Cost of Living for International Students in Malaysia
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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 2026, 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. 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.
- Cost of Living in Malaysia for Indians
- Total Monthly Cost of Living in Malaysia (2026)
- Tuition Fees for Malaysia
- Accommodation Cost in Malaysia
- Cost of Grocery in Malaysia
- Transportation Cost
- Miscellaneous Living Expenses in Malaysia
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.
Total Monthly Cost of Living in Malaysia (2026)
| Category | Estimated Cost (RM) |
|---|---|
| Rent (1BHK) | 800 - 1,000 |
| Utilities | 300 |
| Groceries | 200 - 450 |
| Dining Out | 150 - 300 |
| Transport | 100 - 200 |
| Healthcare | 100 - 150 |
| Education (Kids) | 500+ |
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Tuition Fees for Malaysia
Tuition fee is a major expense to study in Malaysia. Here is an overview of the average tuition fee range for UG and PG courses.
| List of Universities |
PG Course |
UG Course |
|---|---|---|
| INR 8 L - 10 L |
INR 3 L |
|
| INR 2 L |
INR 2 L |
|
| INR 6 L |
INR 2.8 L |
|
| INR 3 L |
INR 3 L |
|
| INR 6 L |
INR 4 L |
|
| INR 13L |
INR 9 L |
Accommodation Cost in Malaysia
Your biggest monthly expense in Malaysia is likely to be rent. A secure and comfortable space to live. This is all an international student wants during their higher studies. If you’re staying in upscale areas like Kuala Lumpur (KL) or nearby suburbs, expect to pay:
-
1 BHK apartment: RM 800 to RM 1,000
-
2 BHK apartment: RM 1,200 to RM 1,500
Know about the range of rent in Malaysia from the table provided below:
| Rent in Malaysia |
Average Rent Cost per month in Malaysia |
|---|---|
| Rent Apartment (1 Bedroom) in City Centre |
1565 RM |
| Rent Apartment (1 Bedroom) Outside City Centre |
1129 RM |
| Rent Apartment (2 Bedroom) in City Centre |
2856 RM |
| Rent Apartment (2 Bedroom) Outside City Centre |
1886 RM |
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. For an elaborate list of prices of food items in Malaysia, check out the table below:
| Food in Malaysia |
Average Cost of Food |
|---|---|
| Milk (1 Litre) |
7.18 RM |
| A loaf of Fresh Bread (500gms) |
3.80 RM |
| Eggs (a dozen) |
8.58 RM |
| Rice (1 kilo) |
4.45 RM |
| Chicken Breasts (1kg | Boneless) |
17.63 RM |
| Apples (1 kilo) |
11.00 RM |
| Banana (1 kilo) |
5.51 RM |
| Orange (1 kilo) |
11.35 RM |
| Tomato (1 kilo) |
5.74 RM |
| Potato (1 kilo) |
3.76 RM |
| Onion (1 kilo) |
4.48 RM |
| Water (1.5 Litres) |
2.49 RM |
| Local Cheese (1 kilo) |
53.86 RM |
Source: Numbeo
Transportation Cost
In big cities, public transportation is affordable and efficient, especially in Kuala Lumpur. If you are 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. Check the table below to have an overview of public transportation.
| Methods of Transportation | Cost of transportation |
|---|---|
| One-way Ticket (Local Transport) | 3.00 RM |
| Monthly Pass (Regular Price) | 50.00 RM |
| Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) | 4.00 RM |
| Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff) | 3.00 RM |
Miscellaneous Living Expenses in Malaysia
Other than necessary expenses, you have to keep a budget for miscellaneous expenses. Check out below mentioned table to have an idea on this:
| Utilities Prices in Malaysia |
Average Cost of Utilities |
|---|---|
| Clothing Shopping |
500.00 RM |
| Entertainment |
50.00 RM |
| Utility Bills (Internet, Phone Bill, Electricity Bill) |
200.00 RM Per month |
| Outside Dining | 100 RM Per Month |
For UG courses, you need to spend around INR 2 Lacs to 13 lakhs. While for PG courses tuition fee starts from INR 2 Lacs to 9 lakhs. This is an annual fee, and it can vary depending on the course.
A few of the reasons to pursue BTech in Malaysia are:
- Quality education for Engineering and Technology fields
- A wide range of Engineering disciplines available
- International student community
- Affordable tuition
- Vibrant lifestyle and a chance to witness cultural experience
Statement of Purpose
Letter of Recommendation
Student Visa Application
Admission Essay Writing
Student Curriculum Vitae
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 house rent.