Living in Johor Bahru vs other states
Quick answer: Johor's median household income is RM7,712 (2024) — fourth highest in Malaysia after KL, Putrajaya and Selangor — with home prices below KL and unique access to Singapore wages, the JS-SEZ and the RTS Link. For Bumiputera families from other states working in JB or Singapore, buying in JB often beats renting.
Key facts
| Johor median household income (2024) | RM7,712 |
|---|---|
| Johor median residential transaction | ~RM479,500 |
| Johor weekend | Sat & Sun (since 1 Jan 2025) |
Income & home price comparison
| State | Median household income (2024) | Median residential transaction (12 months) |
|---|---|---|
| Johor | RM7,712 | ~RM479,500 |
| W.P. Kuala Lumpur | RM10,802 | ~RM710,000 |
| Selangor | RM10,726 | ~RM498,000 |
| Penang | RM7,386 | ~RM360,000 |
| Terengganu | RM6,627 | ~RM340,000 |
| Sarawak | RM5,504 | ~RM400,000 |
| Sabah | RM4,890 | ~RM420,000 |
| Kelantan | RM4,083 | — |
Income: DOSM (2024). Prices: median transaction across all residential types, Property Genie (last 12 months) — includes condos, so a general picture only.
Why JB
- Next to Singapore — SGD income while living in Malaysia.
- The JS-SEZ is expected to create 20,000 skilled jobs.
- Many new landed homes, including RMMJ from RM150,000 for eligible buyers.
- Large Malay community and iconic mosques.
- Saturday–Sunday weekend since 1 January 2025.
Challenges
- Causeway congestion at peak hours (RTS Link expected February 2027).
- Local wages below KL/Selangor.
- Rising prices near Singapore.
Detailed comparisons
JB or KL/Selangor?Read →
Moving from Kelantan/Terengganu to JB?Read →
JB or Penang?Read →
Sabah/Sarawak natives working in JB?Read →
Frequently asked questions
Is Johor Bahru cheaper than KL?
Generally Johor home prices are lower than KL (median transaction ~RM479k vs ~RM710k), but median household income is also lower (RM7,712 vs RM10,802 in 2024).
What is the median household income in Johor?
RM7,712 a month in 2024 according to DOSM, fourth highest in Malaysia.