Cost of living in Malaysia compared to China
Currency:
| Food | - 23% | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Food in Malaysia is 23% cheaper than in China | ||||
| Malaysia | China | Diff | ||
| Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district | RM14 (21元) | 43元 | - 52% | |
| Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) | RM17 (26元) | 37元 | - 31% | |
| 500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast | RM8 (12元) | 17元 | - 29% | |
| 1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk | RM7 (10元) | 14元 | - 28% | |
| 12 eggs, large | RM9 (14元) | 16元 | - 16% | |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes | RM5.82 (9元) | 9元 | + 1% | |
| 500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese | RM23 (35元) | 48元 | - 28% | |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of apples | RM11 (16元) | 13元 | + 26% | |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes | RM4.40 (7元) | 6元 | + 10% | |
| 0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket | RM12 (18元) | 7元 | + 175% | |
| 1 bottle of red table wine, good quality | RM76 (115元) | 97元 | + 19% | |
| 2 liters of coca-cola | RM5.04 (8元) | 9元 | - 18% | |
| Bread for 2 people for 1 day | RM3.45 (5.25元) | 13元 | - 60% | |
| Housing | - 51% | |||
| Housing in Malaysia is 51% cheaper than in China | ||||
| Malaysia | China | Diff | ||
| Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area | RM2,964 (4,507元) | 13,898元 | - 68% | |
| Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area | RM2,132 (3,242元) | 8,379元 | - 61% | |
| Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat | RM242 (368元) | 462元 | - 20% | |
| Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area | RM1,877 (2,854元) | 6,525元 | - 56% | |
| Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area | RM1,177 (1,790元) | 4,376元 | - 59% | |
| Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio | RM231 (352元) | 516元 | - 32% | |
| Internet 8 mbps (1 month) | RM110 (167元) | 140元 | + 19% | |
| 40” flat screen tv | RM2,231 (3,394元) | 1,829元 | + 86% | |
| Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) | RM344 (524元) | 546元 | - 4% | |
| Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) | RM24 (37元) | 50元 | - 26% | |
| Hourly rate for cleaning help | RM21 (32元) | 66元 | - 51% | |
| Clothes | - 36% | |||
| Clothes in Malaysia is 36% cheaper than in China | ||||
| Malaysia | China | Diff | ||
| 1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) | RM217 (330元) | 511元 | - 35% | |
| 1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) | RM132 (200元) | 288元 | - 31% | |
| 1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands) | RM279 (425元) | 654元 | - 35% | |
| 1 pair of men’s leather business shoes | RM245 (372元) | 844元 | - 56% | |
| Transportation | - 5% | |||
| Transportation in Malaysia is 5% cheaper than in China | ||||
| Malaysia | China | Diff | ||
| Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new | RM157,268 (239,194元) | 148,501元 | + 61% | |
| 1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas | RM2.18 (3.32元) | 8元 | - 60% | |
| Monthly ticket public transport | RM92 (140元) | 206元 | - 32% | |
| Personal Care | - 41% | |||
| Personal Care in Malaysia is 41% cheaper than in China | ||||
| Malaysia | China | Diff | ||
| Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands) | RM15 (24元) | 28元 | - 17% | |
| 1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) | RM20 (30元) | 27元 | + 13% | |
| Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) | RM79 (120元) | 386元 | - 69% | |
| 1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, ...) | RM26 (40元) | 30元 | + 33% | |
| Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) | RM10 (15元) | 19元 | - 23% | |
| Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) | RM12 (18元) | 44元 | - 59% | |
| 4 rolls of toilet paper | RM7 (11元) | 21元 | - 46% | |
| Tube of toothpaste | RM6 (9元) | 16元 | - 42% | |
| Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city | RM48 (73元) | 82元 | - 12% | |
| Entertainment | - 21% | |||
| Entertainment in Malaysia is 21% cheaper than in China | ||||
| Malaysia | China | Diff | ||
| Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub | RM143 (218元) | 260元 | - 16% | |
| 2 tickets to the movies | RM34 (52元) | 122元 | - 58% | |
| 2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) | RM206 (314元) | 417元 | - 25% | |
| Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert | RM100 (152元) | 319元 | - 52% | |
| 1 cocktail drink in downtown club | RM101 (154元) | 90元 | + 71% | |
| Cappuccino in expat area of the city | RM12 (18元) | 31元 | - 41% | |
| 1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) | RM15 (23元) | 19元 | + 25% | |
| Ipad wi-fi 128gb | RM2,097 (3,190元) | 2,968元 | + 7% | |
| 1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) | RM0.24 (0.36元) | 0.24元 | + 48% | |
| 1 month of gym membership in business district | RM154 (233元) | 410元 | - 43% | |
| 1 package of marlboro cigarettes | RM18 (27元) | 38元 | - 28% | |
| TOTAL | - 31% | |||
These prices were last updated on May 10, 2022.
Exchange rate:
1.521
CNY
/
MYR
This comparison is based on abundant and consistent data. It is based on 1,600 prices entered by 174 different people.
Cost of living in Malaysia is 31% cheaper than in China
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