Cost Of Living in Kota Kinabalu 2024

Average monthly spending for singles, couples, students, and families in Kota Kinabalu

Whether you're living in Kota Kinabalu or planning to move there, it is very important to know the cost of living and the prices of things. Here we list the average spending for the four main population groups.

Average Monthly Expenditure

7,600 MYR

per month
$1,600

580 MYR   $120
$16,000   76,000 MYR

Single

5,200 MYR

per month
$1,100

1,700 MYR   $370
$7,400   35,000 MYR

Couple

8,700 MYR

per month
$1,800

2,900 MYR   $610
$9,800   46,000 MYR

Family

12,000 MYR

per month
$2,500

4,100 MYR   $860
$14,000   64,000 MYR

Student

3,500 MYR

per month
$750

1,400 MYR   $300
$1,300   6,400 MYR
The figures displayed here are inclusive of everything: housing, travel, groceries, healthcare, etc.

Singles

The average monthly expense for a single person living in Kota Kinabalu is 5,200 MYR. Expenses can range from 1,700 MYR at the minimum level to 35,000 MYR at the highest end.


Couples

The average monthly spending of couples in Kota Kinabalu is 8,700 MYR. Expenditure can range from 2,900 MYR to 46,000 MYR per month.


Families

The average cost of living for families in Kota Kinabalu is 12,000 MYR per month. Families spend anywhere from 4,100 MYR to 64,000 MYR.


Students

The average monthly expenditure for students in Kota Kinabalu is 3,500 MYR. Students spend from 1,400 MYR to 6,400 MYR per month.


Spending behavior can change drastically from one person to another. It is best to consider the minimum, average, and maximum spending together.

Prices and cost of goods and services in Kota Kinabalu


Dining, food, and beverages costs


Large bottle of water
0.93 MYR 1.1 MYR 1.2 MYR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.20 $0.22 $0.26
Fast food combo meal
7.9 MYR 16 MYR 26 MYR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.7 $3.3 $5.5
Restaurant meal for one
26 MYR 39 MYR 79 MYR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.5 $8.3 $17
Fine dining meal for one
53 MYR 79 MYR 320 MYR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$11 $17 $67
Soda or Soft Drink
1.1 MYR 1.3 MYR 1.6 MYR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.24 $0.28 $0.33
Cappuccino or latte
6.6 MYR 11 MYR 16 MYR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.4 $2.2 $3.3

Grocery and market costs


Milk large bottle
5.3 MYR 6.3 MYR 7.9 MYR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.1 $1.3 $1.7
Loaf of bread
0.95 MYR 1.1 MYR 1.3 MYR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.20 $0.23 $0.26
12 eggs
3.9 MYR 5.3 MYR 7.9 MYR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.83 $1.1 $1.7
Fresh whole chicken
9 MYR 12 MYR 16 MYR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.9 $2.4 $3.5
Beef 1 kg or 1 lb
11 MYR 16 MYR 32 MYR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.2 $3.3 $6.7
Rice 1 kg or 1 lb
4.2 MYR 5.8 MYR 8.2 MYR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.89 $1.2 $1.7
Tomato 1 kg or 1 lb
1.6 MYR 2.1 MYR 3.9 MYR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.33 $0.44 $0.83
Apples 1 kg or 1 lb
2.8 MYR 3.7 MYR 6.1 MYR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.59 $0.78 $1.3

Commute, travel, and transportation costs


20 minutes taxi ride
6.6 MYR 7.9 MYR 16 MYR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.4 $1.7 $3.3
Average car full tank
39 MYR 53 MYR 110 MYR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$8.3 $11 $22
Average car 1-day rental
39 MYR 53 MYR 79 MYR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$8.3 $11 $17
Average car price
20,000 MYR 39,000 MYR 53,000 MYR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4,200 $8,300 $11,000
Bus ticket one way
1.3 MYR 2 MYR 3.9 MYR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.28 $0.42 $0.83
Car Service
53 MYR 79 MYR 160 MYR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$11 $17 $33

Utility cost (monthly)


Utility Bill - Individual
100 MYR 310 MYR 2,100 MYR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$22 $66 $440
Utility Bill - Couple
150 MYR 440 MYR 2,300 MYR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$31 $92 $490
Utility Bill - Family
120 MYR 350 MYR 1,900 MYR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$26 $74 $410
Internet and cable
39 MYR 79 MYR 110 MYR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$8.3 $17 $22
Mobile phone charges
32 MYR 53 MYR 160 MYR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$6.7 $11 $33

