Cost of Living in Malaysia per Month: What Students and Expats Need to Know

The average cost of living in Malaysia ranges from RM 1,200 (INR 21.6K) to RM 5,500 (INR 99K) per month, depending on your lifestyle and profile. For Indian students and expats, Malaysia offers an affordable yet high-quality living experience, with reasonable expenses across housing, food, transport, and education. 

In this guide, you'll read more about the average monthly expenses for working professionals, families, and students. We'll explore accommodation costs, food and groceries, transportation, healthcare, education fees, and a comparison with India.  

Discover the top reasons to study in Malaysia and see why it's a smart choice for Indian students and expats. 

What Is the Average Cost of Living in Malaysia? 

The cost of living in Malaysia per month varies depending on your lifestyle and household size.  

Here is the average cost of living according to your profile:  

Profile	Monthly Cost (RM)
Student	RM 1,200–2,500 (INR 21.6K–45K)
Working Professional	RM 1,800–3,500 (INR 32.4K–63K)
Family of Four	RM 5,500–8,000 (INR 99K–1.44L)

For students, the average cost of living in Malaysia is quite manageable, especially with access to shared housing and student discounts. A working professional may spend more on lifestyle choices and location but still benefits from affordable rent and transport. 

Families relocating from India often find Malaysia to be cost-effective. The cost of living in Malaysia for Indian families is lower than in many Indian metro cities, especially when comparing education and healthcare expenses. 

If you're comparing the cost of living in Malaysia vs India, Malaysia often comes out ahead in terms of value for money, especially for education, transport, and quality of life. 

Worried about costs? Discover the top Malaysian International Scholarships here! 

Accommodation Costs 

Rent varies by city and housing type.  

Here's a look at rent in Malaysia: 

City	1BHK (City Center)
Kuala Lumpur	RM 2,000 (INR 36K)
Penang	RM 1,500 (INR 27K)
Johor Bahru	RM 1,200 (INR 21.6K)

Note: Student housing in Malaysia is available both on-campus and off-campus. On-campus options are cheaper and often include utilities. Off-campus housing offers more flexibility but may require deposits and setup costs. 

Want to know more about accommodation in Malaysia? Check out the Renting and Housing options here! 

Monthly Food and Grocery Expenses 

Food is affordable, especially if you enjoy local Malaysian cuisine. 

• Grocery Budget: RM 250–400 (INR 4.5K–7.2K) 
• Eating Out:  
• Hawker stall meal: RM 8–12 (INR 144–216) 
• Mid-range restaurant: RM 25–50 (INR 450–900) 
• Café coffee: RM 10–15 (INR 180–270) 

Monthly grocery cost in Malaysia is ideal for students and budget-conscious expats. Cooking at home and eating at hawker stalls can help save significantly. 

Recommended Read: Best jobs in Malaysia 

Transportation and Connectivity 

Malaysia has a reliable and affordable public transport system. 

• MRT/Buses: RM 1–5 (INR 18–90) per ride 
• Monthly Pass: RM 100 (INR 1.8K) 
• Grab (Ride-hailing): RM 8–20 (INR 144–360) 

Internet & Mobile Plans: 

• Mobile data: RM 30–60/month (INR 540–1.08K) 
• Home broadband: RM 80–100/month (INR 1.44K–1.8K) 

The transportation costs in Malaysia are student-friendly, and the internet cost in Malaysia is competitive across major cities. 

Healthcare and Insurance 

Malaysia offers both public and private healthcare options. 

• Public Clinic Visit: RM 10–30 (INR 180–540) 
• Private Consultation: RM 80–150 (INR 1.44K–2.7K) 
• Student Health Insurance: RM 300–600/year (INR 5.4K–10.8K) 

International students must have student health insurance in Malaysia, which covers basic medical needs and emergencies. 

Education Costs for International Students 

Tuition fees vary by course and university. 

Course Type	Approximate Annual Tuition (RM)
UG Programs	RM 15,000–30,000 (INR 2.7L–5.4L)
PG Programs	RM 20,000–40,000 (INR 3.6L–7.2L)
MBA	RM 30,000–60,000 (INR 5.4L–10.8L)
Medicine	RM 60,000–100,000 (INR 10.8L–18L)

The study cost in Malaysia is lower than in many Western countries. Scholarships and grants are available for Indian students. 

Cost of Living in Malaysia vs India 

When comparing the cost of living in Malaysia vs India, Malaysia often offers better value for money, especially in urban areas.  

Here's a comparison across key categories: 

Category	Malaysia (RM)	India (INR)
Rent	RM 2,000 (INR 36K)	INR 15K
Food	RM 800 (INR 14.4K)	INR 6K
Transport	RM 300 (INR 5.4K)	INR 2K
Education	RM 2,500 (INR 45K)	INR 10K

Pros of Living in Malaysia 

• Affordable healthcare and education 
• Clean, modern infrastructure 
• Diverse food options 
• Student discounts and subsidies 

Cons of Living in Malaysia 

• Higher rent in city centers 
• Limited public transport in smaller towns 
• Visa and insurance requirements for students 

Budgeting Tips for Expats and Students 

Managing your expenses wisely can make a big difference.  

Here are some practical budgeting tips for students in Malaysia and expats: 

How to Save on Rent? 

• Choose off-campus or shared housing 
• Look for furnished units to avoid setup costs 
• Negotiate long-term lease discounts 

How to Save on Food? 

• Cook at home using local groceries 
• Eat at hawker stalls instead of restaurants 
• Buy in bulk from wholesale markets 

How to Save on Transport? 

• Use monthly public transport passes 
• Walk or cycle for short distances 
• Use Grab only when necessary 

Useful Budgeting Tools 

• Mint – for tracking expenses 
• Splitwise – for managing shared costs 
• Goodbudget – for envelope-style budgeting 

Conclusion 

Malaysia continues to be a top choice for Indian students and expats due to its affordability and quality of life. The monthly cost of living in Malaysia ranges from RM 1,200 to RM 8,000 (INR 21.6K to INR 1.44L), depending on your profile and lifestyle. 

Whether you're a student, a working professional, or relocating with family, understanding your living expenses in Malaysia helps you plan better and avoid surprises. With smart budgeting and informed choices, you can enjoy a comfortable life in Malaysia while keeping your finances in check. 

Confused about where to start? Book a free 1:1 session with upGrad experts today and get personalized information!