Cost of living in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

Summary of cost of living in Kota Kinabalu

  • Family of four estimated monthly costs: $2,023 (RM8,957)
  • Single person estimated monthly costs: $862 (RM3,818)
    • 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 2023.

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Exchange rate: 0.22583 USD / MYR
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Food Update prices
MYR USD
Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district RM17 ($3.88)
Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) RM16 ($3.71)
500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast RM11 ($2.47)
1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk RM8 ($1.74)
12 eggs, large RM8 ($1.85)
1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes RM8 ($1.85)
500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese RM26 ($5.90)
1 kg (2 lb.) of apples RM8 ($1.91)
1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes RM6 ($1.43)
0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket RM11 ($2.57)
1 bottle of red table wine, good quality RM109 ($25)
2 liters of coca-cola RM4.55 ($1.03)
Bread for 2 people for 1 day RM3.18 ($0.72)
Expatistan is a collaborative effort. The data gets better with every new price that you enter.
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Housing Update prices
MYR USD
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area RM2,505 ($566)
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area RM1,780 ($402)
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat RM197 ($45)
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area RM1,411 ($319)
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area RM902 ($204)
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio RM196 ($44)
Internet 8 mbps (1 month) RM125 ($28)
40” flat screen tv RM1,828 ($413)
Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) RM623 ($141)
Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) RM29 ($7)
Hourly rate for cleaning help RM16 ($3.52)
Clothes Update prices
MYR USD
1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) RM291 ($66)
1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) RM139 ($31)
1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands) RM294 ($66)
1 pair of men’s leather business shoes RM319 ($72)
Transportation Update prices
MYR USD
Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new RM157,853 ($35,649)
1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas RM2.52 ($0.57)
Monthly ticket public transport RM117 ($26)
Taxi trip on a business day, basic tariff, 8 km. (5 miles) RM44 ($10)
Expatistan is a collaborative effort. The data gets better with every new price that you enter.
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Personal Care Update prices
MYR USD
Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands) RM12 ($2.69)
1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) RM20 ($4.45)
Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) RM79 ($18)
1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, ...) RM34 ($8)
Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) RM7 ($1.61)
Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) RM12 ($2.74)
4 rolls of toilet paper RM5.06 ($1.14)
Tube of toothpaste RM7 ($1.61)
Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city RM39 ($9)
Entertainment Update prices
MYR USD
Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub RM61 ($14)
2 tickets to the movies RM26 ($5.95)
2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) RM70 ($16)
Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert RM114 ($26)
1 cocktail drink in downtown club RM26 ($5.95)
Cappuccino in expat area of the city RM12 ($2.80)
1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) RM16 ($3.53)
Ipad wi-fi 128gb RM1,762 ($398)
1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) RM0.27 ($0.06)
1 month of gym membership in business district RM180 ($41)
1 package of marlboro cigarettes RM17 ($3.74)
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 25, 2023

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