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Labuan, Malaysia

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Est. Monthly Cost (1 Person)
$1,300
Retiree Score
55.0
Safety Index
85.4
Healthcare
5 facilities

With a population of just 95,100, Labuan is a small Malaysian federal territory that has carved out an identity as an offshore financial center. However, the island's development remains uneven, characterized by aging infrastructure and limited public transportation. The climate is tropical, with high humidity and frequent thunderstorms, presenting a constant challenge. On the plus side, Labuan benefits from robust security, with naval patrols and a military presence helping maintain its status as a financial hub. Overall, this remote outpost is best suited for finance professionals seeking low costs and light-touch regulations, rather than those seeking a cosmopolitan lifestyle.

Can I afford Labuan?

$

Labuan

You could save

1,700/mo

Savings Rate57%

Monthly Costs

Rent $620
Living (Country Average Adjusted)$680

Attractiveness Scores

FIRE Score
(i)
57/100
Retiree Score
(i)
55/100
Lifestyle Score
(i)
60/100
💻Nomad Score
(i)
50/100
Meets Malaysia Digital Nomad Visa Income Rule.
85
Safety
5
Healthcare
100
Walkability
35
Nomad

Grocery Basket

Milk (1L) $2
Bread (loaf) *$2
Eggs (12) $3
Rice (1kg) *$1
Chicken (1kg) *$4

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Eating Out

Meal (Inexpensive) *$6
Meal (Mid-range) $25
Cappuccino $4
Water (0.33L) *$1

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Utilities & Lifestyle

Utilities (mo) $33
Mobile Plan (mo) $8
Gym (mo) *$24
Cinema Ticket $5

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Housing

1BR Center (mo) $372
1BR Outside (mo) *$165
3BR Center (mo) $690
3BR Outside (mo) *$281

* Estimated based on regional averages.

🧳 Expat Life

English Proficiency
Common in Tourist Areas
Expat Community
Small
Top Neighborhoods
Labuan Town, Bandar Labuan
Best For
oil and gas workers, offshore finance professionals

Expat Life Notes

Labuan is a Malaysian Federal Territory island and duty-free zone off the coast of Sabah. It has an oil and gas expat community but limited broader expat amenities.

Pros

  • ✓ Duty-free status
  • ✓ Oil and gas employment
  • ✓ Offshore financial center

Cons

  • ✗ Small island with limited options
  • ✗ Limited English outside business circles
  • ✗ Remote from peninsula Malaysia

🌐 Infrastructure & Lifestyle

Avg Internet
—
Temperature
—
Annual Rainfall
2776 mm
Coworking Spaces
—
Best Months to Visit
May, Jun, Jul, Aug

Also Consider

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Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Labuan

Click any question to expand the answer.

Labuan has a population of approximately 95,100 people.

A single person can expect to spend around $1,550 per month in Labuan, including rent. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $620/month.

The nearest airport to Labuan is BWN, approximately 51km away.

Labuan is considered relatively safe, with a safety index of 85.4. As with any city abroad, expats should research specific neighborhoods before committing to a location.

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