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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Ipoh 2024
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Cost of Living in Ipoh

By Betsy Burlingame

Cigna Global Health
Cigna Global Health

Summary: Understanding the the cost of living in Ipoh helps a newcomer what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

Cost of Living in Ipoh - Cost of Living in Ipoh

Apartment Rentals The average cost of renting an apartment in Ipoh is around RM1,000 to RM2,000 per month. The cost of renting a studio apartment is around RM700 to RM1,000 per month, while a two-bedroom apartment can cost up to RM2,500 per month.
Apartment Purchases The average cost of purchasing an apartment in Ipoh is around RM200,000 to RM400,000. The cost of purchasing a studio apartment is around RM150,000 to RM200,000, while a two-bedroom apartment can cost up to RM500,000.
Transportation The cost of public transportation in Ipoh is relatively inexpensive. A single bus ride costs around RM1.50, while a taxi ride costs around RM3.00. The cost of owning a car in Ipoh is relatively high, with the cost of petrol being around RM2.50 per litre.
Groceries The cost of groceries in Ipoh is relatively inexpensive. A loaf of bread costs around RM2.50, while a litre of milk costs around RM3.00. The cost of fresh fruits and vegetables is also relatively inexpensive, with a kilogram of apples costing around RM4.00.
Restaurants The cost of eating out in Ipoh is relatively inexpensive. A meal at a local restaurant costs around RM10.00, while a meal at a mid-range restaurant costs around RM20.00. The cost of eating at a high-end restaurant is around RM50.00.
Utilities The cost of utilities in Ipoh is relatively inexpensive. The cost of electricity is around RM0.30 per kWh, while the cost of water is around RM0.50 per cubic metre. The cost of internet is around RM50.00 per month.
Private School Tuition The cost of private school tuition in Ipoh is relatively high. The cost of preschool tuition is around RM1,000 to RM2,000 per month, while the cost of elementary school tuition is around RM2,000 to RM3,000 per month. The cost of middle school tuition is around RM3,000 to RM4,000 per month, while the cost of high school tuition is around RM4,000 to RM5,000 per month.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Ipoh

"The cost of living in Ipoh is generally considered to be quite affordable. Groceries, transportation, and utilities are all relatively inexpensive, while rent and dining out can be slightly more expensive. Overall, Ipoh is a great place to live for those looking for a budget-friendly lifestyle," said one expat living in Ipoh.

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

"I've been living in Ipoh 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 Bercham or Menglembu, where you can find decent apartments or houses for rent at a lower price compared to more upscale areas like Meru or Tambun. These neighborhoods are still safe and have access to basic amenities, but they might not have the same level of luxury or convenience as the more expensive areas.Another sacrifice you might have to make is cutting back on dining out or entertainment expenses. While Ipoh has a great food scene and plenty of options for entertainment, you'll need to be more selective about where you go and how often you indulge in these activities to stay within your budget. Cooking at home and looking for free or low-cost activities, like visiting local parks or attending community events, can help you save money.Transportation is another area where you can save money. Public transportation in Ipoh is not as extensive as in larger cities, but it's still possible to get around using buses or taxis. If you're willing to use public transportation or even ride a bike, you can save on the costs of owning and maintaining a car.In terms of healthcare, Malaysia has a good healthcare system, and Ipoh has several hospitals and clinics that offer affordable and quality care. However, you might want to consider getting health insurance to cover any unexpected medical expenses.Overall, living in Ipoh on $1,500 a month is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices in terms of housing, dining, and entertainment. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood and being conscious of your spending habits, you can enjoy a comfortable life in this beautiful city," commented an expat living in Ipoh.

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

"I've been living in Ipoh for a while 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, there might be some sacrifices you'll have to make to ensure you stay within your budget.Firstly, you'll want to choose an affordable neighborhood to live in. Some of the more budget-friendly areas in Ipoh include Bercham, Menglembu, and Taman Cempaka. These neighborhoods offer a good mix of local amenities, and you can find decent housing options at reasonable prices. On the other hand, you might want to avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Meru, Sunway City, and Tambun, as the cost of living in these areas can be significantly higher.When it comes to transportation, you'll find that public transport options in Ipoh are quite limited. You might need to rely on taxis or ride-hailing services like Grab to get around, which can add up over time. To save on transportation costs, consider getting a motorcycle or a small car, as fuel prices in Malaysia are relatively low.As for dining out, you'll find that local food in Ipoh is generally affordable and delicious. You can enjoy a wide variety of dishes at local hawker centers and food courts for just a few dollars per meal. However, if you prefer to eat at more upscale restaurants or international chains, you'll need to be prepared to pay more.In terms of entertainment and leisure activities, there are plenty of affordable options in Ipoh. You can visit local attractions like the Kek Lok Tong Cave Temple, the Lost World of Tambun, and the Ipoh Old Town for a minimal entrance fee or even for free. However, if you're into more high-end activities like golfing or fine dining, you might need to cut back on these to stay within your budget.Lastly, when it comes to shopping, you'll find that local markets and shops offer a wide range of products at affordable prices. However, if you're looking for imported goods or luxury items, you might need to be prepared to pay a premium.Overall, living in Ipoh on a $3,000 monthly budget is definitely doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some adjustments to your lifestyle. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, being smart about transportation, and enjoying the local food and attractions, you can live comfortably and still enjoy the modern amenities you're used to," said one expat living in Ipoh.

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

"I've been living in Ipoh for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, especially if you're used to modern amenities. In fact, you might not even have to make too many sacrifices to make it work. Ipoh is a relatively affordable city compared to Kuala Lumpur or Penang, so your money will go further here.When it comes to housing, you can find a nice apartment or house in a decent neighborhood for around $500 to $1,000 a month. Some of the more affordable neighborhoods to consider are Bercham, Menglembu, and Taman Cempaka. These areas have a good mix of local and expat residents, and you'll find plenty of amenities like supermarkets, restaurants, and shopping centers nearby.If you're looking for something a bit more upscale, you might want to check out neighborhoods like Meru Valley, Sunway City, or Tambun. These areas have more luxurious homes and apartments, but the prices can be quite a bit higher, sometimes reaching $2,000 a month or more. If you're on a $5,000 a month budget, you might want to avoid these neighborhoods to save some money.As for other expenses, you'll find that food, transportation, and entertainment are all quite affordable in Ipoh. You can eat out at local restaurants for just a few dollars per meal, and even international cuisine won't set you back too much. Public transportation is also cheap, with bus fares costing less than a dollar, and taxis are reasonably priced as well.One sacrifice you might have to make is adjusting to the slower pace of life in Ipoh compared to larger cities. While there are plenty of things to do and see, the city doesn't have the same level of nightlife or cultural events as Kuala Lumpur or Penang. However, if you're looking for a more laid-back lifestyle, this might actually be a plus for you.Overall, I think you'll find that living in Ipoh on a $5,000 a month budget is not only possible but quite comfortable. By choosing an affordable neighborhood and being mindful of your spending, you can enjoy a high quality of life without breaking the bank," commented an expat living in Ipoh.

About the Author

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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