How expensive is Kuching compared to the rest of Malaysia?

Kuching ranks #437 out of 577 cities globally. It is 5.2% more expensive than the Malaysia average, based on 3 cities. The rent index is 8.0 and local purchasing power is 46.2.

What is the average rent in Kuching?

A 1-bedroom apartment in Kuching city centre costs approximately MYR 1,489 per month. Outside the centre, rent drops to MYR 984 (saving 34%). A 3-bedroom apartment in the centre costs around MYR 2,643.

Is Kuching affordable to live in?

Kuching is affordable by global standards. Groceries are average, restaurants are average, and local purchasing power is very weak.

🇲🇾 Malaysia · 2026

Koszty Utrzymania w Kuching

5.2% powyżej średniej Malaysia

Pozycja #437 z 577 miast · Droższe niż 24.3% miast na świecie

+5.2%

Koszty utrzymania

-15.8%

Czynsz

+0.2%

Artykuły spożywcze

-42.4%

Siła nabywcza

W porównaniu ze średnią Malaysia · Zobacz ranking Malaysia →

Ceny wynajmu w Kuching

Mieszkanie	Centrum miasta	Poza centrum	Oszczędzasz
1 pokój	MYR 1,489/mo ≈ $364	MYR 984/mo ≈ $241	34%
3 pokoje	MYR 2,643/mo ≈ $647	MYR 1,956/mo ≈ $479	26%

Numbeo · 2026-10-02

Multi-Source Comparison

★★ Medium Confidence

Kuching has a cost of living index of 24.4 (New York = 100, rent included), the average of 2 of 3 data sources. LivingCost is left out because it sits more than 15% away from the others.

24.4

Index

Sources

3.2

Gap between sources