Leisure and activities costs


Movie ticket
20 MYR 26 MYR 39 MYR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.2 $5.5 $8.3
One month gym membership
63 MYR 79 MYR 160 MYR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$13 $17 $33

Cloths and accessories costs


Pair of jeans or pants
46 MYR 66 MYR 98 MYR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$9.8 $14 $21
Woman dress
44 MYR 61 MYR 200 MYR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$9.2 $13 $42
Woman shoes
41 MYR 56 MYR 130 MYR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$8.8 $12 $28
Men's shoes
36 MYR 44 MYR 88 MYR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$7.6 $9.2 $18
Men suit
39 MYR 49 MYR 260 MYR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$8.3 $10 $55
Regular t-shirt
20 MYR 26 MYR 79 MYR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.2 $5.5 $17

Housing costs / monthly rent


Studio apartment
660 MYR 980 MYR 2,600 MYR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$140 $210 $550
1-bedroom apartment
980 MYR 1,600 MYR 3,900 MYR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$210 $330 $830
2-bedroom apartment
1,300 MYR 2,000 MYR 5,300 MYR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$280 $420 $1,100

Housing costs / Buying


Studio apartment
130,000 MYR 200,000 MYR 390,000 MYR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$28,000 $42,000 $83,000
1-bedroom apartment
160,000 MYR 260,000 MYR 980,000 MYR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$33,000 $55,000 $210,000
2-bedroom apartment
260,000 MYR 790,000 MYR 1.6M MYR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$55,000 $170,000 $330,000

Furniture Costs


King Size Bed
790 MYR 980 MYR 1,300 MYR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$170 $210 $280
Double Bed
530 MYR 790 MYR 980 MYR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$110 $170 $210
Single Bed
460 MYR 610 MYR 790 MYR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$98 $130 $170
Living Room
880 MYR 1,100 MYR 3,900 MYR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$180 $240 $830
Dining Table
390 MYR 530 MYR 980 MYR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$83 $110 $210
Sofa or Couch
530 MYR 720 MYR 1,600 MYR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$110 $150 $330

Electronics and House Appliance Costs


TV Set
530 MYR 790 MYR 1,600 MYR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$110 $170 $330
Fridge or Freezer
460 MYR 720 MYR 980 MYR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$98 $150 $210
Washing Machine
610 MYR 880 MYR 1,600 MYR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$130 $180 $330
Stove or Cooker
560 MYR 720 MYR 980 MYR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$120 $150 $210
Mobile Phone
660 MYR 790 MYR 1,100 MYR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$140 $170 $240
Laptop or Computer
720 MYR 880 MYR 1,600 MYR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$150 $180 $330

Expenditure to Income Ratio in Kota Kinabalu

One of the most definite ways to determine how affordable a place is measuring the ratio of expenses to salary. A high expense-to-income to ratio indicates a high cost-of-living index while a low expenditure-to-salary ratio means the place is affordable to live in.


Spending to Income Ratio

79%

72% to 89%

( expenditure / income ) x 100


Expense to income distribution levels

Spending To Income Ratio% People
< 50%4%
50% - 60%9%
60% - 70%15%
70% - 80%25%
80% - 90%20%
90% - 100%11%
100% - 110%6%
110% - 120%4%
120% - 130%3%
130% - 140%2%
> 140%2%

Interpretation and Analysis

The average spending-to-salary ratio in Kota Kinabalu is 79% This means that on average, people spend around 79% of their income for living. According to the distribution table, 15% of the population spend approximately 60% to 70% of their income every month.


How can spending be more than income?

A value higher than 100% means that the expenditure of those people is higher than their income. They are spending more than what they earn. This is possible in two scenarios. They are either borrowing from their savings to survive or they are borrowing from other sources (relatives, friends, banks, etc.). More about this in the debt section.



Individual
71%
Spending-Income-Ratio
65%
80%

Couple
75%
Spending-Income-Ratio
68%
84%

Family
83%
Spending-Income-Ratio
75%
93%

How do people spend their money in Kota Kinabalu?

We asked thousands of people about their spending habits and expenditure breaks. Below are their answers.

The percentage figures in this section are percentages of total spending not income. If you would like to see the percentage of expenses as related to income or salary, see other sections.

Housing Expenditure24%

24% of total expenses on average (13% to 32%)

LOW$37   170 MYR
AVERAGE$480   2,300 MYR
HIGH$4,800   23,000 MYR
Per Month

People living in Kota Kinabalu typically spend from 13% to 32% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 24% being the average. The average spend on housing is 2,300 MYR with expenditure ranging from 170 MYR to 23,000 MYR. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses. Housing costs are highest for families and lowest for students as expected.

