Low living cost in Malaysia is one of key driver of international students here. Malaysia annually hosts over 150,000 international students from over 140 nations. Kuala Lumpur was even ranked as the second most cheap city for students, without sacrificing the great quality of life available.
While your actual monthly spending will depend on your accommodation’s location and personal lifestyle, affordable living cost in Malaysia is typically a big lure for students and other international tourists alike.
You can have scrumptious meals for as little as USD 3 each day, as food is affordably priced. Local food booths or coffee shops normally sell meals for $1 to $3, whereas mid-range restaurants typically charge $5 to $10 for a substantial dinner.
Regarding groceries, you may buy everything from common products like dishwashing soap to exotic spices from throughout the world. Small delicatessens and upscale grocery stores such as Oliver Gourmet, Shojikiya Grocers, Atlas Gourmet Market, and Sam’s Groceria are also widely accessible. There are a number of cuisines available to meet even the most exotic tastes, so you can rest assured that you will find something to your liking.
In Malaysia, mobile phone plans are extremely competitive, and your real monthly expenditure is entirely up to you. Maxis Mobile, Digi, and Celcom, the three biggest players in Malaysia, frequently provide attractive post-paid and pre-paid plans to keep you connected. Depending on your membership choice and the availability of free WiFi hotspots in your area, you can expect to pay between $5 and $50 per month.
For wholesale items, you can always rely on major grocery chains like Tesco, Giant, AEON Big, or NSK. If you’re feeling a bit more upscale, AEON malls do offer more upscale goods to fit your preferences. Most major supermarkets are dispersed throughout neighbourhoods, making grocery and personal shopping simple for the majority of individuals. With a range of fresh markets, local grocery stores, 24-hour chain stores, FamilyMart, self-service convenience stores, and tiny markets (often called sundry shops), you can find offers that will save you even more money on daily necessities.
For high street fashion and luxury goods, head to the city centre of Kuala Lumpur, where malls such as Suria KLCC and Pavilion KL offer award-winning shopping destinations. It would be difficult to find a finer assortment of brands!
Online shopping has swept the globe, and Malaysia is no different. With same-day delivery from online retailers such as RedMart, Lazada, and Shopee, you can now order groceries to your doorstep with only a few taps. Over the years, the online retail experience has vastly improved, making online shopping for other consumer items highly convenient and frequently less expensive due to businesses’ abundance of online bargains.
Medical expenses are reasonable for everyone, and government hospitals, private medical centers, and general practitioner clinics are easily accessible in any neighbourhood. A normal doctor’s appointment and the purchase of the necessary medication would cost roughly USD 15.
Alternately, you can utilize on-campus medical facilities, since dedicated nurses and occasionally even doctors are typically available to treat minor illnesses and injuries and dispense over-the-counter, one-time medication.
International students in Malaysia are required to get medical insurance as a prerequisite for acquiring a student permit. Depending on your policy’s level of coverage, the majority, if not all, of your medical bills would be covered. Although cheaper options are available, students between the ages of 16 and 60 should expect to pay roughly USD 250 yearly for coverage of up to USD 10,000 (subject to change).
| Services/Items | Cost Per Month (in USD) |
|---|---|
| Off-Campus Accommodation | 100 and Above |
| On-Campus Accommodation | 150 – 500 |
| Food | 150 – 250 |
| Transportation | 20 – 50 |
| Utilities | 50 – 100 |
| Personal Expense | 50 and above |
Feel free to connect to Aspiredia’s Expert, if you need any further information on the living cost in Malaysia. You can also visit Education Malaysia official website for the detailed information.
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