Cost of living in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

Summary of cost of living in Kota Kinabalu

  • Family of four estimated monthly costs: RM9,226
  • Single person estimated monthly costs: RM3,917
    • 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 Jul 2025.

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Food Update prices
Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district RM21
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 RM12
1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes RM8
500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese RM28
1 kg (2 lb.) of apples RM9
1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes RM5.23
0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket RM11
1 bottle of red table wine, good quality RM147
2 liters of coca-cola RM4.89
Bread for 2 people for 1 day RM3.59
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Housing Update prices
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area RM2,760
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area RM1,631
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat RM257
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area RM1,723
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area RM1,046
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio RM164
Internet 8 mbps (1 month) RM115
40” flat screen tv RM1,737
Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) RM584
Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) RM30
Hourly rate for cleaning help RM25
Clothes Update prices
1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) RM295
1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) RM114
1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands) RM289
1 pair of men’s leather business shoes RM331
Transportation Update prices
Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new RM160,078
1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas RM2.39
Monthly ticket public transport RM117
Taxi trip on a business day, basic tariff, 8 km. (5 miles) RM47
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Personal Care Update prices
Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands) RM14
1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) RM22
Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) RM78
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 RM46
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 RM1,865
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 35 prices entered by less than 5 different people.
Latest price update: July 18, 2025

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Prices recently added

  • Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new in Montreal costs C$45,024 (about 4 hours ago)
  • Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district in Victoria costs C$45 (about 5 hours ago)
  • 12 eggs, large in Buenos Aires costs ARS $2,500 (about 7 hours ago)
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  • 1 us gal of gasoline in Toronto costs C$2.64 (about 8 hours ago)
  • Monthly rent - 45 m2 furnished studio in expensive area in Córdoba costs ARS $350,000 (about 8 hours ago)

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