Cost of Living in Malaysia for Indian Students 2024

Cost of Living in Malaysia for Indian Students 2024

Edited By Team Careers360 | Updated on May 21, 2024 05:25 PM IST

Is it expensive to live in Malaysia? The cost of living in Malaysia is cheap as compared to other countries like the UK and USA. The average cost of living in Malaysia for a single person with rent is approximately Rs. 54, 200 per month. On average, the cost of living in Malaysia for students is approximately 40.6% higher than in India.

This Story also Contains
  1. Cost of Living in Malaysia for International Students
  2. Cost of studying in Malaysia
  3. Accommodation Cost in Malaysia
  4. Cost of Food in Malaysia
  5. Malaysia Travel Cost
  6. Clothing Expenses in Malaysia
  7. Miscellaneous Costs in Malaysia
  8. Top Student Cities for Education in Malaysia
  9. Cost of Living in Malaysia vs India
  10. Tips to Save Money in Malaysia
  11. Top Universities in Malaysia - Estimated Costs of Attendance 2024
Cost of Living in Malaysia for Indian Students 2024
Cost of Living in Malaysia for Indian Students 2024
Malaysia is one of the most economically viable countries for students seeking education at an international level. The cost of living in Malaysia for other cities fluctuates around this range depending on the city of study in Malaysia. The primary categories that constitute the overall cost of living in Malaysia for Indian students include accommodation, food, transportation, health, clothing, and other miscellaneous.

The primary factors contributing to the increased cost of living in Malaysia for single person includes the type of housing selected and the cost of attending university. The average monthly accommodation in Malaysia rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre is around MYR 1,570. Whereas, the tuition fees in top universities in Malaysia range between MYR 3,000-17,000. Candidates planning to study in Malaysia should always have a good idea of their living expenses before departing. Read the full article to learn more about the cost of living in Malaysia in 2024 for Indian students.

Cost of Living in Malaysia for International Students

Expense Item

Cost of living in Malaysia per month

Accommodation

MYR 1,570

Food expenses

MYR 100-150

Transportation

MYR 60-100

Utility costs

MYR 150-250

Miscellaneous

MYR 150-200

Cost of studying in Malaysia

Malaysia is one of the top international hubs for education, especially in the domain of Engineering and Technology. But the primary reason why Malaysia is one of the most sought-after student destinations in the world is due to the cheap cost of living in Malaysia.

Tuition Fees in Malaysia for International Students

Programmes

Fees

Undergraduate

MYR 54014 - MYR 733773

Postgraduate

MYR 34331 - MYR 47297

Top Affordable Universities in Malaysia

Some affordable universities in Malaysia include:

  1. Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM)

  2. Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)

  3. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)

  4. Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)

  5. Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM)

  6. Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS)

  7. Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS)

  8. Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP)

  9. Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT)

  10. Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP)

Accommodation Cost in Malaysia

Rent and residential costs are staggeringly lower than those in other popular student cities around the world. Using the Malaysian Ringgit as the standard currency basis, the rent for a single-bedroom flat in Malaysia is approximately MYR 1,570.91 for an apartment in the city centre. Therefore, the cost of living in Malaysia in terms of rent and residential costs is much lower than that in other countries.

Cost of Living in Malaysia Rent

Accommodation

Cost in MYR

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

1,570.91

Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre

1,124.76

Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre

2,833.04

Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre

1,873.50

Cost of Food in Malaysia

The Malaysia food price varies slightly with the city of residence in Malaysia. Where larger cities like Johor Bahru and Kuala Lumpur are more expensive in terms of food and groceries, smaller cities like Bangi are more economically viable for students seeking education in Malaysia. The living expenses in Malaysia for food can be further reduced by purchasing groceries and cooking at home.

Food Expenses in Malaysia

Particulars

Costs

Milk (regular), (1 liter)

MYR 7.15

Rice (white), (1kg)

MYR 5.46

Eggs (regular) (12)

MYR 8.55

Apples (1kg)

MYR 11.05

Banana (1kg)

MYR 5.50

Oranges (1kg)

MYR 11.40

Tomato (1kg)

MYR 5.73

Potato (1kg)

MYR 3.72

Onion (1kg)

MYR 4.45

Lettuce (1 head)

MYR 4.26

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

MYR 2.48

Malaysia Travel Cost

Transportation costs are low and public transportation is highly economical for students who want to study in Malaysia. The cost of living in Malaysia in rupees involved in public transportation is very low and can be further reduced for students through discounts and monthly passes.

Transportation Cost in Malaysia

Particulars

Cost MYR

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

3.00

Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

50.00

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

4.00

Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)

3.00

Gasoline (1 liter)

2.05

Clothing Expenses in Malaysia

The cost of living in Malaysia is relatively cheaper than many other popular student cities around the world but in terms of clothing, Malaysia is not far behind. The cost of basic clothing items from chain stores ranges from MYR 100 – 300 varying slightly with the city of study in Malaysia. Some of the average prices in the top student cities in Malaysia are given below.

