Is Malaysia a Good Country
for Expats?
Short answer: yes, on paper — Malaysia cracked the global top 10 in the InterNations 2025 survey. Here's what the rankings really say, cost by cost.
Key Takeaways
- ✔Malaysia ranks 10th out of 46 countries in the InterNations Expat Insider 2025 survey, one of only two new entrants in the top 10 alongside China.
- ✔On Numbeo (mid-2026), Malaysia scores a Quality of Life Index of 135.2 (48th worldwide), driven by a very low Cost of Living Index (34.25) and rents that run 77% cheaper than in the United States.
- ✔The weak spot: perceived safety stays moderate (index 51.98) and pollution is rated high (index 60.58) in the major urban areas.
- ✔Expats rate healthcare (index 70.72, rated high) and personal finance (9th place on InterNations) the highest, but rank the country lower on overall happiness (15th).
Sources: InterNations Expat Insider 2025 (10,085 respondents), Numbeo Quality of Life Index — data pulled July 9-10, 2026.
So, is Malaysia really a good country to move to?
Yes, with some nuance. The InterNations Expat Insider 2025 survey gathered responses from 10,085 expats across 46 countries. Malaysia landed 10th place overall, one of only two new entrants in the top 10, alongside China (InterNations / CNBC, September 2025).
That strong showing mostly comes down to value for money: affordable housing, a low cost of living, and ease of finding a place to live. The country scores lower on overall expat happiness (15th place), proof that a comfortable budget isn't the whole story.
To see how Malaysia stacks up against the world's other top-rated expat destinations, check our ranking of the best countries to move abroad in 2026.
What do the Numbeo indices say about quality of life?
According to Numbeo (mid-2026 data), Malaysia ranks 48th worldwide with an overall Quality of Life Index of 135.2, well behind the leading trio of the Netherlands, Denmark, and Luxembourg, but solidly upper-mid-range for Southeast Asia.
| Numbeo Index | Value | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living | 34.25 | Very low |
| Health Care | 70.72 | High |
| Safety | 51.98 | Moderate |
| Pollution | 60.58 | High |
| Overall Quality of Life | 135.2 | Upper-mid (48th worldwide) |
Source: Numbeo, Quality of Life in Malaysia and Numbeo, Quality of Life Index by Country 2026, data pulled July 9-10, 2026. These indices aggregate contributions from 316 to 2,078 users depending on the category.
Worth noting: these indices are national averages that smooth over very different realities from one city to the next. An expat in Kuala Lumpur or Penang, with their gated condos and secure neighborhoods, rarely experiences the "average" Malaysia the Numbeo ranking describes, for better or worse. Perceived quality of life depends as much on neighborhood choice as on the country itself.
Does the cost of living really back up this ranking?
Largely, yes. The Numbeo Cost of Living Index sits at 34.25, one of the lowest in Southeast Asia, and rents run 77% cheaper on average than in the United States. That value-for-money is exactly what earns Malaysia its 9th-place ranking on InterNations' "Personal Finance" criterion.
That affordable budget doesn't tell the whole story, though: the amount needed to "live well" varies heavily by city (Kuala Lumpur costs more than Penang or Ipoh), lifestyle, and household size. For a detailed, line-by-line breakdown, our cost of living in Malaysia guide covers rent, food, transport, and healthcare.
Before the budget question even comes up, there's the visa cost to consider — good news: for most Western travelers, the tourist entry stays free for up to 90 days.
The weak spots the rankings don't hide
Two factors drag the score down. First, perceived safety, with a Numbeo index of 51.98 — a level rated "moderate," far from the standards set by the Scandinavian countries leading the global quality-of-life ranking.
Second, pollution, rated "high" (index 60.58), a common concern in major cities like Kuala Lumpur, especially during seasonal regional haze episodes. That's also part of why Malaysia lands at a merely average 15th place on InterNations' "Happiness" criterion, despite strong financial results.
These downsides need to be weighed against the strengths: quality healthcare access (health index of 70.72) and one of the lowest costs of living in the region. For a deeper look at health coverage, our site also has a dedicated guide to expat insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Malaysia a good country for expats?
Yes, overall: Malaysia ranks 10th out of 46 countries in the InterNations Expat Insider 2025 survey, driven by a low cost of living and affordable housing. It scores lower on overall happiness (15th) and perceived safety (Numbeo index of 51.98, "moderate").
Is it easy to live in Malaysia?
Fairly, yes, for Western expats: English is widely spoken, tourist visa exemption runs up to 90 days, the cost of living is very low (Numbeo index 34.25), and healthcare is rated "high" (index 70.72). The main friction points are administrative for long stays and urban pollution.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Malaysia?
There's no universal figure: it depends heavily on the city and lifestyle, but the very low cost of living index (34.25 on Numbeo) makes a comfortable budget more attainable than in Western Europe. For a detailed, line-by-line estimate, see our cost of living in Malaysia guide.
Is Malaysia a good place to live overall?
The indices lean that way without being outstanding: 135.2 on the Numbeo Quality of Life Index (48th worldwide), well behind the leading trio of the Netherlands, Denmark, and Luxembourg, but comfortable for the Southeast Asia region thanks to living costs and healthcare quality.
What are the main downsides of living in Malaysia?
The indices mainly point to moderate perceived safety (51.98 on Numbeo) and high pollution (60.58), notably during seasonal haze episodes. The InterNations ranking also places the country only 15th for overall happiness, despite strong financial results.
Sources & last update
Data verified in July 2026: InterNations Expat Insider 2025 (via CNBC, September 2025), Numbeo — Quality of Life in Malaysia, Numbeo — Quality of Life Index by Country 2026, data pulled July 9-10, 2026. Numbeo indices rely on user-submitted data and change with each update; this article is informational only and does not replace your own research before relocating.