Cost of living in Johor Bahru
Johor Bahru, a bustling city in Malaysia, offers a unique blend of urban living and cultural heritage. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for both residents and newcomers.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Johor Bahru, covering essential categories such as dining, groceries, transportation, housing, and utilities.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $3.24 on average, with a range between $2.01 and $5.59.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $17.9, with prices ranging from $13.43 to $44.76.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $4.48, with a range between $3.47 and $4.48.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $2.69 to $5.82, imported beer $4.92 to $6.71, cappuccino $1.12 to $4.03, and Coke/Pepsi $0.56 to $1.12.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $1.45 and $1.97 per liter, averaging $1.76.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $0.67 and $1.86, with an average price of $0.91.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $0.94 to $2.69, averaging $1.92.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $1.57 to $4.48 per kg, while oranges range from $1.16 to $4.93 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $0.45 and $2.24 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.45 to $1.79 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $0.22 and $0.9, with a monthly pass priced between $11.19 and $22.38.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.46 and $0.56 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $0.78, with a cost of $0.39 per km and $4.03 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $335.68 to $648.99, averaging $398.34.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $290.93 to $447.58, averaging $358.06.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $447.58 to $872.78, averaging $637.8.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $380.44 to $783.26, averaging $585.58.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $1083.98 to $2408.84, averaging $1579.73.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $568.49 to $2167.96, averaging $977.62.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $24.21 and $68.25, averaging $39.62.
- Internet - Internet services range from $17.9 to $40.28, with an average cost of $23.75.
Cost of Living Rankings
The cost of living indices for Malaysia are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in Malaysia, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.
Cost of Living Data
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Salaries And Financing
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"Key Takeaways"
Johor Bahru offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to many other urban centers. Dining out is particularly inexpensive, making it accessible for most budgets.
Housing costs are moderate, with a variety of options available both in the city centre and outside. Public transportation is also affordable, providing a cost-effective way to navigate the city.
Grocery prices are reasonable, though imported goods may be more expensive. Utilities and internet services are competitively priced, contributing to the overall affordability of living in Johor Bahru.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Johor Bahru presents a cost-effective living environment with affordable dining, housing, and transportation options. The city is well-suited for individuals and families looking for a balance between urban amenities and cost savings.
Potential residents will find that the cost of living in Johor Bahru allows for a comfortable lifestyle without the high expenses associated with larger metropolitan areas.