As the largest of Malaysia’s 13 states, Sarawak spans almost 125,000 square kilometres. With a total population of just under 2.5 million, more than 570,000 people live in Sarawak’s capital, Kuching. One of Borneo’s gems, and perfectly positioned on the Sarawak River waterfront, the city balances natural beauty with modern amenities, making it an ideal expat location.
For many people interested in moving to Sarawak, it’s the big city that’s most attractive, but it’s important to consider the logistics of the move before calling up your chosen international movers in Malaysia.
Along with our guide on moving to Malaysia for expats, we’ve put together this guide to help you gain an understanding of the cost of living in Sarawak!
Sarawak’s Wealth Status
As of 2023, Sarawak has been officially recognised as a high-income state in Malaysia, joining the ranks of Kuala Lumpur and Labuan. While these cities, along with Penang, tend to be more popular amongst expats migrating to Malaysia, Sarawak, and more specially Kuching, have a lot to offer.
The city’s wealth has been built primarily on capital from the timber, oil, and gas industries, and today is one of the main commercial and industrial centres for the state. Today, Manufacturing, construction, and commercial agriculture are among the key sources of growth in the region.
Cost of Living Breakdown
No matter where you move to, there are a number of key factors that influence the overall cost of living. Here are some of the main considerations in Kuching, and the broader Sarawak area!
Income
Before you dive into the average prices of everyday goods and services in Sarawak, it’s important to first gauge the average salary for expats in Malaysia. For locals, the average salary is around 83,000 Malaysian Ringgit (MYR), which is equivalent to around 17,500 USD. If you’re moving to Sarawak as an expat, however, according to ECA International's MyExpatriate 2021 Market Pay survey, expats have an average income of around 71,000 USD.
Housing
In Malaysia, foreigners are allowed to purchase and own property with the caveat that they can only own properties valued at more than 1 million MYR in the major states. Renting is another great option, especially if you don’t want to commit to becoming a property owner during your time in Sarawak.
Like anywhere else in the world, house prices vary based on a range of factors. As a general guideline though, 3-4 bedroom houses in Kuching can be bought for as little as 500,000 MYR, but can cost over a million in newer developments. If renting is more appealing to you, you can expect to pay between 2,000-3,000 MYR a month to rent a similarly-sized house or condo. The main factor impacting price here is the age of the development, and the amenities that it includes.
Food and drink
You’ll be happy to hear that going out to eat in Sarawak is very affordable, with many meals from market-style restaurants costing around 10 MYR - just 2 USD. A three-course meal in a mid-tier restaurant costs just 50 MYR for two people, making it around 10 USD in total. Grocery store pricing is cost-effective too, so whether you’re an avid cook, or prefer to dine out, mealtimes in Sarawak won’t break the bank!
Getting around
Driving is the most common mode of transport in Kuching, as the public transport system in the city is almost non-existent. Many locals own large, family-sized cars for getting around easily. The most popular car in Malaysia in 2024 is the Perodua Bezza, a 5-seater sedan, which can cost anywhere from 35,000-50,000 MYR to purchase new.
If you don’t want to commit to purchasing a vehicle when you arrive in Sarawak, rideshares like Grab are a handy alternative. Short trips in the city usually cost around 10 MYR, with a slight increase during peak hours.
Health and fitness
Depending on your health conditions, needs, and policy cover, your healthcare and insurance costs will vary. Overall though, Malaysia’s healthcare system charges minimal fees for treatment.
Keeping fit as you transition to your new home is as important for your physical health as it is for your mental health, and there are gyms and fitness centres throughout Sarawak where you can go to train. These are budget-friendly when compared to standard western prices, costing around 200 MYR monthly, and less if you sign up on a contract.
Get the Most from your Move
When your research is done and you’re ready to start planning your move to Malaysia,
contact the Allied team! Our experts can help with every stage of your relocation, taking the stress away and enabling you to make the most of your move!