Johor Bahru
Malaysia · Asia
$1,050
Monthly Cost
avg/person
34
Cost Index
NYC=100
28
Rent Index
NYC=100
72
Quality of Life
Good
58
Safety Index
Moderate
0.5M
Population
MYR
Quality Indices
Currency
Data collected from contributors and public sources. Updated monthly. Prices are indicative.
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Meal (inexpensive) | $2.5 |
| Meal for 2 (mid-range) | $12 |
| McMeal at McDonald's | $3.5 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | $3.5 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | $4.5 |
| Cappuccino | $2.5 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33L) | $0.85 |
| Water (0.33L) | $0.42 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | $1.1 |
| Bread (500g) | $0.72 |
| Rice (1kg) | $0.72 |
| Eggs (12) | $1.3 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $2.7 |
| Beef (1kg) | $6.2 |
| Apples (1kg) | $2.2 |
| Banana (1kg) | $0.72 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $1.05 |
| Potato (1kg) | $0.88 |
| Onion (1kg) | $0.88 |
| Water (1.5L) | $0.42 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $0.5 |
| Monthly Pass | $23 |
| Taxi 1km | $0.42 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $0.5 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $36500 |
| Toyota Corolla | $26500 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $62 |
| Mobile Plan | $14 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $22 |
| Fitness Club/month | $30 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $480/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $295/mo |
| 3BR Center | $1,100/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $660/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $2,500/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $1,250/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $1050 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 4% |
Cost of Living in Johor Bahru — Complete Guide (2026)
Monthly Budget Overview
The average cost of living in Johor Bahru, Malaysia is approximately $1,050 per month for a single person. This includes rent, groceries, local transport, and utilities. Compared to New York City (index 100), Johor Bahru has a cost index of 34, making it around 66% more affordable.
Rent and Housing
Renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center in Johor Bahru costs around $295/month, while a one-bedroom in the center is approximately $480/month. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $1,100/month. The rent index is 28 compared to New York City.
Quality of Life and Safety
Johor Bahru scores 72/100 on the quality of life index and 58/100 on safety. Healthcare is rated 72/100. The climate index is 56/100. These scores are based on factors including infrastructure, pollution levels, healthcare access, and crime rates reported by residents and contributors.
Salaries and Purchasing Power
The average net salary in Johor Bahru is approximately $1,050/month. With a purchasing power index of 58/100, residents can cover basic expenses and save modestly. The local currency is MYR, though all prices on this page are displayed in USD for easy international comparison.
How does Johor Bahru compare to other cities?
Johor Bahru is located in Asia with a population of approximately 0.5M. At a cost index of 34 (NYC = 100), it is one of the most affordable cities in the world, ideal for budget-conscious expats, remote workers, and retirees. Use the free comparison tool to see how Johor Bahru stacks up against any other city worldwide across rent, groceries, transport, and salaries.