Mountain town in Pahang, Malaysia
Cost of living in Cameron Highlands
How much a month costs in Cameron Highlands
For one person, including rent. A comfortable month costs about $783–1,180 (RM3,200–4,800).
Prices in Cameron Highlands
Typical 2026 ranges in MYR, rounded. US$ at the 03 Oct 2026 exchange rate.
| Item | MYR | US$ |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| 1-bedroom apartment, center (month) | RM800–1,600 | $196–392 |
| 1-bedroom apartment, outside center (month) | RM600–1,200 | $147–294 |
| Hostel dorm bed (night) | RM25–60 | $6.1–14.7 |
| Mid-range hotel room (night) | RM120–280 | $29–69 |
| Food and drink | ||
| Local meal or street food | RM8–15 | $2.0–3.7 |
| Mid-range restaurant, per person | RM30–60 | $7.3–14.7 |
| Cappuccino | RM9–15 | $2.2–3.7 |
| Local beer, 0.5 l in a bar | RM14–25 | $3.4–6.1 |
| Getting around | ||
| Public transport, one ride | RM2–5 | $0.5–1.2 |
| Ride-hailing or taxi, about 5 km | RM15–30 | $3.7–7.3 |
| Work and life | ||
| Mobile data, 20–50 GB (month) | RM30–60 | $7.3–14.7 |
Value for money: 90/100
A value score of 90/100 means Cameron Highlands gives more quality of life per dollar than 89% of the 1,319 places we cover. Quality here scores 66/100. It's the 3rd most affordable of 16 places we cover in Malaysia.
| Quality factor | Score |
|---|---|
| Safety | |
| Air quality | |
| Internet | |
| Healthcare | |
| Weather | |
| Friendly locals | |
| English |
Cost of living across Malaysia
One person, comfortable lifestyle, including rent.
| Place | Comfortable month | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Ipoh | $735–1,100 | 92/100 |
| Cameron Highlands | $783–1,180 | 90/100 |
| Sandakan | $783–1,180 | 91/100 |
| Taman Negara | $735–1,220 | 89/100 |
| Malacca | $857–1,270 | 85/100 |
| Kuching | $857–1,270 | 87/100 |
| Perhentian Islands | $930–1,350 | 85/100 |
| Tioman | $930–1,350 | 84/100 |
| Langkawi | $930–1,420 | 81/100 |
| Kota Kinabalu | $979–1,470 | 81/100 |
| Johor Bahru | $979–1,470 | 71/100 |
| Semporna | $979–1,590 | 63/100 |
| Penang | $1,030–1,590 | 74/100 |
| Genting Highlands | $1,100–1,710 | 71/100 |
| Kuala Lumpur | $1,220–1,960 | 57/100 |
| Redang | $1,220–1,960 | 62/100 |
Cheaper alternatives to Cameron Highlands
Similar safety, lower cost, in Southeast Asia.
| Place | Country | Comfortable month |
|---|---|---|
| Hue | Vietnam | $578–963 |
| Phong Nha | Vietnam | $539–848 |
| Ninh Binh | Vietnam | $539–925 |
| Mount Bromo | Indonesia | $503–783 |
| Sapa | Vietnam | $578–963 |
Quick answers
How much money do you need per month in Cameron Highlands?
About $441–612 on a lean budget, $783–1,180 for a comfortable month and $1,470–2,450 for a luxury one, rent included.
How much is rent in Cameron Highlands?
A furnished 1-bedroom apartment costs RM800–1,600 ($196–392) a month in the center and RM600–1,200 ($147–294) outside it.
How much does food cost in Cameron Highlands?
A local meal is RM8–15 ($2.0–3.7); a mid-range restaurant is RM30–60 ($7.3–14.7) per person.
Is Malaysia expensive?
Prices in Malaysia are about 32% of US price levels (World Bank PPP).
More about Cameron Highlands
- Cost of livingacross Malaysia
- Safetyin Cameron Highlands
- Weather & best timein Cameron Highlands
- Internet & coworkingin Cameron Highlands
- Getting aroundin Cameron Highlands
- Tap waterin Cameron Highlands
- LGBTQ+ friendlyin Cameron Highlands
- Healthcare & insurancein Cameron Highlands
- Solo travelin Cameron Highlands
Going to Cameron Highlands solo?
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Sources
- ExchangeRate-API open rates
- World Bank: PPP conversion factor
- Tourism Malaysia
- BOH Tea Plantations
- KTMB (railways)
Prices are SoloSquare estimates for 2026, reviewed against official and operator prices where available. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.