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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Malacca 2024
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Cost of Living in Malacca

By Betsy Burlingame

AGS Worldwide Movers
AGS Worldwide Movers

Summary: If you're moving to Malacca, understanding the the cost of living in Malacca helps you know what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

Cost of Living in Malacca - Cost of Living in Malacca

Apartment Rentals The average cost of renting an apartment in Malacca is around RM1,000 to RM2,000 per month. The cost of renting a studio apartment is around RM700 to RM1,000 per month, while a two-bedroom apartment can cost up to RM2,500 per month.
Apartment Purchases The average cost of purchasing an apartment in Malacca is around RM200,000 to RM400,000. The cost of purchasing a studio apartment is around RM150,000 to RM200,000, while a two-bedroom apartment can cost up to RM500,000.
Transportation The cost of public transportation in Malacca is relatively inexpensive. A single bus ride costs around RM1.50, while a taxi ride costs around RM3.00. The cost of owning a car in Malacca is also relatively inexpensive, with the cost of petrol being around RM2.00 per litre.
Groceries The cost of groceries in Malacca is relatively inexpensive. A loaf of bread costs around RM2.50, while a litre of milk costs around RM3.50. The cost of fresh fruits and vegetables is also relatively inexpensive, with the cost of a kilogram of apples being around RM4.00.
Restaurants The cost of eating out in Malacca is relatively inexpensive. A meal at a local restaurant costs around RM10.00, while a meal at a mid-range restaurant costs around RM20.00. The cost of eating at a high-end restaurant is around RM50.00.
Utilities The cost of utilities in Malacca is relatively inexpensive. The cost of electricity is around RM0.30 per kWh, while the cost of water is around RM0.50 per cubic metre. The cost of internet is around RM50.00 per month.
Private School Tuition The cost of private school tuition in Malacca is relatively expensive. The cost of preschool tuition is around RM2,000 to RM3,000 per year, while the cost of elementary school tuition is around RM3,000 to RM4,000 per year. The cost of middle school tuition is around RM4,000 to RM5,000 per year, while the cost of high school tuition is around RM5,000 to RM6,000 per year.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Malacca

"The cost of living in Malacca is generally considered to be quite affordable. Basic necessities such as food, transportation, and utilities are relatively inexpensive compared to other cities in the region. Rent prices are also quite reasonable, making it a great option for those looking for a more affordable place to live. Additionally, there are plenty of entertainment and leisure activities available in the city, making it a great place to live for those on a budget," said one expat living in Malacca.

Can I live in Malacca on $1,500 a month?

"I've been living in Malacca for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. However, you might have to make some sacrifices and adjustments to your lifestyle. For example, you might need to live in a smaller apartment or share a place with roommates to save on rent. When it comes to choosing a neighborhood, I'd recommend looking at areas like Bukit Baru, Ujong Pasir, or Batu Berendam. These neighborhoods are more affordable and still offer a decent quality of life. You can find a nice apartment or house for around $300 to $500 a month, depending on the size and location. On the other hand, I'd avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Kota Laksamana, Taman Melaka Raya, or Klebang. These areas are more upscale and cater to a higher-end clientele, so the cost of living is significantly higher. Rent in these neighborhoods can easily go up to $800 or more per month for a decent-sized apartment.In terms of other expenses, you'll find that groceries, transportation, and utilities are quite affordable in Malacca. You can expect to spend around $200 to $300 a month on groceries, depending on your eating habits. Public transportation is also cheap, with bus fares costing around $0.50 per ride. If you prefer to drive, you can rent a car for around $300 to $400 a month. Utilities, including electricity, water, and internet, should cost you around $100 to $150 a month.Eating out and entertainment can be quite affordable as well, especially if you stick to local restaurants and street food. A meal at a local eatery can cost you as little as $2 to $3, while a meal at a mid-range restaurant might set you back around $10 to $15. If you're into nightlife, you'll find that drinks at bars and clubs are reasonably priced, with a beer costing around $3 to $5.Overall, living in Malacca on a $1,500 a month budget is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices in terms of housing and lifestyle choices. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood and being conscious of your spending habits, you can enjoy a comfortable life in this beautiful city," commented an expat living in Malacca.

Can I live in Malacca on $3,500 a month?

"I've been living in Malacca for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. However, you might have to make a few sacrifices to make it work. For example, you might not be able to dine out at fancy restaurants as often as you'd like, or you might have to cut back on some of your shopping habits.When it comes to housing, there are plenty of affordable neighborhoods in Malacca where you can find a nice place to live without breaking the bank. Some of the more affordable areas include Bukit Baru, Batu Berendam, and Cheng. These neighborhoods offer a good mix of local amenities, such as shops, restaurants, and public transportation, while still being relatively affordable compared to some of the more upscale areas of the city.On the other hand, you might want to avoid some of the more expensive neighborhoods, such as Kota Laksamana, Taman Melaka Raya, and Klebang. These areas tend to have higher rental prices and are more geared towards tourists and expats with larger budgets.In terms of transportation, you can save money by using public transportation or even renting a scooter or motorcycle, which is a popular mode of transportation in Malaysia. Owning a car can be quite expensive due to import taxes and high fuel prices, so it's best to avoid that if you're trying to stick to a budget.As for other expenses, you'll find that groceries and local food are quite affordable in Malacca. However, if you're looking for imported goods or Western-style food, you might have to pay a bit more. To save money, try shopping at local markets and eating at local food stalls, which offer delicious and affordable meals.Overall, living in Malacca on a $3,000 a month budget is definitely doable, but you'll have to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices in certain areas. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, using public transportation, and embracing the local lifestyle, you can enjoy a comfortable life in this beautiful city," said one expat living in Malacca.

Can I live in Malacca on $5,000 a month?

"I've been living in Malacca for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. In fact, you might not have to make too many sacrifices at all. Malacca is a beautiful city with a rich history, and it offers a good mix of modern conveniences and traditional charm.When it comes to housing, you'll find that there are plenty of options available in various neighborhoods. If you're looking for something more affordable, I'd recommend checking out areas like Bukit Baru, Batu Berendam, or Cheng. These neighborhoods offer a good mix of local and expat communities, and you can find decent houses or apartments for around $500 to $1,000 a month.On the other hand, if you're willing to spend a bit more on housing, you might want to consider neighborhoods like Kota Laksamana, Taman Melaka Raya, or Klebang. These areas are a bit more upscale and offer more luxurious housing options, but you can still find a nice place for around $1,500 to $2,500 a month.As for other expenses, you'll find that the cost of living in Malacca is generally quite affordable. Groceries, transportation, and utilities are all reasonably priced, and you can enjoy a meal at a local restaurant for just a few dollars. Of course, if you prefer to dine at more upscale establishments or indulge in imported goods, your expenses will be higher, but it's still possible to live comfortably within your budget.One thing to keep in mind is that while Malacca offers many modern amenities, it's not as developed as cities like Kuala Lumpur or Singapore. You might find that certain services or products you're used to aren't as readily available here, but that's part of the charm of living in a smaller city. Plus, with your budget, you can always take weekend trips to nearby cities if you're craving a taste of the big city life.Overall, I think you'll find that living in Malacca on $5,000 a month is not only possible but also quite enjoyable. You'll be able to experience the rich culture and history of the city while still enjoying modern conveniences and a comfortable lifestyle," commented an expat living in Malacca.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.


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