Cost of Living in Ulu Tiram - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

A single person spends around $952 per month with rent, or $558 for everyday expenses alone.

A couple spends around $1,388 per month with rent, or $921 for everyday expenses alone.

A family of three spends around $1,823 per month with rent, or $1,284 without housing.

Overall, Ulu Tiram is 31–38% below the global median across household types. Within Asia, costs are 13% below average – relatively affordable for the region.

Currency
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$3.63 MYR 14.71
$2.42 MYR 9.81
$4.83 MYR 19.61
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$21.50 MYR 87.2
$14.74 MYR 59.8
$36.85 MYR 150
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$5.05 MYR 20.49
$4.04 MYR 16.40
$5.05 MYR 20.49
Cappuccino
$3.01 MYR 12.20
$2.03 MYR 8.22
$3.81 MYR 15.44
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.84 MYR 3.40
$0.70 MYR 2.86
$1.27 MYR 5.14
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.44 MYR 1.79
$0.31 MYR 1.25
$0.63 MYR 2.57
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$4.58 MYR 18.60
$3.05 MYR 12.38
$6.62 MYR 26.85
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$6.34 MYR 25.70
$4.97 MYR 20.17
$9.44 MYR 38.31
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.76 MYR 7.15
$1.61 MYR 6.54
$2.21 MYR 8.96
White Bread (500g)
$1.09 MYR 4.41
$0.75 MYR 3.05
$2.09 MYR 8.49
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.45 MYR 5.89
$0.73 MYR 2.94
$2.43 MYR 9.86
Eggs
$1.80 MYR 7.28
$1.20 MYR 4.87
$3.00 MYR 12.15
Local Cheese (1kg)
$9.89 MYR 40.12
$7.42 MYR 30.12
$12.36 MYR 50.2
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$4.25 MYR 17.24
$2.50 MYR 10.16
$4.25 MYR 17.24
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$9.50 MYR 38.54
$3.41 MYR 13.82
$16.09 MYR 65.3
Apples (1kg)
$3.41 MYR 13.85
$1.75 MYR 7.11
$4.99 MYR 20.26
Banana (1kg)
$1.68 MYR 6.81
$0.72 MYR 2.91
$2.39 MYR 9.68
Oranges (1kg)
$2.71 MYR 11.01
$1.48 MYR 6.01
$5.43 MYR 22.02
Tomato (1kg)
$1.72 MYR 6.97
$0.76 MYR 3.09
$3.45 MYR 13.99
Potato (1kg)
$1.49 MYR 6.05
$0.76 MYR 3.07
$3.03 MYR 12.31
Onion (1kg)
$1.72 MYR 6.99
$0.50 MYR 2.04
$2.72 MYR 11.04
Lettuce (1 head)
$1.35 MYR 5.46
$0.73 MYR 2.97
$1.96 MYR 7.95
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.57 MYR 2.32
$0.52 MYR 2.11
$0.77 MYR 3.12
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$4.40 MYR 17.84
$3.80 MYR 15.40
$5.06 MYR 20.53
Wine (Bottle)
$17.40 MYR 70.6
$16.16 MYR 65.6
$17.40 MYR 70.6
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$3.01 MYR 12.20
$2.02 MYR 8.19
$3.28 MYR 13.32
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.19 MYR 12.95
$1.79 MYR 7.27
$5.61 MYR 22.76
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.73 MYR 2.96
$0.46 MYR 1.88
$0.86 MYR 3.48
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$12.46 MYR 50.5
$12.46 MYR 50.5
$12.46 MYR 50.5
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$1.28 MYR 5.18
$1.02 MYR 4.13
$1.28 MYR 5.18
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$0.38 MYR 1.55
$0.26 MYR 1.05
$1.54 MYR 6.25
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$9.39 MYR 38.11
$9.39 MYR 38.11
$10.04 MYR 40.75
Gasoline (1 liter)
$0.82 MYR 3.35
$0.53 MYR 2.13
$0.99 MYR 4.02
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$42.9K MYR 174.2K
$42.9K MYR 174.2K
$42.9K MYR 174.2K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$34.7K MYR 140.6K
$34.7K MYR 140.6K
$35.9K MYR 145.5K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$54.0 MYR 219
$37.68 MYR 153
$76.6 MYR 311
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$8.57 MYR 34.76
$5.10 MYR 20.70
$25.50 MYR 103
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$29.20 MYR 118
$24.77 MYR 101
$37.53 MYR 152
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$41.27 MYR 167
$25.01 MYR 101
$50.0 MYR 203
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$6.47 MYR 26.26
$1.20 MYR 4.88
$6.47 MYR 26.26
Cinema Ticket
$4.92 MYR 19.95
$4.92 MYR 19.95
$6.15 MYR 24.94
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$165 MYR 668
$124 MYR 501
$247 MYR 1,003
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$4,487 MYR 18.2K
$3,688 MYR 15.0K
$12.3K MYR 49.9K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$67.7 MYR 275
$50.4 MYR 205
$75.7 MYR 307
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$17.69 MYR 71.8
$13.90 MYR 56.4
$20.22 MYR 82.0
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$78.7 MYR 319
$62.2 MYR 252
$99.3 MYR 403
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$49.62 MYR 201
$49.62 MYR 201
$62.0 MYR 252
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$438 MYR 1,776
$303 MYR 1,230
$566 MYR 2,295
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$333 MYR 1,350
$199 MYR 808
$373 MYR 1,514
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$702 MYR 2,849
$521 MYR 2,113
$995 MYR 4,038
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$488 MYR 1,981
$342 MYR 1,387
$672 MYR 2,725
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$2,069 MYR 8,395
$1,349 MYR 5,471
$2,069 MYR 8,395
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$1,116 MYR 4,527
$785 MYR 3,186
$1,413 MYR 5,734
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$869 MYR 3,527
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
4.06
4
4.55

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

Last update: September 5, 2026

Cost Breakdown

A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $438, dropping to $333 outside central areas. Housing accounts for roughly 50% of the average salary ($869) – well above the 30% international benchmark.

