Data last updated: August 2026

Arlington, TXKota Kinabalu, Malaysia

You would need around 79.9% less money in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia to maintain the same standard of living you have in Arlington, TX.

Overall Cost of Living

79.9%

Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia is cheaper than Arlington, TX

1-Bed Rent (City Center)

City A2,480 USD
City B433 USD
Difference-82.5%

Groceries (Monthly)

City A304 USD
City B117 USD
Difference-61.5%

Average Net Salary

City A6,576 USD
City B589 USD
Difference-91.0%

Editorial Insight: Planning a move from Arlington, TX to Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia? Based on our verified data model, you are looking at a fantastic geo-arbitrage opportunity. Overall, the cost of living in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia is 79.9% cheaper. Housing is typically the biggest financial win—renting a 1-bedroom apartment in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia's center costs around 433 USD, which is a staggering 82.5% less than in Arlington, TX. If you are retaining a remote income, the Remote Wealth team ranks this as a highly strategic move for wealth accumulation.

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Reviewed by the Remote Wealth Editorial Team

Our cost of living data for Arlington, TX and Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia is compiled using our rigorous verification methodology. We combine millions of data points from reliable sources to ensure you get the most accurate financial comparison for your relocation.

Read more about our team →

Salary Comparator

Find out exactly how much you need to earn in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia to maintain your current lifestyle in Arlington, TX.

USD

You need in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

1,320 USD

Geo-Arbitrage FIRE

Discover how moving to a cheaper city accelerates your Financial Independence and Retire Early (FIRE) timeline.

By moving from Arlington, TX to Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia and investing the 80% cost of living difference, you could reach FIRE 10.0 years earlier.

Budget Simulator

Instantly adapt your Arlington, TX budget to local Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia prices. We automatically adjust housing, groceries, and leisure categories.

Housing433 USD
Groceries117 USD
Utilities & Internet76 USD

Investment Planner

You save 2047 USD every month on rent alone by moving to Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia.

Investing this rent difference in an S&P 500 index fund could grow to ~343,896 USD in 10 years.