MalaysiaGlobal Rank #1

Kota Kinabalu

Comprehensive Cost of Living & Quality of Life Data

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Monthly Cost (Est.)
$874
in USD
1-Bed Rent (Center)
$430
in USD
Internet Speed
89 Mbps
Average Broadband
Safety Score
79 / 100
Based on Numbeo Index
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Cost of Living Breakdown

Rent (Outside Center)
$189.23 USD
Groceries (Monthly)
$250 USD
Utilities (Monthly)
$69.1 USD
Internet (Monthly)
$27.43 USD
Restaurant Meal
$3.66 USD
Transportation (Monthly)
$42.46 USD
Cappuccino
$2.64 USD

Local Earning Power

How much do locals make after tax?

$584
USD / month

Granular Costs

1L Milk
$1.45 USD
Cappuccino
$2.64 USD
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$13.75 USD
Coworking Day Pass
$6.45 USD

Must-Have Local Apps

UberWhatsAppGoogle MapsTripadvisorAirbnb

Top Coworking Spaces

Impact Hub Kota Kinabalu
250 Mbps
$6.45
/ day
Co-Work Kota Kinabalu
200 Mbps
$5.16
/ day
Kota Kinabalu Tech Hub
200 Mbps
$7.74
/ day

Healthcare

English Speaking
Limited
Recommended Hospitals
  • Kota Kinabalu Central Medical
  • Kota Kinabalu Memorial Hospital

Nomad Reviews

Based on recent community feedback

A
Alex M.
2 weeks ago

Absolutely loved my 3 months in Kota Kinabalu. The internet was more reliable than I expected, and the cafe culture is incredible. Highly recommend the central area if you rely on coworking spaces.

Fast WifiGreat Coffee
S
Sarah K.
1 month ago

Great value for money. Rent has gone up recently compared to last year, but food remains extremely affordable. Traffic can be an issue during rush hour.

AffordableTraffic
D
David R.
3 months ago

Good destination but getting a bit crowded with expats. Safety is generally not a concern, but always be aware of your surroundings at night.

Crowded

Livability Score

86.5

This is a proprietary weighted index considering safety, internet, air quality, and local purchasing power.