Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Cost of living · 2025 · Asia · Rent +3.5% vs 2024
Rent trend in Johor Bahru (2022–2026)
Cost breakdown in Johor Bahru (2025)
Estimated monthly budget in Johor Bahru
Based on 2025 data. Includes rent, groceries, transport, utilities and occasional dining out.
Cost comparison — cities in Malaysia (2025)
| City | 1-Bed Rent | Groceries | Transport | Utilities | vs Johor Bahru |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Johor Bahru | MYR 1,242 | MYR 642 | MYR 78 | MYR 191 | — |
| Kuala Lumpur | MYR 2,174 | MYR 859 | MYR 129 | MYR 269 | +75% |
| Penang | MYR 1,449 | MYR 673 | MYR 83 | MYR 207 | +16.7% |
Other Asia cities (2025)
Frequently asked questions
What is the cost of living in Johor Bahru in 2025?
In 2025, a single person living in Johor Bahru needs approximately MYR 2,269/month, covering rent, groceries, transport and utilities. A family of 3–4 typically spends around MYR 4,356/month. Johor Bahru is considered a mid-range city by global standards.
How much is rent in Johor Bahru in 2025?
A 1-bedroom apartment in Johor Bahru costs approximately MYR 1,242/month in 2025. A 3-bedroom apartment runs around MYR 2,174/month. Rent has changed +3.5% vs 2024.
How much do groceries cost in Johor Bahru?
Monthly grocery costs for one person in Johor Bahru are approximately MYR 642 in 2025. This covers basic supermarket shopping including food and household essentials.
What does public transport cost in Johor Bahru?
A monthly public transport pass in Johor Bahru costs MYR 78 in 2025, covering unlimited bus, metro and tram travel within the city.
How much are utilities in Johor Bahru?
Monthly utility costs in Johor Bahru average MYR 191 in 2025, covering electricity, heating/cooling, water and internet for a standard apartment.
Is Johor Bahru expensive to live in?
Johor Bahru is located in Malaysia (Asia). With a 1-bed rent of MYR 1,242/month and total single-person expenses around MYR 2,269/month, it is mid-range by global standards.
How much does eating out cost in Johor Bahru?
A typical restaurant meal for one person in Johor Bahru costs approximately MYR 14 in 2025. Budget around MYR 116/month if dining out a few times a week.
How have living costs in Johor Bahru changed over time?
LifeIndexed tracks cost of living data for Johor Bahru from 2022 to 2026. 1-bed rent has increased by 20.7% over this period (from MYR 1,056 in 2022 to MYR 1,274 in 2026). Use the year tabs above to compare costs across years.
What is the monthly budget needed to live comfortably in Johor Bahru?
To live comfortably in Johor Bahru in 2025, a single person needs approximately MYR 2,269/month. This covers rent (MYR 1,242), groceries (MYR 642), transport (MYR 78), utilities (MYR 191) and dining out occasionally. A family of 3–4 should budget around MYR 4,356/month.