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," explained one expat living in Malaysia.
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William RussellWilliam Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
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"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," said another expat in Kuching, Malaysia.
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Other Questions:
- What should I pack when moving to Malaysia?
- Where should I setup a bank account in Malaysia?
- Will I be able to find a job in Malaysia?
- What is life like in Malaysia?
- What do expats in Malaysia appreciate most about the local culture?
- What do expats find most challenging?
- Is there a lot of crime in Malaysia?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Malaysia accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Malaysia like?
- What are healthcare services like in Malaysia?
- What are medical services in Malaysia like?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Malaysia?
- What are emergency services like in Malaysia?
- Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
- Are common prescription medications available in Malaysia?
- How are local medical facilities in Malaysia?
- As a foreigner living in Malaysia, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
- What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?
Is the cost of living in Malaysia high?
If you live in Malaysia, newcomers to Malaysia would love to hear your answer to this question.
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.