Cost of living in Malaysia compared to China
Currency:
| Food | + 26% | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Food in Malaysia is 26% more expensive than in China | ||||
| Malaysia | China | Diff | ||
| Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district | RM26 (43元) | 41元 | + 4% | |
| Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) | RM22 (37元) | 38元 | - 4% | |
| 500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast | RM10 (17元) | 15元 | + 16% | |
| 1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk | RM9 (15元) | 14元 | + 7% | |
| 12 eggs, large | RM12 (21元) | 16元 | + 34% | |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes | RM6 (10元) | 10元 | - 1% | |
| 500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese | RM27 (45元) | 50元 | - 10% | |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of apples | RM14 (24元) | 16元 | + 46% | |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes | RM5.71 (10元) | 6元 | + 49% | |
| 0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket | RM14 (24元) | 7元 | + 260% | |
| 1 bottle of red table wine, good quality | RM108 (183元) | 89元 | + 106% | |
| 2 liters of coca-cola | RM6 (10元) | 8元 | + 30% | |
| Bread for 2 people for 1 day | RM4.82 (8元) | 13元 | - 35% | |
| Housing | - 33% | |||
| Housing in Malaysia is 33% cheaper than in China | ||||
| Malaysia | China | Diff | ||
| Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area | RM3,099 (5,242元) | 11,256元 | - 53% | |
| Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area | RM2,092 (3,538元) | 5,248元 | - 33% | |
| Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat | RM321 (543元) | 450元 | + 21% | |
| Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area | RM2,126 (3,597元) | 6,564元 | - 45% | |
| Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area | RM1,265 (2,139元) | 3,518元 | - 39% | |
| Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio | RM153 (258元) | 296元 | - 13% | |
| Internet 8 mbps (1 month) | RM91 (154元) | 100元 | + 55% | |
| 40” flat screen tv | RM1,408 (2,382元) | 1,460元 | + 63% | |
| Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) | RM418 (707元) | 553元 | + 28% | |
| Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) | RM23 (39元) | 43元 | - 10% | |
| Hourly rate for cleaning help | RM34 (58元) | 50元 | + 17% | |
| Clothes | + 0% | |||
| Clothes in Malaysia is about the same as in China | ||||
| Malaysia | China | Diff | ||
| 1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) | RM246 (416元) | 418元 | - 0% | |
| 1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) | RM150 (253元) | 302元 | - 16% | |
| 1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands) | RM472 (799元) | 553元 | + 44% | |
| 1 pair of men’s leather business shoes | RM475 (804元) | 705元 | + 14% | |
| Transportation | - 0% | |||
| Transportation in Malaysia is about the same as in China | ||||
| Malaysia | China | Diff | ||
| Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new | RM153,476 (259,617元) | 137,169元 | + 89% | |
| 1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas | RM2.40 (4.06元) | 8元 | - 46% | |
| Monthly ticket public transport | RM107 (180元) | 228元 | - 21% | |
| Personal Care | - 25% | |||
| Personal Care in Malaysia is 25% cheaper than in China | ||||
| Malaysia | China | Diff | ||
| Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands) | RM16 (28元) | 45元 | - 38% | |
| 1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) | RM34 (57元) | 59元 | - 4% | |
| Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) | RM89 (151元) | 114元 | + 33% | |
| 1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, ...) | RM26 (44元) | 67元 | - 34% | |
| Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) | RM14 (24元) | 57元 | - 58% | |
| Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) | RM15 (25元) | 25元 | + 0% | |
| 4 rolls of toilet paper | RM8 (14元) | 6元 | + 126% | |
| Tube of toothpaste | RM14 (23元) | 15元 | + 53% | |
| Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city | RM33 (56元) | 64元 | - 13% | |
| Entertainment | + 9% | |||
| Entertainment in Malaysia is 9% more expensive than in China | ||||
| Malaysia | China | Diff | ||
| Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub | RM94 (158元) | 169元 | - 7% | |
| 2 tickets to the movies | RM38 (64元) | 100元 | - 36% | |
| 2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) | RM360 (608元) | 1,179元 | - 48% | |
| Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert | RM201 (339元) | 320元 | + 6% | |
| 1 cocktail drink in downtown club | RM44 (74元) | 81元 | - 8% | |
| Cappuccino in expat area of the city | RM15 (26元) | 28元 | - 6% | |
| 1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) | RM25 (42元) | 19元 | + 119% | |
| Ipad wi-fi 128gb | RM2,135 (3,612元) | 3,680元 | - 2% | |
| 1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) | RM0.50 (0.85元) | 0.34元 | + 152% | |
| 1 month of gym membership in business district | RM240 (406元) | 394元 | + 3% | |
| 1 package of marlboro cigarettes | RM18 (31元) | 25元 | + 25% | |
| TOTAL | - 4% | |||
This comparison has some inconsistent or sparse data. It already provides a reliable comparison but it is not bullet-proof. It is based on 1,334 prices entered by 188 different people.
These prices were last updated on June 15, 2025.
Exchange rate:
1.692
CNY
/
MYR
Cost of living in Malaysia is about the same as in China
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