Kota Bharu, Malaysia, Malaysia — cost of living
Wikipedia · Kota Bharu

Kota Bharu, Malaysia

Trust 46
Country
Malaysia
63
Relocation
Kota Bharu, Malaysia

About Kota Bharu, Malaysia

Costs exclude rent
Single / month
$289
Family of 4 / mo
$723
Avg salary (after tax)
$460

Kota Bharu is a charming city located in the northeast of Malaysia , in the state of Kelantan. This city is known for its rich culture and traditions, making it a great place to experience local Malay life. Visitors can explore colorful markets, where they can find delicious street food, handmade crafts, and beautiful textiles.

Data aggregated from public cost-of-living sources. See About for methodology.· Wikipedia · Kota Bharu· Updated May 22, 2026

Cost breakdown by category

Cost breakdown

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Fashion

  • Men's Dress ShoesUSD $59.62
  • Classic Jeans (e.g., Levi's 501)USD $40.06
  • Summer Dress from Chain Stores (e.g., Zara, H&M)USD $20.45
  • Midrange Nike Running ShoesUSD $55.39

Financial

  • Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed)USD $0.85
  • Average Monthly Salary After TaxUSD $383.52

Food - Beverages

  • Soft Drinks (350 ml Bottle)USD $0.61
  • Imported Beer (Small Bottle)USD $3.83
  • Local Draft Beer (Pint)USD $3.83
  • Bottled Water (350 ml)USD $0.41
  • CappuccinoUSD $2.31

Food - Dining

  • Casual Dining ExperienceUSD $2.69
  • Upscale Dinner for TwoUSD $12.78
  • Fast Food ComboUSD $3.83

Food - Grocery

  • Beef Round (1 kg)USD $6.75
  • Apples (1 kg)USD $1.53
  • Bananas (1 kg)USD $1.26
  • Oranges (1 kg)USD $1.41
  • Tomatoes (1 kg)USD $0.77
  • Potatoes (1 kg)USD $0.64
  • Onions (1 kg)USD $0.99
  • Lettuce (1 Head)USD $0.76
  • Bottled Water (1.5L)USD $0.47
  • Midrange Bottle of WineUSD $15.34
  • Marlboro (20-Pack)USD $2.97
  • Chicken Fillets (1 kg)USD $2.55
  • Local Cheese (1 kg)USD $12.25
  • Dozen EggsUSD $1.06
  • White Rice (1 kg)USD $0.77
  • Fresh White Bread (1 kg)USD $1.48
  • Milk (1 litre)USD $1.56

Housing

  • Average Cost per Square Foot for Apartments in City CenterUSD $86.32
  • Average Rent of 1-Bedroom Apartment in City CenterUSD $255.69
  • Average Rent of 1-Bedroom Apartment Outside City CenterUSD $178.98
  • Average Rent of 3-Bedroom Apartment in City CenterUSD $767.06
  • Average Rent of 3-Bedroom Apartment Outside City CenterUSD $383.52
  • Average Cost per Square Foot for Apartments Outside City CenterUSD $59.39

Leisure

  • Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend)USD $1.02
  • Cinema Ticket (International Release)USD $3.07
  • Monthly Fee for Fitness Club Membership (1 Adult)USD $12.78
  • Monthly Fee for Private Kindergarten (1 Child)USD $63.92
  • Yearly Cost for International Primary School (1 Child)USD $4,475

Transportation

  • Average Taxi Fare for 1 kmUSD $1.24
  • Average Rate to Start a Taxi RideUSD $1.02
  • One-Way Local Transport FareUSD $0.51
  • Average Price of a New Sedan CarUSD $28,978
  • Average Price of a New Compact Hatchback CarUSD $23,012
  • 1 Hour Taxi WaitUSD $3.83

Utilities (Monthly)

  • Internet Service (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited)USD $28.89
  • Average Monthly Cost for Essential Utilities in a 915 sq. ft. ApartmentUSD $48.71

Costs reflect a typical lifestyle in each place, excluding rent unless stated. Numbers are a starting point — always cross-check before big decisions.

  • Single / Family of 4 toggle. Family ≈ 2.7× single when no verified figure exists.
  • Estimated values use a ~ prefix and an "Estimated" label.
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How we calculate these numbers

When local data is missing (e.g. salary for a smaller city), we estimate from peer cities in the same country using a median ratio.

Full methodology, assumptions, and formulas live on our About page.