Cost of Living in Malaysia
Last updated on Feb 09, 2024
Summary: The cost of living in Malaysia is generally considered to be quite affordable. A nice 1 bedroom apartment in Malaysia can cost anywhere from $500 to $1,000 USD per month, while a nice 2 bedroom apartment can cost from $800 to $1,500 USD per month. Dinner at a moderately priced restaurant in Malaysia can cost anywhere from $10 to $20 USD per person.
Is the cost of living in Malaysia high?
We asked people how much they someone comfortably live on in Malaysia, they wrote:
"The cost of living in Malaysia is quite affordable, particularly for urban areas. The average monthly cost of living in major cities such as Kuala Lumpur, George Town, and Putrajaya ranges from around USD 400 to USD 800. Accommodation is relatively inexpensive, with the cost of renting a basic single room ranging from USD 200-400. Food prices are moderately priced, and most groceries can be found easily and cheaply. Transportation costs are affordable, with a single bus fare costing around USD 0.50. Additionally, utilities such as electricity, water, and internet are relatively inexpensive. Overall, the cost of living in Malaysia is quite reasonable and manageable," said one person in Malaysia.
"I pay US$600/mo rent, food @US$10/day (eating out/with non-alc. drink), Grab Taxi anywhere in town (up to 5 miles) US $2-5. Beer $1-2 tin/bottle. Bottle of Australian wine US$15-25!!! Local lankau rice wine or toddy $1-2. I spend about US$1200/month...tack on regional air trips and health insurance and it might go up to US$1500. Air-fare to Singapore US$20-50, double that to Bali, Bangkok or Ho Chi Minh City (routing through Kuala Lumpur or Singapore). That's about what they expect a S-MM2H single applicant to show," remarked one expat in Kuching.
"In Penang you can easily live for under $800. Our budget was over that but 1/5 the cost of living in Newport Beach, Ca or Maui and a better lifestyle," explained one expat living in Tojong Tokong, Penang Island.
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About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
Additional Information:
- Malaysia Guide
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Malaysia
- Members Talk about Healthcare & Health Insurance in Malaysia
- Best Places to Live in Malaysia
- Guide to Real Estate in Malaysia
- Pros & Cons of Living in Malaysia
- Cost of Living in Malaysia
- Is Health Insurance Required When Moving to Malaysia?
- Having a Baby in Malaysia
- Health Insurance for Expats in Malaysia
- Best Places to Visit in Malaysia for Christmas Cheer
- 2024 Guide to Living in Malaysia
- Pros and Cons of Living in Malaysia 2024
- 2024 Guide to Moving to Malaysia