The cost of Living in Malaysia in 2023

In terms of accommodation, how much does it cost to rent/buy a flat or house in in Malaysia?

- This question has always been put in a very monotonous way. I believe when we are talking about rent in Kuala Lumpur and surrounding areas it's very subjective. Rent here is and has always been subject to many criterias:

1- The distance of the property from public transportation

2- The distance of the property from the city center and hot areas

3- The condition and age of the property itself, the condo or building if we are talking about flats and apartments or the neighborhood of which the property at.

4- The number of rooms or if it is a studio.

5- Furnishings.

Taken all the above into consideration. The range of rent in Kuala Lumpur and surrounding areas has been and will always be min 800 RM and can go up to 10000 RM .. never seen rent higher than that in my 7 years here so far but won't be surprised if there is any.

My rent is 1600 rm in the city center but it was a struck of luck really. Apartments surrounding me rent is around 4000 rm.

How much do you pay on average for public transport (bus, metro, train, tram, taxi)?

- Again it depends but i would say if you are 100% using public transportation 7 days a week that would cost around 300 rm monthly

- If you mix it with taxis and e-hailing it will cost around 600 RM monthly

- If you use taxis and e-hailing only it can go up to 1500 RM a month since now we have many high demands periods and jam in rush hours

What is the average price of your monthly food basket?

- Groceries and home cooking for 1 person would cost 400 RM monthly

- Take aways, Delivery and Dine-Ins would cost around 1300 RM monthly

How much does health insurance cost? How much does it cost to see a doctor in Malaysia?

- I don't have much experience in this as the times i have been to doctors during my stay can be counted on my fingers .. but it never exceeded 100 RM per visit and insurance is covered by my company.

What about school fees for your children?

- Don't have children. Can't help here

What is the average monthly cost of electricity, gas, water, internet, telephone?

- 300 a month for all

What is the average cost of your leisure activities?

- 1000 RM a month I would say on average

Hello AnasRAlareqe,

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply to these questions.

All the information will definitely be very useful to future expats in Malaysia.

How long have you been in Malaysia now?

Cheers,

Cheryl

Expat.com team

In terms of accommodation, how much does it cost to rent/buy a flat or house in in Malaysia?

I live in the proximity of KLCC and I pay Rm 5000 as rental for a 4 Bedroom apartment. The apartment is semi furnished and I have my own furniture. Accomodation in Malaysia varies a lot and depends from place  to place. On an average you can consider anything between Rm 1500 to Rm 2500 for a decent place.

How much do you pay on average for public transport (bus, metro, train, tram, taxi)?

I drive to work and my average petrol expenses ranges between Rm 500-Rm 750.

What is the average price of your monthly food basket?

The average food cost is anywhere between Rm2500 - Rm4000 depends.

How much does health insurance cost? How much does it cost to see a doctor in Malaysia?

My company takes the insurance and hospitisation . We dont get to pay for the doctor as its taken care by company.

What about school fees for your children?.

Its paid by company

What is the average monthly cost of electricity, gas, water, internet, telephone?

On an average it cost Rm 1500 per month

What is the average cost of your leisure activities?

The leisure activity doesn't cost much and its upto to individual. For myself going out with collegues for drinks and dinner and pursuing my hiking and cycling will cost between Rm 2000 to Rm 3000 per month.

If there are other expenses that you think are useful, please share them!

Others will be approx Rm 2000 for my travel expense.