Living Costs and Budgeting Tips for International Students in Malaysia

Malaysia is one of the most affordable destinations for international students, offering high-quality education and a low cost of living. This guide provides detailed insights into living expenses, housing, transportation, food, utilities, and budgeting strategies to help international students effectively manage their finances while studying in Malaysia.

Budgeting & Finances
10 minutes

1. Overview of Living Costs in Malaysia

The average monthly cost of living for an international student in Malaysia ranges between RM1,500–RM2,500 (USD 320–530), depending on lifestyle and location.

Expense Category	Monthly Cost (RM)	Monthly Cost (USD)
Accommodation	600–1,500	130–320
Food and Dining	500–750	110–160
Transportation	100–150	22–33
Utilities (Electricity/Water)	150–250	33–55
Internet and Mobile Data	50–100	11–22
Miscellaneous (Entertainment)	200–300	44–66

2. Accommodation Costs

The expanding economy has led to increased demand for skilled professionals across various sectors:

On-Campus Housing:

- Convenient, secure, and affordable.
- Monthly costs range between RM600–RM1,500 (USD 130–320).
- Includes utilities and access to campus facilities.

Off-Campus Housing:

- Private apartments or shared housing options are available.
- Costs range from RM1,000–RM2,500 (USD 220–530), depending on proximity to major cities like Kuala Lumpur.
- Websites such as iProperty and Speedhome are useful for finding rental units.

Tips for Saving on Rent:

- Share an apartment with roommates to split costs.
- Choose suburban areas with good transportation links for cheaper options.
- Check for student-friendly rentals near UNITAR’s campus.

3. Food and Dining Costs

Malaysia offers a variety of affordable dining options, from local street food to international cuisines.

Local Eateries: Meals cost between RM10–RM20 (USD 2–4).
Mid-Range Restaurants: Dining out can cost RM30–RM50 (USD 6–11) per meal.
Groceries: Monthly grocery expenses range from RM300–RM500 (USD 66–110) for those who prefer cooking at home.

Budget Tips for Food:

Eat at local hawker stalls for delicious, low-cost meals.
Shop at wet markets and supermarkets like Tesco and Giant for affordable groceries.
Look out for student discounts at restaurants and cafés near campus.

4. Transportation Costs

Malaysia has a well-connected and affordable public transportation system, including buses, trains, and ride-sharing services.

Public Transport: Monthly passes cost approximately RM100–RM150 (USD 22–33).
Ride-Sharing Apps: Grab and inDriver are popular options, with rides starting at RM5–RM10 (USD 1–2).
Rental Options: Renting a car or scooter may cost RM400–RM800 (USD 88–175) per month, ideal for those living far from campus.

Transportation Tips:

Take advantage of student travel cards for discounts.
Use public transit apps like Moovit for schedules and routes.
Walk or cycle if living close to campus to save costs.

5. Utilities and Internet Costs

Utilities (Electricity, Water, and Gas):

Monthly costs range from RM150–RM250 (USD 33–55) for a small apartment.
Air conditioning can increase electricity bills, so use energy-efficient appliances.

Internet and Mobile Data:

High-speed broadband costs RM80–RM150 (USD 18–33) per month.
Mobile plans with data start at RM30–RM60 (USD 6–13) per month from providers like Maxis, Celcom, and Digi.

Budget Tip:

Bundle your internet and mobile data plans to save more.

6. Health Insurance Costs

International students are required to have health insurance during their stay.

Annual Insurance Premiums: Range between RM500–RM1,000 (USD 110–220) depending on coverage.

Coverage includes hospitalization, outpatient services, and personal accident insurance.

7. Budgeting Tips for International Students

1. Track Expenses:

Use apps like Mint or Expense Manager to monitor daily spending and avoid overspending.

3. Use Student Discounts:

Leverage discounts available for public transport, restaurants, and movie tickets.

4. Open a Local Bank Account:

Avoid currency exchange fees by using a Malaysian bank account for day-to-day transactions.

5. Limit Unnecessary Expenses:

Cook at home instead of dining out frequently.
Shop during sales or visit night markets for cheaper deals

8. Part-Time Jobs for Extra Income

Work Opportunities for Students:

International students in Malaysia can work part-time (20 hours/week) during semester breaks and holidays.

Popular Job Options:

Retail and Hospitality: Cafes, restaurants, and hotels.
Tutoring: English language teaching or subject-specific tutoring.
Freelancing: Content writing, graphic design, or social media managemen

Conclusion

Malaysia’s affordability makes it an ideal destination for international students. By understanding living costs, transportation, food expenses, and budgeting strategies, students can comfortably plan their finances and focus on academics.

Whether you’re planning to live on-campus or off-campus, this guide ensures you’re equipped with practical insights for a stress-free experience.

For more details about studying at UNITAR, visit UNITAR’s official website.