Cost of Living in Malaysia
The population of Malaysia is 32,447,385. The average cost of living in Malaysia is $1159 and the median after-tax salary is $847.12
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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 $ |
|
|
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 $ |
|
|
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 $ |
|
|
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 $ |
|
|
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 $ |
|
|
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 $ |
|
|
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 $ |
|
|
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 $ |
|
|
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 $ |
|
|
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 % |
|
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.
Visas
Visas for entering Malaysia are given upon arrival and most nationals do need one in order to enter Malaysia. Your passport needs to be valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry. If you are not sure about your visa status, visit www.doyouneedvisa.com which will let you know whether or not you need a visa based on your nationality and the country you want to visit.
Currency
Malaysian ringgit is the official currency in Malaysia. ATMs are widely available throughout the country and but be careful when handling credit cards in public and money in general.
Weather
From October to February, the climate in East Malaysia is humid and wet, and heavy rain is to be expected, while the wettest month on the west in August. Mostly, Malaysia has a tropical climate with and the temperatures aren't too high. the average temperature in this country ranges from 20°C to 30°C.
Airports
Kuala Lumpur International Airport is located 35 miles south of the Malaysian capital and is the busiest airport of the country. It is also one of Southeast Asia's busiest airports and serves as a home base to both AirAsia and Malaysia Airlines.
Travel Insurance
Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to Malaysia, since it covers not only the costs of medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.