Cost of Living in Setia Alam - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

A single person spends around $982 per month with rent, or $521 for everyday expenses alone.

A couple spends around $1,469 per month with rent, or $887 for everyday expenses alone.

A family of three spends around $1,956 per month with rent, or $1,254 without housing.

Overall, Setia Alam is 29–33% below the global median across household types. Within Asia, costs are close to average – just 10% lower.

Currency
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$4.87 MYR 19.64
$2.91 MYR 11.76
$6.08 MYR 24.55
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$24.49 MYR 98.8
$19.59 MYR 79.1
$63.7 MYR 257
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$4.82 MYR 19.45
$4.33 MYR 17.49
$7.23 MYR 29.17
Cappuccino
$3.23 MYR 13.05
$2.03 MYR 8.20
$4.58 MYR 18.48
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.79 MYR 3.20
$0.66 MYR 2.66
$1.66 MYR 6.71
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.46 MYR 1.85
$0.29 MYR 1.15
$1.42 MYR 5.73
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$4.57 MYR 18.46
$3.05 MYR 12.29
$7.63 MYR 30.79
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$6.13 MYR 24.72
$3.68 MYR 14.83
$8.58 MYR 34.61
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.85 MYR 7.45
$1.48 MYR 5.97
$3.20 MYR 12.90
White Bread (500g)
$0.77 MYR 3.10
$0.77 MYR 3.10
$2.57 MYR 10.39
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.06 MYR 4.29
$0.63 MYR 2.53
$3.76 MYR 15.18
Eggs
$1.79 MYR 7.23
$1.20 MYR 4.83
$3.59 MYR 14.50
Local Cheese (1kg)
$5.06 MYR 20.42
$5.06 MYR 20.42
$37.94 MYR 153
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$4.29 MYR 17.31
$2.53 MYR 10.20
$7.58 MYR 30.59
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$9.65 MYR 38.95
$2.43 MYR 9.82
$19.45 MYR 78.5
Apples (1kg)
$1.38 MYR 5.56
$1.26 MYR 5.07
$5.03 MYR 20.29
Banana (1kg)
$1.90 MYR 7.68
$1.25 MYR 5.04
$3.24 MYR 13.09
Oranges (1kg)
$1.37 MYR 5.53
$1.25 MYR 5.04
$3.75 MYR 15.13
Tomato (1kg)
$1.53 MYR 6.18
$1.02 MYR 4.11
$2.29 MYR 9.25
Potato (1kg)
$1.39 MYR 5.61
$0.76 MYR 3.07
$3.06 MYR 12.34
Onion (1kg)
$1.35 MYR 5.44
$0.73 MYR 2.96
$1.96 MYR 7.91
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.63 MYR 2.56
$0.51 MYR 2.07
$1.53 MYR 6.16
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.56 MYR 2.27
$0.51 MYR 2.06
$0.76 MYR 3.05
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$4.34 MYR 17.52
$4.28 MYR 17.28
$4.90 MYR 19.75
Wine (Bottle)
$19.41 MYR 78.3
$7.52 MYR 30.33
$32.06 MYR 129
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$3.52 MYR 14.19
$1.50 MYR 6.06
$5.00 MYR 20.16
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$4.86 MYR 19.59
$1.95 MYR 7.88
$7.34 MYR 29.63
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.71 MYR 2.86
$0.45 MYR 1.81
$0.83 MYR 3.36
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$12.15 MYR 49.02
$12.15 MYR 49.02
$12.15 MYR 49.02
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$1.27 MYR 5.11
$0.76 MYR 3.05
$1.52 MYR 6.14
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$1.27 MYR 5.11
$0.76 MYR 3.05
$1.52 MYR 6.14
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$4.98 MYR 20.11
$4.23 MYR 17.07
$7.48 MYR 30.17
Gasoline (1 liter)
$0.66 MYR 2.65
$0.49 MYR 1.98
$0.97 MYR 3.92
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$41.6K MYR 168.0K
$41.5K MYR 167.5K
$67.1K MYR 270.9K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$34.8K MYR 140.6K
$34.4K MYR 138.7K
$61.4K MYR 247.7K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$63.0 MYR 254
$25.15 MYR 101
$124 MYR 499
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$9.14 MYR 36.86
$4.87 MYR 19.64
$14.59 MYR 58.9
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$26.57 MYR 107
$24.54 MYR 99.0
$43.82 MYR 177
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$57.2 MYR 231
$29.42 MYR 119
$85.8 MYR 346
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$6.53 MYR 26.33
$1.21 MYR 4.90
$6.53 MYR 26.33
Cinema Ticket
$5.31 MYR 21.42
$4.10 MYR 16.55
$9.65 MYR 38.95
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$176 MYR 711
$134 MYR 540
$811 MYR 3,271
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$11.1K MYR 44.9K
$4,942 MYR 19.9K
$24.1K MYR 97.3K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$73.6 MYR 297
$25.21 MYR 102
$101 MYR 407
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$25.69 MYR 104
$14.75 MYR 59.5
$49.16 MYR 198
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$91.0 MYR 367
$50.5 MYR 204
$147 MYR 591
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$55.4 MYR 223
$37.07 MYR 150
$161 MYR 648
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$536 MYR 2,163
$302 MYR 1,217
$1,005 MYR 4,056
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$316 MYR 1,277
$122 MYR 491
$609 MYR 2,456
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$873 MYR 3,522
$374 MYR 1,510
$1,496 MYR 6,038
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$550 MYR 2,220
$246 MYR 994
$1,109 MYR 4,473
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$2,066 MYR 8,337
$1,347 MYR 5,433
$2,066 MYR 8,337
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$1,112 MYR 4,488
$783 MYR 3,158
$1,409 MYR 5,685
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$1,151 MYR 4,644
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
4.12
3.55
4.7

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

Last update: August 30, 2026

Cost Breakdown

A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $536, dropping to $316 outside central areas. Housing accounts for roughly 47% of the average salary ($1,151) – well above the 30% international benchmark.

