Cost of Living in Malaysia

If you've ever considered moving to Malaysia, one of the first questions that likely crossed your mind is, "What is the cost of living in Malaysia?" After all, it's essential to have a clear picture of your potential expenses before making such a life-changing decision. At this page, we'll dive into the nitty-gritty of the cost of living in Malaysia and whether the reported $1159 per month figure aligns with the average monthly salary of $847.12.

Restaurants

Markets

Transportation

Childcare

Clothing

Rent Per Month

Buy Apartment

Salaries

Malaysia

restaurant Restaurants	Price	World Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant	2.16 $
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course	17.32 $
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)	3.46 $
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught)	3.25 $
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)	3.9 $
Cappuccino (regular)	2.39 $
Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle)	0.56 $
Water (12 oz small bottle)	0.32 $

store Markets	Price	World Range
Milk (regular), (1 gallon)	1.49 $
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb)	0.75 $
Rice (white), (1 lb)	1.13 $
Eggs (regular) (12)	1.34 $
Local Cheese (1 lb)	10.45 $
Chicken Fillets (1 lb)	3.73 $
Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)	6.79 $
Apples (1 lb)	2.08 $
Banana (1 lb)	1.15 $
Oranges (1 lb)	2.24 $
Tomato (1 lb)	1.09 $
Potato (1 lb)	0.74 $
Onion (1 lb)	0.87 $
Lettuce (1 head)	0.78 $
Water (1.5 liter bottle)	0.52 $
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)	15.15 $
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)	2.21 $
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)	3.02 $
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)	3.85 $

commute Transportation	Price	World Range
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)	0.65 $
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)	21.65 $
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)	0.87 $
Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff)	0.48 $
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)	4.33 $
Gasoline (1 gallon)	0.45 $
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)	33557.05 $
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)	26707.84 $

mark_as_unread Utilities (Monthly)	Price	World Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment	42.35 $
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans)	0.06 $
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)	25.71 $

kitesurfing Sports And Leisure	Price	World Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult	30.38 $
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)	4.74 $
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat	3.46 $

child_friendly Childcare	Price	World Range
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child	151.08 $
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child	5841.02 $

checkroom Clothing And Shoes	Price	World Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)	47.26 $
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)	24.07 $
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)	59.8 $
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes	54.51 $

night_shelter Rent Per Month	Price	World Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre	345.78 $
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre	229.03 $
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre	615.83 $
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre	407.31 $

home Buy Apartment Price	Price	World Range
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre	1753.96 $
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre	1004.05 $

account_balance_wallet Salaries And Financing	Price	World Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)	847.12 $
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate	3.96 %

Warnings & Dangers in Malaysia

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

Malaysia is generally a safe country to visit. It is a country where you are unlikely to encounter violence, but you should be careful when it comes to petty crime because its rate is high. Apart from that, Malaysia is exposed to a greater risk of terrorist attacks. However, it is still filled with tourists, and if you venture to this country you are likely to have a smooth trip with no incidents.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM

As mentioned, some taxis do not have meters so make sure you negotiate the price before entering the vehicle. Also, if you are taking a taxi late at night, never hail them down on the street, but rather call the taxi service, since you might get ripped off. Road conditions in Peninsular Malaysia are mostly fine but in East Malaysia the conditions are poor and there have been reports of crashes and accidents happening along the roads at night.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH

There is a great risk of pickpockets. In this country, you definitely shouldn't let your guard down. Avoid carrying your belongings with you, and if you do, never carry anything in your pocket or a purse.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

During the rainy season in Malaysia, which lasts from October to February, flooding and landslides are a common threat, due to heavy rains. Oceanic coastlines may experience tsunamis, and the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre website offers more information on the potential for tsunamis.Another threat is the smoke haze that may happen from June to October, during which authorities recommend limited outdoor activities.

MUGGING RISK: HIGH

Mugging is relatively rare in Malaysia, but it does happen. There have been reports of criminals using knives to cut off tourists' bags. The mentioned islands off the coast of eastern Sabah are best to be avoided, especially the islands close to the Sulu Archipelago in the southern Philippines. This is the area where the threat is coming from both terrorist and criminal groups since they've been known to kidnap people.

TERRORISM RISK: HIGH

Terrorist attacks are very likely in Malaysia. There is a risk of kidnapping, for tourists especially, on the eastern coast of Sabah, particularly the islands close to the Sulu Archipelago in the southern Philippines. During the past years, an increase in kidnapping reports has been noted in the southern Philippines.

SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM

There is a number of scams performed in Malaysia, mostly distractions executed in order to separate you from your belongings or take advantage of you in another way. Many taxis do not have meters so be sure to negotiate the price of the ride before entering the vehicle, and do not use your credit card unless it's at established buildings and businesses.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM

Malaysia is, generally speaking, safe for women travelers. Try avoiding dark alleys, walking alone along with dark, poorly lit or deserted areas, or finding yourself late at night in areas filled with bars or clubs as you might receive some unwanted attention. Apart from that, use your common sense and apply all basic precaution measures.

Cost of Living in Malaysia

Malaysia

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM

PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

MUGGING RISK: HIGH

TERRORISM RISK: HIGH

SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM

Visas

Currency

Weather

Airports

Travel Insurance

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