Cost of Living in Malaysia for Students: A Complete Monthly Budget Guide

05.06.26 10:21 AM - Comment(s) - By Jusoor Education

How Much Do You Need Per Month to Live in Malaysia 
​as a Student?


Malaysia is one of the most popular destinations for student, especially Arab students — not only for the quality of its education, but also for its reasonable cost of living compared to other countries. Yet the question that comes up again and again is: how much do I need each month to live as a student in Malaysia?


In this article, we give you a clear picture of a student's average monthly expenses, so you can plan your academic life better.

Monthly Expenses

1. Accommodation

Accommodation is the biggest part of a student's budget, and it varies depending on location and type of housing.
  • University dormitory: RM 400 – 800 per month
  • Shared apartment: RM 600 – 1,200 per month
  • Private studio: RM 1,000 – 2,000+ per month
Jusoor Tip: Sharing accommodation with other students helps you significantly reduce costs at the start of your journey.

2. Food

Food costs depend on your lifestyle:

  • Eating at the university cafeteria: RM 8 – 15 per meal
  • Simple outside restaurants: RM 10 – 20 per meal
  • Cooking at home: roughly RM 300 – 600 per month
In general, a student who relies on home cooking saves far more than one who depends on ready-made meals.

3. Transport

Transport in Malaysia is easy and student-friendly:
  • Using Grab (private car): depends on distance
  • Public transport (MRT / Bus): RM 50 – 150 per month
  • Cycling or walking (near campus housing): almost no cost

4. Internet and Communications

  • Mobile phone plan: RM 20 – 50 per month
  • Home internet (if available): RM 80 – 150 per month
Most students rely on mobile phone plans only in the beginning.

5. Personal Expenses

These include coffee and drinks, entertainment and outings, personal items, and printing and study needs.
  • Average: RM 200 – 500 per month
Total Monthly budget

So What's the Total Monthly Budget?

Approximately:
  • Budget-conscious student: RM 1,200 – 1,800 per month
  • Average student: RM 1,800 – 2,500 per month
  • More comfortable lifestyle: RM 2,500 – 3,500+ per month

Is Malaysia Really Expensive?

The answer: No — not compared to countries like the UK, Australia, or the USA. But it isn't 'extremely cheap' either; it's moderate and well-suited to students when expenses are managed well.

Important Money-Saving Tips from Jusoor

  • Share accommodation with other students
  • Cook at home as much as possible
  • Use public transport instead of Grab daily
  • Set a monthly budget and stick to it
  • Avoid impulsive spending in your first month

Conclusion

Living in Malaysia as a student depends largely on your lifestyle, not just on the country itself. With good planning, you can live comfortably and study with focus, without major financial pressure.

In the end, the experience isn't only about expenses — it's about building an academic future and a new life full of opportunities.

Jusoor Education

Jusoor Education
http://www.jusooreducation.com/
Categories -
Study in Malaysia
Share -
Tags -