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.

An image showcasing the beauty of Johor Bahru

People enjoying the surroundings of Johor Bahru

Cost of Living Summary

Dining and Restaurants

Inexpensive Restaurant MealA 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

MilkMilk 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 FaresTaxi 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.
InternetInternet services range from $17.9 to $40.28, with an average cost of $23.75.

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 78 user contributions, as of the most recent update in November, 2024.

Restaurants

Avg / Range

Restaurants

Avg

Range

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

$3.24

Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course

$17.90

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

$4.48

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$4.03

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$5.82

Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.76

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.47

Cappuccino (regular)

$2.87

Markets

Avg / Range

Markets

Avg

Range

Milk (regular), (1 liter)

$1.76

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)

$0.91

Eggs (regular) (12)

$1.92

Local Cheese (1kg)

$12.12

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.58

Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)

$13.43

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$2.66

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.80

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)

$4.02

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$2.98

Apples (1kg)

$2.57

Oranges (1kg)

$2.39

Potato (1kg)

$1.10

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.87

Rice (white), (1kg)

$1.16

Tomato (1kg)

$1.17

Banana (1kg)

$1.28

Onion (1kg)

$1.29

Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)

$6.16

Transportation

Avg / Range

Transportation

Avg

Range

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

$0.67

Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$11.19

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.46

Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)

$26,854.65

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$0.78

Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)

$0.39

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$4.03

Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)

$26,630.86

Rent Per Month

Avg / Range

Rent Per Month

Avg

Range

Avg

Range

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$1,061.40

Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate

4.01%

Childcare

Avg / Range

Childcare

Avg

Range

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

$178.10

International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child

$8,429.38

Worldwide

Malaysia

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.

Highest to LowestUpdated: Oct, 2025

Kuala Lumpur

Malaysia

Overview Job Market

Affordability

Reasonable

About this index

Johor Bahru Cost of Living

"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.

Johor Bahru