Hello! I'm Sophie, a Korean blogger
living in Malaysia.
I’ve been living here for quite a while
and will share honest and realistic insights on daily living costs including rent, food, transportation, and internet — all based on 2025 exchange rates (1 USD ≈ RM4.10).
"Is everything cheap in Southeast Asia?"
Not always! While some costs are low, others might surprise you.
This guide is tailored for solo expat life (1-person household).
🌾 1. Foreigner Salary Levels in Malaysia (Realistic 2025 Estimate)
This data reflects full-time office jobs in Malaysia for foreign nationals, based on real company offers and peer data (2024–2025).
All ranges are monthly gross salaries in MYR, converted to USD for reference.
| 🇰🇷 Korean native speaker | Customer support, content moderation | 8,000 ~ 10,000+ | $1,950 ~ $2,450 |
| 🇯🇵 Japanese speaker (native/near-native) | Same roles | 8,500 ~ 10,500 | $2,075 ~ $2,560 |
| 🇻🇳 Vietnamese speaker | Support / Sales / Admin | 4,000 ~ 5,500 | $975 ~ $1,345 |
| 🇹🇭 Thai speaker | Same roles | 4,200 ~ 5,800 | $1,025 ~ $1,410 |
| 🇨🇳 Chinese speaker (non-native) | General office jobs | 3,000 ~ 4,200 | $730 ~ $1,025 |
| 🇪🇺 Western expats (EN native) | Specialist / Manager | 6,000 ~ 12,000+ | $1,460 ~ $2,925 |
💬 Notes:
- Korean/Japanese speakers are usually hired for native level content review or high-sensitivity support.
- Entry-level jobs for English speakers (non-Korean/JP) usually range from RM4,500 ~ RM7,000.
- High-end roles (Marketing, Tech, Finance) can reach RM15,000+ depending on experience.
- Some packages include housing or visa sponsorship.
💰 2. Big Mac Index – A Quick Price Check
The Big Mac Index is a global pricing tool by The Economist. It compares the price of a McDonald's Big Mac across countries to measure purchasing power.
| Malaysia | $2.25 | One of the cheapest globally |
| Korea | $3.95 | About 75% more expensive |
| Thailand | $3.55 | Higher than MY, lower than Korea |
| Japan | $3.50 | Similar to Thailand |
| USA | $5.69 | Over 2.5x Malaysia |
| Vietnam | $3.40 | Slightly cheaper than Korea |
📌 Malaysia ranks among the most affordable — but don’t let that fool you! Not everything is cheap.
3. Groceries & Essentials – What Do You Pay for Daily Living?
While local produce and pantry basics are generally affordable, many imported or “familiar brand” items for foreigners can be quite pricey.
🥬 Local Essentials
| Eggs (10pcs) | 5.50 ~ 7.50 | $1.30 ~ $1.80 |
| Milk (1L) | 6 ~ 8 | $1.45 ~ $1.95 |
| Rice (5kg) | 25 ~ 35 | $6.10 ~ $8.50 |
| Cooking oil (2kg) | 12 ~ 18 | $2.90 ~ $4.40 |
| Vegetables (mixed, 1 week) | 15 ~ 25 | $3.70 ~ $6.10 |
🧀 Imported or Premium Items
| Cheese (200g) | 18 ~ 30 | $4.40 ~ $7.30 |
| Yogurt (4 pack) | 15 ~ 25 | $3.70 ~ $6.10 |
| Korean ramen (1 pack) | 4 ~ 8 | $1.00 ~ $2.00 |
| Japanese miso paste (500g) | 20 ~ 35 | $4.90 ~ $8.50 |
💡 Imported goods can cost 2–3x more than in their home countries due to taxes and logistics. Locals often choose affordable Malaysian brands to save.
💰 4. SST & Service Charge – Extra Fees That Add Up
Eating at mid-range restaurants, chain cafés, or in malls?
Malaysia often adds two extra fees:
- SST (Sales & Service Tax): 6%
- Service Charge: 10%
You’ll typically see this listed at the bottom of the bill. For example:
RM30 meal + 6% SST + 10% service charge = RM34.80
These charges may not apply to hawker stalls or casual eateries,
but they are standard in Korean, Japanese, Western restaurants, hotels, and cafés in urban areas.
