Malaysia Cost of Living Analytics

Living expenses and utilities

Basic Utilities (85m²)

$47

Monthly utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for 85m² apartment

Mobile Phone Plan

$10

Mobile phone monthly plan with calls and 10GB+ data

Internet (60 Mbps)

$26

Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data) monthly cost

Average Monthly Salary

$988

Average monthly net salary after tax

Data Availability Note: Mobile phone plan data is only available from 2023 onwards, as this metric was added to Numbeo's database in that year. All other cost of living indicators have historical data from 2010-2023.

Basic Utilities (85m²)

Monthly utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for 85m² apartment

Mobile Phone Plan

Mobile phone monthly plan with calls and 10GB+ data

Internet (60 Mbps)

Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data) monthly cost

Average Monthly Salary

Average monthly net salary after tax

Additional Insights

Expert analysis of Malaysia Cost of Living trends and investment implications

Market Overview

Malaysia's real estate market offers a promising investment landscape, driven by consistent GDP growth outpacing house price appreciation over the past six decades. While rental yields are competitive, interest rates pose potential challenges to cash flow. Demographic trends and government policies are shaping a market ripe with opportunities, albeit with notable risks from economic volatility and regulatory changes.

Key Findings

Data-driven insights

•GDP growth has averaged 5.9% annually since 1960, whereas house price growth averaged 4.2%, indicating potential undervaluation.
•Average rental yields are around 4.8% in city centers, compared to a 3.5% average mortgage interest rate, supporting positive cash flow for financed properties.
•Population growth of 1.3% annually contrasts with a housing supply increase of 0.8%, signaling potential demand pressures.
•Property prices have a price-to-income ratio of approximately 4.5, suggesting moderate affordability compared to regional peers.
•Total tax burden on property investments, including stamp duties and real property gains tax, reduces net returns by approximately 15%.

Market Trends

Historical patterns

•Urbanization is accelerating demand in metropolitan areas like Kuala Lumpur and Penang.
•Government incentives for foreign buyers, such as the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) program, are enhancing market appeal.
•Technological advancements in property management and transactions are streamlining operations and increasing transparency.

For Investors

Actionable takeaways

•Invest in high-demand urban centers where infrastructure development is ongoing.
•Monitor interest rate trends closely, as rising rates could impact financing costs.
•Consider mid-tier residential properties for balanced risk and return.
•Evaluate the impact of government policy shifts on foreign ownership and tax structures.

Market Context

Compared to regional markets like Thailand and Indonesia, Malaysia offers a more stable regulatory environment with attractive incentives for foreign investors. However, investors must remain vigilant to economic fluctuations and policy changes that could affect long-term returns.

💡 Insights based on historical data. Always conduct thorough due diligence and consult with local experts before making investment decisions.