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Cost of Living in Melaka

Melaka, Melaka, Malaysia · Population 455,300

▲ +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 Melaka

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 Melaka 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 Melaka

Melaka vs Kuala LumpurMelaka vs KlangMelaka vs IpohMelaka vs Taman RiaMelaka vs Seberang JayaMelaka vs Johor Bahru

Nearby Cities

Kampung Bukit Baharu

4 km away · Melaka

Kampung Ayer Keroh

10 km away · Melaka

Alor Gajah

14 km away · Melaka

Jasin

24 km away · Melaka

Tangkak

34 km away · Johor

Muar

38 km away · Johor

Bukit Gambir

46 km away · Johor

Port Dickson

62 km away · Negeri Sembilan

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 Melaka

Melaka 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 Melaka 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 Melaka expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated RM2,322 ($494) per month in Melaka 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 Melaka?
A net salary of around RM3,019 ($642) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Melaka with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Melaka is RM4,484 ($954).
How much is rent in Melaka?
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 Melaka cheaper than Malaysia on average?
No — Melaka is estimated to be about 0% more expensive than the Malaysia average, mainly due to housing demand.
What is the cost of groceries in Melaka?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at RM542 ($115) in Melaka. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about RM24 ($5) and a cappuccino runs around RM7 ($2).
How do transport costs in Melaka compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Melaka is estimated at RM88 ($19). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Melaka are estimates based on Malaysia national averages adjusted for city size (population 455,300). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.