Cost of living in Shah Alam (Malaysia) is 36% cheaper than in Abbotsford (Canada)
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This comparison has some inconsistent or sparse data. It already provides a reliable comparison but it is not bullet-proof. It is based on 72 prices entered by 5 different people.
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Food | - 53% | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Food in Shah Alam (Malaysia) is 53% cheaper than in Abbotsford (Canada) | ||||
Update prices | Update prices | |||
Shah Alam | Abbotsford | Diff | ||
Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district | RM11 (C$3.70) | C$23 | - 84% | |
Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) | RM18 (C$5.71) | C$13 | - 56% | |
500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast | RM8 (C$2.54) | C$6 | - 58% | |
1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk | RM7 (C$2.15) | C$2.41 | - 11% | |
12 eggs, large | RM6 (C$1.99) | C$4.70 | - 58% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes | RM3.99 (C$1.30) | C$3.95 | - 67% | |
500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese | RM26 (C$8) | C$11 | - 24% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of apples | RM9 (C$3.09) | C$4.85 | - 36% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes | RM3.80 (C$1.24) | C$3.95 | - 69% | |
0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket | RM9 (C$2.79) | C$3.50 | - 20% | |
1 bottle of red table wine, good quality | RM79 (C$26) | C$20 | + 26% | |
2 liters of coca-cola | RM4.19 (C$1.37) | C$2.68 | - 49% | |
Bread for 2 people for 1 day | RM2.58 (C$0.84) | C$2.16 | - 61% | |
Housing | - 50% | |||
Housing in Shah Alam (Malaysia) is 50% cheaper than in Abbotsford (Canada) | ||||
Update prices | Update prices | |||
Shah Alam | Abbotsford | Diff | ||
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area | RM2,193 (C$715) | C$2,300 | - 69% | |
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area | RM1,587 (C$518) | C$1,599 | - 68% | |
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat | RM220 (C$72) | C$120 | - 40% | |
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area | RM1,724 (C$562) | C$1,347 | - 58% | |
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area | RM1,330 (C$434) | C$985 | - 56% | |
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio | RM968 (C$316) | C$69 | + 360% | |
Internet 8 mbps (1 month) | RM136 (C$44) | C$60 | - 26% | |
40” flat screen tv | RM1,598 (C$521) | C$311 | + 67% | |
Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) | RM419 (C$137) | C$140 | - 2% | |
Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) | RM19 (C$6) | C$10 | - 39% | |
Hourly rate for cleaning help | RM16 (C$5.25) | C$26 | - 80% | |
Clothes | - 4% | |||
Clothes in Shah Alam (Malaysia) is about the same as in Abbotsford (Canada) | ||||
Update prices | Update prices | |||
Shah Alam | Abbotsford | Diff | ||
1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) | RM202 (C$66) | C$70 | - 6% | |
1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) | RM146 (C$48) | C$41 | + 16% | |
1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands) | RM247 (C$80) | C$105 | - 24% | |
1 pair of men’s leather business shoes | RM242 (C$79) | C$120 | - 34% | |
Transportation | - 5% | |||
Transportation in Shah Alam (Malaysia) is 5% cheaper than in Abbotsford (Canada) | ||||
Update prices | Update prices | |||
Shah Alam | Abbotsford | Diff | ||
Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new | RM157,755 (C$51,440) | C$24,609 | + 109% | |
1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas | RM2.21 (C$0.72) | C$1.69 | - 57% | |
Monthly ticket public transport | RM142 (C$46) | C$60 | - 23% | |
Taxi trip on a business day, basic tariff, 8 km. (5 miles) | RM15 (C$5.01) | - | - | |
Personal Care | - 41% | |||
Personal Care in Shah Alam (Malaysia) is 41% cheaper than in Abbotsford (Canada) | ||||
Update prices | Update prices | |||
Shah Alam | Abbotsford | Diff | ||
Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands) | RM17 (C$5.46) | C$8 | - 32% | |
1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) | RM36 (C$12) | C$22 | - 46% | |
Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) | RM67 (C$22) | C$77 | - 72% | |
1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, ...) | RM13 (C$4.31) | C$6 | - 33% | |
Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) | RM11 (C$3.50) | C$4.17 | - 16% | |
Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) | RM16 (C$5.31) | C$4.59 | + 15% | |
4 rolls of toilet paper | RM6 (C$2.09) | C$3.11 | - 33% | |
Tube of toothpaste | RM5.76 (C$1.88) | C$3.02 | - 38% | |
Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city | RM27 (C$9) | C$22 | - 59% | |
Entertainment | - 34% | |||
Entertainment in Shah Alam (Malaysia) is 34% cheaper than in Abbotsford (Canada) | ||||
Update prices | Update prices | |||
Shah Alam | Abbotsford | Diff | ||
Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub | RM69 (C$22) | C$61 | - 63% | |
2 tickets to the movies | RM29 (C$9) | C$27 | - 66% | |
2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) | RM206 (C$67) | C$118 | - 43% | |
Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert | RM199 (C$65) | C$97 | - 33% | |
1 cocktail drink in downtown club | RM53 (C$17) | C$12 | + 48% | |
Cappuccino in expat area of the city | RM14 (C$4.68) | C$4.71 | - 1% | |
1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) | RM35 (C$11) | C$7 | + 56% | |
Ipad wi-fi 128gb | RM1,934 (C$631) | C$647 | - 3% | |
1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) | RM0.18 (C$0.06) | C$0.24 | - 75% | |
1 month of gym membership in business district | RM141 (C$46) | C$38 | + 20% | |
1 package of marlboro cigarettes | RM16 (C$5.07) | C$13 | - 60% | |
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TOTAL | - 36% |

These prices were last updated on March 23, 2025.
Exchange rate:
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For example, to keep the same standard of living that would require C$6,400 in Abbotsford you would need to make just about C$4,084 (RM12,524) in Shah Alam.
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