Cost of living in Kuantan
Kuantan, the capital city of Pahang in Malaysia, offers a unique blend of urban and coastal living. Understanding the cost of living in Kuantan is crucial for both residents and newcomers, as it encompasses various aspects such as housing, transportation, and daily expenses.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the cost of living in Kuantan for 2024, helping you make informed decisions about budgeting and lifestyle choices in this vibrant city.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $2.24 on average, with a range between $1.9 and $4.48.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $11.19, with prices ranging from $11.19 to $55.95.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $3.36, with a range between $3.36 and $4.48.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $1.79 to $12.31, imported beer $2.69 to $6.71, cappuccino $1.57 to $4.48, and Coke/Pepsi $0.45 to $1.01.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $1.3 and $4.59 per liter, averaging $1.86.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $0.65 and $3.58, with an average price of $0.89.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.21 to $2.69, averaging $1.21.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $1.41 to $4.48 per kg, while oranges range from $2.01 to $4.48 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $0.56 and $1.57 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.67 to $1.12 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $0.45 and $0.9, with a monthly pass priced between $22.38 and $41.4.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.44 and $0.66 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $0.9, with a cost of $0.21 to $0.45 per km and $2.24 to $5.93 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $134.27 to $223.79, averaging $179.03.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $67.14 to $156.65, averaging $111.89.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $179.03 to $447.58, averaging $283.47.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $179.03 to $268.55, averaging $223.79.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $481.77 to $770.83, averaging $626.3.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter averages $602.21.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $22.38 and $83.36, averaging $48.49.
- Internet - Internet services range from $17.9 to $44.76, with an average cost of $24.62.
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
Markets
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"
Kuantan offers a relatively low cost of living compared to many urban centers, making it an attractive option for those seeking affordability.
Dining out is particularly inexpensive, with meals at casual restaurants costing as little as $1.9.
Housing is affordable, especially outside the city centre, where rent for a 1-bedroom apartment can be as low as $67.14.
Transportation costs are minimal, with public transport and fuel prices being very budget-friendly.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Kuantan presents a cost-effective living environment with affordable housing, dining, and transportation options.
The city's low cost of living makes it an appealing choice for individuals and families looking to balance quality of life with financial savings.
Whether you're planning to move or just visiting, understanding these costs can help you budget effectively and enjoy all that Kuantan has to offer.