Cost of living in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

Summary of cost of living in Kota Kinabalu

  • Family of four estimated monthly costs: RM9,083
  • Single person estimated monthly costs: RM3,847
  • WARNING!  These estimates are based on data that may have some inconsistencies at the moment. They already provide a decent estimate but they are not currently bullet-proof.

List of prices in Kota Kinabalu
Current as of Mar 2024.

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Food Update prices
Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district RM18
Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) RM19
500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast RM11
1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk RM8
12 eggs, large RM13
1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes RM8
500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese RM26
1 kg (2 lb.) of apples RM8
1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes RM6
0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket RM11
1 bottle of red table wine, good quality RM109
2 liters of coca-cola RM4.55
Bread for 2 people for 1 day RM3.18
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Housing Update prices
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area RM2,505
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area RM1,780
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat RM197
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area RM1,411
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area RM902
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio RM196
Internet 8 mbps (1 month) RM125
40” flat screen tv RM1,828
Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) RM623
Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) RM29
Hourly rate for cleaning help RM16
Clothes Update prices
1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) RM291
1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) RM139
1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands) RM294
1 pair of men’s leather business shoes RM319
Transportation Update prices
Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new RM157,853
1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas RM2.52
Monthly ticket public transport RM117
Taxi trip on a business day, basic tariff, 8 km. (5 miles) RM44
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Personal Care Update prices
Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands) RM12
1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) RM20
Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) RM79
1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, ...) RM34
Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) RM7
Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) RM12
4 rolls of toilet paper RM5.06
Tube of toothpaste RM7
Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city RM39
Entertainment Update prices
Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub RM61
2 tickets to the movies RM26
2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) RM70
Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert RM114
1 cocktail drink in downtown club RM26
Cappuccino in expat area of the city RM12
1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) RM16
Ipad wi-fi 128gb RM1,904
1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) RM0.27
1 month of gym membership in business district RM180
1 package of marlboro cigarettes RM17
Some of these prices have some inconsistencies. They already provide a reliable comparison but they are not bullet-proof. They are based on less than 10 prices entered by less than 5 different people.
Latest price update: March 19, 2024

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