City Profile
Jeli, Kelantan
Malaysia · Comprehensive city data and intelligence
Jeli is a district located in the western part of Kelantan, Malaysia, strategically positioned near the state borders of Perak and the international border with Thailand. It serves as a vital 'western gateway' into the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia, particularly for travelers from states like Penang, Kedah, and Perlis, facilitated by its main road, Highway 4. Historically, the economy of Jeli has been deeply rooted in agriculture, with rubber tapping being the predominant occupation for many residents, often owning small plantations. While agriculture remains a key sector, subsequent generations have diversified into other professions, a trend supported by advancements in the local education system, including institutions like Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) Jeli Campus. The district is also recognized for its natural beauty, featuring waterfalls and hot springs, which contribute to its appeal.
Kelantan, located in northeastern Peninsular Malaysia, is known as the "cradle of Malay culture" due to its strong preservation of Malay traditions, arts like batik and woodcarving, and a distinct local dialect. Its economy is primarily agrarian, with major industries including rice, rubber, and tobacco cultivation, fishing, and traditional handicraft production, though tourism and the services sector are growing in importance. Living in Kelantan generally offers a lower cost of living compared to other parts of Malaysia, and the climate is tropical with consistent warmth and humidity year-round, experiencing a wet monsoon season from November to January. The lifestyle is largely rural and traditional, emphasizing community life and cultural heritage.
How this 75/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
| Component | Readings used | Points | Weight | Contributes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | Safety score: 68 / 100 | 68.0 | 30% | 20.4 |
| Affordability | Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 48.0 | 100.0 | 25% | 25.0 |
| Economy & jobs | Median household income: no usable reading Income needed to live here: $5,000 Unemployment rate: 4.1% | 73.8 | 20% | 14.8 |
| Growth | Population growth rate: 1.34% Job growth rate: no usable reading | 58.5 | 15% | 8.8 |
| Business climate assessment | Business climate assessment: 60 / 100 | 60.0 | 10% | 6.0 |
| Overall score | 74.9 | |||
Provenance.
These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as
Gemini (Tier 2 (reasoned), q=80), 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 Jeli, Kelantan, is considerably lower than in major Malaysian cities and significantly more affordable compared to the United States average. Kelantan, as a state, has one of the lowest Basic Expenditure of Decent Living (PAKW) index scores in Malaysia, indicating that the expenditure needed to maintain a decent standard of living is about 46.3% lower than in Kuala Lumpur. This affordability is driven by lower housing costs and generally cheaper local goods and services. While specific data for Jeli is limited, the overall trend for Kelantan suggests that residents can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without the high financial burden often associated with more urbanized areas.
Income
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Jeli's economy is primarily agrarian, with rubber tapping, rice, and palm oil production forming its traditional backbone. Fishing also plays an important role along Kelantan's coastline, contributing to the state's economy. The broader Kelantan state economy saw a 3.6% growth in its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2024, with the Services sector dominating and the Agriculture and Construction sectors showing recovery and surge, respectively. Local government efforts and educational institutions like Universiti Malaysia Kelantan are actively fostering economic development by encouraging new ventures and enhancing digital literacy among micro-entrepreneurs. While high-tech sectors are limited, there's a shift towards more diverse professions among younger generations due to improved education.
The average salary in Jeli is $5,880 per year. You would need approximately $5,000 to live comfortably.
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Transportation in Jeli is predominantly reliant on private vehicles, reflecting its rural setting and the limited availability of extensive public transit systems. While specific commute times are not available, the road network, including Highway 4, serves as a vital link to other states. Traffic conditions are generally manageable, though alternative routes are sometimes utilized during peak travel periods, such as holiday breaks. The absence of formal transit scores suggests that walkability and public transportation infrastructure are not highly developed, making personal cars or motorcycles essential for daily commuting and accessing services across the district.
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