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Yatin Kumar Study Abroad Content Specialist
Study Abroad Content Specialist
Malaysia continues to be an attractive destination for Indian students in 2025, offering a blend of quality education and affordable living. The average monthly expenses for a single person are approximately RM 2,269 (₹39,308), excluding rent. While the cost of living is about 32% higher than in India, Malaysia's diverse culture and modern amenities provide a comfortable lifestyle. Notably, Kuala Lumpur remains one of the most affordable cities for students, as highlighted by the QS Best Student Cities 2025.
| Expense Category | Average Monthly Cost in Malaysia (RM) | Equivalent Cost in India (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | 1,579.57 (City Centre)1,102.27 (Outside City Centre) | 19,500- 27,900 |
| Utilities | 214.01 | 3,800 |
| Groceries | 400–600 | 7,000–10,500 |
| Transportation | 100–150 | 1,700–2,600 |
| Dining Out | 15 per meal | 270 per meal |
Also Check: Application Deadlines to Study in Malaysia 2025
Cost of Living in Malaysia by City
The cost of living in Malaysia varies depending on the city you are living in. Check out the monthly rent and other living expenses in some popular Malaysian cities:
| City | Average Monthly Rent (1-Bedroom Flat) | Other Monthly Expenses | Total Monthly Living Costs | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kuala Lumpur | RM 461.08 (~₹8,968) | RM 2,016.12 (~₹39,214) | RM 2,477.20 (~₹48,182) | - Malaysia's capital, modern amenities, vibrant student life.- Hub for top universities like University of Malaya.- Excellent public transportation (LRT, MRT). |
| Penang | RM 308.82 (~₹6,007) | RM 1,891.94 (~₹36,798) | RM 2,200.76 (~₹42,805) | - Known for its heritage and culinary delights.- Ideal for students in creative arts and technology.- Calm and budget-friendly lifestyle. |
| Johor Bahru | RM 386.29 (~₹7,513) | RM 2,075.14 (~₹40,361) | RM 2,461.43 (~₹47,874) | - Strategic proximity to Singapore.- Emerging education hub with growing global exposure.- Affordable city life. |
Also Check: Visa to study in Malaysia
Housing and Utilities Costs in Malaysia
The average house rent in the city centre for 1 person in Malaysia is about 1,587.76 RM (32,038 INR). This cost is around 1,120.09 RM (22,616 INR) per month in the outskirts. Check out the average room rent for a single person and family:
Average Monthly Rent: Single and Family Accommodations
The cost of housing in Malaysia varies significantly based on the location (city center vs. outskirts) and the type of apartment (single vs. family). Below is a detailed comparison:
| Type of Apartment | Average Monthly Rent (RM) | Equivalent Rent (INR) | Best Suited For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom Apartment (City Centre) | 1,587.76 | ₹30,896 | Single students or couples seeking convenience and city access. |
| 1 Bedroom Apartment (Outskirts) | 1,120.09 | ₹21,793 | Budget-conscious students preferring quieter living. |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment (City Centre) | 2,872.75 | ₹55,871 | Families or groups of students sharing a rental. |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment (Outskirts) | 1,866.90 | ₹36,300 | Larger families or groups seeking affordability. |
Utilities Costs
Utility expenses in Malaysia include electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage collection. These costs vary depending on the size of the apartment and consumption levels:
| Utility Costs | Average Monthly Cost (RM) | Equivalent Cost (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Utilities for 85m² Apartment | 217.99 | ₹4,241 |
| Internet (60 Mbps or More) | 117.30 | ₹2,282 |
| Mobile Plan (Calls + 10GB Data) | 44.23 | ₹861 |
Key Insights
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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.
