mALAYSIA V THAILAND: WHICH COUNTRY IS CHEAPER TO LIVE IN 2025
When it comes to living in Southeast Asia, two countries often come to mind — Malaysia and Thailand. Both are beautiful, culturally rich, and affordable compared to Western countries. But if you are planning to move, work, or study here, one big question comes first:
👉 Which is cheaper to live in — Malaysia or Thailand?
In this article, we’ll compare the living costs in Malaysia and Thailand in 2025 — including rent, food, transport, healthcare, and lifestyle.
1. Rent & Housing 🏠
- Malaysia: Rent in Malaysia is generally cheaper compared to Thailand. In Kuala Lumpur, a one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around RM 2,000 ($430), while outside the city it can be as low as RM 1,200 ($260).
- Thailand: In Bangkok, a similar one-bedroom apartment costs around ฿18,000 ($500) in the city center, and ฿10,000 ($280) outside.
✅ Winner: Malaysia (slightly cheaper rent)
2. Food & Eating Out 🍜
- Malaysia: A typical meal at a local restaurant costs about RM 12–15 ($3). If you eat at mid-range restaurants, it can go up to RM 50 ($11). Groceries are affordable too, especially local fruits and rice-based products.
- Thailand: Street food in Bangkok is famous and very cheap — you can eat delicious Pad Thai for just ฿50 ($1.5). A mid-range restaurant meal costs about ฿250 ($7).
✅ Winner: Thailand (cheaper street food & eating out)
3. Transportation 🚇
- Malaysia: Public transport is improving, especially in Kuala Lumpur with MRT and LRT. A monthly transport pass costs around RM 100 ($22). Grab (ride-hailing) is also widely used.
- Thailand: Bangkok has BTS Skytrain and MRT subway. A monthly pass costs around ฿1,000 ($28). Tuk-tuks and motorbike taxis are common but not always cheap for foreigners.
✅ Winner: Malaysia (slightly cheaper monthly transport)
4. Healthcare 🏥
- Malaysia: Known for high-quality yet affordable healthcare. Many expats prefer Malaysia for medical tourism. A doctor’s visit usually costs around RM 80 ($17).
- Thailand: Also has excellent healthcare, especially in Bangkok and Chiang Mai. A doctor’s visit costs around ฿1,000 ($28).
✅ Winner: Malaysia (cheaper healthcare for same quality)
5. Lifestyle & Entertainment 🎉
- Malaysia: Alcohol is more expensive here due to high taxes. Nightlife isn’t as big as Thailand. However, shopping malls and entertainment options are modern and world-class.
- Thailand: Famous for nightlife, beaches, and entertainment. Alcohol and bars are cheaper than in Malaysia.
✅ Winner: Thailand (better nightlife & cheaper alcohol)
Final Comparison Table 📊
| Category | Malaysia 🇲🇾 | Thailand 🇹🇭 | Winner 🏆 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent & Housing | Cheaper | A bit higher | Malaysia |
| Food & Dining | Affordable | Street food super cheap | Thailand |
| Transport | Cheaper pass | Slightly higher | Malaysia |
| Healthcare | Cheaper & high quality | Good but higher cost | Malaysia |
| Lifestyle | Expensive alcohol | Cheaper entertainment | Thailand |
Conclusion: Where Should You Live?
If you want modern infrastructure, affordable rent, and quality healthcare, Malaysia is the better choice.
But if you want vibrant nightlife, cheap street food, and beaches, Thailand might be perfect for you.
👉 Overall, Malaysia is slightly cheaper and better for long-term living, while Thailand is more exciting for short-term travel or lifestyle.
