It is imperative for an aspiring OFW to done research on prospect country's cost of living prior to moving. This give ones idea and probably a decision factor if going to overseas is practical and if it's align with financial goals.
When I had move to Malaysia several years back, the only thing I knew was it's less expensive to Singapore and even to Manila. It was difficult to sort things such expenses and remittances given that payroll only comes once in a month. But I was able to pull it through after jotting down the recurring expenses each month, lay down a budget and stick to it.
Let me share to you the typical cost of living of Pinoys here in Malaysia.
House/ Accommodation - Usually this takes a biggest chunk of monthly expenses
For Whole Unit Apartment 1BR -3BR
Ranges from 800-6000 RM/ Month (City Centre/ Outside Centre)
Typical Condo Room (This will vary and depends the rate of Condo Unit)
Assuming range 1500-2500 RM/Month
Small - 300-750 RM/Month
Middle room - 400-1000 RM/Month
Masters room - 500-1500 RM/Month
This will give you an idea on how much to allocate for accommodation.
Food - This will totally depends on personal preference and lifestyle.
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| Nasi Lemak, National Food of Malaysia |
When I was living alone my typical expenses for food are the following
Groceries 200RM/Month (50RM per week)
This includes bread, milk, egg, fruits, some veggies
Dining Out 100RM/ Month
Meal
Combo Meal - 4-10RM
Nasi Lemak - 2-10RM
Utilities - This will depends on the arrangement of landlady/ landlord with accommodation. If utilities are not included. These are the usual expenses
Assume this will shared among flatmates.
Moderate usage of Electricity
Tenaga Nasional- 100-250 RM/ Month
Water (Syabas within KL) - 10-40RM/ Month
Internet (5mbps, 10mbps, 20 mbps)
(Unifi bundle with Phone+ Internet + Hypp TV) - 150-250 RM/Month
Personal
Mobile Top Up - Depends how frequent you call.
Digi/ Maxis/ Umobile - 30-100RM/ month
Given the range above (assume it will be shared by 3 flatmates)
Electricity - 150/3 = 50RM
Water - 30/3 =10RM
Internet - 150/3 = 50RM
Mobile- 60RM
Total 170RM/Month
Transportation - With Malaysia's efficient public transportation, its quite cheaper to commute along with locals.
Minimum Bus Fare - 1RM
Minimum LRT/ Monorail Fare - 1RM
Taxi Flag down rate (Regular) - 3RM
If travelling frequently with LRT+RapidKL Buses. It's cost effective to obtain 150RM Monthly passes. This will give you unlimited ride of LRT/ Monorail/ RapidKL buses for a month.
Sports and Leisure - This might be optional for most but allow me to share
Fitness Club (Monthly Fee) - 100-200 RM/Month
Tennis/ Badminton Court (Rent/Hour) - 10-30RM
Cinema (International Release) - 15-20RM
To wrap up typical monthly expense of a single Pinoy
Accommodation - 400RM
Food/Dining - 300RM
Utilities - 170RM
Transportation - 150RM
Total 1020RM
The quoted total above monthly expenses will vary from person to person as each own had it's preference when it comes to lifestyle and convenience.
For more specific details about cost of living you may find some great info at Numbeo
Hope this will give you an insight about Cost of Living of Pinoys in Malaysia.
Admin
Labels: Cost of Living, Finances, OFW, Pinoy, Tips