Clothing Costs in Malaysia

Items

Cost in MYR

1 Pair of Jeans

241.76

1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store

132.21

1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)

305.13

1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes

269.55

Miscellaneous Costs in Malaysia

Items

Cost in MYR

Fitness Club

156

Electricity, water, etc.

210

Internet

116

Mobile plan

42

Cinema

18

Top Student Cities for Education in Malaysia

Malaysia’s capital Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia is the 24th best student city in the world as per the 2024 QS Best Student Cities Ranking. Apart from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia is home to many other cities with some of the best educational institutions in the world.

Top Student Cities in Malaysia for International Students

The details of cities and their average cost of living in Malaysia for international students in these cities are given below:

Top cities in Malaysia

Cost of living in Malaysia per month (without rent)

Kuala Lumpur

MYR 2,596.9

Penang

MYR 2,409.6

Johor Bahru

MYR 2,109

Bangi

MYR 2,050

Petaling Jaya

MYR 2,126

Cost of Living in Malaysia vs India

Cost of living in Malaysia as compared to India per month is expensive. Starting from food to groceries, and consumer prices, their prices in Malaysia are higher from 40.4% in India.

Cost of Living Malaysia VS India

Expense Item

Cost of living in Malaysia per month

Costs in India per Month

Accommodation

MYR 1,570

Rs. 5,000-15,000

Food expenses

MYR 100-150

Rs. 500-2000

Transportation

MYR 60-100

Rs. 1,000-3,000

Utility costs

MYR 150-250

Rs. 8,000

Miscellaneous

MYR 150-200

Rs. 1000

Tips to Save Money in Malaysia

While living in international places like Malaysia, using some small money tips has a major impact on the candidate's budget. This small amount of money can be useful in spending the living expenses in Malaysia for international or Indian students. A few of them are listed below.

  • Shop the groceries at discounted prices: When the products are before expiry within 2 to 3 days they are kept up to 80% discount in the supermarkets.

  • Keep track of the expenses: Use an app or maintain notes to track all your expenses to estimate the salary expenditure.

  • Do not ignore the change, try to save the small change in a piggy bank or box which Is often left in the racks, and stuck in sofa seats.

  • Use public transport systems like buses, trains, and ride-sharing options to cut your costs in transportation.

  • Student Discounts: Use student discounts on transportation, entertainment, and even shopping using your student ID.

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Top Universities in Malaysia - Estimated Costs of Attendance 2024

Malaysian institutions offer some of the world's best engineering and technology, as well as social science and management programmes. In particular, education and engineering are some of the best programs for masters in Malaysia. Malaysian institutions like University Malaya and University Sains Malaysia are also some of the top universities in the world in many domains. Some of the top universities in Malaysia as well as the best areas of study they offer are given below.

Best Universities in Malaysia

University Name

QS World University Rankings 2024

University Tuition Fees

Universiti Malaya (UM)

65

MYR 7,078.22

Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)

137

MYR 3,437.50- 6,250.00

Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)

158

MYR 17,360.16

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)

159

MYR 11,400

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia

188

MYR 7,600

Also Read:


Articles

Questions related to

Get answers from students and experts

Correct Answer: Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan


Solution : The correct answer is Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan.

The four Asian Tigers or The four Asian Dragons are the four developed East Asian Economies. They are Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan. They are characterised by highly free market and developed economies in the Asian Region. They witnessed rapid industrialisation and they grew more than 70% between 1960-1970. 

Correct Answer: JXIXVPFX


Solution : Given:
INDIA : FKAFX :: ESTONIA : BPQLKFX:: MALAYSIA :?

Subtract 3 from the positional value of INDIA, to obtain the required code –
I – 3 = F; N – 3 = K; D – 3 = A; I – 3 = F; A – 3 = X
Thus, INDIA is coded as FKAFX.
And in, ESTONIA : BPQLKFX –
E – 3 = B; S – 3 = P; T – 3 = Q; O – 3 = L; N  – 3 = K; I  – 3 = F; A  – 3 = X
Thus, ESTONIA is coded as BPQLKFX.
Similarly, follow the same pattern for MALAYSIA :? –
M – 3 = J; A – 3 = X; L – 3 = I; A – 3 = X; Y – 3 = V; S – 3 = P; I – 3 = F; A – 3 = X

Thus, MALAYSIA is coded as JXIXVPFX. Hence, the fourth option is correct.

Question : Comprehension:

Read the following passage and answer the questions given after it.

Notwithstanding logistical challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, India continues to expand its rice export footprint in the African, Asian, and European Union markets, thus having the largest share in the global rice trade. The robust global demand also helped India’s growth in rice exports.

In 2020-21, India’s rice exports (Basmati and Non-Basmati) rose by a huge 87 per cent to 17.72 Million tonnes (MT) from 9.49 MT achieved in 2019-20.

