Cost of Living in Malaysia: Month-by-Month and Yearly Breakdown

The cost of living in Malaysia varies greatly depending on the city and lifestyle. Understanding the expenses you might incur will help you plan your budget efficiently. Below is a detailed breakdown of the expenses for living in Malaysia, both on a monthly and yearly basis.

Monthly Costs

Housing

The cost of housing in Malaysia can vary significantly based on the location and type of accommodation.

Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center: RM 1500 - RM 3000 Rent for a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center: RM 800 - RM 1500

Utilities and Services

Utilities like electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage can add to your monthly expenses. Here are the approximate costs:

Electricity and utility bills: RM 200 - RM 400 Internet: RM 100 - RM 200

Food and Groceries

Food and groceries can be an essential part of your monthly budget. Here’s what you should expect:

Food: RM 300 - RM 600

Transportation

The cost of transportation in Malaysia can vary depending on your mode of transport:

Public transport: RM 100 - RM 200

Dining Out

Dining out can be an enjoyable but also costly experience. Here are the expected costs:

Inexpensive restaurant: RM 15 - RM 30 per meal Mid-range restaurant: Three-course meal for two, RM 80 - RM 150

Estimated Monthly Totals

Based on your lifestyle choices, here are the estimated monthly totals:

Low-end living (shared accommodation, minimal dining out): RM 2500 - RM 4000 Average living (one-bedroom apartment, moderate dining out): RM 4000 - RM 6500 Higher-end living (luxury apartment, frequent dining out): RM 6500 - RM 10000 or more

Annual Costs

To estimate your annual costs, simply multiply the monthly costs by 12:

Low-end: RM 30000 - RM 48000 Average: RM 48000 - RM 78000 Higher-end: RM 78000 - RM 120000 or more

Considerations

It’s important to note that costs can vary significantly between urban areas, such as Kuala Lumpur, and rural areas. Lifestyle choices, such as dining habits and entertainment, can also have a substantial impact on your overall expenses.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it’s advisable to check local resources or cost of living calculators specific to the region you are interested in.

Additional Note for Single Person: For a single person, the average monthly expenses without mentioning car and other unexpected expenses would be around RM1350. However, this does not include giving money to parents, car maintenance, road tax, insurance, hidden costs like hangout dates, as well as expenses when you go to an eco shop like a dollar store or snacking late at night.