Cost of living in Sandakan
Sandakan, located in Malaysia, offers a unique blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty. Understanding the cost of living in Sandakan is crucial for anyone considering moving to or visiting this vibrant 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 $2.24 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
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.4 and $0.46 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $1.79, with a cost of $0.22 to $0.67 per km.
- Car Purchase - A new Volkswagen Golf costs between $26,860.66 and $29,099.05, while a Toyota Corolla ranges from $16,787.91 to $35,814.21.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $179.07.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $111.92.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $335.76.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $268.61.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $20.15 and $81.92, averaging $44.77.
- Internet - Internet services range from $22.38 to $48.13, with an average cost of $22.38.
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
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Childcare
Childcare
"Key Takeaways"
Sandakan offers a relatively low cost of living compared to many other cities, making it an attractive option for those looking to save on expenses.
Dining out is affordable, with inexpensive meals available for as low as $2.24.
Housing costs are notably low, especially for rentals outside the city centre.
Transportation costs, including fuel and taxi fares, are also economical, contributing to the overall affordability of living in Sandakan.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Sandakan presents a cost-effective living environment with affordable dining, housing, and transportation options.
Whether you're planning a move or a visit, understanding these costs can help you manage your budget effectively and enjoy all that Sandakan has to offer.