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Cost of Living in Malaysia

The cost of living in Malaysia is relatively low compared to neighboring countries, such as Singapore, and is a particularly attractive option for expatriates. It is relatively cheap to buy or rent a house or apartment in Malaysia, although the cost of housing is more expensive in Kuala Lumpur.

Below is a monthly cost of living for a single person in Kuala Lumpur on a budget of about US $1,000.

• Rent: $500 For a furnished condo or apartment rental in the city
• Transportation: $50 Including Bus, LRT monorail, and occasional taxis
• Gas: $5 Used for cooking
• Electricity: $75 Using air conditioning often, can be much cheaper if you monitor your usage
• Telephone: $25 Prepaid cell phone with unlimited local sms and phone calls. Limited for overseas.
• Internet: $25 Unlimited access, 3G
• Cable TV: $13    Basic cable
• Food: $150 Buying food at local markets, not import groceries, like Cold Storage
• Entertainment: $150     eating out, movies, concerts, clubs

TOTAL: $968

Prepare for your Housing Search in Kuala Lumpur

The different neighborhoods in Kuala Lumpur have advantages and disadvantages, so it's a good idea to do your neighborhood research first. What qualities do you want in a neighborhood? You may also refer to the 'Districts' section under geography for a detailed guide on neighborhood characteristics.

Then determine your priorities in a living space. This will help you choose through your options. Malaysia has something for everyone; one just needs to know what they want first.

• What is your ideal location? Do you want to live in the city center or suburb? Close to work? Near public transport?
• How big do you want your apartment to be?
• Do you want a furnished or unfurnished apartment?
• What is your price range?
• Condo, shared apartment or house?

Flatsharing in Kuala Lumpur

Flatsharing, or renting a room in an apartment that you share with others, is a great way to save on costs and to meet new people. A furnished room in Kuala Lumpur generally costs between 500 and 1000 MYR (150- 300usd) and typically includes utilities. Prices vary depending on location, size, and age of the apartment.

Classifieds websites like Mudah and www.ibilik.my are great resources for finding roommates. You may also search in EasyExpat's Malaysia classifieds.

It's always a good idea to meet your potential roommate first before making any sort of formal agreement. It's common to find roommates with other international expats, as well as locals.

Hostels in Kuala Lumpur

Hostels in Kuala Lumpur offer a cheap alternative to hotels. Not only are they located right in the center of the city, but all through Klang Valley.

Most hostels offer beds in multi-person dorm rooms or pricier private rooms. The price for a bed in a dorm can run between 20-40MYR (6-12 USD). Most hostels provide services like WiFi and bedding, and breakfast. A select few even have a kitchen for personal use.