Utilities, Electricity, Water7%

7% of total expenses on average (4% to 11%)

LOW$6.1   29 MYR
AVERAGE$80   380 MYR
HIGH$800   3,800 MYR
Per Month

Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Kota Kinabalu ranges from 4% to 11% of total expenses with 7% being the average. The average monthly cost of utilities is 380 MYR with 29 MYR and 3,800 MYR being the upper and lower limits.

Transport, Fuel, Commute7%

7% of total expenses on average (3% to 11%)

LOW$12   58 MYR
AVERAGE$160   760 MYR
HIGH$1,600   7,600 MYR
Per Month

Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether you live near your work or school, but roughly speaking you would expect to spend from 58 MYR to 7,600 MYR on commuting with 760 MYR being the norm for most people in one month. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 7% of total spending on average but can go as low as 3% or as high as 11%.

Food and Groceries Cost28%

28% of total expenses on average (20% to 34%)

LOW$31   150 MYR
AVERAGE$400   1,900 MYR
HIGH$4,000   19,000 MYR
Per Month

The average outlay on groceries in a month in Kota Kinabalu is 1,900 MYR. The cost of groceries can range between 150 MYR to 19,000 MYR. People spend on average about 28% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 20% and 34% respectively.

Healthcare and Medical Services10%

10% of total expenses on average (5% to 13%)

LOW$8.6   41 MYR
AVERAGE$110   530 MYR
HIGH$1,100   5,300 MYR
Per Month

People in Kota Kinabalu allocate 5% to 13% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending is around 10%. The range of medical expenses range from 41 MYR to 5,300 MYR with 530 MYR being the norm.

Leisure and Shopping5%

5% of total expenses on average (2% to 9%)

LOW$4.9   23 MYR
AVERAGE$64   300 MYR
HIGH$640   3,000 MYR
Per Month

This category mostly contains discretionary or non-essential expenses but also some non-discretionary spending like furniture for example. The monthly expenses range from 23 MYR to 3,000 MYR with 300 MYR being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 2% to 9% of total expenses with an average of 5% for most residents.

Education and Schooling5%

5% of total expenses on average (3% to 11%)

LOW$7.4   35 MYR
AVERAGE$96   450 MYR
HIGH$960   4,500 MYR
Per Month

Spending on education can vary drastically between different people. While working singles can spend 0% on education, families and students' expenditure can reach up to 22%. On average, education constitutes 5% of the monthly expenditure with 3% and 11% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 450 MYR per month with 35 MYR being the minimum spent amount and 4,500 MYR being the maximum.

Other Expenses14%

14% of total expenses on average (9% to 21%)

LOW$16   76 MYR
AVERAGE$210   980 MYR
HIGH$2,100   9,800 MYR
Per Month

How much money can you save in Kota Kinabalu every month?

We asked thousands of people what percentage of their income can they save in a month. Below are the answers.


What percentage of people in Kota Kinabalu manage to save money from their income every month?


Saving Money
63%
Not Saving
37%

Almost 63% of the surveyed people in Kota Kinabalu said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 37% said that aren't saving anything.


Percentage of people saving money by population group in Kota Kinabalu

GroupSaversNon Savers
Singles63%37%
Couples58%42%
Families54%47%

Savings-to-Income Ratio

The savings-to-income ratio is measured as the percentage of income that people save over a specific period and it is simply calculated by dividing the saved money by total income and then multiplying the result by 100. (Savings / Income) x 100.


Saving to Income Ratio

12% 20% of income 32%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

210 MYR
$44
2,700 MYR
$570
27,000 MYR
$5,700
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

For most people, 12% to 32% of their monthly income is what they can allocate to their savings, with 20% being the average. The amount of money that people can save is approximately 2,700 MYR on average with savings ranging from 210 MYR to 27,000 MYR.

63% of surveyed singles reported some of their income going to savings while 58% of couples said the same. 54% of families confirmed their ability to save money.


How much money do people actually save in Kota Kinabalu?

The amount of money that people can afford to save depends hugely on their income. It is better to focus on the percentage when trying to understand saving patterns.