The average net salary is $869 – below monthly costs of $952. Most locals rely on shared housing or dual incomes. Remote workers earning abroad will find stronger purchasing power.

Groceries cost around $244 per month for one person. A mid-range dinner for two is priced at $22.00 – well below the Asian average of $36.00.

A monthly public transport pass costs about $12.46 – among the cheapest in Asia (average $34.00).

Cost Highlights

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

Ulu Tiram is cheaper than 71% globally but more expensive than 70% within Asia.

Ulu Tiram Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms

Fixed Broadband

Download
Mbps
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Latency
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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 Ulu Tiram - Frequently Asked Questions
How does affordability in Ulu Tiram compare for travelers, expats, and digital nomads?
Ulu Tiram offers a calm base with easy access to Johor Bahru and Singapore-area hubs, while keeping everyday expenses in check. Cost of Living in Ulu Tiram, Malaysia often feels balanced: you will find affordable groceries, casual dining, and modest housing options that give you room to save for weekend explorations. Utilities, public services, and local transport are convenient without the city price tag. For longer stays, you will appreciate predictable costs and the chance to mix self-catering with local meals. Tip: start with a short-term stay to gauge neighborhoods before committing.
What does daily life look like in Ulu Tiram in terms of housing search, food options, transport, and co-working or errands?
Daily life centers on practical routines. Housing search is often straightforward through local agents or online listings; many options cluster within reach of markets and schools, with quieter streets available if you prefer gardens or parking space. Food is a strength here, with hawker stalls and small eateries offering flavorful meals at reasonable prices. Transport commonly means a car or motorbike, while bus routes link you to nearby towns and JB. For work or study, consider cafes with reliable Wi-Fi or nearby coworking spaces in larger towns to balance focus and convenience. Keep Ulu Tiram, Malaysia living cost in mind as you compare neighborhoods and search for a place near essential services. Tip: map a weekly route to minimize backtracking.
What factors influence quality of life and budgeting in Ulu Tiram, and how can you align your choices with neighborhood fit and seasonality?
Quality of life in Ulu Tiram hinges on neighborhood fit, access to essential services, and a pace that suits you. To budget effectively, build a simple framework around housing, groceries, utilities, transport, and leisure, then adapt it to your routine. Seek neighborhoods with easy access to markets, clinics, and parks, balancing quiet streets with convenient links to Johor Bahru. In tropical seasons, plan for rain by choosing sheltered routes and reliable transport options. Seasonality affects errands and social life, so keep flexible weekend plans. Tip: test a few neighborhoods at different times of day to sense what fits your rhythm best.
What percentage of income goes to rent in Ulu Tiram?
Housing in Ulu Tiram takes a heavy bite – about 50% of a typical income, which is above the 30% international benchmark. That squeezes the budget for everything else and is one of the main pain points for residents here.
What is the average cost of living in Ulu Tiram?
A single person in Ulu Tiram typically spends $952 per month once rent is factored in. Strip out housing, and everyday essentials like groceries, utilities, transport, and personal spending land around $558. The final number shifts depending on your neighborhood, eating habits, and general lifestyle.
Is the average salary in Ulu Tiram enough to cover living costs?
At $869 per month, the average salary in Ulu Tiram falls short of the $1,428 needed for truly comfortable living. Most people bridge the gap by sharing housing, relying on a second income, or cutting back on extras. Basic needs are covered, but consistent saving takes real discipline.
Is rent high in Ulu Tiram?
Rent is one of the biggest advantages of living in Ulu Tiram – 1-bedroom apartments range from $333 to $438 per month, and even central neighborhoods stay accessible on modest incomes. Cheap housing frees up cash for everything else.
Is food expensive in Ulu Tiram?
Food in Ulu Tiram is genuinely cheap. A single person's grocery bill runs about $244 per month, and local markets and street vendors push costs even lower. Cooking at home is easy and affordable, and eating out at local spots won't break the bank either.
How much is public transport in Ulu Tiram?
Getting around Ulu Tiram by public transport costs about $12.46 per month. A monthly pass generally covers buses, trams, and metro – much cheaper than owning a car for the daily commute.
Can you live on $800 a month in Ulu Tiram?
$800 a month in Ulu Tiram? Very doable. Average costs with rent come to just $952, which leaves real room to save, eat out, and enjoy the city without watching every dollar.
Is Ulu Tiram a good city for digital nomads?
Ulu Tiram has become a go-to for digital nomads thanks to fast internet, low crime rates, clean air. At around $952 monthly all-in, the value is strong for the infrastructure and lifestyle you get. Coworking spaces, solid internet, and a growing international crowd make remote work here both productive and social.
How affordable is Ulu Tiram?
Ulu Tiram is affordable by most measures, which is why it appeals to long-term travelers, remote workers, and budget-conscious residents. At $952 per month with rent, it sits well below the global average for cities of similar size.

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