Cost of living in Malaysia compared to China
Currency:
Food | + 13% | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Food in Malaysia is 13% more expensive than in China | ||||
Malaysia | China | Diff | ||
Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district | RM22 (36元) | 37元 | - 2% | |
Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) | RM19 (31元) | 37元 | - 17% | |
500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast | RM10 (16元) | 14元 | + 16% | |
1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk | RM8 (13元) | 14元 | - 12% | |
12 eggs, large | RM12 (19元) | 15元 | + 28% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes | RM7 (11元) | 11元 | + 7% | |
500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese | RM25 (41元) | 50元 | - 19% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of apples | RM12 (20元) | 16元 | + 26% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes | RM5.92 (10元) | 6元 | + 49% | |
0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket | RM13 (21元) | 6元 | + 241% | |
1 bottle of red table wine, good quality | RM88 (142元) | 91元 | + 57% | |
2 liters of coca-cola | RM5.83 (9元) | 9元 | + 4% | |
Bread for 2 people for 1 day | RM4.46 (7元) | 12元 | - 42% | |
Housing | - 39% | |||
Housing in Malaysia is 39% cheaper than in China | ||||
Malaysia | China | Diff | ||
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area | RM3,718 (6,013元) | 15,617元 | - 61% | |
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area | RM2,309 (3,735元) | 7,345元 | - 49% | |
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat | RM348 (563元) | 505元 | + 11% | |
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area | RM2,152 (3,481元) | 6,729元 | - 48% | |
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area | RM1,477 (2,389元) | 3,858元 | - 38% | |
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio | RM186 (300元) | 296元 | + 1% | |
Internet 8 mbps (1 month) | RM107 (173元) | 103元 | + 68% | |
40” flat screen tv | RM1,195 (1,932元) | 1,460元 | + 32% | |
Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) | RM447 (722元) | 553元 | + 31% | |
Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) | RM27 (43元) | 44元 | - 3% | |
Hourly rate for cleaning help | RM52 (84元) | 59元 | + 43% | |
Clothes | - 10% | |||
Clothes in Malaysia is 10% cheaper than in China | ||||
Malaysia | China | Diff | ||
1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) | RM246 (398元) | 418元 | - 5% | |
1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) | RM162 (261元) | 296元 | - 12% | |
1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands) | RM339 (548元) | 570元 | - 4% | |
1 pair of men’s leather business shoes | RM314 (508元) | 705元 | - 28% | |
Transportation | - 29% | |||
Transportation in Malaysia is 29% cheaper than in China | ||||
Malaysia | China | Diff | ||
Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new | RM152,468 (246,595元) | 148,726元 | + 66% | |
1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas | RM2.19 (3.54元) | 8元 | - 56% | |
Monthly ticket public transport | RM52 (84元) | 233元 | - 64% | |
Personal Care | - 33% | |||
Personal Care in Malaysia is 33% cheaper than in China | ||||
Malaysia | China | Diff | ||
Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands) | RM15 (24元) | 51元 | - 53% | |
1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) | RM37 (59元) | 84元 | - 29% | |
Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) | RM77 (124元) | 114元 | + 9% | |
1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, ...) | RM32 (51元) | 67元 | - 23% | |
Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) | RM15 (24元) | 57元 | - 58% | |
Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) | RM16 (25元) | 25元 | + 2% | |
4 rolls of toilet paper | RM8 (14元) | 7元 | + 95% | |
Tube of toothpaste | RM12 (19元) | 13元 | + 54% | |
Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city | RM31 (50元) | 85元 | - 41% | |
Entertainment | - 1% | |||
Entertainment in Malaysia is about the same as in China | ||||
Malaysia | China | Diff | ||
Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub | RM115 (186元) | 203元 | - 8% | |
2 tickets to the movies | RM39 (62元) | 109元 | - 43% | |
2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) | RM361 (585元) | 703元 | - 17% | |
Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert | RM143 (231元) | 285元 | - 19% | |
1 cocktail drink in downtown club | RM35 (56元) | 81元 | - 31% | |
Cappuccino in expat area of the city | RM14 (22元) | 28元 | - 21% | |
1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) | RM19 (31元) | 16元 | + 87% | |
Ipad wi-fi 128gb | RM2,486 (4,020元) | 3,924元 | + 2% | |
1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) | RM0.50 (0.81元) | 0.34元 | + 141% | |
1 month of gym membership in business district | RM211 (342元) | 428元 | - 20% | |
1 package of marlboro cigarettes | RM18 (29元) | 25元 | + 14% | |
TOTAL | - 19% |
These prices were last updated on January 29, 2025.
Exchange rate:
1.617
CNY
/
MYR
This comparison is based on abundant and consistent data. It is based on 1,479 prices entered by 212 different people.
Cost of living in Malaysia is 19% cheaper than in China
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