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You will be more prepared to move to Malaysia if you know the basics of living abroad there. Learn the cost of living compared to the United States, the major cultural differences, and how to get information on applying for visas in Malaysia.
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Are you hoping to become an expat by moving abroad to Malaysia? Are you hoping to find a lower cost of living or more opportunities? Then you’re reading the right article!
Keep reading to access the information in our guide to living abroad in Malaysia. We’ll talk about how the average cost of living compares to the United States. We’ll highlight some major differences in culture, and point you in the right direction for visa information.
Most Important Information For Living In Malaysia
The most important information for moving abroad is making sure you’ll be able to cover your expenses in another country by comparing the cost of living. You will also need to know what type of visa you need and what cultural differences to be aware of.
If you still aren’t sure what part of Malaysia would be the best for you, check out our article on the best places for expats in Malaysia.
Also, check out our overview of living abroad in Asia.
Cost Of Living In Malaysia Vs. The USA
The cost of living in Malaysia is 71.6% less expensive for an individual than in the United States. For a family, the cost of living in Malaysia is 70.4% less costly than in the USA. Furthermore, the cost of living is lower in every major budget category.
Methodology For Comparing The Cost Of Living
To compare the cost of living in Malaysia to the United States, we used crowd-sourced data. The data is an average of reports from major cities in each country. We compared the average reported prices.
Actual prices and savings will vary depending on your originating city in the United States and your destination city in Malaysia.
Housing Cost Comparison Malaysia Vs. The USA
On average, the cost of housing in Malaysia is much cheaper than in the United States. Whether you choose to live in the city center or in the suburbs, you will find much lower rent prices in Malaysia.
Prices and interest rates on buying homes are also much lower in Malaysia.
Renting Single-Bedroom Apartments In Malaysia
A single-bedroom downtown apartment in Malaysia is 79.2% less expensive than a similar downtown apartment in the United States. For a single-bedroom apartment in the suburbs, the savings increase. A suburban apartment is 81.5% less expensive in Malaysia.
Renting Three-Bedroom Apartments In Malaysia
On average, a three-bedroom downtown apartment in Malaysia is 77.2% less expensive than one in the United States. In the suburbs, a three-bedroom apartment is 81.8% less costly in Malaysia than in the United States.
Food Cost Comparison Malaysia Vs. The USA
Whether you’re eating out or buying groceries in Malaysia, the prices will be much lower than what you’re used to in the United States. This is great news for expats who are hoping to sample lots of local cuisines!
Restaurant Comps
Here are some of the average savings you might find in Malaysia compared to the United States when you dine out:
- A meal on a restaurant’s lunch menu is 84.5% cheaper in Malaysia than in the United States.
- Dinner for two in Malaysia is 72.5% less expensive on average than in the USA.
- A fast food meal for when you have those Western cravings is 58.5% less expensive in Malaysia than in the USA.
Grocery Comparisons: Dairy, Eggs, And Meat
While you’ll find most of the grocery items are significantly cheaper in Malaysia, this category has one notable exception. Milk may cost more on average than it does in the USA. Here are the comparisons:
- Milk is 39% more expensive in Malaysia on average.
- Eggs are 60.1% cheaper on average than in the USA.
- In Malaysia, chicken is 68.8% less costly on average.
- Beef is 28% less expensive in Malaysia than in the USA.
Grocery Comparisons: Grains And Starches
All of the options in this grocery category are less expensive in Malaysia. You’ll also find options like tapioca being more common in Malaysia. Here are some common average price comparisons:
- A loaf of white bread is 65.8% less expensive in Malaysia compared to the United States.
- On average, rice is 74.7% cheaper in Malaysia than in the USA.
- Potatoes are 51.3% less costly than in the United States on average.
Grocery Comparisons: Fruits & Vegetables
Produce like fruits and vegetables will be more affordable in Malaysia than in the United States. Here are some comparisons based on crowd-sourced data for the average prices of popular fruits and vegetables:
- Apples are 38.2% less expensive in Malaysia on average.
- Bananas are 33.7% cheaper than in the United States.
- Oranges are 60.7% less costly in Malaysia compared to the USA.
- Tomatoes are 74.0% more affordable than in the USA.
- Onions are 49% cheaper in Malaysia than in the United States.