Singles

Saving to Income Ratio

15% 24% of income 33%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

620 MYR
$130
1,900 MYR
$390
12,000 MYR
$2,600
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for singles

Saving To Income Ratio% Singles
0% - 10%32%
10% - 20%25%
20% - 30%16%
30% - 40%13%
40% - 50%10%
> 50%4%

Interpretation and Analysis

Singles who can afford to save reported that they allocate from 15% to 33% of their monthly income to savings, with 24% being the average for most singles. The average amount of money that singles are able to save is 1,900 MYR with 620 MYR and 12,000 MYR being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Couples

Saving to Income Ratio

13% 22% of income 33%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

1,000 MYR
$220
3,100 MYR
$660
17,000 MYR
$3,500
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for couples

Saving To Income Ratio% Couples
0% - 10%36%
10% - 20%27%
20% - 30%19%
30% - 40%8%
40% - 50%7%
> 50%3%

Interpretation and Analysis

Couples who confirmed their ability to save reported saving equivalent to 13% to 33% of their monthly income, with 22% being the average for most couples. The average amount of money that couples can save is 3,100 MYR with 1,000 MYR and 17,000 MYR being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Families

Saving to Income Ratio

12% 19% of income 29%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

1,400 MYR
$310
4,100 MYR
$870
23,000 MYR
$4,800
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for families

Saving To Income Ratio% Families
0% - 10%39%
10% - 20%30%
20% - 30%20%
30% - 40%5%
40% - 50%4%
> 50%2%

Interpretation and Analysis

Families in Kota Kinabalu can save anywhere between 12% to 29% of their monthly income, with 19% being the average for most families. The average amount of money that families can put aside is 4,100 MYR with 1,400 MYR and 23,000 MYR being the minimum and maximum respectively.

A typical and healthy budgeting structure

The 50/30/20 rule

Spending among different people can vary significantly based on factors such as their income, lifestyle, location, and personal preferences. A commonly used guideline for budgeting is the 50/30/20 rule, which suggests allocating your income into three main categories in the following percentages.

  • 50% for needs and financial obligations

    This category includes essential expenses like housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and healthcare.

  • 30% for wants and discretionary spending

    This category covers discretionary spending on non-essential items, such as dining out, entertainment, travel, and other lifestyle choices.

  • 20% for savings and emergency fund

    This is the percentage that must be allocated to savings, emergency funds, and retirement accounts.

About financial planning, money management, and household budgeting

The 50/30/20 rule is used as a general guideline but may not be the best choice for all people. There are in fact many budgeting plans out there like the 70/20/10 and the 60/20/20 rules, all claiming to be the best. More important than all of this is to establish financial discipline by creating a budget tailored to your specific financial goals and situation. It is very important that your financial outflow be less than your income to maintain a healthy cash flow.

Affordable living in Kota Kinabalu

Income and cost of living compatibility

We asked residents one simple question and recorded their answers.

Is it affordable or economical to live in Kota Kinabalu?


Yes
63%
No
37%

Around 63% of surveyed residents think that living in Kota Kinabalu is affordable with proper budgeting while 37% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.

Low-cost alternatives in Kota Kinabalu

People are always looking for ways to cut down expenses and reduce expenditures. The hallmark of any affordable place is the availability of discount stores, bargain deals, smart or secondhand shopping, refurbished items, and couponing. We asked residents how easily cost-cutting is and the answers were distributed as follows:

Plenty of low-cost options57%

Few low-cost options43%


Based on the survey, 57% of the people living in Kota Kinabalu have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 43% think that thriftness is difficult due to scarcity in discount markets and secondhand outlets.

Emergency Funds

An emergency fund is a financial safety net comprised of easily accessible savings set aside to cover unexpected expenses or financial emergencies, typically amounting to three to six months' worth of living expenses. We asked residents of Kota Kinabalu whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.

Yes63%

No37%


Based on the survey, 37% of the people living in Kota Kinabalu said that they don't have an emergency fund while 63% said that they do.

Financial Literacy in Malaysia

Financial literacy is the knowledge of concepts and principles related to personal finance that allow individuals to make informed decisions regarding their money such as budgeting, saving, investing, borrowing, managing debt, financial risk management, and planning.

Financial Leteracy61%


We asked residents of Malaysia whether they acquired any adequate personal financial training in their lives. Approximately 39% of the people who participated in the survey said that they are not well informed about the topics of budgeting, saving, etc., and just manage things based on their own experience, while 61% said that they know about the general principles of personal finance from sources other than their own experience.


Difficulty in Budgeting and Financial Planning

We wanted to understand whether residents of Malaysia have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so asked the people one simple question: do you struggle with your personal finances? 29% of the participants reported that they indeed struggle in creating budgets and in organizing their finances while 71% said that they have everything under control.

Struggles with finance29%

Easily manages finances71%

Financial goals of people in Kota Kinabalu

In an attempt to understand the economic situation in Kota Kinabalu, we asked participants about their financial targets. By knowing what the population in general is trying to achieve, we can shed light on the economic outlook, cost of living, and quality of life in general.


