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Moving from Singapore to Malaysia
Guide for Moving, Cost of Living, Taxes and More
Moving from Singapore to Malaysia is a great idea if you want to stay close to home. Malaysia is home to Borneo, beautiful beaches, rain forests, and mountains that will provide plenty of activities on your free days. In this article, you can find all you need to know about moving to Malaysia, the costs, requirements, and more.
What can you find here?
Cost of Moving to Malaysia
The cost of moving from Singapore to Malaysia is between S$ 1.860 and S$ 4.746.
Moving to Malaysia from Singapore is generally more affordable than other countries, due to the short distance between the two. Prices can always change based on your needs, chosen shipping method, and amount of belongings.
| Apartment size | Cost |
| 1 Bedroom Apartment | S$ 1.860 – 2.056 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment | S$ 2.860 – 3.165 |
| 5 Bedroom Apartment | S$ 4.291 – 4.746 |
*These prices are estimates and can fluctuate based on season, weight of shipment, and shipping method.
If you are looking for an affordable move from Singapore to Malaysia, we advise you to minimize the volume of your move. As a rule of thumb, the more items you move, the more expensive it will be. Use our volume calculator below to count the volume of your items.
Moving Services from Singapore to Malaysia
Moving from Singapore to Malaysia can be done by air or land freight. Since the distance between the countries is very short, you might think moving your belongings alone is easy.
If you are moving a lot of furniture and personal belongings, we always recommend having a professional moving company. This way, you can be ensured that everything is packed appropriately and taken from Singapore to Malaysia, or even from door to door.
- Moovaz
- We Care Mobility
- Family Relocation
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Prefer to do more research? See all of our movers to Malaysia.
Van Services from Singapore to Malaysia
Are you looking for a van service from Singapore to Malaysia? See our best options for moving companies offering a man & van service:
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Visa Requirements for Malaysia
Singaporeans visiting Malaysia for less than 30 days do not require a visa, but if you plan to stay longer or move, you must apply for an e-visa. You can apply for a Malaysian visa on the Malaysian government site. Consult the immigration officials on what visa you need and apply for extensions in advance if necessary.
Before traveling and moving, it’s smart to check the Ministry of Foreign Affairs site for any current safety updates and more information on visa requirements.
Taxes in Malaysia
All non-residents in Malaysia are subject to an income tax rate of 30%.
The foreign tax rate in Malaysia will always be the same unless you become a permanent resident. However, the tax rate of 30% is still lower than the highest rate of 45% in Singapore.
The countries have also signed a tax treaty, avoiding double taxation. This means you will only pay the taxes in the country you earn your income. Learn more about the taxation between Singapore and Malaysia.
Singapore vs Malaysia Currency
The currency in Malaysia is the Malaysian ringgit (MYR) known as the Malaysian Dollar. Singaporean dollars are not accepted as payment in Malaysia, despite the proximity of the countries. The conversion rate of SGD vs. MYR is 3.25, and you can exchange your currency in Malaysia or do it before entering the country.
Best Banks in Malaysia
The best thing to do before moving is to see if your bank is accepted and operational in Malaysia. Some banks, such as the Bank of Singapore have expanded branches in Malaysia, but not all banks have international operations.
In general, these are the best banks for foreigners in Malaysia:
- Maybank
- CIMB
- Public Bank
- UOB Malaysia
- Hong Leong Bank
- RHB Bank
For a foreigner to open a bank account in Malaysia they must meet certain requirements and provide the following:
- Proof of ID (passport)
- Residence Permit for Malaysia
- Proof of Employment
- Minimum Opening Deposit (amount varies)
Working in Malaysia for Singaporeans
Finding work in Malaysia can feel overwhelming and difficult, especially due to the high unemployment rate. The good news is, that many countries are seeking foreign knowledge and expertise which can benefit you in the job search.
If you are moving to Malaysia for work, you must obtain an Employment Pass (EP) before being eligible to work. Note that not all companies support this visa, so do your research beforehand.
