City Profile
Keningau, Sabah
Malaysia · Comprehensive city data and intelligence
Keningau, the capital of the Keningau District in Sabah, Malaysia, is a vibrant town nestled in the Interior Division. As one of Sabah's oldest and fifth-largest towns, it serves as a significant hub between Tambunan and Tenom. The town's name is derived from 'koningau,' a local species of cinnamon tree, reflecting its rich natural heritage. Keningau is characterized by its diverse ethnic makeup, with Dusuns, Muruts, and Lundayehs forming the major indigenous groups, alongside a notable Chinese population and other communities.
People are drawn to Keningau for its blend of traditional charm and developing infrastructure. It offers a more relaxed pace of life compared to larger Malaysian cities, while still providing essential services and amenities. The town is surrounded by natural beauty, including proximity to the Crocker Range National Park, offering opportunities for outdoor activities and a connection to nature. Its strategic location within Sabah's interior also makes it a gateway to exploring the region's cultural and ecological attractions.
Sabah, located on the island of Borneo, is a Malaysian state known for its rich natural resources and diverse cultural landscape. Its economy is strongly export-oriented, with primary industries including oil and gas, timber, palm oil, agriculture, and a significant and growing ecotourism sector. The climate is equatorial and tropical, with consistently warm temperatures around 32°C (90°F) in lowland areas and common rainfall throughout the year. Living costs in Sabah vary, with Kota Kinabalu being more expensive than smaller towns, but generally, it offers a relatively affordable and laid-back lifestyle compared to many Western countries, appealing to those who appreciate nature and a multicultural environment.
How this 74/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
| Component | Readings used | Points | Weight | Contributes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | Safety score: 78 / 100 | 78.0 | 30% | 23.4 |
| Affordability | Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 30.0 | 100.0 | 25% | 25.0 |
| Economy & jobs | Median household income: no usable reading Income needed to live here: $4,500 Unemployment rate: 5.6% | 55.0 | 20% | 11.0 |
| Growth | Population growth rate: 1.26% Job growth rate: 1.8% | 56.3 | 15% | 8.4 |
| Business climate assessment | Business climate assessment: 62 / 100 | 62.0 | 10% | 6.2 |
| Overall score | 74.0 | |||
Provenance.
These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as
Gemini (Tier 2 (reasoned), q=81), 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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Performance
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Cost of Living
The cost of living in Keningau is considerably lower than in major global cities, making it an attractive option for those seeking affordability. Housing, in particular, is significantly less expensive compared to many Western countries. While specific recent data for Keningau is limited, the median monthly wage in Sabah, the state where Keningau is located, was RM2,000 (approximately USD 490) as of Q3 2025, which is 17% below the national average. This indicates a generally lower cost environment across the state.
Daily expenses such as groceries, local transportation, and dining out at local eateries are also relatively inexpensive. However, the lack of extensive public transportation infrastructure means that private vehicle ownership is common, which can add to overall transportation costs despite lower fuel prices. The affordability of Keningau is a key factor contributing to its livability, especially for residents earning local wages, though imported goods and certain services may align more closely with national pricing.
Income
Salary Insights
Keningau's economy, like much of Sabah, is significantly influenced by the services, agriculture, and mining and quarrying sectors. The services sector is the primary growth engine for Sabah, contributing 52.1% to the state's GDP in 2025, with agriculture accounting for approximately 14%. Keningau itself is known for its numerous agricultural plantations, which provide substantial employment opportunities. The state's economy saw a robust growth of 5.1% in 2025, a notable improvement from 1.2% in 2024, with projections for continued strengthening in 2026.
Despite this growth, Sabah faces a challenging labor market, with an unemployment rate of 5.6% in June 2026, which is the highest among Malaysian states. Youth unemployment is particularly acute, indicating a potential mismatch between job supply and expectations. While major employers are often linked to these core industries, the remote work scene in Keningau is likely nascent, with most employment opportunities being on-site within the local economy.
The average salary in Keningau is $5,880 per year. You would need approximately $4,500 to live comfortably.
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Transport
Getting around Keningau primarily relies on road networks, with public transportation options being somewhat limited. Long-distance coaches connect Keningau to major cities like Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan, Lahad Datu, and Tawau, facilitating inter-city travel. Within the town, public transport is mainly provided by minibuses and taxis. However, the public transport system is not extensive enough to negate the need for private vehicles for many residents.
Traffic congestion has become a significant concern in Keningau, particularly in main town areas and entry routes during peak hours, leading to daily travel disruptions. This worsening traffic situation suggests a high reliance on cars and highlights the need for improved urban planning and infrastructure to manage the growing number of vehicles. The town's walkability is moderate, but the increasing traffic and lack of dedicated pedestrian infrastructure in some areas can make walking less convenient.
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