Financial Goal% People
Emergency Fund8%
Debt Reduction41%
Retirement Savings10%
Education Funding7%
Homeownership18%
Investing7%
Travel or Lifestyle7%
Healthcare Expenses13%
Financial Independence5%

Around 8% of those who participated in the survey said that their main goal is to establish an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses while 41% said their number one priority is to pay off high-interest debt or loans and improve credit. 10% of surveyed people confirmed that saving for retirement to ensure a comfortable lifestyle in the final years is their main target. Around 7% reported that their priority is saving for the tuition fees and education costs of their children while 18% choose to buy a home or pay off existing mortgage before other things. 7% of the population would like to build wealth through investments such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate. For 7% of people, saving for vacations or upgrading their lifestyle is the number one concern. Approximately 13% of the residents said that saving for healthcare expenses including insurance premiums is their main goal.

Saving Challenges in Kota Kinabalu

Reasons that make it difficult for people to save money

We wanted to understand what is stopping people from maximizing their savings in Kota Kinabalu. Listed below are the answers given by the survey participants.


Reason% People
Low Income5%
High Expenses8%
Debt and Loans14%
Lack of Budgeting Skills11%
Impulsive Spending11%
Financial Emergencies7%
Living the moment6%
Will do it later20%
Inflation13%
Social Pressure3%
Market Instability2%

Around 5% of the people said that their salary is too low to accommodate a portion for savings while 8% said that the high cost of living leaves little room for savings. 14% of the residents said that they are burdened with debt and find it challenging to save money. 11% reported that they just don't have the knowledge or discipline to create and stick to a budget, leading to overspending and an inability to save. 11% blamed impulsive spending as the reason for saving inability. Around 7% said that unexpected expenses like medical bills or car repairs are derailing their savings goals. 6% bluntly said that they don't see the purpose of it and prefer to live each day to the fullest. 20% reported that they understand the value of saving but are putting off saving for the future, thinking they have plenty of time to start later. 13% blamed inflation, saying that every time they save some money they end up using it immediately. A surprising 3% said that social pressure and keeping up with peers or societal expectations makes them overspend. Lastly, 2% blamed market instability and price fluctuations.

Typical saving choices for people in Kota Kinabalu

Where do people choose to put their savings?


Saving Type% People
Emergency Funds12%
Gold13%
Savings Accounts17%
Retirement Accounts10%
Cash Savings20%
Real Estate9%
Investment5%
Stocks4%
Bonds5%
Mutual Funds2%
Certificates of Deposit3%

Retirement, pension plans, and life after work in Kota Kinabalu

What does the retirement lifestyle look like in Kota Kinabalu and how much retirement savings are required?

Retirement age

The retirement age for most employees in Malaysia is 65 years. Specific retirement ages can vary based on factors like occupation, gender, years of contribution, and location. It is not entirely unlikely for people to retire either before or after this age.

Retirement planning and savings

There are many retirement saving options, some are personally initiated and others are government-sponsered. Regardless of the source of savings, the minimum amount of money that needs to be put aside to ensure a peaceful and comfortable retirement at each age can be found in the table below. This data is largely approximated and can vary drastically based on individual needs and situations. Treat these figures as a general guideline.


The typical saved amount of money you should have at every age as multiples of monthly salary:
AgeAmount
255x monthly salary at age 25
3010x monthly salary at age 30
3515x monthly salary at age 35
4025x monthly salary at age 40
4532x monthly salary at age 45
5048x monthly salary at age 50
5556x monthly salary at age 55
6064x monthly salary at age 60
6578x monthly salary at age 65

The typical average saved amount of money you should have at every age in Kota Kinabalu:
AgeAmount
2520,000 MYR
3041,000 MYR
3572,000 MYR
40100,000 MYR
45150,000 MYR
50220,000 MYR
55260,000 MYR
60320,000 MYR
65380,000 MYR

Retirement Income Distribution

We asked residents of Kota Kinabalu about their retirement income sources and below are the results.

Source% People
Pensions12%
Savings23%
Investments12%
Social Security7%
Annuities7%
Part-time Job14%
Real Estate18%
Dividends and Interest7%

Retirement Monthly Expenses in Kota Kinabalu

1,300 MYR
$270
3,800 MYR
$810
25,000 MYR
$5,400
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Debt, loans, and mortgages in Kota Kinabalu


Percentage of people who are in debt


In Debt
23%
Debt Free
77%

According to the survey, 23% of the people in Kota Kinabalu have some kind of debt, loan, mortgage, or credit card payments while 77% reported that they don't have financial obligations to banks.