Transportation Cost Comparison Malaysia Vs. The USA
Transportation costs in Malaysia are much lower than in the United States. On average, gasoline is 50.5% less expensive in Malaysia than in the USA. You can also save around 67% on the price of a monthly public transit pass. The average taxi ride is 65.9% less in Malaysia too.
Salaries In Malaysia Vs. The USA
Salaries in Malaysia tend to be much lower than in the USA on average. The average salary in Malaysia is 80.8% lower than the average salary in the United States. However, with the lower cost of living in Malaysia, this average salary is still enough to cover 1.3 months of average expenses.
Is Malaysia Expensive To Live In?
Malaysia is not an expensive place to live. It has a much lower cost of living than the United States and at least a hundred other countries. It also boasts a great healthcare system and a booming, affordable medical tourism industry.
Malaysia is a great place for Americans to live or retire!
Living In Malaysia As An American
Americans should be aware that only about half of the people in Malaysia speak English. Learning a few Malay phrases will help you adjust to living in Malaysia and conducting your day-to-day business.
Malaysia is a mix of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Muslim cultures. Foods from each culture can be found in the cuisine with a unique Malaysian take on the dishes.
Cultural Adjustments For Americans In Malaysia
In order to be prepared for living in a new culture, like moving from the United States to Malaysia, doing a little research into traditions and cultural expectations can help you adapt. It also shows respect for the people around you in your destination country.
Here are some things to be aware of when you move to Malaysia:
- Pedestrians in Malaysia yield to cars. Do not step out into the street assuming the cars will stop.
- It is not customary to hold the door open for people behind you, so watch out for closing doors.
- It is not as customary in Malaysia to make a lot of custom requests when ordering food at restaurants.
- It is important not to shame or embarrass others in public. Make sure to resolve problems in private and avoid expressing anger in public while in Malaysia.
- The dress in Malaysia is much more conservative than in the United States. Almost two-thirds of Malaysians practice Islam and dress conservatively.
Retiring In Malaysia From The USA
The country of Malaysia has created a program to allow citizens of other countries to retire in Malaysia. The program is known as Malaysia My Second Home Program, or MM2H. Due to the lower cost of living in Malaysia, it’s a great place for Americans to retire and stretch their retirement income.
To apply for a visa using the MM2H program, visit the official site of the Immigration Department for the MM2H program.
You will not be eligible for Malaysia’s retirement benefits simply because you retire there. You may, however, collect Social Security benefits from the USA if you qualify.
Be aware that if you spent some time working in Malaysia and some time in the USA, there is no Social Security Agreement between the countries.
Moving To Malaysia From The USA
Moving to Malaysia from the United States is a great way to experience international living, a new culture, and enjoy a lower cost of living. Malaysia offers a number of visa programs for people who would like to live, work, or retire in Malaysia.
Be sure to have international health insurance that covers you while in Malaysia. Healthcare in Malaysia is some of the best and yet most affordable in the world, especially with the right insurance plan. Malaysia is a popular location for medical tourism.
Visa Requirements For US Citizens In Malaysia
The type of visa you need will depend on your situation. United States citizens staying less than 90 days in Malaysia do not need a visa for tourism or business trips. For anyone staying longer than 6 months, they will need a long-stay visa or work pass.
Anyone hoping to relocate to Malaysia will need a health insurance plan. Here are some of the visa options for expats and family members hoping to live in Malaysia:
- Businesses and expatriates can receive up-to-date information about work passes from the official Expatriate Services Division of the Immigration Department of Malaysia.
- Dependents of expats with a work pass are eligible for a long-stay visa. Long-stay visas are typically good for six months to five years.
- Americans hoping to retire in Malaysia can apply for a visa through the Malaysia My Second Home Program (MM2H).
Conclusion
Malaysia is a fantastic location for anyone from the United States hoping to live abroad. The lower cost of living, lush green forests, and beaches are sure to please almost any expat. If you would like to consider more options, see our other guides to living abroad.
You can find out more about living abroad in Japan or Singapore. If you have any questions about international health insurance plans, contact an expert at Pacific Prime.
Serena earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of British Columbia, Canada. As such, she is an avid advocate of mental health and is fascinated by all things psychology (especially if it’s cognitive psychology!).
Her previous work experience includes teaching toddlers to read, writing for a travel/wellness online magazine, and then a business news blog. These combined experiences give her the skills and insights she needs to explain complex ideas in a succinct way. Being the daughter of an immigrant and a traveler herself, she is passionate about educating expats and digital nomads on travel and international health insurance.
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