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Cost of Living in Lahad Datu

Lahad Datu, Sabah, Malaysia · Population 199,830

▼ -6% vs Malaysia average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)RM2,181 ($464)
Couple, monthlyRM3,894 ($829)
Family of four, monthlyRM5,059 ($1,076)

Estimated Prices in Lahad Datu

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurantRM22.56 ($4.80)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-rangeRM90.24 ($19.20)per meal
CappuccinoRM6.77 ($1.44)each
Monthly groceries (single person)RM511 ($109)per month
Monthly public transport passRM82.72 ($17.60)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartmentRM218 ($46.40)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)RM63.17 ($13.44)per month
Fitness club membershipRM63.17 ($13.44)per month
Cinema ticketRM16.54 ($3.52)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centreRM973 ($207)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centreRM677 ($144)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centreRM2,030 ($432)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Lahad Datu is RM4,230 ($900) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of RM2,181 ($464) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly RM2,835 ($603) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre (RM677 ($144)) represents about 31% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Lahad Datu

Lahad Datu vs Kuala LumpurLahad Datu vs KlangLahad Datu vs IpohLahad Datu vs Taman RiaLahad Datu vs Seberang JayaLahad Datu vs Johor Bahru

Nearby Cities

Sandakan

93 km away · Sabah

Tawau

100 km away · Sabah

Kampung Kundassang

223 km away · Sabah

Keningau

244 km away · Sabah

Kudat

265 km away · Sabah

Tuaran

266 km away · Sabah

Kota Kinabalu

272 km away · Sabah

Bongawan

281 km away · Sabah

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 Lahad Datu

Lahad Datu is one of the key cities in Malaysia. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is RM2,181 ($464), placing it below the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around RM677 ($144) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to RM5,059 ($1,076) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately RM3,894 ($829) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Lahad Datu is RM4,230 ($900). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least RM2,835 ($603) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lahad Datu expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated RM2,181 ($464) per month in Lahad Datu including rent outside the city centre. That is 6% less than the national average for Malaysia.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Lahad Datu?
A net salary of around RM2,835 ($603) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Lahad Datu with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Lahad Datu is RM4,230 ($900).
How much is rent in Lahad Datu?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated RM973 ($207) per month in the city centre and RM677 ($144) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about RM2,030 ($432).
Is Lahad Datu cheaper than Malaysia on average?
Yes — Lahad Datu is estimated to be about 6% cheaper than the Malaysia average, making it a relatively affordable option in the country.
What is the cost of groceries in Lahad Datu?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at RM511 ($109) in Lahad Datu. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about RM23 ($5) and a cappuccino runs around RM7 ($1).
How do transport costs in Lahad Datu compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Lahad Datu is estimated at RM83 ($18). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Lahad Datu are estimates based on Malaysia national averages adjusted for city size (population 199,830). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.