The Real Cost of Living in Malaysia for International Students
The Real Cost of Living in Malaysia for International Students (According to Students… Not Brochures)
So you’re planning to study in Malaysia, home to bubble tea, endless malls, and humidity that hugs you tighter than your parents ever did. Every university website will tell you that living expenses are “affordable.” Cute.
Let’s talk about what affordable really looks like when you’re an international student with midnight cravings, impulsive Shopee habits, and an emotional support Grab driver.
Accommodation: Where Dreams Go to Downsize
Official claim: RM 500–1,200 per month
Reality:
You can get a room for RM 500… if you’re okay with a window view of someone’s laundry and a mysterious lizard that refuses to pay rent.
If you want:
● Cleanliness
● Air-conditioning
● A roommate who doesn’t cook sambal at 2 AM
…prepare to spend RM 900–1,400.
But hey, at least it’s still cheaper than Singapore, where the rent can emotionally damage you.
Food: The Reason You Won’t Go Home Skinny
Official claim: RM 300–600/month
Reality:
One day you’ll confidently say “I’ll cook at home to save money.”
The next day:
● RM 16 Nasi Lemak
● RM 18 Boba
● RM 25 Korean fried chicken because self-love is important
Suddenly, RM 600 becomes RM 900 and you don’t even know how.
Malaysia is a food paradise and you… are weak.
Transportation: Cheap… Until You Discover Grab
Official claim: RM 100–150
Reality:
Do you think you’ll take the bus every day?
HAHAHAHA.
Let’s be honest—you’ll take Grab anytime:
● It rains
● It’s sunny
● You’re late
● You’re early
● You’re alive
Monthly transport can easily hit RM 250–400. (But at least Grab drivers are friendly philosophers.)
Mobile + Internet: Because Wi-Fi is Oxygen
Official claim: RM 30–80
Reality:
You’ll probably buy a “promo plan” for RM 45 but then top up extra data because you spent the day watching TikToks instead of attending lectures.
Budget RM 60–100 to avoid buffering trauma.
Books & Supplies: Aka Money You’ll Spend, But Barely Use
Budget RM 100–200/month
Half your textbooks will be PDFs.
Your actual expenses? Notebooks and highlighters you buy because the pastel ones look aesthetic.
Lifestyle & Entertainment: The Real Wallet Killer
Budget RM 200–500
This includes:
● Malls (you will enter “just to look” and leave with a bag)
● Cafés (RM 14 for vibes)
● Cinema, concerts, weekend trips
Let’s be honest—this category exposes your financial decisions.
Grand Total: What You’ll Actually Spend
Brochure Estimate: RM 1,200–2,000/month
Student Reality: RM 1,800–2,800/month
If you’re disciplined, you’ll stay on the low end.
If you’re a normal student with cravings and a social life… yeah, good luck.
Final Thoughts
Malaysia is affordable—just not in the brochure-perfect way. It’s affordable because even when you overspend, you’re still spending less than most study destinations.
And you’ll enjoy amazing food, warm people, 24/7 convenience stores, and the thrill of pretending you’re financially responsible.
Welcome to Malaysia, where the cost of living is low, but your appetite is high.
