- Cost of Living
- China
- Malaysia
- Xiamen
- Alor Star
- Comparison
Cost of living in Xiamen, China compared to Alor Star, Malaysia
Currency:
Food | + 33% | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Food in Xiamen (China) is 33% more expensive than in Alor Star (Malaysia) | ||||
Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district | 元54 (RM34) | RM15 | + 127% | |
Combo meal in fast food restaurant (Big Mac Meal or similar) | 元27 (RM17) | RM10 | + 69% | |
500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast | 元15 (RM9) | RM9 | + 0% | |
1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk | 元14 (RM9) | RM6 | + 40% | |
12 eggs, large | 元16 (RM10) | RM4.75 | + 106% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes | 元5.80 (RM3.59) | - | - | |
500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese | 元40 (RM25) | RM35 | - 29% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of apples | 元11 (RM7) | - | - | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes | 元11 (RM7) | RM3.55 | + 92% | |
0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket | 元4.69 (RM2.90) | RM12 | - 76% | |
1 bottle of red table wine, good quality | 元88 (RM54) | RM78 | - 30% | |
2 liters of Coca-Cola | 元7 (RM4.25) | RM3.00 | + 42% | |
Bread for 2 people for 1 day | 元15 (RM9) | RM3.28 | + 179% | |
Housing | + 20% | |||
Housing in Xiamen (China) is 20% more expensive than in Alor Star (Malaysia) | ||||
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 Sqft) furnished accommodation in EXPENSIVE area | 元5,688 (RM3,522) | RM1,135 | + 210% | |
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 Sqft) furnished accommodation in NORMAL area | 元3,900 (RM2,415) | RM525 | + 360% | |
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat | 元300 (RM186) | RM165 | + 13% | |
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 Sqft) furnished studio in EXPENSIVE area | 元4,000 (RM2,477) | - | - | |
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 Sqft) furnished studio in NORMAL area | 元2,467 (RM1,527) | - | - | |
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 Sqft) studio | 元350 (RM217) | - | - | |
Internet 8 Mbps (1 month) | 元110 (RM68) | RM136 | - 50% | |
40” flat screen TV | 元3,139 (RM1,944) | - | - | |
Microwave 800/900 Watt (Bosch, Panasonic, LG, Sharp, or equivalent brands) | 元319 (RM197) | - | - | |
Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) | 元28 (RM18) | - | - | |
Hourly rate for cleaning help | 元33 (RM20) | - | - | |
Clothes | + 10% | |||
Clothes in Xiamen (China) is 10% more expensive than in Alor Star (Malaysia) | ||||
1 pair of jeans (Levis 501 or similar) | 元788 (RM488) | - | - | |
1 summer dress in a High Street Store (Zara, H&M or similar retailers) | 元350 (RM217) | - | - | |
1 pair of sport shoes (Nike, Adidas, or equivalent brands) | 元794 (RM492) | RM212 | + 131% | |
1 pair of men’s leather business shoes | 元387 (RM240) | - | - | |
Transportation | + 13% | |||
Transportation in Xiamen (China) is 13% more expensive than in Alor Star (Malaysia) | ||||
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI 150 CV (or equivalent), with no extras, new | 元187,300 (RM115,986) | RM109,250 | + 6% | |
1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas | 元7 (RM4.15) | RM1.96 | + 111% | |
Monthly ticket public transport | 元74 (RM46) | - | - | |
Taxi trip on a business day, basic tariff, 8 km. (5 miles) | 元33 (RM20) | - | - | |
Personal Care | + 12% | |||
Personal Care in Xiamen (China) is 12% more expensive than in Alor Star (Malaysia) | ||||
Cold medicine for 6 days (Tylenol, Frenadol, Coldrex, or equivalent brands) | 元12 (RM8) | RM16 | - 53% | |
1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) | 元30 (RM19) | - | - | |
Short visit to private Doctor (15 minutes) | 元50 (RM31) | RM30 | + 3% | |
1 box of 32 tampons (Tampax, OB, ...) | 元22 (RM14) | - | - | |
Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) | 元23 (RM14) | RM8 | + 70% | |
Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) | 元45 (RM28) | - | - | |
4 rolls of toilet paper | 元10 (RM6) | - | - | |
Tube of toothpaste | 元8 (RM4.95) | RM8 | - 35% | |
Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city | 元75 (RM46) | RM14 | + 232% | |
Entertainment | + 5% | |||
Entertainment in Xiamen (China) is 5% more expensive than in Alor Star (Malaysia) | ||||
Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub | 元131 (RM81) | - | - | |
2 tickets to the movies | 元117 (RM73) | RM23 | + 218% | |
2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) | 元1,290 (RM799) | - | - | |
Dinner for two at an Italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert | 元358 (RM222) | - | - | |
1 cocktail drink in downtown club | 元50 (RM31) | - | - | |
Cappuccino in expat area of the city | 元32 (RM20) | - | - | |
1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) | 元24 (RM15) | - | - | |
iPad Wi-Fi 128GB | 元3,500 (RM2,167) | - | - | |
1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) | 元0.47 (RM0.29) | RM0.24 | + 20% | |
1 month of gym membership in business district | 元515 (RM319) | - | - | |
1 package of Marlboro cigarettes | 元15 (RM9) | RM13 | - 33% | |
TOTAL | + 17% |

These prices were last updated on April 21, 2018.
Exchange rate:
0.619
MYR
/
CNY
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Cost of living in Xiamen (China) is 17% more expensive than in Alor Star (Malaysia)
For example, you would need at least RM4,227
(元6,826)
in Xiamen
to maintain the same standard of living that you can have with
RM3,600
in Alor Star.
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