Cost of living in Tawau (Sabah)
Tawau, located in the Malaysian state of Sabah, offers a unique blend of cultural and natural attractions. Understanding the cost of living in Tawau 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 transportation and housing, helping you plan your budget effectively.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $3.58, with a range between $2.69 and $4.48.
- Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught) - Domestic beer is priced at an average of $1.79.
- Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) - Imported beer costs around $2.24 on average.
- Cappuccino - A regular cappuccino costs between $1.12 and $2.69, averaging $1.90.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $1.19 and $1.79 per liter, averaging $1.49.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $0.76 and $1.79, with an average price of $1.28.
- Rice (1kg) - Rice is priced between $0.34 and $2.91 per kg, averaging $1.62.
- Chicken Fillets (1kg) - Chicken fillets average $2.91 per kg.
- Beef Round (1kg) - Beef round costs around $4.03 per kg on average.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs approximately $0.22.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced at an average of $0.46 per liter.
- Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) - Taxi fares start at $0.90.
- New Car (Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort) - A new Toyota Corolla or equivalent costs around $22,383.88.
Utilities
- Water (1.5 liter bottle) - A 1.5 liter bottle of water costs around $0.34.
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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Sports And Leisure
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Clothing And Shoes
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"Key Takeaways"
Tawau offers a relatively low cost of living compared to many other cities, with affordable dining and grocery options.
Transportation costs are minimal, making it easy to get around the city without breaking the bank.
While some imported goods and luxury items may be more expensive, everyday essentials remain budget-friendly.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Tawau presents an affordable living environment with reasonable prices for dining, groceries, and transportation.
Whether you're planning a short visit or a long-term stay, understanding these costs will help you manage your budget effectively and enjoy all that Tawau has to offer.