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Cost of Living in Johor Bahru

Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia · Population 797,882

▲ +0% vs Malaysia average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)RM2,322 ($494)
Couple, monthlyRM4,150 ($883)
Family of four, monthlyRM5,395 ($1,148)

Estimated Prices in Johor Bahru

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurantRM23.91 ($5.09)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-rangeRM95.65 ($20.35)per meal
CappuccinoRM7.17 ($1.53)each
Monthly groceries (single person)RM542 ($115)per month
Monthly public transport passRM87.68 ($18.66)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartmentRM231 ($49.18)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)RM66.96 ($14.25)per month
Fitness club membershipRM66.96 ($14.25)per month
Cinema ticketRM17.54 ($3.73)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centreRM1,046 ($223)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centreRM728 ($155)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centreRM2,184 ($465)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Johor Bahru is RM4,484 ($954) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of RM2,322 ($494) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly RM3,019 ($642) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre (RM728 ($155)) represents about 31% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Johor Bahru

Johor Bahru vs Kuala LumpurJohor Bahru vs KlangJohor Bahru vs IpohJohor Bahru vs Taman RiaJohor Bahru vs Seberang JayaJohor Bahru vs George Town

Nearby Cities

Taman Johor Jaya

11 km away · Johor

Pasir Gudang

14 km away · Johor

Kampung Ulu Tiram

17 km away · Johor

Taman Senai

20 km away · Johor

Kulai

30 km away · Johor

Rengam

62 km away · Johor

Simpang Renggam

65 km away · Johor

Kluang

81 km away · Johor

Other Major Cities in Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur · pop. 8,911,000

RM2,895 ($616) / mo

Klang

Selangor · pop. 878,000

RM2,322 ($494) / mo

Ipoh

Perak · pop. 866,772

RM2,322 ($494) / mo

Taman Ria

Perak · pop. 858,118

RM2,322 ($494) / mo

Seberang Jaya

Pulau Pinang · pop. 815,767

RM2,322 ($494) / mo

George Town

Pulau Pinang · pop. 794,313

RM2,322 ($494) / mo

Petaling Jaya

Selangor · pop. 638,516

RM2,322 ($494) / mo

Kuantan

Pahang · pop. 607,778

RM2,322 ($494) / mo

Living in Johor Bahru

Johor Bahru is one of the key cities in Malaysia. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is RM2,322 ($494), placing it above the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around RM728 ($155) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to RM5,395 ($1,148) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately RM4,150 ($883) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Johor Bahru is RM4,484 ($954). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least RM3,019 ($642) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Johor Bahru expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated RM2,322 ($494) per month in Johor Bahru including rent outside the city centre. That is 0% more than the national average for Malaysia.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Johor Bahru?
A net salary of around RM3,019 ($642) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Johor Bahru with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Johor Bahru is RM4,484 ($954).
How much is rent in Johor Bahru?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated RM1,046 ($223) per month in the city centre and RM728 ($155) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about RM2,184 ($465).
Is Johor Bahru cheaper than Malaysia on average?
No — Johor Bahru is estimated to be about 0% more expensive than the Malaysia average, mainly due to housing demand.
What is the cost of groceries in Johor Bahru?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at RM542 ($115) in Johor Bahru. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about RM24 ($5) and a cappuccino runs around RM7 ($2).
How do transport costs in Johor Bahru compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Johor Bahru is estimated at RM88 ($19). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Johor Bahru are estimates based on Malaysia national averages adjusted for city size (population 797,882). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.