Cost of Living in Malaysia for International Students (2026)

Real numbers: accommodation, food, transport and entertainment budgets for students in Kuala Lumpur — plus money-saving tips from current students.

Accommodation

Student hostels near campus start around RM 650/month for shared rooms, while private studio apartments run RM 1,200–1,800. Homestays with local families cost RM 900–1,200 including some meals.

Food

Malaysia is a food paradise on a budget — RM 8–15 for local meals, RM 15–30 at mid-range restaurants. Monthly groceries for self-catering average RM 400–600.

Transport

A monthly LRT/MRT pass costs around RM 50–100 with student discounts. Grab rides within the city typically cost RM 10–25.

Sample monthly budget

Accommodation RM 800, food RM 600, transport RM 100, phone RM 40, leisure RM 300 — total around RM 1,840 (≈ USD 390).