood fit depends on your pace: urban cores offer services and coworking; coastal and rural areas provide quieter living and easier nature access. Tip: maintain a flexible routine that balances work, exploration, and rest.
What are typical monthly expenses for a single person in Sarawak?
All in, Sarawak runs about $954 monthly with rent, or $582 without it. These numbers assume a moderate lifestyle – comfortable but not lavish. Choosing a cheaper neighborhood and cooking at home are the easiest ways to spend less.
Is Sarawak one of the cheaper cities to live in?
Sarawak is affordable because both rent and daily expenses are genuinely low. Total monthly costs with housing come to just $954, making it firmly budget-friendly for residents and long-term visitors alike.
What income do you need to cover all expenses in Sarawak?
You’ll want at least $1,430 per month after taxes to live comfortably in Sarawak. That covers a decent apartment, groceries, utilities, transport, and enough left over for dining out occasionally. Families or people wanting a central location should budget higher.
How much does a one-bedroom apartment cost to rent in Sarawak?
A central one-bedroom apartment in Sarawak runs about $410 per month. Move further out and that drops to around $318. Location makes a big difference here – and furnished places or short-term rentals will cost more on top of these figures.
How expensive is preschool in Sarawak per month?
Private kindergarten in Sarawak costs about $241 per month – a big number for families. Prices vary by curriculum and whether you go local or international. Public options are cheaper where they exist, but waitlists can be long.
How much is a monthly gym pass in Sarawak?
A gym membership in Sarawak runs about $40 per month – affordable by regional standards. Most gyms include basic equipment, group classes, and locker rooms. Boutique studios and personal training cost more, but the baseline is budget-friendly.
Does $1,200 cover living expenses in Sarawak?
$1,200 a month in Sarawak? Very doable. Average costs with rent come to just $954, which leaves real room to save, eat out, and enjoy the city without watching every dollar.
What are the pros and cons of living in Sarawak?
Quality of life in Sarawak is genuinely good – highlights include fast internet, low crime rates, clean air, and monthly costs hover around $954. Day-to-day life is well-rounded: decent infrastructure, varied dining and entertainment, and a generally positive atmosphere.
Is Sarawak budget-friendly for long-term stays?
Sarawak is affordable by most measures, which is why it appeals to long-term travelers, remote workers, and budget-conscious residents. At $954 per month with rent, it sits well below the global average for cities of similar size.

Sarawak vs other spots: cost of living compared

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