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Cost of Living in Shah Alam

Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia · Population 584,340

▲ +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 Shah Alam

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 Shah Alam 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 Shah Alam

Shah Alam vs Kuala LumpurShah Alam vs KlangShah Alam vs IpohShah Alam vs Taman RiaShah Alam vs Seberang JayaShah Alam vs Johor Bahru

Nearby Cities

Petaling Jaya

9 km away · Selangor

Klang

11 km away · Selangor

Kuala Lumpur

19 km away · Kuala Lumpur

Putrajaya

24 km away · Putrajaya

Kajang

30 km away · Selangor

Kampung Baharu Nilai

42 km away · Negeri Sembilan

Seremban

60 km away · Negeri Sembilan

Port Dickson

70 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 Shah Alam

Shah Alam 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 Shah Alam 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 Shah Alam expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated RM2,322 ($494) per month in Shah Alam 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 Shah Alam?
A net salary of around RM3,019 ($642) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Shah Alam with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Shah Alam is RM4,484 ($954).
How much is rent in Shah Alam?
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 Shah Alam cheaper than Malaysia on average?
No — Shah Alam is estimated to be about 0% more expensive than the Malaysia average, mainly due to housing demand.
What is the cost of groceries in Shah Alam?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at RM542 ($115) in Shah Alam. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about RM24 ($5) and a cappuccino runs around RM7 ($2).
How do transport costs in Shah Alam compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Shah Alam is estimated at RM88 ($19). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Shah Alam are estimates based on Malaysia national averages adjusted for city size (population 584,340). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.