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Islands in Terengganu, Malaysia

Cost of living in Perhentian Islands

Updated October 2026Sources

How much a month costs in Perhentian Islands

For one person, including rent. A comfortable month costs about $930–1,350 (RM3,800–5,500).

Lean$539–735RM2,200–3,000 · Room or studio, local food
Comfortable$930–1,350RM3,800–5,500 · 1-bed apartment, eating out daily
Luxury$1,710–2,940RM7,000–12,000 · Upscale apartment, restaurants, taxis

Prices in Perhentian Islands

Typical 2026 ranges in MYR, rounded. US$ at the 03 Oct 2026 exchange rate.

ItemMYRUS$
Housing
Hostel dorm bed (night)RM40–90$10–22
Mid-range hotel room (night)RM150–400$37–98
Food and drink
Local meal or street foodRM10–20$2.4–4.9
Mid-range restaurant, per personRM30–60$7.3–14.7
CappuccinoRM8–14$2.0–3.4
Work and life
Mobile data, 20–50 GB (month)RM30–60$7.3–14.7

Value for money: 85/100

A value score of 85/100 means Perhentian Islands gives more quality of life per dollar than 84% of the 1,319 places we cover. Quality here scores 68/100. It's the 7th most affordable of 16 places we cover in Malaysia.

Quality factorScore
Safety75
Air quality76
Internet74
Healthcare48
Weather42
Friendly locals75
English75

Cost of living across Malaysia

One person, comfortable lifestyle, including rent.

PlaceComfortable monthValue
Ipoh$735–1,10092/100
Cameron Highlands$783–1,18090/100
Sandakan$783–1,18091/100
Taman Negara$735–1,22089/100
Malacca$857–1,27085/100
Kuching$857–1,27087/100
Perhentian Islands$930–1,35085/100
Tioman$930–1,35084/100
Langkawi$930–1,42081/100
Kota Kinabalu$979–1,47081/100
Johor Bahru$979–1,47071/100
Semporna$979–1,59063/100
Penang$1,030–1,59074/100
Genting Highlands$1,100–1,71071/100
Kuala Lumpur$1,220–1,96057/100
Redang$1,220–1,96062/100

Cheaper alternatives to Perhentian Islands

Similar safety, lower cost, in Southeast Asia.

PlaceCountryComfortable month
HueVietnam$578–963
Phong NhaVietnam$539–848
SukhothaiThailand$656–1,040
Ninh BinhVietnam$539–925
Mount BromoIndonesia$503–783

Quick answers

How much money do you need per month in Perhentian Islands?

About $539–735 on a lean budget, $930–1,350 for a comfortable month and $1,710–2,940 for a luxury one, rent included.

How much does food cost in Perhentian Islands?

A local meal is RM10–20 ($2.4–4.9); 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).

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Sources

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.