Cost of Living in Johor Bahru, Malaysia

Are you considering a move to Johor Bahru, Malaysia, and wondering about the cost of living? Johor Bahru is a diverse city with a lot to offer, but like any city, it comes with its own set of expenses. In this page, we'll break down the cost of living in Johor Bahru and help you understand whether $1207 per month is moderately priced, given the average monthly salary of $813.62.

Restaurants
Markets
Transportation
Childcare
Clothing
Rent Per Month
Buy Apartment
Salaries
Johor Bahru, Malaysia
restaurant

Restaurants

Price

World Range

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

2.58 $

Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course

17.17 $

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

3.65 $

Domestic Beer (1 pint draught)

3.22 $

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

4.72 $

Cappuccino (regular)

2.65 $

Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle)

0.65 $

Water (12 oz small bottle)

0.43 $

store

Markets

Price

World Range

Milk (regular), (1 gallon)

1.44 $

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb)

0.75 $

Rice (white), (1 lb)

1.25 $

Eggs (regular) (12)

1.62 $

Local Cheese (1 lb)

15.24 $

Chicken Fillets (1 lb)

4.75 $

Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)

9.22 $

Apples (1 lb)

2.33 $

Banana (1 lb)

1.29 $

Oranges (1 lb)

3.21 $

Tomato (1 lb)

0.99 $

Potato (1 lb)

0.73 $

Onion (1 lb)

1.01 $

Lettuce (1 head)

1.05 $

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

0.58 $

Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)

12.88 $

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

3.03 $

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

3.3 $

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)

3.86 $

commute

Transportation

Price

World Range

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

0.64 $

Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

10.73 $

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

0.97 $

Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff)

0.64 $

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

3.54 $

Gasoline (1 gallon)

0.44 $

Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)

31852.19 $

Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)

28038.13 $

mark_as_unread

Utilities (Monthly)

Price

World Range

Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment

44.27 $

1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans)

--

Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)

23.35 $

kitesurfing

Sports And Leisure

Price

World Range

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult

24.85 $

Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)

4.83 $

Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat

4.29 $

child_friendly

Childcare

Price

World Range

Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child

170.85 $

International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child

5476.6 $

checkroom

Clothing And Shoes

Price

World Range

1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

59.04 $

1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)

24.69 $

1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)

64.41 $

1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes

45.62 $

night_shelter

Rent Per Month

Price

World Range

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

306.69 $

Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre

229.0 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre

475.88 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre

339.92 $

home

Buy Apartment Price

Price

World Range

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre

1429.57 $

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre

745.5 $

account_balance_wallet

Salaries And Financing

Price

World Range

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

813.62 $

Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate

3.74 %

Cost of Living in Johor Bahru, Malaysia

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the monthly cost of living in Johor Bahru?

The monthly expenses for living in Johor Bahru come to a total of approximately $1207. This includes an average monthly rent of around $306 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, along with utilities costing about $55 per month. Additionally, other expenses such as groceries, transportation, dining out, and leisure activities for one person amount to approximately $483 per month.

How affordable is living in Johor Bahru?

Living in Johor Bahru appears to be relatively budget-friendly when considering the average monthly income of $813.62. However, to enjoy a comfortable standard of living in Johor Bahru, you would likely need an income exceeding $813.62.

What is the average salary in Johor Bahru?

In Johor Bahru, the average monthly post-tax salary hovers around $813.62, and it isn't tied to any particular skillset or qualification.

What is the average rent in Johor Bahru?

The typical monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the central area of Johor Bahru is approximately $306. If you're open to living in a location outside the city center, you can expect to pay around $229.0 for such an apartment.

What is the cost of groceries in Johor Bahru?

The expense for groceries in Johor Bahru can fluctuate based on personal choices and shopping patterns. Typically, an individual can budget around $417 per month for groceries. Nevertheless, the actual costs may change depending on various factors, including the specific items bought, the choice of stores, and the availability of discounts or special offers.

What is the cost of living in Malaysia?

The cost of living in Malaysia can vary significantly depending on the particular city you have in mind. Using a nationwide average might not provide accurate information. To get a more precise understanding, it's crucial to examine the cost of living in various cities throughout Malaysia.