Debt-to-income ratio in Kota Kinabalu

Debt to income ratio

27%

18% to 36%

( monthly debt payment / monthly income ) x 100

Interpretation

The debt-to-income ratio measures the percentage of income being paid as debt settlement across the population. It is calculated by dividing the monthly debt settlement payment of an individual by their monthly income. Based on collected data, approximately 27% of the people's monthly income in Kota Kinabalu goes to debt settlement.


Debt levels

Monthly debt settlement payment as percentage of monthly income

Debt-to-income ratio% People
> 60%3%
50% - 60%17%
40% - 50%14%
30% - 40%16%
20% - 30%11%
10% - 20%13%
0% - 10%26%

According to our data, 3% of the debtors in Kota Kinabalu pay 60%+ of their income as debt settlement while 17% of the people pay 50% to 60% of their income for the same, which is quite an alarming financial situation for those individuals. 14% of people in debt dedicate 40% to 50% of their income to loan and mortgage payments while 16% dedicated 30% to 40% of income for same. Things are looking brighter for 11% of individuals as they only pay 20% to 30% of their income for loan and credit card repayment.


Distribution by type of debt in Kota Kinabalu

Debt% People
Real Estate Mortgage9%
Auto Loan16%
Student Loan4%
Credit Card29%
Personal Loan42%

9% of debtors in Kota Kinabalu confirm that real estate mortgages constitutes the main part of their outstanding debt while 29% say that credit card payments are the reason they are in debt. Auto loans were the main type of debt for 16% of people and personal loans rose at 42%. Lastly, student loans are the main source of debt for 4% of debtors in Kota Kinabalu.


About credit score and debt management

Managing debt is a critical aspect of maintaining a favorable credit score. Debt reduction is the first thing you should do improve your financial situation. Getting rid of debt takes precedence over saving money because of interest rates.

Good debt vs. Bad debt

Not all debt is bad. Good debt typically refers to borrowing money for investments that can increase in value or generate income over time like purchasing a home or acquiring student loans. On the other hand, bad debt involves borrowing for things that fail to generate lasting value like high-interest credit card debt used for non-essential expenses like luxury items or vacations.


Loan Affordability Index in Kota Kinabalu

Besides measuring the loan-to-income ratio, we asked residents of Kota Kinabalu how many times in a year they defaulted or were unable to pay their due credit card or loan payments on time. Understanding how often people default on their due payments is one of the indicators of the cost of living and economic situation.

Frequency and percentage of people who failed to pay their monthly credit card or loan payments on time last year.

Frequency% People
Never51%
Once a year24%
Twice a year12%
Three times a year9%
Four times a year4%

Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Kota Kinabalu

Rental costs and house/apartment prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.


Rent Cost in Kota Kinabalu

Monthly Rent Prices

Studio apartment
660 MYR 980 MYR 2,600 MYR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$140 $210 $550
1-bedroom apartment
980 MYR 1,600 MYR 3,900 MYR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$210 $330 $830
2-bedroom apartment
1,300 MYR 2,000 MYR 5,300 MYR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$280 $420 $1,100
3-bedroom apartment
1,600 MYR 2,600 MYR 7,200 MYR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$330 $550 $1,500
Furnished apartment
3,200 MYR 7,900 MYR 16,000 MYR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$670 $1,700 $3,300
Townhouse
2,600 MYR 3,900 MYR 11,000 MYR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$550 $830 $2,400
House
3,200 MYR 7,900 MYR 16,000 MYR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$670 $1,700 $3,300
Villa
3,900 MYR 9,800 MYR 16,000 MYR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$830 $2,100 $3,300

The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Kota Kinabalu ranges between 660 MYR and 2,600 MYR, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 980 MYR to 3,900 MYR. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 1,300 MYR and 5,300 MYR per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 1,600 MYR to 7,200 MYR. The average rent of a townhouse in Kota Kinabalu is around 3,900 MYR while house rental costs can be as high as 7,900 MYR per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 3,900 MYR to 16,000 MYR per month.



