City Profile
Jerantut, Pahang
Malaysia · Comprehensive city data and intelligence
Jerantut, nestled in the heart of Pahang, Malaysia, stands as the state's largest district, offering a unique blend of natural splendor and developing urban conveniences. It serves as the primary gateway to the world-renowned Taman Negara National Park, an ancient rainforest that significantly shapes the town's identity and attracts a steady stream of eco-tourists. The town itself is experiencing progressive growth, marked by new mixed property developments and modern infrastructure, all while maintaining a serene atmosphere.
This harmonious coexistence of nature and development is a key draw for residents. People are increasingly moving to Jerantut to enjoy a peaceful lifestyle, far from the intense pace of metropolitan areas, yet still having access to essential services and emerging economic opportunities. The district's rich natural resources and strategic location contribute to its appeal as a place to live and work, fostering a community that values both tranquility and progress.
Pahang, the largest state in Peninsular Malaysia, is characterized by its diverse natural landscapes, including pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and cooler highlands like Cameron Highlands. Its economy is driven by services, manufacturing, and agriculture, with key industries including tourism, palm oil, rubber, timber, and increasingly, chemical and petrochemical, automotive, and food manufacturing. Living in Pahang generally offers an affordable lifestyle compared to many Western countries, with a tropical equatorial climate that is warm and humid year-round, though highland areas provide cooler temperatures. The cost of living is considered low in Asia, with affordable food and housing options.
How this 70/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
| Component | Readings used | Points | Weight | Contributes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | No usable reading — dataset average used | 71.3 | 30% | 21.4 |
| Affordability | No usable reading — dataset average used | 75.1 | 25% | 18.8 |
| Economy & jobs | Median household income: no usable reading Income needed to live here: $15,000 Unemployment rate: 3.76% | 78.0 | 20% | 15.6 |
| Growth | Population growth rate: 1.1% Job growth rate: no usable reading | 52.5 | 15% | 7.9 |
| Business climate assessment | Business climate assessment: 65 / 100 | 65.0 | 10% | 6.5 |
| Overall score | 70.2 | |||
Provenance.
These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as
Gemini (Tier 1 (fast), q=75), last refreshed
29 September 2026.
They are researched estimates drawn from public sources, not a licensed data feed.
Each component is scored against fixed published endpoints, so this number is comparable with any other city and does not move as the dataset grows. Scoring framework 2026.10 — full methodology, weights and accepted ranges.
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Cost of Living
The cost of living in Jerantut is notably more affordable when compared to Malaysia's larger urban centers. While a specific cost of living index for Jerantut is not available, the national average monthly rent in Malaysia was approximately USD 423 in Q2 2024, with major cities commanding higher prices. This suggests that rental costs in Jerantut would be considerably lower, contributing to a more economical lifestyle for its residents.
Housing expenses, a primary driver of living costs, are particularly favorable in Jerantut. The median transacted property price in the district was approximately USD 54,700 in the 12 months leading up to May 2026, with a median price per square foot around USD 49. This is significantly below the national median property price of approximately USD 104,800 in 2025, making homeownership more accessible. The affordability of both rental and purchased properties positions Jerantut as an attractive option for those seeking a lower cost of living.
Income
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Jerantut's economy is predominantly anchored by its robust agricultural and burgeoning tourism sectors. The agricultural sector is a vital economic engine, contributing substantially to the district's GDP and providing significant employment opportunities. In 2023, the agriculture sector in Pahang, encompassing Jerantut, employed over 193,000 individuals, with crop cultivation being the leading subsector for employment. The forestry and logging industry also plays a crucial role, generating considerable income for the district.
Beyond these core industries, the job market in Jerantut also sees opportunities in retail, logistics, and healthcare, as indicated by various job postings. The tourism sector, driven by the proximity to Taman Negara, supports jobs in hospitality and related services. While specific major employers are not detailed, the presence of diverse job listings suggests a dynamic, albeit smaller, job market. Remote work options are also emerging, reflecting broader national trends in employment flexibility.
The average salary in Jerantut is $8,000 per year. You would need approximately $15,000 to live comfortably.
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Transport
Getting around Jerantut primarily involves road transportation, with the town being well-connected and accessible by both buses and taxis. This indicates a medium level of car dependency, as personal vehicles likely offer the most flexibility for residents to explore the expansive district and reach its numerous natural attractions, such as Taman Negara. While public transport options are available, the convenience of driving often makes it the preferred mode for many.
Specific walkability and transit scores for Jerantut are not publicly available, but the presence of a town center with local amenities suggests that some areas may be walkable for daily errands. However, for broader travel within the district or to neighboring areas, a car would be highly beneficial.
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