How much do you need per month to live in Malaysia?
Pick a city, housing type, family size and lifestyle to get an instant monthly and yearly budget in ringgit or your own currency, with a comparison across 13 cities and regions.
1Choose a city or region
2Housing & family
3Lifestyle
4Insurance, schooling & extras
Rent comparison across cities
Same housing type, as a starting point for a furnished long-term lease.
Starting monthly rent for furnished homes in Malaysian cities (MYR)
| City | Studio | 1 bedroom | 2 bedrooms | 3 bedrooms |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Central Kuala LumpurKLCC · Bukit Bintang · TRX | 1,800 | 2,500 | 3,500 | 4,500 |
| KL expat areasMont Kiara · Bangsar · KL Sentral | 1,600 | 2,200 | 3,000 | 4,000 |
| KL suburbsCheras · Setapak · Wangsa Maju | 900 | 1,200 | 1,800 | 2,500 |
| SelangorPJ · Shah Alam · Subang | 900 | 1,300 | 1,900 | 2,500 |
| Putrajaya & CyberjayaPutrajaya · Cyberjaya | 850 | 1,200 | 1,600 | 2,200 |
| PenangGeorge Town · Bayan Lepas | 900 | 1,300 | 1,800 | 2,500 |
| Johor Bahru & IskandarJB City · Iskandar | 750 | 1,000 | 1,400 | 2,000 |
| MelakaMelaka City · Ayer Keroh | 700 | 1,000 | 1,300 | 1,700 |
| Ipoh & PerakIpoh · Meru · Station 18 | 600 | 850 | 1,100 | 1,400 |
| Kuantan & East CoastKuantan · Pahang | 650 | 900 | 1,200 | 1,600 |
| Northern KedahAlor Setar · Sungai Petani | 600 | 800 | 1,000 | 1,400 |
| Kota Kinabalu & SabahKota Kinabalu · Sabah | 1,000 | 1,400 | 1,800 | 2,500 |
| Kuching & SarawakKuching · Sarawak | 800 | 1,100 | 1,400 | 1,800 |
Cost of living in Malaysia — FAQs
How much does it cost to live in Kuala Lumpur for a small family?
For two adults and one child with a comfortable lifestyle in KL expat areas, a monthly budget typically starts around RM 7,000-9,000 including rent, rising with international schools or a private car. Use the calculator above for your case.
Which are the cheapest cities to live in Malaysia?
Ipoh, the northern region (Alor Setar), Melaka and Kuantan are usually cheaper than Kuala Lumpur, especially for rent, while still offering a good quality of life.
Does the estimate include visa or residency fees?
No. The calculator estimates monthly living costs only. Visa and residency fees such as MM2H or the Employment Pass depend on the route; our team can explain them.
How much do international schools cost in Malaysia?
Annual fees range roughly from RM 28,000 for value schools to RM 92,000 or more for premium schools, depending on the grade and school.
Planning a move to Malaysia?
We help you choose the right residency, work or study route and arrange housing, banking and your first steps.