Cost of living in Malaysia compared to China
Currency:
| Food | - 24% | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Food in Malaysia is 24% cheaper than in China | ||||
| Malaysia | China | Diff | ||
| Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district | RM20 (31元) | 46元 | - 34% | |
| Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) | RM17 (27元) | 40元 | - 33% | |
| 500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast | RM10 (15元) | 16元 | - 8% | |
| 1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk | RM7 (11元) | 18元 | - 37% | |
| 12 eggs, large | RM9 (14元) | 19元 | - 25% | |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes | RM8 (12元) | 11元 | + 11% | |
| 500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese | RM21 (33元) | 63元 | - 47% | |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of apples | RM11 (17元) | 15元 | + 9% | |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes | RM4.89 (8元) | 6元 | + 18% | |
| 0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket | RM13 (20元) | 7元 | + 173% | |
| 1 bottle of red table wine, good quality | RM33 (51元) | 118元 | - 57% | |
| 2 liters of coca-cola | RM4.54 (7元) | 8元 | - 17% | |
| Bread for 2 people for 1 day | RM3.31 (5.09元) | 16元 | - 69% | |
| Housing | - 48% | |||
| Housing in Malaysia is 48% cheaper than in China | ||||
| Malaysia | China | Diff | ||
| Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area | RM3,024 (4,654元) | 15,059元 | - 69% | |
| Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area | RM1,823 (2,806元) | 9,006元 | - 69% | |
| Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat | RM255 (393元) | 421元 | - 7% | |
| Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area | RM2,078 (3,198元) | 7,547元 | - 58% | |
| Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area | RM1,297 (1,996元) | 4,347元 | - 54% | |
| Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio | RM973 (1,497元) | 262元 | + 471% | |
| Internet 8 mbps (1 month) | RM75 (115元) | 115元 | - 0% | |
| 40” flat screen tv | RM2,119 (3,261元) | 1,143元 | + 185% | |
| Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) | RM674 (1,037元) | 589元 | + 76% | |
| Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) | RM25 (38元) | 39元 | - 1% | |
| Hourly rate for cleaning help | RM35 (54元) | 51元 | + 7% | |
| Clothes | - 21% | |||
| Clothes in Malaysia is 21% cheaper than in China | ||||
| Malaysia | China | Diff | ||
| 1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) | RM243 (374元) | 529元 | - 29% | |
| 1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) | RM85 (131元) | 248元 | - 47% | |
| 1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands) | RM407 (626元) | 626元 | + 0% | |
| 1 pair of men’s leather business shoes | RM877 (1,350元) | 828元 | + 63% | |
| Transportation | - 25% | |||
| Transportation in Malaysia is 25% cheaper than in China | ||||
| Malaysia | China | Diff | ||
| Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new | RM159,544 (245,496元) | 161,247元 | + 52% | |
| 1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas | RM2.08 (3.20元) | 9元 | - 63% | |
| Monthly ticket public transport | RM50 (77元) | 204元 | - 62% | |
| Personal Care | - 31% | |||
| Personal Care in Malaysia is 31% cheaper than in China | ||||
| Malaysia | China | Diff | ||
| Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands) | RM9 (14元) | 39元 | - 63% | |
| 1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) | RM17 (27元) | 27元 | - 1% | |
| Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) | RM65 (100元) | 391元 | - 74% | |
| 1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, ...) | RM44 (68元) | 53元 | + 28% | |
| Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) | RM11 (16元) | 33元 | - 51% | |
| Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) | RM14 (21元) | 34元 | - 38% | |
| 4 rolls of toilet paper | RM20 (31元) | 13元 | + 137% | |
| Tube of toothpaste | RM7 (11元) | 15元 | - 28% | |
| Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city | RM29 (45元) | 74元 | - 40% | |
| Entertainment | - 13% | |||
| Entertainment in Malaysia is 13% cheaper than in China | ||||
| Malaysia | China | Diff | ||
| Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub | RM127 (196元) | 265元 | - 26% | |
| 2 tickets to the movies | RM44 (68元) | 110元 | - 38% | |
| 2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) | RM211 (325元) | 1,294元 | - 75% | |
| Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert | RM186 (286元) | 348元 | - 18% | |
| 1 cocktail drink in downtown club | RM46 (71元) | 79元 | - 11% | |
| Cappuccino in expat area of the city | RM18 (27元) | 29元 | - 7% | |
| 1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) | RM22 (34元) | 18元 | + 91% | |
| Ipad wi-fi 128gb | RM2,145 (3,300元) | 3,321元 | - 1% | |
| 1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) | RM0.24 (0.36元) | 0.20元 | + 82% | |
| 1 month of gym membership in business district | RM222 (342元) | 410元 | - 17% | |
| 1 package of marlboro cigarettes | RM18 (28元) | 24元 | + 17% | |
| TOTAL | - 31% | |||
These prices were last updated on May 31, 2023.
Exchange rate:
1.539
CNY
/
MYR
This comparison is based on abundant and consistent data. It is based on 1,732 prices entered by 237 different people.
Cost of living in Malaysia is 31% cheaper than in China
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