Malaysia Forum

AlienOnTheRun
Joined 2013
Posts: 47

10 years ago

A New Home in Malaysia ?

10 years ago

Hi everyone! I'm an Asian Canadian male, who has spent most of his adult life and has worked only in the US, thus my retirement accounts are also only in the US. I'm in my middle age and considering to move overseas mainly for the financial reason. I used to work as a sub teacher for public schools in California and, looking long-term, my retirement funds are simply too skimpy to allow me to live in North America.

I've been researching lately and learned Malaysia is one of the cheapest destinations for retirement overseas. Of course, I'm also interested in local culture. Since money is the main (despite not only) reason I'm considering this option, I'd like to know just how much it will cost to live there.

Below is the cost of living in Kuala Lumpur and Penang. Please advise how accurate they are.

http://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/city_result.jsp?country=Malaysia&city=Kuala+Lumpur&displayCurrency=USD

http://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/city_result.jsp?country=Malaysia&city=Penang&displayCurrency=USD

It appears it’s not cheap in Kuala Lumpur any more, if this information is realistic, especially rent / real estate, basic utilities and internet. I’m wondering what the differences are between these two cities ? Are there any other good alternatives?

My main concerns are:
1) rent / real estate prices
2) how easy / difficult to get a tourist / PR visa?
3) Is it possible for expat to get jobs there since I still need to work. Unless I can afford a piece of real estate and rent out rooms, but I prefer to work.
4) Are they tax / expat friendly?
5) Low crime
6) Affordable and good quality medical care.

A few other concerns:
(in random order)
Warm weather (80 degree F is the optimum temperature to me, and I'd rather hot than cold, ideally not too humid)
Easy access to beach and mountains,
Has affordable gyms with at least doable equipments,
Clean, with good infrastructure
Reliable, at least not too bad internet / cell phone services
English-friendly is a plus, but not a must

I know these are a lot of questions / concerns, and these are the ideal. Please feel free to respond to any of them. Much obliged!

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Contribute
Help others in Malaysia by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Malaysia.