Cost of Living in Malaysia vs. Dubai: A 2025 Comparison

Thinking about moving to Malaysia or Dubai? Both are fantastic places to live, but when it comes to cost, they couldn’t be more different.

Malaysia is known for its affordability, while Dubai is a global financial hub with a high cost of living.

Whether you're a student, an expat, or a professional, this guide will help you compare the cost of living in Malaysia Vs Dubai to decide which destination suits your budget.

1. Housing Costs

Cost of Living in Malaysia vs

One of the biggest expenses for anyone moving to a new city is rent. Let’s compare the average rental prices in both Malaysia and Dubai.

Type of Apartment

Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur)

Dubai (City Center)

2-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)

MYR1,800-3,200

($450 - $800)

AED5,400-

9,000

($1,500 - $2,500)

2-Bedroom Apartment (Outside City Center)

MYR1,200-2,400

($300 - $600)

AED3,240-6,480

($900 - $1,800)

3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)

MYR3,600-6,000

($900 - $1,500)

AED10,800-18,000

($3,000 - $5,000)

3-Bedroom Apartment (Outside City Center)

MYR2,400-3,600

($600 - $1,200)

AED6,480-12,600

($1,800 - $3,500)

Malaysia is significantly more affordable when it comes to renting an apartment.

2. Food & Groceries

If you love eating out, Malaysia is paradise with cheap and delicious street food. Dubai, on the other hand, has a mix of budget and high-end dining options.

Item	Malaysia	Dubai
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant	MYR12 – 20 ($3 - $5)	AED36 – 54 ($10 - $15)
Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant	MYR60 – 120 ($15 - $30)	AED180 – 360 ($50 - $100)
Monthly groceries (basic items)	MYR600 – 1,000 ($150 - $250)	AED1,080 – 1,800 ($300 - $500)

Eating out and grocery shopping are much cheaper in Malaysia. You can get to know more about the cost of meal in Malaysia in this article.

3. Transportation Costs

Public transport is a huge factor in daily expenses. Here’s how Malaysia and Dubai compare.

Mode of Transport	Malaysia	Dubai
One-way train/bus ticket	MYR2 – 4 ($0.50 - $1.00)	AED5.4 – 9 ($1.50 - $2.50)
Taxi (per km)	MYR2 ($0.50)	AED2.9 – 4.3 AED ($0.80 - $1.20)
Gas (per liter)	MYR2 ($0.50)	AED3.2 ($0.90)

Malaysia has more affordable public transportation and fuel prices.

4. Utilities & Internet

Your electricity and water bill will depend on your lifestyle and location.

Utility

Malaysia

Dubai

Electricity, Heating, Water (Monthly)

MYR200 – 320

($50 - $80)

AED540 – 1,080

($150 - $300)

Internet (High Speed, Monthly)

MYR100 – 200

($25 - $50)

AED216 – 360

($60 - $100)

Utility costs are much lower in Malaysia, especially due to Dubai’s high air-conditioning usage.

5. Entertainment & Lifestyle

Cost of Living in Malaysia vs

Living well comes at a price. Here’s what leisure costs look like in both countries.

Type	Malaysia	Dubai
Gym membership	MYR100 – 200 ($25 - $50)	AED180 – 360 ($50 - $100)
Cinema ticket	MYR16 – 28 ($4 - $7)	AED36 – 54 ($10 - $15)
Nightlife (Drinks per cocktail)	MYR20 – 40 ($5 - $10)	AED54 – 90 ($15 - $25)

Malaysia offers a more budget-friendly lifestyle, while Dubai is known for its luxurious entertainment scene.

6. Education & Healthcare Costs

If you’re moving with family, education and healthcare are major factors.

Service

Malaysia

Dubai

International School Fees (Annual)

MYR20,000 – 60,000

($5,000 - $15,000)

AED

36,000 – 108,000

($10,000 - $30,000)

Public University

MYR10,000–30,000

($2,500-7,500)

AED 45,000–60,000

($12,500-16,666)

Private University

MYR6,300–53,000

($1,575-13,2500)

AED 60,000–150,000

($16,666 – $41,666)

Private Hospital Consultation

MYR80 – 200

($20 - $50)

AED180 – 360

($50 - $100)

Health Insurance (Annual)

MYR1,200 – 4,000

($300 - $1,000)

AED5,400 – 10,800

($1,500 - $3,000)

Education and healthcare costs are significantly lower in Malaysia.

7. Salaries & Income

Earning potential is higher in Dubai, but does it cover the high cost of living?

Profession	Average Salary in Malaysia	Average Salary in Dubai
IT Professional	MYR6,000 – 12,000 ($1,500 - $3,000)	AED14,400 – 28,800 ($4,000 - $8,000)
Teacher	MYR4,800 – 10,000 ($1,200 - $2,500)	AED12,600 – 21,600 ($3,500 - $6,000)
Engineer	MYR8,000 – 16,000 ($2,000 - $4,000)	AED18,000 – 32,400 ($5,000 - $9,000)

Salaries in Dubai are higher, but living costs quickly eat into savings.

Overall Cost of Living in Malaysia Vs Dubai Index

According to global cost indexes, here’s a quick comparison:

Category	Malaysia	Dubai
Cost of Living Index (Global)	40/100	75/100
Rent Index	20/100	65/100
Restaurant Price Index	30/100	75/100

Malaysia offers a lower cost of living, while Dubai has higher salaries but also higher expenses.

Which is Better for You?

Choose Malaysia if: You prefer affordable living, cheaper rent, and lower daily expenses.
Choose Dubai if: You seek higher salaries and a luxury lifestyle but can handle the higher cost of living.

Final Thought: If cost is your priority, Malaysia is the winner. If income potential is your focus, Dubai might be worth considering.

FAQs

1. Is Malaysia cheaper than Dubai?
Yes, Malaysia is more affordable in rent, food, and transportation.

2. Can I save more money in Dubai or Malaysia?
It depends on your salary. High earners in Dubai can save well, but if you earn an average salary, Malaysia offers better savings potential.

3. Is Malaysia a good place to live compared to Dubai?
Malaysia is ideal for those seeking an affordable, comfortable lifestyle, while Dubai suits those looking for a fast-paced, high-income city life.

Written by Shahd Ashraf

Updated 2 days ago | min read

Shahd Ashraf is a reader, a writer, an English teacher, and a lover of classical language. Her passion for language began when she joined a poetry club in college. Shahd’s writing extends beyond words and yearns to connect with the reader on a meaningful level.