×
Interested in our Partner Program for businesses or our Local Guide Program for experienced expats and digital nomads? Click here to learn more.
Malaysia | Is the cost of living in Malaysia high? | Expat Exchange
Expat Exchange
Free MembershipSign In
View from The Kuala Lumpur Tower

Is the cost of living in Malaysia high?

Answer this Question

GeoBlue
GeoBlue
GeoBlue
GeoBlue

We asked people how much they someone comfortably live on in Malaysia, they wrote...

"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 another expat in Kuching, Malaysia.

"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," said a member in Penang, Malaysia.

SJB GlobalSJB Global
Connect

SJB-Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model. Our clients benefit from their country’s most favorable tax environment by utilizing the efficient investment vehicles we offer. Our commitment to quality service is reflected in our stellar reviews, with over 300 testimonials boasting 95% five-star ratings.

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

SJB GlobalSJB Global

SJB-Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model. Our clients benefit from their country’s most favorable tax environment by utilizing the efficient investment vehicles we offer. Our commitment to quality service is reflected in our stellar reviews, with over 300 testimonials boasting 95% five-star ratings.
Connect

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

Please login to continue reading this article.

Not a member? Join Today (it's free).

Other Questions:

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.

If your answer relates to a specific city or town in Malaysia, please include the name of the city/town below:


About the Author

Joshua Wood 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.

View from The Kuala Lumpur Tower
GeoBlue
GeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

GeoBlueGeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

GeoBlue
GeoBlue

Copyright 1997-2025 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.

Privacy Policy Legal Partners & Local Guides