The average net salary is $1,151. With monthly costs around $982, saving is possible but often limited. A more comfortable lifestyle typically starts at $1,472.

Groceries cost around $217 per month for one person. A mid-range dinner for two is priced at $24.00 – well below the Asian average of $36.00.

A monthly public transport pass costs about $12.15 – among the cheapest in Asia (average $34.00).

Cost Highlights

Imported beer is more expensive than 96% of cities in Asia

Local beer is more expensive than 95% of cities in Asia

Setia Alam Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms

Fixed Broadband

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms
The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.
Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
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Cost of Living in Setia Alam - Frequently Asked Questions
How does the overall affordability in Setia Alam stack up, and who tends to find it good value compared with other parts of Malaysia?
Setia Alam sits on the suburban edge of the Klang Valley, delivering a quieter living rhythm with practical access to city centers. For travelers, expats, and digital nomads seeking balance, it often feels like good value: comfortable housing options without the premium of high-density city cores, plus shopping, parks, and reliable services within easy reach. You’ll notice a steadier pace, fewer convenience premiums, and predictable utilities compared with busier neighborhoods. Cost of Living in Setia Alam is typically friendlier for longer stays and flexible leases, especially if you prioritize location near major roads and public amenities. Tip: Lock in a longer lease to stabilize your monthly costs and explore nearby neighborhoods for comparison.
What does daily life look like in Setia Alam, from housing search to food, transport, and errands?
Daily life in Setia Alam blends suburban calm with practical convenience. When you search for a place to live, you’ll find a mix of townhouses, serviced apartments, and landed homes; start with online portals and local agents, and weigh lease length and maintenance terms. Food options range from hawker stalls to cafe meals and family-run eateries that cover local and halal preferences. For transport, a car helps, but ride-hailing or bus routes connect you to Shah Alam and beyond. Setia Alam living cost can guide how you budget for errands and coworking days. Tip: Map a simple weekly route to group shopping and tasks by area.
What factors affect your quality of life in Setia Alam, and how can you budget and plan to fit your preferred neighborhood vibe throughout the year?
Quality of life in Setia Alam centers on green spaces, dependable amenities, and a family-friendly cadence that suits many expats and digital nomads. Build a simple budgeting framework by separating essentials (housing, utilities, groceries) from flexible spend (dining out, coworking, weekend trips) and tracking shifts month to month. Seasonality in this region is less about weather extremes and more about monsoon-related travel and occasional rainfall that can affect outdoor plans; plan errands on clearer days and keep a light rain kit. Neighborhood fit comes from proximity to parks, a mall, and efficient transit routes, plus a feel for the local community. Tip: Test a few areas at different times to compare noise, crowding, and access to services.
What is the average cost of living in Setia Alam in 2026?
For 2026, a single person in Setia Alam should plan on about $982 per month with rent, or $521 without housing. That covers a moderate lifestyle – food, utilities, transport, and some leisure – at current local prices.
Is Setia Alam worth the cost of living?
Setia Alam is mid-range – monthly costs with rent reach about $982. For most residents, that's a fair trade: urban amenities, services, and job access without major-hub prices.
What is the average salary in Setia Alam?
After taxes, the average worker in Setia Alam takes home about $1,151 per month. Of course, that varies a lot by industry and experience – tech and finance pay well above this, while service jobs often fall below it.
Is rent high in Setia Alam?
Rent is one of the biggest advantages of living in Setia Alam – 1-bedroom apartments range from $316 to $536 per month, and even central neighborhoods stay accessible on modest incomes. Cheap housing frees up cash for everything else.
Is food expensive in Setia Alam?
Grocery spending in Setia Alam lands around $217 per month for one person – not cheap, not expensive. Local produce and staples are fairly priced, though imported goods and specialty items cost more. Overall, food is a manageable part of the budget.
How much is public transport in Setia Alam?
Getting around Setia Alam by public transport costs about $12.15 per month. A monthly pass generally covers buses, trams, and metro – much cheaper than owning a car for the daily commute.
Can a person live on $1,000 monthly in Setia Alam?
$1,000 is below the $982 average in Setia Alam, so it's tight but not impossible. You'll need to keep rent low – sharing an apartment, cooking at home, and sticking to public transport are the main levers.
Is Setia Alam a good place to live?
Quality of life in Setia Alam is genuinely good – highlights include fast internet, low crime rates, clean air, and monthly costs hover around $982. Day-to-day life is well-rounded: decent infrastructure, varied dining and entertainment, and a generally positive atmosphere.
How affordable is Setia Alam?
Setia Alam is neither cheap nor expensive – it sits comfortably in the middle. Monthly costs with rent run about $982, a figure most working professionals can handle without major financial stress.

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