Cost of living in Malaysia compared to China
Currency:
| Food | - 15% | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Food in Malaysia is 15% cheaper than in China | ||||
| Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district | RM21 (32元) | 56元 | - 42% | |
| Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) | RM16 (26元) | 37元 | - 30% | |
| 500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast | RM8 (13元) | 16元 | - 19% | |
| 1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk | RM7 (10元) | 13元 | - 22% | |
| 12 eggs, large | RM8 (12元) | 14元 | - 12% | |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes | RM4.78 (8元) | 8元 | - 11% | |
| 500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese | RM29 (46元) | 56元 | - 17% | |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of apples | RM9 (15元) | 13元 | + 14% | |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes | RM3.56 (5.61元) | 7元 | - 20% | |
| 0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket | RM11 (18元) | 6元 | + 195% | |
| 1 bottle of red table wine, good quality | RM88 (139元) | 119元 | + 16% | |
| 2 liters of coca-cola | RM4.10 (6元) | 9元 | - 26% | |
| Bread for 2 people for 1 day | RM3.22 (5.08元) | 10元 | - 47% | |
| Housing | - 25% | |||
| Housing in Malaysia is 25% cheaper than in China | ||||
| Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area | RM3,319 (5,234元) | 7,754元 | - 33% | |
| Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area | RM1,755 (2,767元) | 4,503元 | - 39% | |
| Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat | RM288 (453元) | 412元 | + 10% | |
| Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area | RM2,263 (3,569元) | 6,949元 | - 49% | |
| Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area | RM1,385 (2,184元) | 4,162元 | - 48% | |
| Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio | RM196 (309元) | 272元 | + 13% | |
| Internet 8 mbps (1 month) | RM98 (155元) | 88元 | + 76% | |
| 40” flat screen tv | RM1,610 (2,539元) | 2,091元 | + 21% | |
| Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) | RM488 (769元) | 619元 | + 24% | |
| Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) | RM21 (33元) | 43元 | - 24% | |
| Hourly rate for cleaning help | RM31 (49元) | 41元 | + 19% | |
| Clothes | - 3% | |||
| Clothes in Malaysia is about the same as in China | ||||
| 1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) | RM227 (358元) | 415元 | - 14% | |
| 1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) | RM152 (240元) | 206元 | + 16% | |
| 1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands) | RM270 (426元) | 590元 | - 28% | |
| 1 pair of men’s leather business shoes | RM298 (470元) | 663元 | - 29% | |
| Transportation | + 1% | |||
| Transportation in Malaysia is about the same as in China | ||||
| Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new | RM154,513 (243,645元) | 159,594元 | + 53% | |
| 1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas | RM1.98 (3.12元) | 6元 | - 52% | |
| Monthly ticket public transport | RM87 (137元) | 176元 | - 22% | |
| Personal Care | - 41% | |||
| Personal Care in Malaysia is 41% cheaper than in China | ||||
| Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands) | RM15 (24元) | 30元 | - 18% | |
| 1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) | RM16 (25元) | 36元 | - 30% | |
| Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) | RM73 (115元) | 440元 | - 74% | |
| 1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, ...) | RM21 (32元) | 35元 | - 7% | |
| Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) | RM13 (20元) | 38元 | - 47% | |
| Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) | RM16 (25元) | 36元 | - 31% | |
| 4 rolls of toilet paper | RM5.12 (8元) | 10元 | - 15% | |
| Tube of toothpaste | RM9 (13元) | 11元 | + 28% | |
| Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city | RM45 (71元) | 80元 | - 12% | |
| Entertainment | - 27% | |||
| Entertainment in Malaysia is 27% cheaper than in China | ||||
| Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub | RM84 (133元) | 206元 | - 36% | |
| 2 tickets to the movies | RM36 (57元) | 97元 | - 42% | |
| 2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) | RM258 (407元) | 743元 | - 45% | |
| Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert | RM196 (309元) | 429元 | - 28% | |
| 1 cocktail drink in downtown club | RM32 (50元) | 67元 | - 25% | |
| Cappuccino in expat area of the city | RM16 (25元) | 35元 | - 29% | |
| 1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) | RM20 (32元) | 32元 | + 1% | |
| Ipad wi-fi 128gb | RM1,919 (3,027元) | 3,096元 | - 2% | |
| 1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) | RM0.42 (0.66元) | 0.68元 | - 3% | |
| 1 month of gym membership in business district | RM156 (245元) | 481元 | - 49% | |
| 1 package of marlboro cigarettes | RM17 (27元) | 23元 | + 21% | |
| TOTAL | - 19% | |||
These prices were last updated on May 05, 2021.
Exchange rate:
1.577
CNY
/
MYR
This comparison is based on abundant and consistent data. It is based on 2,700 prices entered by 312 different people.
Cost of living in Malaysia is 19% cheaper than in China
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