|
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 |
|
|
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) |
INR 3 L |
INR 3 L |
|
INR 6 L |
INR 4 L |
|
|
INR 13L |
INR 9 L |
Boarding Expenses in Malaysia for Indian Students
The cost of meals and beverages in Malaysia is relatively affordable for students, with various dining options available, from street food to mid-range restaurants. Below is a detailed breakdown of typical meal and beverage expenses, including INR equivalents (using 1 RM = 19.45 INR):
Food and Dining Expenses
| Item | Average Cost (RM) | Equivalent Cost (INR) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant | 15 | ₹291.75 | Ideal for quick and budget-friendly meals. |
| Meal for 2 (Mid-range Restaurant) | 100 | ₹1,945.00 | Best for occasional dining out with friends. |
| McMeal at McDonald’s | 18 | ₹350.10 | A quick meal option with familiar flavors. |
Beverage Costs
| Item | Average Cost (RM) | Equivalent Cost (INR) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught) | 16 | ₹311.20 | Commonly available in pubs and restaurants. |
| Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) | 20 | ₹389.00 | Slightly more expensive than domestic options. |
| Cappuccino (regular) | 11 | ₹214.95 | Popular choice for coffee lovers. |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle) | 3 | ₹58.35 | Widely available soft drink option. |
| Water (0.33 liter bottle) | 1.84 | ₹35.80 | Affordable and essential for hydration. |
Tips:
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Groceries Cost in Malaysia for Indian Students
Check out the cost of daily groceries in Malaysia for Indian students in the following table:
| Item | Average Cost (RM) | Equivalent Cost for Indians (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Milk (regular), (1 liter) | 7.46 | 150.61 |
| Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) | 3.93 | 79.30 |
| Rice (white), (1kg) | 5.72 | 115.48 |
| Eggs (regular) (12) | 8.62 | 173.24 |
| Local Cheese (1kg) | 61.13 | 1,234.63 |
| Chicken Fillets (1kg) | 17.75 | 358.37 |
| Beef Round (1kg) | 35.39 | 715.71 |
| Apples (1kg) | 11.36 | 229.45 |
| Banana (1kg) | 5.70 | 115.08 |
| Oranges (1kg) | 11.44 | 231.50 |
| Tomato (1kg) | 5.89 | 119.01 |
| Potato (1kg) | 4.04 | 81.57 |
| Onion (1kg) | 4.71 | 95.09 |
| Lettuce (1 head) | 4.37 | 88.73 |
| Water (1.5 liter bottle) | 2.45 | 49.47 |
Clothing Expenses in Malaysia for Indian Students
Clothing expenses in Malaysia is a bit expensive as compared to India but is quite affordable if compared to European companies:
| Item | Average Cost (RM) | Equivalent Cost for Indians (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 or Similar) | 249.55 | 5,037.69 |
| 1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M) | 136.54 | 2,757.63 |
| 1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) | 312.21 | 6,302.75 |
| 1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes | 274.51 | 5,541.92 |
Transportation Costs in Malaysia for Indian Students
The travel cost in Malaysia can be heavily reduced by using public transport. However, if you prefer taxi the expenses can around 3 RM (60 INR) per kilometer. Check out the average travel expenses in the table below:
| Item | Average Cost (RM) | Equivalent Cost for Indians (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| One-way Ticket (Local Transport) | 3 | 60.57 |
| Monthly Pass (Regular Price) | 50 | 1,009.50 |
| Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) | 4 | 80.76 |
| Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff) | 3 | 60.57 |
| Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) | 20 | 403.80 |
| Gasoline for Private Car (1liter) | 2.05 | 41.39 |
Cultural Insights
Malaysia's cultural richness offers international students a unique experience. Students can enjoy:
- Food: A vibrant street food scene with affordable and diverse options, including Malaysian, Indian, and Chinese cuisines.
- Festivals: Celebrations like Hari Raya, Chinese New Year, and Deepavali that showcase Malaysia's multicultural heritage.
- Language: While Malay is the official language, English is widely spoken, easing communication for students.
The average monthly cost of living in Malaysia for international students, including accommodation, food, utilities, and transportation, is approximately RM 2,500 (~₹48,625). Despite being 32% higher than in India, Malaysia offers a modern lifestyle, rich cultural diversity, and affordable living compared to many Western countries.
FAQs
Ques. What is the average monthly cost of living in Malaysia for Indian students?
Ans. Indian students can expect to spend around 2,500 RM per month (approximately 50,475 INR) on living expenses in Malaysia. This cost includes accommodation, food, transportation, and personal expenses. The cost of living varies depending on the city, with Kuala Lumpur being the most expensive.
Ques. How much is the rent in major Malaysian cities?
Ans. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center of Kuala Lumpur is around 461.08 RM (9,310 INR) per month. The rent is generally low outside the city center. Other cities, like Penang and Johor Bahru, have cheaper rent compared to Kuala Lumpur.
Ques. How can Indian students save on transportation expenses in Malaysia?
Ans. Indian students can reduce transportation costs by using public transport, with one-way local transport tickets costing around 3 RM (60 INR). Monthly passes are also available at 50 RM (1,009 INR). Taxis are more expensive, charging approximately 3 RM (60 INR) per kilometer.
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