Cost of Living for International Students in Malaysia

Over the years, Malaysia has emerged as a top study destination because of its state-of-the-art education system. Also, the affordable cost of living in Malaysia is a major factor that draws a record number of international students every year to its major universities spread across the country.

Cost of Living in Malaysia: Want to study abroad but have a limited budget? Well, consider Malaysia as a study destination! Top-ranked universities and the affordable cost of living in Malaysia are attracting many international students. According to the QS Best Student Cities 2024, Kuala Lumpur, Subang Jaya and Shah Alam are some of the best Malaysian cities.

To give you an idea about the cost of living in Malaysia, an Indian student needs INR 39,308 (2,256.9RM) per month on average. This amount does not include the house rent. Understanding the total living expenses of a study destination is important for you in the beginning. This helps you to create a financial plan for upcoming expenses while studying in Malaysia.

Related reads: Study in Malaysia: Education System

Cost of Living in Malaysia for Indians

The living expenses in Malaysia for Indian students are generally higher than in India. However, it is more affordable than in other developed nations like the USA, UK, Canada, etc. Note that, the total cost of living in Malaysia depends on the lifestyle and spending habits of students.

According to Numbeo, a budget of INR 39,308 per month is sufficient for a single student to live in Malaysia. This budget excludes accommodation, with options for rent outside the city at INR 19,000 per month and within the city at INR 26,000 per month.

Kuala Lumpur, the capital, is known for being a budget-friendly option for students. According to the US News, Malaysia is the 6th most affordable country in the world followed by Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines, Indonesia and India.

Total Monthly Cost of Living in Malaysia (2025)

Tuition Fees for Malaysia

Tuition fee is a major expense when considering studying abroad in Malaysia. Here is an overview of the average tuition fee range for UG and PG courses.

• Undergraduate Courses: INR 2 lakhs to INR 9 lakhs per year
• Postgraduate Courses: INR 2 lakhs to INR 13 lakhs per year

 Below, we have mentioned a table that provides you with information about the tuition fees of different universities. These are just an average overview. Actual fees may vary depending on the specific program and university.

Accommodation Cost in Malaysia

Your biggest monthly expense in Malaysia is likely to be rent, and prices can vary a lot depending on where you live. A secure and comfortable space to live. This is all an international student wants during their higher studies. Sometimes, they need to a big amount just to live near the city. The rent of a one-bedroom apartment in Malaysia is between 1,500 RM and 1,600 RM (INR 26,155 and INR 27,900). Living outside the urban area may reduce your rent.

If you’re staying in upscale areas like Kuala Lumpur (KL) or nearby suburbs, expect to pay:

• 1BHK apartment: RM 800 to RM 1,000

• 2BHK apartment: RM 1,200 to RM 1,500

On the other hand, if you move to smaller towns like Kedah, the rent drops significantly:

• 1BHK apartment: RM 400 to RM 500

• Entire house: RM 800 to RM 900

It is advisable that if you can share your accommodation with other students then choose shared apartments to live in. By this, you can save money on accommodation expenses. Know about the range of rent in Malaysia from the table provided below:

Also Read: Top 10 Universities in Malaysia

Cost of Grocery in Malaysia

Living cost in Malaysia is extremely student friendly with the cost of food items in Malaysia being economically priced to be available to all. While basic items such as a litre of Milk would cost you 6.82RM, a loaf of fresh bread would cost you 3.21RM and if you are looking for something fancy, a kilo of local cheese would come at a price of 53.86RM. For an elaborate list of prices of food items in Malaysia, check out the table below:

Source: Numbeo

Transportation Cost

In big cities, public transportation is affordable and efficient, especially in Kuala Lumpur where you can use buses, the MRT, and LRT. But in smaller towns, options are limited and you may rely more on Grab or taxis, which can get costly. If you’re staying long-term, buying a used car is common. Unlike India where bike travel is popular, cars are more affordable in Malaysia. Older cars are easily available, and petrol prices are low—around RM 2 per liter, which is approximately INR 36.

As a student living in Malaysia, you should know the expected expenses during your study here. You should use the public transport system that will help you to save money and convenience. Check the table below to have an overview of transportation.

Miscellaneous Living Expenses in Malaysia

Other than necessary expenses, you have to keep a budget for miscellaneous expenses such as clothing, entertainment, eating out and more. Here we have mentioned a table that will help you to get an overview about the extra expenses that you need. 

Living in a foreign land would definitely come with its pros and cons, however, with the number of opportunities that Malaysia has in store for its students, it is definitely a risk worth undertaking. Malaysia is a favourite among international students because of its extensive use of the English language in its institutions of higher education. The country also allows students to work part-time for a maximum of 20 hours per week only during semester breaks or holidays of more than 7 days to help with their cost of living in Malaysia. Students can also look at the various scholarships available to them on their university website. Often described as a land of opportunities, Malaysia is a student’s paradise.

Yes. In many ways, the cost of living in Malaysia for Indian students and expats is comparable to India. Some things like housing and petrol are cheaper, while others like healthcare or eating out can be more expensive. The trick is to choose the right area, shop smart, and manage your lifestyle. If you plan well, living in Malaysia can be both enjoyable and affordable.

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