What is the cost of living in Kuching?

The cost of living in Kuching is 80.3% cheaper than New York City (index: 19.7). Groceries are 55.7% cheaper than NYC. Restaurants are 72.4% cheaper than NYC. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs approximately MYR 1,489 per month. Local purchasing power index is 46.2 (NYC = 100).

🇲🇾 Malaysia · #506 of 577 cities · 2026

Should I Move to Kuching?

Q: Should I move to Kuching?

Kuching, Malaysia has a cost of living 80.3% cheaper than New York City (index: 19.7). It is ranked #506 out of 577 cities globally. Local purchasing power is weak (index: 46.2 vs NYC = 100). Use our salary comparison calculator to see exactly how your take-home pay would change.

80.3% cheaper to live here than in New York City.

Run the calculator below with your actual salary to get a personalised answer.

-80.3%

vs NYC

MYR 1,489

1-BR, city centre

46.2

Purchasing Power

Weak

Purchasing Power

Cost index: Numbeo, blended with Expatistan and LivingCost where available (NYC = 100) · Data from March – October 2026

Personalised Answer

Compare your salary: move to Kuching?

Cost breakdown: Kuching

Cost indices vs NYC = 100

Cost of Living

19.7 Affordable

Rent

8.0 Very affordable

Groceries

44.3 Affordable

Restaurants

27.6 Very affordable

Purchasing Power

46.2 Weak

Rent in Kuching

1-BR, city centre MYR 1,489/mo

1-BR, outside centre MYR 984/mo

3-BR, city centre MYR 2,643/mo

3-BR, outside centre MYR 1,956/mo

Save by going outside centre 34% cheaper

Numbeo · 2026-10-02

Considering alternatives?

Cities in the same country or region with a comparable cost of living.

🇲🇾 Penang

Malaysia

CoL index 21.9

Compare Penang vs Kuching →

🇲🇾 Kuala Lumpur

Malaysia

CoL index 24.2

Compare Kuala Lumpur vs Kuching →

🇹🇭 Chiang Mai

Thailand

CoL index 19.9

Compare Chiang Mai vs Kuching →

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