Apartment and house prices in Kota Kinabalu

Cost of buying a property

Studio apartment
130,000 MYR 200,000 MYR 390,000 MYR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$28,000 $42,000 $83,000
1-bedroom apartment
160,000 MYR 260,000 MYR 980,000 MYR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$33,000 $55,000 $210,000
2-bedroom apartment
260,000 MYR 790,000 MYR 1.6M MYR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$55,000 $170,000 $330,000
3-bedroom apartment
880,000 MYR 1.3M MYR 3.9M MYR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$180,000 $280,000 $830,000
Townhouse
1.1M MYR 2.6M MYR 9.8M MYR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$240,000 $550,000 $2.1M
House
1.3M MYR 7.9M MYR 11M MYR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$280,000 $1.7M $2.4M
Villa
1.6M MYR 8.8M MYR 13M MYR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$330,000 $1.8M $2.8M

The average price of a studio apartment in Kota Kinabalu can range from 130,000 MYR to 390,000 MYR depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 160,000 MYR to 980,000 MYR. A villa can cost you 8.8M MYR on average with prices ranging from 1.6M MYR to 13M MYR.


If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in Kota Kinabalu will probably constitute your biggest expenditure, yet it's an area where you wield considerable influence. This is due to the substantial variance in housing prices across communities. Keep in mind the location of your workplace and the accessibility of essential amenities to prevent negating the savings from lower rental rates with increased transportation expenses.

House / apartment prices to income ratio


Property price to income ratio

( average property price / average monthly income ) x 100


39 x116 monthly income 203
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Property prices in Kota Kinabalu can be x116 to x203 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x116 multiples of the average monthly salary in Kota Kinabalu.



Rent to income ratio


Rent to income ratio

( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100


21% 31% of income 40%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average rent-to-income ratio in Kota Kinabalu is around 31%. This means that people pay 31% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 21% to 40% depending on the salary, location, and type of property.


The housing-to-income ratio is a very important metric to evaluate and measure how affordable living is in a particular area, city, or country since housing comprises the biggest chunk of expenditure. A higher housing to income ratio means that the place is relatively expensive. The figure by itself does tell much. It only starts to make sense when comparing the housing to income ratio across different locations.

Housing affordability index

The housing affordability index measures how affordable accommodation is in a particular place. This can measured in multiple ways, the most common being housing expenditure to total expenditure ratio and the rent to income ratio. The housing expenditure ratio is a figure reported by individuals on the percentage they allocate for housing. Rent to income ratio is calculated by dividing the average monthly rent by the average income. Because these values are both percentages, we can find their average and get the best of the two worlds.

Housing Affordability Index
28%

Property Taxes

Real estate owners pay property taxes to local tax authorities, which are determined by the assessed value of their property. Typically, these taxes are paid once a year. Property tax funds contribute to community development, financing infrastructure improvements, public services, and local education initiatives.


FROM
2.1%
AVERAGE
3.1%
TO
4%

Home Maintenance Costs

Home maintenance costs encompass various expenses associated with the upkeep and repair of a residence. These expenditures include regular tasks such as lawn care, pest control, and HVAC system servicing, as well as occasional repairs and renovations like fixing leaks, painting, or replacing appliances.


12 MYR 150 MYR 1,500 MYR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Urban vs. rural living costs

Urban living typically entails higher housing and transportation costs due to demand and limited space, while rural areas generally offer lower housing expenses but may have higher prices for goods and services. The differnce in rental rates between urban areas and rural areas can be as high as 300% in some cases.


Single
Spending habits, consumption analysis, and expenditure patterns for a single person living in Kota Kinabalu

Housing30%

30% of total expenses on average (18% to 42%)

LOW$130   630 MYR
AVERAGE$400   1,900 MYR
HIGH$2,700   13,000 MYR
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water8%

8% of total expenses on average (4% to 13%)

LOW$22   100 MYR
AVERAGE$66   310 MYR
HIGH$440   2,100 MYR
Per Month

Transport, Fuel5%

5% of total expenses on average (3% to 11%)

LOW$29   140 MYR
AVERAGE$88   420 MYR
HIGH$590   2,800 MYR
Per Month

Food and Groceries19%

19% of total expenses on average (13% to 24%)

LOW$59   280 MYR
AVERAGE$180   840 MYR
HIGH$1,200   5,600 MYR
Per Month

Healthcare12%

12% of total expenses on average (6% to 16%)

LOW$33   160 MYR
AVERAGE$99   470 MYR
HIGH$660   3,100 MYR
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping3%

3% of total expenses on average (2% to 6%)

LOW$18   87 MYR
AVERAGE$55   260 MYR
HIGH$370   1,700 MYR
Per Month

Education1%

1% of total expenses on average (0.00% to 3%)

LOW$7.4   35 MYR
AVERAGE$22   100 MYR
HIGH$150   700 MYR
Per Month

Other Expenses22%

22% of total expenses on average (14% to 26%)

