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Malaysia’s economy in 2025 is projected to have a GDP of $488.25 billion, with an inflation rate of 2.8%. The country has a population of 34 million and uses the Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) as its currency.The average monthly income in 2025 is estimated at 6,100 MYR, which is 100 MYR more than the previous year.
From 2010 to 2025, income levels in Malaysia have demonstrated consistent growth until 2024. In 2010, the average monthly income was 3,000 MYR. By 2015, it had risen to 4,000 MYR, and by 2020, it reached 5,400 MYR. However, in recent years, income growth has slowed significantly, with only a 1.7% increase in 2023 and 2024 before stagnating in 2025.
The cost of living in 2025 is estimated at 6,000 MYR per month per person. Housing is the largest expense, accounting for 40% of the total (2,400 MYR), followed by food at 25% (1,500 MYR). Transportation expenses make up 10% (600 MYR), utilities 6% (360 MYR), healthcare 5% (300 MYR), entertainment 5% (300 MYR), and miscellaneous expenses 9% (540 MYR).
Between 2010 and 2025, the cost of living has steadily increased. In 2010, it was 3,500 MYR, rising to 4,600 MYR by 2015 and reaching 5,500 MYR by 2020. The rate of increase has slowed in recent years, with a 1.7% growth in both 2024 and 2025.
Housing costs followed a similar trend, rising from 1,400 MYR in 2010 to 2,400 MYR in 2025. Food expenses also grew steadily, reaching 1,500 MYR in 2025 from 875 MYR in 2010.
Overall, Malaysia’s economy and wages have experienced steady growth, but the stagnation of income in 2025, coupled with continued increases in the cost of living, may present financial challenges. The inflation rate remains relatively low at 2.8%, but economic factors such as job market stability and productivity growth will be crucial in maintaining a sustainable standard of living for Malaysians.
Let’s take an in-depth look at Malaysia’s economy, income levels, and living costs from 2010 to 2025. Get detailed insights on rent, food, and other expenses.
Country Overview Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Capital | Kuala Lumpur |
| Population | 34 million (2025) |
| Currency | Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) |
| Official Language | Malay |
| GDP (2025)⤤ | $488.25 billion |
| Inflation Rate (2025) | 2.8% |
| Average Monthly Income | 6,000 MYR |
Living Cost Per Month (Per Person) Breakdown (2025)
| Expense Category | Cost (MYR) | Percentage (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | 2,400 | 40% |
| Food | 1,500 | 25% |
| Transportation | 600 | 10% |
| Utilities | 360 | 6% |
| Healthcare | 300 | 5% |
| Entertainment | 300 | 5% |
| Miscellaneous | 540 | 9% |
| Total | 6,000 | 100% |
Income Per Month (Per Person) Table (2010-2025)
| Year | Income (MYR) | Growth (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 3,000 | – |
| 2011 | 3,200 | 6.7% |
| 2012 | 3,400 | 6.3% |
| 2013 | 3,600 | 5.9% |
| 2014 | 3,800 | 5.6% |
| 2015 | 4,000 | 5.3% |
| 2016 | 4,300 | 7.5% |
| 2017 | 4,600 | 7.0% |
| 2018 | 4,900 | 6.5% |
| 2019 | 5,200 | 6.1% |
| 2020 | 5,400 | 3.8% |
| 2021 | 5,600 | 3.7% |
| 2022 | 5,800 | 3.6% |
| 2023 | 5,900 | 1.7% |
| 2024 | 6,000 | 1.7% |
| 2025 | 6,100 | – |
Living Cost Per Month (2010-2025)
| Year | Living Cost (MYR) | Growth (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 3,500 | – |
| 2011 | 3,650 | 4.3% |
| 2012 | 3,800 | 4.1% |
| 2013 | 4,000 | 5.3% |
| 2014 | 4,300 | 7.5% |
| 2015 | 4,600 | 7.0% |
| 2016 | 4,800 | 4.3% |
| 2017 | 5,000 | 4.2% |
| 2018 | 5,200 | 4.0% |
| 2019 | 5,400 | 3.8% |
| 2020 | 5,500 | 1.9% |
| 2021 | 5,600 | 1.8% |
| 2022 | 5,700 | 1.8% |
| 2023 | 5,800 | 1.8% |
| 2024 | 5,900 | 1.7% |
| 2025 | 6,000 | – |
Breakdown of Housing Food Cost Per Month (2010-2025)
Based on the 2025 percentages:
- Housing (40% of Living Cost)
- Food (25% of Living Cost)
Housing Cost Per Month (2010-2025)
| Year | Housing Cost (MYR) | Growth (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 1,400 | – |
| 2011 | 1,460 | 4.3% |
| 2012 | 1,520 | 4.1% |
| 2013 | 1,600 | 5.3% |
| 2014 | 1,720 | 7.5% |
| 2015 | 1,840 | 7.0% |
| 2016 | 1,920 | 4.3% |
| 2017 | 2,000 | 4.2% |
| 2018 | 2,080 | 4.0% |
| 2019 | 2,160 | 3.8% |
| 2020 | 2,200 | 1.9% |
| 2021 | 2,240 | 1.8% |
| 2022 | 2,280 | 1.8% |
| 2023 | 2,320 | 1.8% |
| 2024 | 2,360 | 1.7% |
| 2025 | 2,400 | 1.7% |
Food Cost Per Month (2010-2025)
| Year | Food Cost (MYR) | Growth (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 875 | – |
| 2011 | 912 | 4.3% |
| 2012 | 950 | 4.1% |
| 2013 | 1,000 | 5.3% |
| 2014 | 1,075 | 7.5% |
| 2015 | 1,150 | 7.0% |
| 2016 | 1,200 | 4.3% |
| 2017 | 1,250 | 4.2% |
| 2018 | 1,300 | 4.0% |
| 2019 | 1,350 | 3.8% |
| 2020 | 1,375 | 1.9% |
| 2021 | 1,400 | 1.8% |
| 2022 | 1,425 | 1.8% |
| 2023 | 1,450 | 1.8% |
| 2024 | 1,475 | 1.7% |
| 2025 | 1,500 | 1.7% |
Sources:
World Bank – Data.worldbank.org
Numbeo – Numbeo.com
OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) –Oecd.org
IMF (International Monetary Fund) – imf.org
