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Cost of Living in Kuantan

Understanding the the cost of living in Kuantan helps a newcomer what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.
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Cost of Living Kuantan
Apartment Rentals Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center averages around RM1,000 per month, while a three-bedroom apartment averages around RM1,500 per month. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center averages around RM800 per month, while a three-bedroom apartment averages around RM1,200 per month.
Apartment Purchases The cost of purchasing an apartment in Kuantan varies depending on the size and location. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center can cost around RM200,000, while a three-bedroom apartment can cost around RM400,000. A one-bedroom apartment outside the city center can cost around RM150,000, while a three-bedroom apartment can cost around RM300,000.
Transportation Public transportation in Kuantan is relatively inexpensive. A one-way ticket on the bus or train costs around RM2. Taxis are also available and the cost of a one-way trip is around RM10. Car rentals are also available and the cost of a day rental is around RM100.
Groceries The cost of groceries in Kuantan is relatively inexpensive. A loaf of bread costs around RM2, a liter of milk costs around RM3, and a dozen eggs costs around RM5. A kilogram of rice costs around RM4, a kilogram of chicken costs around RM10, and a kilogram of apples costs around RM7.
Restaurants The cost of eating out in Kuantan is relatively inexpensive. A meal at a fast food restaurant costs around RM10, while a meal at a mid-range restaurant costs around RM20. A cup of coffee costs around RM5, while a bottle of beer costs around RM10.
Utilities The cost of utilities in Kuantan is relatively inexpensive. The average cost of electricity is around RM100 per month, while the average cost of water is around RM50 per month. The average cost of internet is around RM50 per month, while the average cost of a mobile phone plan is around RM50 per month.
Private School Tuition The cost of private school tuition in Kuantan varies depending on the school and the grade level. Preschool tuition averages around RM1,000 per month, while elementary school tuition averages around RM1,500 per month. Middle school tuition averages around RM2,000 per month, while high school tuition averages around RM2,500 per month.

Can I live in Kuantan on $1,500 a month?

“I’ve been living in Kuantan for a while now, and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, especially if you’re used to modern amenities. However, you might have to make some sacrifices to make it work. For example, you might need to live in a more affordable neighborhood, like Indera Mahkota or Bandar Indera Mahkota, where you can find decent apartments or houses for rent at a lower price compared to more expensive neighborhoods like Bukit Istana or Bukit Sekilau.In terms of transportation, you might want to consider using public transport like buses or taxis, as owning a car can be quite expensive due to the cost of maintenance, fuel, and parking. I personally use Grab, which is a popular ride-hailing app in Malaysia, and it’s quite affordable and convenient.When it comes to food, you can save a lot by eating at local food stalls or hawker centers, where you can find delicious and affordable meals. I usually spend around $2-$3 per meal at these places, and the food is really good. Of course, if you want to eat at fancier restaurants or international fast-food chains, you’ll have to spend more, but it’s still possible to do so occasionally while sticking to your budget.For entertainment and leisure, there are plenty of affordable options in Kuantan. You can visit the beautiful beaches, like Teluk Cempedak or Pantai Balok, which are free to access. There are also several shopping malls, like East Coast Mall or Kuantan City Mall, where you can find affordable clothing, electronics, and other items. I usually spend my weekends exploring the local attractions, like the Sungai Pandan Waterfall or the Kuantan River Cruise, which are relatively inexpensive and enjoyable.In terms of utilities and internet, I’ve found that the costs are quite reasonable in Kuantan. My monthly bills for electricity, water, and internet usually amount to around $100-$150, depending on my usage. I have a decent internet connection at home, which is essential for me as I work remotely.Overall, living in Kuantan on a $1,500 monthly budget is doable, but you’ll have to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices in terms of housing and transportation. However, the cost of living is generally lower compared to other cities in Malaysia, and you can still enjoy a comfortable lifestyle with modern amenities,” commented an expat living in Kuantan.

Can I live in Kuantan on $3,500 a month?

“I’ve been living in Kuantan for a few years now, and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, even if you’re used to modern amenities. However, you might have to make a few sacrifices to make it work. For example, you might not be able to dine out at fancy restaurants as often as you’d like, or you might have to cut back on some of your more expensive hobbies.When it comes to housing, there are plenty of affordable neighborhoods in Kuantan where you can find a nice place to live without breaking the bank. Some of the more affordable areas include Indera Mahkota, Bukit Setongkol, and Sungai Isap. These neighborhoods offer a good mix of local amenities, such as shops, restaurants, and public transportation, while still being relatively affordable.On the other hand, there are some more expensive neighborhoods that you might want to avoid if you’re trying to stick to a $3,000 a month budget. These include areas like Teluk Cempedak, Bukit Pelindung, and Taman Permai Jaya. These neighborhoods are known for their upscale homes and higher cost of living, so they might not be the best fit for someone on a tighter budget.In terms of transportation, owning a car can be quite expensive in Malaysia due to the high import taxes on vehicles. However, Kuantan has a decent public transportation system, including buses and taxis, which can help you save money on transportation costs. Alternatively, you could consider purchasing a motorbike, which is a more affordable option and a popular mode of transportation in Malaysia.As for other expenses, groceries and utilities are generally quite affordable in Kuantan. You can find local markets and supermarkets where you can buy fresh produce and other essentials at reasonable prices. However, if you’re looking for imported goods or specialty items, you might have to pay a bit more.Overall, living in Kuantan on a $3,000 a month budget is definitely doable, but you’ll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices in certain areas. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, using public transportation, and being conscious of your day-to-day expenses, you can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle in this beautiful Malaysian city,” said one expat living in Kuantan.

Can I live in Kuantan on $5,000 a month?

“I’ve been living in Kuantan for a few years now, and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, even if you’re used to modern amenities. In fact, you might not have to make too many sacrifices at all. Kuantan is a relatively affordable city, and you can find a nice place to live, eat well, and enjoy various activities without breaking the bank.When it comes to housing, you’ll want to avoid the more expensive neighborhoods like Bukit Pelindung and Teluk Cempedak, as the prices there can be quite high. Instead, consider looking for a place in more affordable areas like Indera Mahkota, Bandar Indera Mahkota, or Bandar Putra. You can find a decent apartment or house in these neighborhoods for around $500 to $1,000 a month, depending on the size and amenities.As for food, eating out in Kuantan is generally quite affordable, especially if you stick to local cuisine. You can find delicious meals at local restaurants and street food stalls for just a few dollars. Of course, if you prefer to cook at home, groceries are also reasonably priced. You might have to adjust your diet a bit to include more local ingredients, but overall, you shouldn’t have any trouble maintaining a healthy and enjoyable diet on your budget.Transportation in Kuantan is also quite affordable. You can get around using public transportation like buses and taxis, or you can rent a car or motorbike if you prefer to have your own vehicle. Gas prices are relatively low, so even if you choose to drive, you shouldn’t have any trouble staying within your budget.As for entertainment and activities, there’s plenty to do in Kuantan without spending a fortune. You can enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, and exploring the beautiful beaches and parks in the area. There are also plenty of cultural attractions, like museums and art galleries, that you can visit for a small fee or even for free.Overall, I think you’ll find that living in Kuantan on $5,000 a month is not only possible but also quite comfortable. You might have to make a few adjustments to your lifestyle, like choosing a more affordable neighborhood or eating more local cuisine, but these changes shouldn’t be too difficult to make. And in the end, you’ll be able to enjoy a great quality of life in a beautiful and vibrant city,” commented an expat living in Kuantan.

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.

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