No, Malaysia is one of the more affordable countries in Southeast Asia. Street food, cheap transport and good value hotels keep daily costs low, and it is noticeably cheaper than neighbouring Singapore. A budget traveller can get by on around 30 to 40 US dollars a day, while a comfortable mid range trip sits closer to 70 to 100 dollars. Here is where the money goes.
Is Malaysia expensive to visit?
Malaysia suits every budget. The local currency is the Malaysian Ringgit, written RM. Costs are low for food and transport and moderate for hotels in Kuala Lumpur. The table shows typical daily spend per person, excluding flights.
| Style | Daily budget | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | 30 to 40 USD | Hostels, street food, public transport |
| Mid range | 70 to 100 USD | Three star hotels, restaurants, some tours |
| Luxury | 200 USD and up | Four to five star hotels and private tours |
How much does food cost in Malaysia?
Food is where Malaysia shines for value. A plate of nasi lemak, char kway teow or roti canai at a hawker centre costs just a few dollars, and local food courts serve full meals cheaply. Restaurant meals and international cuisine cost more, but you can eat very well on a small budget. Explore the dishes in our what to eat in Malaysia guide.
How much is transport in Malaysia?
Transport is cheap and easy. City trains and buses in Kuala Lumpur cost little, Grab rides are affordable, and intercity buses and trains between cities such as Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Melaka are good value. Budget airlines connect the peninsula with Borneo quickly and cheaply.
How much do hotels cost in Malaysia?
Accommodation ranges widely. Hostels and guesthouses are inexpensive, comfortable three star hotels in Kuala Lumpur are moderate, and luxury towers with rooftop pools cost more but still less than in many Western cities. Booking early and staying slightly outside the centre lowers the price.
How much do attractions cost?
Many highlights are cheap or free. Batu Caves and most temples and mosques are free to enter, city parks cost nothing, and paid sights such as the Petronas Twin Towers skybridge and theme parks have modest tickets. See ideas in our things to do in Malaysia guide.
Tips to save money in Malaysia
- Eat at hawker centres and food courts for the best value meals.
- Use the train and Grab instead of taxis in Kuala Lumpur.
- Travel between cities by bus or budget airline.
- Visit free sights like Batu Caves and city parks.
- Travel in shoulder months for cheaper hotels.
Plan your route with our Malaysia itinerary, and travellers from Nepal and the Nepali diaspora can compare curated Malaysia tour packages and read the full Malaysia travel guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is Malaysia cheaper than Thailand?
They are broadly similar, with Malaysia often a little cheaper for transport and city hotels and Thailand cheaper for some beach areas. Both are affordable compared with Singapore or Western Europe.
How much money do I need per day in Malaysia?
Budget travellers can manage on around 30 to 40 US dollars a day, mid range travellers on 70 to 100, and luxury travellers on 200 or more, excluding flights.
Is Kuala Lumpur expensive?
Kuala Lumpur is the priciest part of Malaysia but still affordable. Food and transport stay cheap, while hotels and international restaurants cost more than in smaller towns.
What is the currency in Malaysia?
The currency is the Malaysian Ringgit, written RM or MYR. Cards are widely accepted in cities, but carry cash for hawker stalls, small shops and rural areas.
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