⚠️ Tip: Some restaurants include it in the menu price, while others don’t — always double check.
🏠 5. Rent – What Does Housing Really Cost?
Renting in Malaysia depends on the city, location, and housing type.
Here’s a breakdown based on condo living, common among expats.
🏢 Average Monthly Rent (1-bedroom)
| Basic Condo (no facility) | RM1,200 ~ RM1,600 | RM1,800 ~ RM2,300 |
| Mid-range (gym, pool, security) | RM1,500 ~ RM2,200 | RM2,400 ~ RM3,200 |
| High-end (modern, near MRT) | RM2,500 ~ RM3,500+ | RM3,800 ~ RM5,000+ |
💡 Most contracts are 1-year lease, with:
- 2 months deposit + 0.5 month utility deposit + 1 month rent upfront
- Agents usually charge half to full month commission
Shared housing options (co-living) are available from RM700 ~ RM1,000 for private rooms.
⚡ 6. Utilities – Electricity, Water, Internet
| Electricity (1 person) | RM100 ~ 200 | $25 ~ $50 |
| Water | RM10 ~ 20 | $2.40 ~ $4.80 |
| Internet (Unifi 100Mbps) | RM89 | ~$21 |
| Gas (LPG tank refill) | RM30+ | ~$7.20 |
💡 Electricity bills can rise a lot if using A/C regularly.
Water is billed bimonthly but very cheap.
📱 7. Phone & Data – Prepaid or Postpaid?
| Prepaid (15~30GB) | RM35 ~ 50 | $8.50 ~ $12 | No contract |
| Postpaid (50~80GB) | RM60 ~ 100 | $14.50 ~ $24 | 12 or 24-month contract |
Most expats choose prepaid plans via Hotlink/Digi/Yoodo for flexibility.
🍽️ 8. Eating Out & Café Culture – What Does It Really Cost?
🥡 Local Eats (Hawker/Street Food)
| Nasi lemak | 3 ~ 6 | $0.70 ~ $1.45 |
| Chicken rice | 6 ~ 9 | $1.45 ~ $2.20 |
| Mee goreng | 7 ~ 10 | $1.70 ~ $2.40 |
💡 No SST or service fees in most hawker stalls.
🍱 Korean / Japanese / Western
| Bibimbap | 25 ~ 35 | $6.10 ~ $8.50 |
| Ramen | 28 ~ 40 | $6.80 ~ $9.80 |
| Burger set | 20 ~ 35 | $4.90 ~ $8.50 |
📌 Most mall-based or chain restaurants add 6% SST + 10% service charge.
☕ Cafés
| Americano | 9 ~ 15 | $2.20 ~ $3.70 |
| Latte | 12 ~ 18 | $2.90 ~ $4.40 |
| Cake slice | 13 ~ 20 | $3.20 ~ $4.90 |
🚇 9. Transportation – Getting Around
🚆 Train & Bus
- MRT/LRT/bus fare: RM1 ~ RM4 ($0.25 ~ $1)
- No free transfers between lines
- My50 Pass (monthly unlimited) is only for locals
- Foreigners use Touch 'n Go card or buy per-use tokens
🚗 Grab (e-hailing)
| Short (3–5km) | RM7 ~ 12 | $1.70 ~ $2.90 |
| Medium (8–12km) | RM13 ~ 20 | $3.20 ~ $4.90 |
| Long (20km+) | RM25 ~ 40+ | $6.10 ~ $9.80+ |
📌 Prices surge during rain or rush hour. Toll fees are added separately.
✅ Final Thoughts – Is Malaysia Still Affordable?
Malaysia offers an appealing mix of comfort and affordability for many foreigners.
From modern apartments to diverse food and accessible transport, it's easy to enjoy life here.
That said, some costs like imported goods, visa fees, or frequent dining out can push your budget.
With realistic expectations and smart budgeting, Malaysia still remains a great value-for-money destination in 2025.
Thanks for reading — feel free to leave any questions below!
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