Last updated on August 13th, 2024 at 09:24 am
When faced with the choice of continuing one’s education or working abroad, the cost of living is a key factor influencing the decision. Malaysia is one of the countries where the cost of living is more affordable compared to other countries.
It’s perhaps no surprise that Malaysia has become a popular choice for many students and newcomers looking to live in our neighboring country. In addition to its affordability, Malaysia also offers a diverse range of travel experiences and a culinary scene that’s just as delicious as Indonesia’s. Let’s take a look at the cost of living in Malaysia and some tips for saving money there!
Cost of Living in Malaysia
The cost of living in Malaysia can vary depending on several factors. Housing is one of the main considerations, as the cost of renting or buying property can vary from city to city and region to region.
Food and grocery prices can also vary depending on location and the type of store you shop at. Transportation—whether it’s the cost of using a personal vehicle or public transportation—also plays an important role in determining monthly expenses.
Education and health-related factors, including school tuition and health insurance, also need to be taken into account. In addition, entertainment expenses, electricity and water bills, as well as taxes and other living expenses, also contribute to total spending.
What Is the Cost of Living in Malaysia?
The cost of living in Malaysia can vary depending on location, lifestyle, and individual needs. However, in general, Malaysia is known as one of the countries with an affordable cost of living. Here are the estimated monthly living expenses for students or newcomers in Malaysia:
Cost of Living in Malaysia for Workers
The cost of living in Malaysia for workers is not significantly different from that of students. It is estimated that the cost is around RM1,500, or the equivalent of Rp5 million.
To save on living expenses, you can cut back on non-essential spending and consider sharing a place with a coworker to reduce the cost of renting an apartment or flat.
A cost-saving alternative is to cook for yourself, using about RM15—or the equivalent of 50,000 rupiah—per day to prepare meals for yourself or with your roommate. The money you save can be allocated to other needs.
Cost of Living in Malaysia for Families
For families, the cost of living in Malaysia is generally estimated at around RM2,000, or the equivalent of Rp6.8 million. However, keep in mind that this cost may be higher if you have a large family.
Renting a home in a convenient location can help reduce transportation costs, and with wise financial management, your family can enjoy activities such as dining out or visiting tourist attractions in Malaysia.
Cost of Living in Malaysia for Students
Students who live on their own—whether in dorms or apartments—face significant differences in the cost of living in Malaysia. Dorms offer more affordable rent, while apartments tend to be more expensive.
Read Also: Guide to Studying in Malaysia: Terms and How to Register
Although dorms cost around RM600—or the equivalent of Rp2 million—per month, apartments can cost as much as RM750—or the equivalent of Rp2.5 million—per month. For those of you who want to study in Malaysia, you may also want to consider the more affordable transportation options in Malaysia, such as the MRT, Bus Rapid KL, or the KL Monorail.
Cost of Living in Malaysia 1 month
The cost of living in Malaysia for one month can vary depending on where you live. If you choose to live near a city, it’s estimated to cost around RM1,200 to RM1,500, or the equivalent of Rp3.8 million to Rp4.8 million. This is not much different from the situation in Indonesia.
Daily Expenses
The cost of living in Malaysia can vary depending on several factors, such as where you choose to live, your lifestyle, and your personal habits. However, here is an estimate of the daily cost of living for basic needs in Malaysia:
Meal cost
In addition to housing costs, another living expense in Malaysia to consider is the cost of food. To eat at an affordable fast-food restaurant, it costs about RM12, or the equivalent of Rp39,000, per serving. Assuming you eat at a restaurant every day, your monthly food expenses would amount to about RM900 or Rp3.6 million.
If you choose a fast-food restaurant like McDonald’s, it will cost about RM18, or around Rp58,500. Meanwhile, the price of a cup of coffee in Malaysia ranges from RM11 to RM12, or about Rp36,000 to Rp39,000. Therefore, it’s recommended to cut back on visits to cafes to save money and keep food costs under control.
Transportation costs
It’s important to factor in transportation costs if the distance between your home and campus or workplace in Malaysia is quite far. There are several transportation options, including the bus, which costs RM1—equivalent to Rp3,200—per trip, depending on the distance traveled. Meanwhile, the LRT, MRT, BRT, and Monorail cost around RM2—equivalent to Rp6,500—per trip.
Alternatively, if the distance between campus and your residence isn’t too far, you can buy a bicycle to save on transportation costs while living in Malaysia, thereby reducing your cost of living there.
Insurance Costs
Insurance costs in Malaysia vary depending on the type of insurance selected, age, and desired coverage. For example, public health insurance is subsidized by the government, so the costs are relatively affordable. Meanwhile, private health insurance in Malaysia is more expensive, depending on the coverage selected.
When it comes to travel insurance, the cost of domestic travel insurance in Malaysia is relatively affordable; for example, it costs about RM10 per day for coverage of up to RM100,000.
Meanwhile, international travel insurance in Malaysia can be more expensive, ranging from RM20 to RM50 per day, depending on the travel destination and coverage benefits. The choice of insurance type and benefits should be tailored to each individual’s needs and budget.
Read Also: 9 Best Hospitals in Kuala Lumpur
Miscellaneous expense
Total monthly living expenses will depend largely on an individual’s lifestyle. Movie tickets in Malaysia cost around RM10–RM32.
The cost of textbooks depends on the major you choose, with each textbook ranging in price from RM50 to RM200. A more affordable option is to buy used books.
In addition, you’ll need to set aside extra funds for school supplies, project materials (depending on your major), medical expenses—with a standard cost of about RM40 for a visit to a general practitioner, not including medication—and other unexpected expenses.
Read Also: Cost of Living in Taiwan: A Breakdown
Tips for Saving on Living Expenses in Malaysia
To save on living expenses in Malaysia, here are some tips you can follow:
- Create a budget plan and set priorities for one month, adjusting them to fit your available funds.
- It is important to set aside some money as an emergency fund to handle urgent situations.
- Shop only for items you truly need, not just for things you want.
- Regularly look for information about promotions, whether for food, fashion, books, tourist attractions, hotels, or other forms of entertainment.
- Set aside your shopping change as extra savings, which you can use when needed—such as for a vacation, a meal at the end of the month, or other expenses.
The Most Affordable Cities in Malaysia
Several cities in Malaysia are known as destinations with a relatively more affordable cost of living. Here are some of the cities often considered the most affordable in Malaysia:
Alor Setar
Alor Setar, the capital of Kedah, is known for its relatively low cost of living. Property prices—such as rent for houses or apartments—as well as food and transportation tend to be more affordable here. The city has a charming traditional atmosphere and a rich cultural diversity.
Ipoh
Ipoh, the capital of Perak, is known for its beautiful classical architecture and renowned cuisine. The cost of living here tends to be lower, including property prices and the cost of local food. The city offers a peaceful atmosphere and a rich history.
Read Also: Guide and Tips for Traveling in Malaysia
Kota Bharu
Kota Bharu, the capital of Kelantan, is known as a city with a traditional atmosphere and a reasonable cost of living. Prices for daily necessities, as well as housing rents, tend to be lower here.
Now that you know the cost of living in Malaysia, are you interested in studying and living there? Before you decide to move there, there are a few things to consider, one of which is choosing a reliable money transfer service to Malaysia.
Easylink is an app for sending money abroad that offers a secure, easy, and fast service.
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