Cost of living in Kota Kinabalu
Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Sabah in Malaysia, is a vibrant city known for its beautiful beaches, bustling markets, and cultural diversity. Understanding the cost of living in Kota Kinabalu is crucial for anyone considering moving to or visiting this city.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the expenses you can expect, from dining and groceries to housing and transportation, helping you plan your budget effectively.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $3.36 on average, with a range between $2.24 and $5.6.
- 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 $50.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $4.25, with a range between $3.81 and $6.72.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $2.24 to $3.36, imported beer $3.13 to $6, cappuccino $1.79 to $6, and Coke/Pepsi $0.45 to $0.9.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $1.23 and $3.57 per liter, averaging $1.59.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.01 and $1.23, with an average price of $1.06.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.34 to $4.03, averaging $2.94.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $1.41 to $3.13 per kg, while oranges range from $1.79 to $5.6 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $0.56 and $2.01 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.9 to $1.34 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $1.12 and $1.79, with a monthly pass priced at $38.93.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is consistently priced at $0.46 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $1.79, with a cost of $0.45 per km.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $201.45 to $559.6, averaging $351.75.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $111.92 to $223.84, averaging $156.69.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $335.76 to $783.44, averaging $581.98.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $201.45 to $402.91, averaging $266.74.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $1164.53 to $1350.64, averaging $1255.21.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $889.06 to $1264.93, averaging $1078.97.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $20.15 and $81.92, averaging $48.94.
- Internet - Internet services range from $26.86 to $48.13, with an average cost of $36.19.
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
Restaurants
Restaurants
Markets
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Transportation
Transportation
Rent Per Month
Rent Per Month
Utilities (Monthly)
Utilities (Monthly)
Sports And Leisure
Sports And Leisure
Clothing And Shoes
Clothing And Shoes
Buy Apartment Price
Buy Apartment Price
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Childcare
Childcare
"Key Takeaways"
Kota Kinabalu offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to many other cities, with low prices for dining and transportation.
Housing is particularly affordable, especially outside the city centre, making it an attractive option for those looking to save on rent.
Grocery prices are reasonable, though some imported goods like cheese and wine can be more expensive.
Utilities and internet costs are moderate, contributing to the overall affordability of living in Kota Kinabalu.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Kota Kinabalu presents a cost-effective living environment with affordable housing, dining, and transportation options.
While some imported goods and luxury items may be pricier, the overall cost of living remains manageable for most residents.
This makes Kota Kinabalu an appealing destination for both expatriates and locals seeking a balanced lifestyle without breaking the bank.