Bonjour Malaisie

Cost of Living in Malaysia

Plan your budget with our interactive tool. Get a personalized estimate of your monthly expenses as an expatriate in Kuala Lumpur.

Estimate Your Monthly Budget
Adjust the values below to estimate your monthly expenses in Malaysian Ringgit (MYR). The initial values are a rough estimate for a family.
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Total:12,550MYR/month

Currency Conversion

USD

2,635.50

EUR

2,510.00

SGD

3,639.50

RMB

19,201.50

Family & Schooling Costs
Key considerations for expatriate families living in Malaysia.

International School Fees

This is often the largest single expense for expat families. Fees vary widely by school prestige and curriculum (e.g., British, American, IB, French).

  • Annual Fees: Can range from RM 30,000 to over RM 130,000 per child, per year.
  • Additional Costs: Don't forget to budget for application fees, registration deposits (often refundable), uniforms, school trips, and extracurricular activities.
  • Calculator Tip: Our calculator includes a "School Fees" field. Divide your total annual school fees by 12 to get a monthly estimate to input.
Compare International Schools

Groceries & Household Goods

Your grocery bill will be significantly higher if you exclusively shop at international supermarkets like Jaya Grocer or Ben's for imported goods. Shopping at local markets ("pasars") and local supermarkets (like Lotus's or Giant) can significantly reduce costs.

Healthcare

While private healthcare is excellent and affordable by Western standards, comprehensive family health insurance is highly recommended and should be factored into your budget. A good family plan can cost several thousand ringgit per year.