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Cost of Living in Lawas

Lawas, Sarawak, Malaysia · Population 46,200

▼ -16% vs Malaysia average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)RM1,947 ($414)
Couple, monthlyRM3,472 ($739)
Family of four, monthlyRM4,506 ($959)

Estimated Prices in Lawas

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurantRM20.30 ($4.32)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-rangeRM81.22 ($17.28)per meal
CappuccinoRM6.09 ($1.30)each
Monthly groceries (single person)RM460 ($97.92)per month
Monthly public transport passRM74.45 ($15.84)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartmentRM196 ($41.76)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)RM56.85 ($12.10)per month
Fitness club membershipRM56.85 ($12.10)per month
Cinema ticketRM14.89 ($3.17)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centreRM853 ($181)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centreRM593 ($126)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centreRM1,780 ($379)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Lawas is RM3,807 ($810) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of RM1,947 ($414) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly RM2,531 ($539) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre (RM593 ($126)) represents about 30% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Lawas

Lawas vs Kuala LumpurLawas vs KlangLawas vs IpohLawas vs Taman RiaLawas vs Seberang JayaLawas vs Johor Bahru

Nearby Cities

Limbang

44 km away · Sarawak

Labuan

56 km away · Labuan

Beaufort

68 km away · Sabah

Membakut

84 km away · Sabah

Bongawan

93 km away · Sabah

Keningau

101 km away · Sabah

Marudi

140 km away · Sarawak

Kota Kinabalu

147 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 Lawas

Lawas is one of the key cities in Malaysia. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is RM1,947 ($414), placing it below the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around RM593 ($126) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to RM4,506 ($959) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately RM3,472 ($739) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Lawas is RM3,807 ($810). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least RM2,531 ($539) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lawas expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated RM1,947 ($414) per month in Lawas including rent outside the city centre. That is 16% less than the national average for Malaysia.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Lawas?
A net salary of around RM2,531 ($539) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Lawas with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Lawas is RM3,807 ($810).
How much is rent in Lawas?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated RM853 ($181) per month in the city centre and RM593 ($126) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about RM1,780 ($379).
Is Lawas cheaper than Malaysia on average?
Yes — Lawas is estimated to be about 16% cheaper than the Malaysia average, making it a relatively affordable option in the country.
What is the cost of groceries in Lawas?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at RM460 ($98) in Lawas. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about RM20 ($4) and a cappuccino runs around RM6 ($1).
How do transport costs in Lawas compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Lawas is estimated at RM74 ($16). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Lawas are estimates based on Malaysia national averages adjusted for city size (population 46,200). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.