Cost of living in Sarawak
Sarawak, a Malaysian state on Borneo, is known for its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone considering a move or extended stay.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses, including housing, transportation, groceries, and more, to help you plan your budget effectively.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant MealA meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $4.48 on average.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two)For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $11.19.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's)A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $5.04, with a range between $4.48 and $5.6.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi)Domestic beer averages $7.39, imported beer $7.95, cappuccino $2.61, and Coke/Pepsi $1.12.
Grocery Prices
- MilkMilk is priced at $1.79 per liter.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread)A loaf of fresh white bread costs $0.9.
- Cheese (Local, 1kg)Local cheese costs $5.6 per kg.
- Water (1.5 liter bottle)A 1.5 liter bottle of water ranges from $0.45 to $0.78, averaging $0.62.
- Chicken Fillets (1kg)Chicken fillets are priced between $2.24 and $2.69 per kg, averaging $2.46.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket)A one-way local transport ticket costs $1.12.
- Monthly PassA monthly pass for public transport is priced at $26.86.
- Fuel (Gasoline)Gasoline is priced at $0.61 per liter.
- Taxi FaresTaxi fares start at $0.9, 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 $223.84 to $402.91, averaging $313.37.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre)Outside the centre, rent ranges from $179.07 to $335.76, averaging $257.41.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre)Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $335.76 to $626.75, averaging $481.25.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre)Outside the centre, rent ranges from $223.84 to $447.68, averaging $335.76.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre)The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre is $1091.45.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre)Outside the centre, the price per square meter is $867.38.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.)Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost $22.38.
- InternetInternet services average $89.54.
Cost of Living Data
The following pricing data has been gathered from 7 user contributions, as of the most recent update in November, 2023.
Restaurants
Restaurants
Avg
Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$4.48
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$11.19
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
$5.04
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$7.39
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$7.95
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.12
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.22
Cappuccino (regular)
$2.61
Markets
Markets
Avg
Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$1.79
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$0.90
Local Cheese (1kg)
$5.60
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.62
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
$19.00
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$3.13
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.58
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)
$4.70
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$2.46
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.67
Rice (white), (1kg)
$1.50
Transportation
Transportation
Avg
Range
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)
$1.12
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$26.86
Gasoline (1 liter)
$0.61
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$0.90
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)
$0.45
Rent Per Month
Rent Per Month
Avg
Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
$313.37
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
$257.41
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre
$481.25
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre
$335.76
Utilities (Monthly)
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg
Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment
$22.38
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$89.54
Sports And Leisure
Sports And Leisure
Avg
Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult
$13.43
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat
$2.69
Clothing And Shoes
Clothing And Shoes
Avg
Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$34.58
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)
$36.82
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)
$73.75
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes
$53.61
Buy Apartment Price
Buy Apartment Price
Avg
Range
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre
$1,091.45
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre
$867.38
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Avg
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$432.76
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate
2.75%
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
