Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia · Population 452,058
▲ +0% vs Malaysia average
| Expense | Estimated cost | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Meal at an inexpensive restaurant | RM23.91 ($5.09) | per meal |
| Three-course meal for two, mid-range | RM95.65 ($20.35) | per meal |
| Cappuccino | RM7.17 ($1.53) | each |
| Monthly groceries (single person) | RM542 ($115) | per month |
| Monthly public transport pass | RM87.68 ($18.66) | per month |
| Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment | RM231 ($49.18) | per month |
| Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited) | RM66.96 ($14.25) | per month |
| Fitness club membership | RM66.96 ($14.25) | per month |
| Cinema ticket | RM17.54 ($3.73) | each |
| One-bedroom apartment in city centre | RM1,046 ($223) | per month |
| One-bedroom apartment outside centre | RM728 ($155) | per month |
| Three-bedroom apartment in city centre | RM2,184 ($465) | per month |
The estimated average net salary in Kota Kinabalu 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.
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RM2,322 ($494) / moKota Kinabalu 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 Kinabalu 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.