LOW$66   310 MYR
AVERAGE$200   940 MYR
HIGH$1,300   6,300 MYR
Per Month


Couple
Average monthly living expenditure breaks and spending patterns for couples in Kota Kinabalu

Housing27%

27% of total expenses on average (20% to 37%)

LOW$200   960 MYR
AVERAGE$610   2,900 MYR
HIGH$3,200   15,000 MYR
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water7%

7% of total expenses on average (5% to 11%)

LOW$31   150 MYR
AVERAGE$92   440 MYR
HIGH$490   2,300 MYR
Per Month

Transport, Fuel9%

9% of total expenses on average (3% to 14%)

LOW$74   350 MYR
AVERAGE$220   1,000 MYR
HIGH$1,200   5,600 MYR
Per Month

Food and Groceries17%

17% of total expenses on average (12% to 22%)

LOW$86   410 MYR
AVERAGE$260   1,200 MYR
HIGH$1,400   6,500 MYR
Per Month

Healthcare14%

14% of total expenses on average (8% to 18%)

LOW$68   320 MYR
AVERAGE$200   960 MYR
HIGH$1,100   5,100 MYR
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping4%

4% of total expenses on average (1% to 7%)

LOW$37   170 MYR
AVERAGE$110   520 MYR
HIGH$590   2,800 MYR
Per Month

Education1%

1% of total expenses on average (0.00% to 3%)

LOW$12   58 MYR
AVERAGE$37   170 MYR
HIGH$200   930 MYR
Per Month

Other Expenses21%

21% of total expenses on average (15% to 27%)

LOW$100   490 MYR
AVERAGE$310   1,500 MYR
HIGH$1,700   7,900 MYR
Per Month


Family
Average monthly expenses and break out of spending for families living in Kota Kinabalu

Housing26%

26% of total expenses on average (21% to 36%)

LOW$270   1,300 MYR
AVERAGE$790   3,700 MYR
HIGH$4,300   20,000 MYR
Per Month

Transport, Fuel5%

5% of total expenses on average (3% to 7%)

LOW$69   330 MYR
AVERAGE$200   930 MYR
HIGH$1,100   5,100 MYR
Per Month

Food and Groceries21%

21% of total expenses on average (14% to 27%)

LOW$150   730 MYR
AVERAGE$440   2,100 MYR
HIGH$2,400   12,000 MYR
Per Month

Healthcare11%

11% of total expenses on average (7% to 16%)

LOW$69   330 MYR
AVERAGE$200   930 MYR
HIGH$1,100   5,100 MYR
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping3%

3% of total expenses on average (1% to 7%)

LOW$43   200 MYR
AVERAGE$120   580 MYR
HIGH$680   3,200 MYR
Per Month

Education13%

13% of total expenses on average (6% to 21%)

LOW$120   570 MYR
AVERAGE$340   1,600 MYR
HIGH$1,900   8,900 MYR
Per Month

Other Expenses16%

16% of total expenses on average (9% to 21%)

LOW$100   490 MYR
AVERAGE$290   1,400 MYR
HIGH$1,600   7,700 MYR
Per Month


Student
Cost of living and expenses break down for students living in Kota Kinabalu

Housing18%

18% of total expenses on average (13% to 24%)

LOW$72   340 MYR
AVERAGE$180   850 MYR
HIGH$320   1,500 MYR
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 10%)

LOW$12   57 MYR
AVERAGE$30   140 MYR
HIGH$54   260 MYR
Per Month

Transport, Fuel4%

4% of total expenses on average (4% to 10%)

LOW$21   99 MYR
AVERAGE$52   250 MYR
HIGH$94   450 MYR
Per Month

Food and Groceries23%

23% of total expenses on average (17% to 27%)

LOW$60   280 MYR
AVERAGE$150   710 MYR
HIGH$270   1,300 MYR
Per Month

Healthcare9%

9% of total expenses on average (6% to 12%)

LOW$18   85 MYR
AVERAGE$45   210 MYR
HIGH$81   380 MYR
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping3%

3% of total expenses on average (2% to 7%)

LOW$15   71 MYR
AVERAGE$37   180 MYR
HIGH$67   320 MYR
Per Month

Education18%

18% of total expenses on average (11% to 23%)

LOW$57   270 MYR
AVERAGE$140   670 MYR
HIGH$260   1,200 MYR
Per Month

Other Expenses19%

19% of total expenses on average (13% to 25%)

LOW$45   210 MYR
AVERAGE$110   530 MYR
HIGH$200   960 MYR
Per Month
©copound