Cost of living in Kuching (Malaysia) is 19% cheaper than in Beijing (China)
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This comparison is lacking data. It provides a decent comparison, but it is not yet reliable. It is based on 57 prices entered by 20 different people.
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| Food | - 6% | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Food in Kuching (Malaysia) is 6% cheaper than in Beijing (China) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| Kuching | Beijing | Diff | ||
| Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district | RM14 (23元) | 47元 | - 51% | |
| Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) | RM15 (25元) | 36元 | - 30% | |
| 500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast | RM9 (15元) | 12元 | + 32% | |
| 1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk | RM7 (11元) | 12元 | - 9% | |
| 12 eggs, large | RM8 (13元) | 17元 | - 25% | |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes | RM5.83 (10元) | 10元 | + 2% | |
| 500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese | RM21 (34元) | 54元 | - 36% | |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of apples | RM10 (17元) | 15元 | + 18% | |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes | RM5.54 (9元) | 6元 | + 51% | |
| 0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket | RM11 (18元) | 6元 | + 195% | |
| 1 bottle of red table wine, good quality | RM70 (116元) | 79元 | + 46% | |
| 2 liters of coca-cola | RM4.09 (7元) | 8元 | - 18% | |
| Bread for 2 people for 1 day | RM3.44 (5.73元) | 10元 | - 43% | |
| Housing | - 41% | |||
| Housing in Kuching (Malaysia) is 41% cheaper than in Beijing (China) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| Kuching | Beijing | Diff | ||
| Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area | RM2,929 (4,880元) | 13,993元 | - 65% | |
| Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area | RM1,548 (2,579元) | 8,120元 | - 68% | |
| Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat | RM242 (403元) | 382元 | + 5% | |
| Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area | RM1,756 (2,926元) | 7,358元 | - 60% | |
| Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area | RM1,047 (1,744元) | 4,126元 | - 58% | |
| Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio | RM136 (226元) | 193元 | + 17% | |
| Internet 8 mbps (1 month) | RM149 (248元) | 91元 | + 174% | |
| 40” flat screen tv | RM2,443 (4,070元) | 1,862元 | + 119% | |
| Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) | RM563 (939元) | 560元 | + 68% | |
| Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) | RM25 (42元) | 34元 | + 24% | |
| Hourly rate for cleaning help | RM28 (46元) | 56元 | - 17% | |
| Clothes | - 12% | |||
| Clothes in Kuching (Malaysia) is 12% cheaper than in Beijing (China) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| Kuching | Beijing | Diff | ||
| 1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) | RM269 (448元) | 441元 | + 2% | |
| 1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) | RM127 (212元) | 252元 | - 16% | |
| 1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands) | RM270 (449元) | 497元 | - 10% | |
| 1 pair of men’s leather business shoes | RM284 (473元) | 797元 | - 41% | |
| Transportation | + 4% | |||
| Transportation in Kuching (Malaysia) is 4% more expensive than in Beijing (China) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| Kuching | Beijing | Diff | ||
| Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new | RM142,475 (237,381元) | 154,765元 | + 53% | |
| 1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas | RM2.38 (3.97元) | 8元 | - 52% | |
| Monthly ticket public transport | RM139 (232元) | 249元 | - 7% | |
| Taxi trip on a business day, basic tariff, 8 km. (5 miles) | RM60 (101元) | 38元 | + 167% | |
| Personal Care | - 39% | |||
| Personal Care in Kuching (Malaysia) is 39% cheaper than in Beijing (China) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| Kuching | Beijing | Diff | ||
| Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands) | RM9 (16元) | 28元 | - 44% | |
| 1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) | RM18 (31元) | 46元 | - 33% | |
| Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) | RM67 (112元) | 242元 | - 54% | |
| 1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, ...) | RM17 (28元) | 43元 | - 35% | |
| Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) | RM12 (19元) | 38元 | - 49% | |
| Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) | RM14 (24元) | 25元 | - 7% | |
| 4 rolls of toilet paper | RM6 (10元) | 10元 | + 10% | |
| Tube of toothpaste | RM6 (10元) | 14元 | - 28% | |
| Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city | RM24 (39元) | 86元 | - 54% | |
| Entertainment | - 19% | |||
| Entertainment in Kuching (Malaysia) is 19% cheaper than in Beijing (China) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| Kuching | Beijing | Diff | ||
| Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub | RM81 (134元) | 239元 | - 44% | |
| 2 tickets to the movies | RM37 (61元) | 120元 | - 49% | |
| 2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) | RM200 (333元) | 951元 | - 65% | |
| Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert | RM156 (261元) | 200元 | + 30% | |
| 1 cocktail drink in downtown club | RM23 (39元) | 73元 | - 47% | |
| Cappuccino in expat area of the city | RM15 (25元) | 28元 | - 11% | |
| 1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) | RM12 (20元) | 10元 | + 87% | |
| Ipad wi-fi 128gb | RM2,157 (3,594元) | 3,423元 | + 5% | |
| 1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) | RM0.29 (0.48元) | 0.41元 | + 17% | |
| 1 month of gym membership in business district | RM128 (213元) | 389元 | - 45% | |
| 1 package of marlboro cigarettes | RM16 (27元) | 20元 | + 34% | |
 |
TOTAL | - 19% | ||
This comparison is lacking data. It provides a decent comparison, but it is not yet reliable. It is based on 57 prices entered by 20 different people.
These prices were last updated on April 27, 2025.
Exchange rate:
1.666
CNY
/
MYR
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For example, to keep the same standard of living that would require 38,000元 in Beijing you would need to make just about 30,959元 (RM18,581) in Kuching.
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