Cost of living in Malaysia compared to United States
Currency:
Food | - 51% | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Food in Malaysia is 51% cheaper than in United States | ||||
Malaysia | United States | Diff | ||
Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district | RM22 ($5.05) | $21 | - 76% | |
Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) | RM19 ($4.29) | $12 | - 64% | |
500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast | RM10 ($2.24) | $5.50 | - 59% | |
1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk | RM8 ($1.76) | $1.07 | + 65% | |
12 eggs, large | RM12 ($2.72) | $4.97 | - 45% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes | RM7 ($1.58) | $4.44 | - 64% | |
500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese | RM25 ($5.70) | $7 | - 17% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of apples | RM12 ($2.77) | $3.79 | - 27% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes | RM5.92 ($1.34) | $1.98 | - 33% | |
0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket | RM13 ($2.93) | $3.97 | - 26% | |
1 bottle of red table wine, good quality | RM88 ($20) | $18 | + 11% | |
2 liters of coca-cola | RM5.83 ($1.32) | $2.89 | - 55% | |
Bread for 2 people for 1 day | RM4.46 ($1.01) | $2.61 | - 61% | |
Housing | - 71% | |||
Housing in Malaysia is 71% cheaper than in United States | ||||
Malaysia | United States | Diff | ||
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area | RM3,718 ($838) | $2,773 | - 70% | |
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area | RM2,309 ($521) | $2,031 | - 74% | |
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat | RM348 ($78) | $226 | - 65% | |
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area | RM2,152 ($485) | $2,068 | - 77% | |
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area | RM1,477 ($333) | $1,456 | - 77% | |
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio | RM186 ($42) | $168 | - 75% | |
Internet 8 mbps (1 month) | RM105 ($24) | $59 | - 60% | |
40” flat screen tv | RM1,272 ($287) | $248 | + 15% | |
Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) | RM447 ($101) | $148 | - 32% | |
Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) | RM26 ($5.92) | $15 | - 60% | |
Hourly rate for cleaning help | RM39 ($9) | $34 | - 74% | |
Clothes | - 24% | |||
Clothes in Malaysia is 24% cheaper than in United States | ||||
Malaysia | United States | Diff | ||
1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) | RM246 ($56) | $55 | + 1% | |
1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) | RM162 ($36) | $51 | - 28% | |
1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands) | RM339 ($76) | $105 | - 27% | |
1 pair of men’s leather business shoes | RM314 ($71) | $139 | - 49% | |
Transportation | - 61% | |||
Transportation in Malaysia is 61% cheaper than in United States | ||||
Malaysia | United States | Diff | ||
Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new | RM152,468 ($34,382) | $30,497 | + 13% | |
1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas | RM2.19 ($0.49) | $0.93 | - 47% | |
Monthly ticket public transport | RM52 ($12) | $78 | - 85% | |
Personal Care | - 65% | |||
Personal Care in Malaysia is 65% cheaper than in United States | ||||
Malaysia | United States | Diff | ||
Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands) | RM15 ($3.37) | $9 | - 64% | |
1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) | RM37 ($8) | $22 | - 62% | |
Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) | RM77 ($17) | $155 | - 89% | |
1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, ...) | RM32 ($7) | $9 | - 21% | |
Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) | RM15 ($3.36) | $5.26 | - 36% | |
Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) | RM16 ($3.54) | $7 | - 49% | |
4 rolls of toilet paper | RM8 ($1.89) | $5.05 | - 63% | |
Tube of toothpaste | RM12 ($2.69) | $2.43 | + 11% | |
Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city | RM31 ($7) | $30 | - 77% | |
Entertainment | - 58% | |||
Entertainment in Malaysia is 58% cheaper than in United States | ||||
Malaysia | United States | Diff | ||
Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub | RM115 ($26) | $61 | - 57% | |
2 tickets to the movies | RM39 ($9) | $29 | - 70% | |
2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) | RM361 ($82) | $216 | - 62% | |
Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert | RM143 ($32) | $103 | - 69% | |
1 cocktail drink in downtown club | RM35 ($8) | $15 | - 48% | |
Cappuccino in expat area of the city | RM14 ($3.10) | $6 | - 49% | |
1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) | RM19 ($4.26) | $7 | - 42% | |
Ipad wi-fi 128gb | RM2,486 ($561) | $491 | + 14% | |
1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) | RM0.50 ($0.11) | $0.55 | - 79% | |
1 month of gym membership in business district | RM211 ($48) | $63 | - 25% | |
1 package of marlboro cigarettes | RM18 ($4.02) | $11 | - 62% | |
TOTAL | - 60% |
These prices were last updated on February 18, 2025.
Exchange rate:
0.22550
USD
/
MYR
This comparison is based on abundant and consistent data. It is based on 17,343 prices entered by 2,157 different people.
Cost of living in Malaysia is 60% cheaper than in United States
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