Moving to Malaysia
The numbers that decide whether Malaysia works, and the pages that go through each of them in detail.
- $2,086 is worth
- $6,587
- Healthcare / year
- $535
- Residency asks for
- a deposit from $32,000 at age 50+
3.16x
out of pocket, per person
Guides for Malaysia
Malaysia: common questions
How much does it cost to live in Malaysia?
Measured against published price levels, $2,086 a month — the average US retired-worker benefit — has the purchasing power of about $6,587 in Malaysia, a multiplier of 3.16. That is a comparison of price levels, not a budget: rent in a capital city will run well above the national average.
What does Malaysia require for residency?
Malaysia asks you to show a deposit from $32,000 at age 50+. The figure is pegged to a national index and is revised, so check the current requirement before you file.
What does healthcare cost in Malaysia?
Out-of-pocket health spending in Malaysia runs about $535 per person per year. Medicare does not travel, so an American pays privately or buys in locally.
Can I collect US Social Security while living in Malaysia?
Yes. The Social Security Administration pays US citizens in almost every country; the exceptions are Cuba and North Korea, with several former Soviet states restricted. Malaysia is not among them.