Cost Planner

Living Costs in Malaysia for Students

Plan your budget effectively with this comprehensive breakdown of living expenses for international students in Malaysia. From accommodation and food to transportation and recreation, understand the real costs of studying in Malaysia.

Kuala Lumpur Student Budget in Malaysian ringgit (MYR)

Monthly

HousingMYR 400 to MYR 800

FoodMYR 600 to MYR 900

TransportMYR 100 to MYR 200

Bills and internetMYR 100 to MYR 200

Personal itemsMYR 200 to MYR 400

Monthly Total:MYR 1,500 to MYR 2,500 a month

Monthly costs for one student in Kuala Lumpur (Universiti Malaya, UM). The total is UM's own figure. Tuition is not included.

Monthly Costs, Item by Item

What each part of your budget can cost in a month.

Accommodation

UTM hostelMYR 300 to MYR 600 a month

On campus in Johor Bahru, at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM).

Room budget in Kuala LumpurMYR 400 to MYR 800 a month

For one student in Kuala Lumpur.

Taylor's University on-campus roomMYR 2,200 to MYR 3,200 a month

Private university residence.

Housing Tip

Do not pay rent before you arrive and see the room. Thieves often ask for money this way.

Food

Kuala LumpurMYR 600 to MYR 900 a month
Johor Bahru mealsMYR 450 to MYR 650 a month
One meal outMYR 10 to MYR 50

Cooking at home saves money.

Transport

Kuala LumpurMYR 100 to MYR 200 a month
Johor BahruMYR 150 to MYR 200 a month

Get a Touch 'n Go card. It is a card you top up with money to pay on buses and trains.

Bills and phone

Kuala Lumpur bills and internetMYR 100 to MYR 200 a month
Johor Bahru phone and internetMYR 100 to MYR 150 a month

Campus Wi-Fi is free with your student login.

Personal items

Kuala LumpurMYR 200 to MYR 400 a month
Johor BahruMYR 300 to MYR 500 a month

Toiletries, outings and other small costs.

Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru

Monthly costs for one student in each city.

City	Housing (shared)	Food	Transport	Utilities	Monthly Total
Kuala Lumpur	MYR 400 to MYR 800	MYR 600 to MYR 900	MYR 100 to MYR 200	MYR 100 to MYR 200	MYR 1,500 to MYR 2,500 a month
Johor Bahru	MYR 300 to MYR 600 in a UTM hostel	MYR 450 to MYR 650	MYR 150 to MYR 200	MYR 100 to MYR 150 for phone and internet	MYR 1,000 to MYR 1,500 a month, not counting a hostel room

Private Housing Costs More

Rooms at private university residences, such as Taylor's, cost more than public university hostels.

Ways to Spend Less

University hostels are often the cheapest rooms. Sharing a room or flat also cuts costs.

Housing Cost Factors

Rent depends a lot on the room type and how close it is to campus.

Ways to Save

Simple habits that keep costs down.

Housing

Live in a university hostel if you can.
Share a room or a flat with other students.
Pick a room close to public transport.

Food

Cook at home.
Eat at local food stalls.

Getting around

Use a Touch 'n Go card on buses and trains.
Use the free Go KL City Bus in central Kuala Lumpur.

Costs People Forget

Plan for these on top of rent and food.

Student Pass and insurance

Student Pass (permit to study), first time

MYR 1,728 at a private university

EMGS (Education Malaysia Global Services) fee at a private university (IPTS). At a public university, ask your university. You also pay for the eVAL, the medical check and the passport sticker.

Medical insurance

MYR 498 to MYR 644 a year

You must have it. You buy it in Malaysia.

Personal bond

MYR 750

For students from India and Pakistan. Paid to your university. You get it back when you finish or leave your studies, if you broke no immigration rules.

Housing extras

Rent deposit off campus

3 months' rent

Usual near UM. Bills are extra.

Taylor's University on-campus deposit

MYR 3,500

Also a MYR 500 application fee, and you pay the first 6 months of rent before you move in.

Emergency Fund

Financial advisors recommend maintaining an emergency fund of for unexpected situations. Keep some savings for surprises. A lost i-Kad (your student ID card) costs MYR 150 to replace the first time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about money for daily life in Malaysia.

How much does a student spend a month in Kuala Lumpur?

One student spends MYR 1,500 to MYR 2,500 a month in Kuala Lumpur on housing, food, transport, bills and personal items. Tuition is extra.

Is it cheaper outside Kuala Lumpur?

In Johor Bahru, meals, transport, phone and personal costs for one student at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) are MYR 1,000 to MYR 1,500 a month. A hostel room (student housing) is extra: MYR 300 to MYR 600 a month.