Cost of living in Kota Bharu
Kota Bharu, the capital of Kelantan in Malaysia, offers a unique blend of cultural heritage and modern living. Understanding the cost of living in this city is crucial for both residents and newcomers.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Kota Bharu, 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 $1.68 on average, with a range between $1.34 and $4.48.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $22.38, with prices ranging from $15.67 to $33.58.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $4.03, with a range between $3.36 and $4.48.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $3.36 to $5.6, imported beer $3.36 to $5.72, cappuccino $1.79 to $3.36, and Coke/Pepsi $0.34 to $1.12.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $1.34 and $2.24 per liter, averaging $1.45.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $0.45 and $1.57, with an average price of $0.74.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.34 to $2.58, averaging $1.43.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $1.34 to $3.58 per kg, while oranges range from $1.34 to $3.13 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $0.67 and $1.99 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.34 to $1.43 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs $0.67.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.37 and $0.48 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $0.67, with a cost of $0.51 per km and $3.36 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $223.84 to $268.61, averaging $246.22.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $111.92 to $156.69, averaging $134.3.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $671.52 to $1000, averaging $835.76.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $335.76.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre averages $843.28.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $22.38 and $111.92, averaging $38.78.
- Internet - Internet services range from $20.15 to $38.05, with an average cost of $25.29.
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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"Key Takeaways"
Kota Bharu offers a relatively low cost of living compared to many other cities, making it an attractive option for those seeking affordability.
Dining out is particularly inexpensive, with meals at casual restaurants costing as little as $1.34.
Housing is affordable, especially outside the city centre, where rent for a 1-bedroom apartment can be as low as $111.92.
Transportation costs are minimal, with gasoline prices under $0.50 per liter and affordable public transport options.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Kota Bharu presents a cost-effective living environment with affordable housing, dining, and transportation options.
This makes it an ideal location for individuals and families looking to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without high expenses.
Potential residents can benefit from the city's low cost of living while enjoying its rich cultural heritage and modern amenities.