In terms of value realisation, India’s rice exports rose by 38 per cent to USD 8815 million in 2020-21 from USD 6397 million reported in 2019-20. In terms of Rupees, India’s rice export grew by 44 per cent to Rs 65298 crore in 2020-21 from Rs 45379 crore in the previous year. In the first seven months of the current financial year (2021-22), India’s rice exports rose by more than 33 per cent to 11.79 MT from 8.91 MT achieved during April-October, 2020-21. It is anticipated that India’s rice exports in 2021-22 will likely surpass the record feet of 17.72 MT achieved in 2020-21.

In 2020-21, India shipped non-basmati rice to nine countries - Timor-Leste, Puerto Rico, Brazil, Papua New Guinea, Zimbabwe, Burundi, Eswatini, Myanmar, and Nicaragua, where exports were carried out for the first time or earlier the shipment was smaller in volume.

India’s Non-Basmati rice exports were valued at USD 4796 million (Rs 35448 crore) in 2020-21, with Basmati Rice exports a close second at USD 4018 million (Rs 29,849 crore).In terms of volume of Basmati rice exports in 2020-21, the top ten countries – Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, Yemen, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, Kuwait, United Kingdom, Qatar, and Oman have a share of close to 80 per cent in total shipments of aromatic long-grained rice from India.

Top ten countries – Nepal, Benin, Bangladesh, Senegal, Togo, Cote D Ivoire, Guinea, Malaysia, Iraq, United Arab Emirates – have a share of 57 per cent in India’s total exports of non-Basmati rice in 2020-21 in terms of volume.

Which of the following countries imported rice from India for the first time?

Option 1: Iraq

Option 2: Bangladesh

Option 3: Brazil

Option 4: United Arab Emirates

Correct Answer: Brazil


Solution : The correct choice is the third option.

As stated in the paragraph, in 2020–21, India started to export non-basmati rice to nine countries, among which Brazil is among the options, making it the appropriate choice.

Question : Comprehension:

Read the following passage and answer the questions given after it.

Notwithstanding logistical challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, India continues to expand its rice export footprint in the African, Asian, and European Union markets, thus having the largest share in the global rice trade. The robust global demand also helped India’s growth in rice exports.

In 2020-21, India’s rice exports (Basmati and Non-Basmati) rose by a huge 87 per cent to 17.72 Million tonnes (MT) from 9.49 MT achieved in 2019-20.

In terms of value realisation, India’s rice exports rose by 38 per cent to USD 8815 million in 2020-21 from USD 6397 million reported in 2019-20. In terms of Rupees, India’s rice export grew by 44 per cent to Rs 65298 crore in 2020-21 from Rs 45379 crore in the previous year. In the first seven months of the current financial year (2021-22), India’s rice exports rose by more than 33 per cent to 11.79 MT from 8.91 MT achieved during April-October, 2020-21. It is anticipated that India’s rice exports in 2021-22 will likely surpass the record feet of 17.72 MT achieved in 2020-21.

In 2020-21, India shipped non-basmati rice to nine countries - Timor-Leste, Puerto Rico, Brazil, Papua New Guinea, Zimbabwe, Burundi, Eswatini, Myanmar, and Nicaragua, where exports were carried out for the first time or earlier the shipment was smaller in volume.

India’s Non-Basmati rice exports were valued at USD 4796 million (Rs 35448 crore) in 2020-21, with Basmati Rice exports a close second at USD 4018 million (Rs 29,849 crore).In terms of volume of Basmati rice exports in 2020-21, the top ten countries – Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, Yemen, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, Kuwait, United Kingdom, Qatar, and Oman have a share of close to 80 per cent in total shipments of aromatic long-grained rice from India.

Top ten countries – Nepal, Benin, Bangladesh, Senegal, Togo, Cote D Ivoire, Guinea, Malaysia, Iraq, United Arab Emirates – have a share of 57 per cent in India’s total exports of non-Basmati rice in 2020-21 in terms of volume.

Which of the following countries imports Basmati rice from India?

Option 1: Malaysia

Option 2: Nepal

Option 3: Bangladesh

Option 4: Kuwait

Correct Answer: Kuwait


Solution : The correct choice is the fourth option.

The penultimate passage of the paragraph lists the top ten countries that export basmati rice from India, in which only Kuwait is present among the given options, making it the correct choice for the asked question.

Correct Answer: Afghanistan, Pakistan anf Iran


Solution : The correct option is Afghanistan, Pakistan anf Iran.

Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan are the nations known as 'The Golden Crescent' in the context of the world's largest opium business. These nations are notable for extensive opium poppy cultivation and the manufacture of illegal drugs, mainly heroin. The name is sometimes used to draw similarities with 'The Golden Triangle,' which encompasses Southeast Asian countries with similar drug-related problems.
 

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