Malaysia sure knows how to pack a punch: Split by the South China Sea, it’s like two countries in one—Peninsular Malaysia and Malaysian Borneo—surrounded by more than 800 islands. The natural beauty is spectacular, and major cities like Kuala Lumpur and George Town ensure you’ll never be too far from modern amenities.
The Malaysia-based editors at International Living raved about the low cost of living, citing friendly locals, safety, affordable housing (the editor who wrote this year’s report rents a four-bedroom apartment in Tanjung Bungah for around $900 USD per month), and delicious street food as added perks.
Travel-loving retirees will love to hear that the country is a convenient jumping-off point to many other Asian nations, including Thailand, India, and the Philippines. You can even drive from Johor Bahru to Singapore in under an hour.
Cost of living: Though Penang is one of Malaysia’s most desirable slices of land, the island state remains surprisingly affordable. For a price of $750 to $1,000 per month, you can rent a three- to four-bedroom apartment overlooking the ocean; stray away from the beach, and those rent prices drop to around $600. According to International Living, an absolute top-tier, ultra-modern apartment in Kuala Lumpur would cost $2,000/month—that same quality of unit would cost closer to $25,000/month in New York City. (Sob.)
Overall, you can expect to live on $2,500 per month in Malaysia.
Healthcare: Malaysia has a two-tier healthcare system (government-run universal healthcare and private healthcare), but most expats choose to either pay out of pocket for routine visits or take out a private policy for more serious health issues. Basic insurance policies round out at about $400 per year, while a doctor visit sans insurance typically costs only $15.
Visa requirements: Malaysia has a points-based system for granting expats permanent residency, but many retirees are more interested in the country’s MM2H (Malaysia My 2nd Home) program—one of the most interesting and alluring residency permits out there. It was previously only eligible for expats aged 50 and older, but since mid-2024, it’s been extended to anyone 25+ years old.
The program grants expats a 10-year renewable multiple-entry visa, plus the ability to purchase property and bring along any children under the age of 21. To qualify for the MM2H permit, you must purchase real estate for at least MYR600,000 (roughly $151,800), and pay a $150,000 (minimum) fee.
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