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Cost of Living in Kota Bharu

Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia · Population 491,237

▲ +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 Kota Bharu

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 Kota Bharu 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 Kota Bharu

Kota Bharu vs Kuala LumpurKota Bharu vs KlangKota Bharu vs IpohKota Bharu vs Taman RiaKota Bharu vs Seberang JayaKota Bharu vs Johor Bahru

Nearby Cities

Tumpat

11 km away · Kelantan

Machang

42 km away · Kelantan

Kuala Terengganu

133 km away · Terengganu

Sungai Petani

202 km away · Kedah

Cameron Highlands

205 km away · Pahang

Alor Setar

208 km away · Kedah

Taman Ria

209 km away · Perak

Ipoh

215 km away · Perak

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

Johor Bahru

Johor · pop. 797,882

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

Living in Kota Bharu

Kota Bharu 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 Kota Bharu 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 Kota Bharu expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated RM2,322 ($494) per month in Kota Bharu 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 Kota Bharu?
A net salary of around RM3,019 ($642) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Kota Bharu with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Kota Bharu is RM4,484 ($954).
How much is rent in Kota Bharu?
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 Kota Bharu cheaper than Malaysia on average?
No — Kota Bharu is estimated to be about 0% more expensive than the Malaysia average, mainly due to housing demand.
What is the cost of groceries in Kota Bharu?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at RM542 ($115) in Kota Bharu. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about RM24 ($5) and a cappuccino runs around RM7 ($2).
How do transport costs in Kota Bharu compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Kota Bharu is estimated at RM88 ($19). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Kota Bharu are estimates based on Malaysia national averages adjusted for city size (population 491,237). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.