Johor Bahru, Malaysia

How Safe Is Johor Bahru, Malaysia for Travel?
Warnings & Dangers in Johor Bahru, Malaysia

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

The city has an average crime rate. Remote areas from the center are not particularly safe. Walking around the city at night is not recommended, and it is also better to move in groups. Original documents and valuables are best kept in the hotel safe. Keep track of your bags, and do not leave them unattended.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM

Public transport is not particularly safe, and often there are many pickpockets. Watch out for the BLUE taxis; they are meant for tourists, extraordinarily overpriced, and will actively approach you if they think you look foreign enough. Stick to the standard RED taxis. Insist on using the meter, or offer a small tip (around 5 RM) on top of the meter price before stepping in.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH

There are many pickpockets and often they work in places crowded with tourists or in public transport. Avoid crowded places. Hold your backpack or bag tightly at crossroads and streets - they are often snatched from the hands of thieves passing by.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

Johor Bahru is often affected by natural disasters such as floods, landslides, haze, earthquakes, and other man-made disasters, as well as some rare cases of droughts and tsunami. Explore the surroundings before your trip here.

MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM

Grave armed robberies occur here in areas remote from the city center. Tourists are often victims of such crimes. Although if you do not shine with precious things and do not carry large amounts of money with you, you are unlikely to attract attention.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Malaysia. Attacks could happen anywhere, including in places visited by foreigners. Be vigilant, monitor local media, and follow the advice of the local authorities.

SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM

Beware of Scratch and Win Scams. Victims are given reward tickets to scratch/tear/peel off on the spot to see if they win prizes. In these cases, victims would be informed that they had won awards in foreign lottery or lucky draws. The scammers would ask victims to make advance payment if they wanted to claim their prizes. They would even offer victims car rides to withdraw the vast sums of money, reported a local news source. After this, victims would realize that the prizes never existed or were of lower value than previously promised.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM

Women are better off walking in the company and not attract too much-unwanted attention. Dress modestly and don't stay in bars late at night. In the daytime, you can walk around the city even by yourself.

Useful Information & Tips
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Visas

Visitors to Malaysia must obtain a visa from one of the Malaysian diplomatic missions unless they are a citizen of one of the visa-exempt countries. All visitors must hold a passport valid for at least six months.

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Currency

The Malaysian ringgit is the currency of Malaysia. It is divided into 100 sen (cents). It has a symbol: RM and currency code: MYR. The word ringgit is an obsolete term for "jagged" in Malay and was initially used to refer to the serrated edges of silver Spanish dollars, which circulated widely in the area during the 16th and 17th-century Portuguese colonial era.

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Weather

The best times to visit Johor Bahru for ideal weather are April to October. Average temperatures in Johor Bahru vary barely at all, and the weather feels hot all year with a little chance of rain throughout the year.

flight_takeoff

Airports

Senai International Airport, formerly known as Sultan Ismail International Airport is an international airport in the town of Senai, Kulai District, Johor, Malaysia serving Johor Bahru and the southernmost region of Peninsular Malaysia. The airport is located approximately 32 km north-west of the Johor Bahru city center.

health_and_safety

Travel Insurance

The travel insurance policy is a must when visiting a foreign country. Make sure you got it before starting your journey, the customs officer may ask for it.

Johor Bahru, Malaysia

What about weather in Johor Bahru, Malaysia ?
Average Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
High 87°F 88°F 89°F 90°F 89°F 89°F 88°F 88°F 88°F 88°F 87°F 86°F
Temp 80°F 81°F 82°F 82°F 82°F 83°F 82°F 82°F 81°F 81°F 80°F 80°F
Low 75°F 76°F 76°F 77°F 77°F 77°F 77°F 77°F 76°F 76°F 76°F 76°F
Average Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
High 30°C 31°C 31°C 32°C 31°C 31°C 31°C 31°C 31°C 31°C 30°C 30°C
Temp 26°C 27°C 27°C 27°C 27°C 28°C 27°C 27°C 27°C 27°C 26°C 26°C
Low 23°C 24°C 24°C 25°C 25°C 25°C 25°C 25°C 24°C 24°C 24°C 24°C

Comparison Cost of living in other cities in Malaysia with Johor Bahru

Comparison Cost of living in other cities

Cost of living in countries