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Malaysia | Is the cost of living in Malaysia high? | Expat Exchange
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Is the cost of living in Malaysia high?

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We asked people about the cost of living in Malaysia, they wrote...

"Quite cheap. Renting a loft in Cheras will cost RM1,300-1,500 More expensive options in the city center will be more like RM2,500 Food shopping is around RM200 a week (for 2 people)," explained one expat living in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

"It costs me about 1/4 of what it does in the USA to live comfortably in Seremban, Malaysia. You can buy a small decent Myvi car for 50,000 ringgits $12,000 US. Electricity costs about $200 rm / $50us a month. Sewage and water are super inexpensive. Once a year I pay a car tax. A Japanese car Honda/Toyota costs about the same as in the US. A 1500 sf house with a small land might cost $800,000 rm / $200,000 US. An attached house is much less. Most "attached" townhouse designs are without much land, except room to park 2 cars in front of the house. I spend less than 1000 rm / $250us a month on groceries. Gas is cheaper than the US. If you have $5000 us income, you can easily afford a maid ($1000+ rm month)," said another in Seremban, Malaysia.

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William 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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Is the cost of living in Malaysia high?

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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 of George Town, Penang, Malaysia
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