Miri, Malaysia
Sarawak's second-largest city and the birthplace of Malaysia's petroleum industry, a gateway to Gunung Mulu National Park.
Below Average vs Malaysia Avg (100)
Affordable
Household income
Job market health
Miri vs Malaysia Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: None
- Sales Tax: 8.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: RM 52,000
- Unemployment: 2.6%
- Population: 234,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 175/year
- Summer High: 89°F
- Winter Low: 74°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 7b
Housing
- Median Home: RM300,000
- 1BR Rent: RM850/mo
Cost of Living
Miri's cost of living index is 39 (Malaysia average = 100).
| Category | Miri | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 39 | 100 | -61.0% |
| Housing | 27 | 100 | -73.0% |
Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | RM300,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | RM850/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | RM1,063/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | RM200 |
Data source: Zillow Research, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Miri:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | RM80 | |
| Heating & Cooling | N/A | Estimated based on local climate. |
| Cooling (AC) | RM83 | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | RM25 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | RM100 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | Included in taxes | Municipal service (covered by property taxes) |
| Total Utilities | RM288 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Remote Work Score
Miri scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Miri has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 94°F | 74°F | 2.5" |
| April | 74°F | 89°F | 2.8" |
| July | 89°F | 64°F | 1.5" |
| October | 69°F | 92°F | 2.2" |
Mild — wide variety of vegetables, many fruit trees
Natural Hazards
Miri faces the following natural hazards:
Extreme summer heat.
Moderate seismic activity with occasional earthquakes.
Coastal areas with tsunami risk.
Moderate typhoon risk.
Monsoon floods in eastern states.
Forest fires.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 0% (None)
- Sales Tax: 8%
- Property Tax: ~0.1% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 2.6%.
Schools & Education
Academic Schedule
Year-end break is the longest. Breaks for Hari Raya, Chinese New Year, and Deepavali.
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Miri, Malaysia?
The cost of living index in Miri is 39, which is Lower the Malaysia national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Miri?
The median home price in Miri is RM300,000. The housing index is 27.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Miri is approximately RM850/mo.
Does Miri, SR have income tax?
Miri is in SR, which has no income tax.
What is the climate like in Miri?
Miri enjoys approximately 175 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 89°F, while winter lows can drop to around 74°F.
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
- Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
- Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
- Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Data last updated: August 12, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.