The best sites for finding expat jobs in Malaysia are:
Education in Malaysia
Malaysia has a formal education system governed by the Ministry of Education. The school system consists of five stages, preschool, primary school, secondary school, pre-graduate, and higher education. Kids often start school at the age of 4 in optional preschool. The focus of the schooling system is teaching them critical and creative thinking.
Healthcare and Health Insurance in Malaysia
The healthcare system in Malaysia is universally provided for all residents and citizens. It consists of the public and private sectors. The public sector is heavily subsidized by the government, which brings down the cost of basic doctor visits or hospital stays. A visit due to a minor malady like a sinus infection can cost as little as S$ 13.00.
The subsidies of public healthcare are only available for tax-paying residents. Many expats tend to opt for international health insurance not only to get better coverage but also access to English-speaking hospitals and doctors.
Cost of Living Singapore vs. Malaysia
The cost of living in Malaysia is around 56% lower than in Singapore.
Moving to Malaysia from Singapore may seem more affordable at first. However, the purchasing power in Malaysia is lower than in Singapore. The median income in Malaysia for locals is around S$ 2,014 and S$ 5,197 in Singapore.
Note that expats can expect to earn more money than locals, and that combined with a lower cost of living, lets you enjoy a high quality of life. Malaysia is also more affordable so you won’t require as high of an income to live the same or better standard of life.
Have a look at the average prices in Malaysia:
| Product | Price in Singapore | Price in Malaysia |
| Cappuccino | S$ 6.42 | S$ 3.99 |
| Beer (0,5L) | S$ 10.00 | S$ 5.99 |
| Water Bottle | S$ 1.50 | S$ 0.66 |
| Chicken (1kg) | S$ 12.62 | S$ 6.15 |
| Bottle of Wine | S$ 35.00 | S$ 22.28 |
| Monthly Bus Pass | S$ 120.00 | S$ 15.36 |
| 3 bd Apartment in City center rent | S$ 7,265.96 | S$ 830.25 |
*These prices are estimates from September 2024. Source: Numbeo
Life in Malaysia
Malaysia is quite a safe country for expats, ranking in the top 20 of the world’s safest countries. The crime rates throughout the country have also been on a decline. Similar to Singapore, Malaysia has more than one dominant language. The main languages in Malaysia are Malay, Mandarin, and Tamil.
What is good to know is that Malaysia is a mostly Muslim country, so things such as same-sex activities are seen as criminal. Compared to Singapore, Malaysia is not a country that will welcome members of the LGBTQ+ community but rather criminalizes any activity related to it.
Best Cities in Malaysia for Expats
Finding the right city for yourself in a strange country can take a lot of effort. We have listed below the best cities to live in Malaysia, especially for expats, which also happen to be some of the best places to visit in Malaysia:
- Kuala Lumpur – The capital, and perhaps the most known city in Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur is an excellent city for expats. It offers many job opportunities, international schools, and an urban lifestyle. English is also a widely spoken language in the city.
- Penang – Penang is home to a UNESCO World Heritage site marking the city’s colonial past and multicultural history. Besides its historical relevance, it’s also widely known for its rich food culture and variety. The city has a multicultural mixture of people and English is also spoken in the area.
- Johor Bahru – As the closest neighbouring city to Singapore, this may offer you a nice balance between the two countries. The cost of living is also lower than in Singapore and even the Malaysian capital. Johor Bahru offers plenty of entertainment, easy access to Singapore, and an urban lifestyle.
- Langkawi – If you’re looking to move away from the bustling city life of Singapore, Langkawi is the place to go. It consists of 99 islands and offers a serene tropical life, beautiful beaches, and nature.
- Kota Kinabalu – Looking for adventure in your new city? You’ll no doubt find it in this city. It’s located in Malaysian Borneo and Mount Kinabalu allowing plenty of opportunity for thrill seekers.
- Kuching – The city offers beautiful nature, rich culture, and many beaches. Located in Borneo, you also have easy access to Kota Kinabalu. The city is full of colonial buildings, temples, and museums full of the cultural history of Malaysia.
You can find many expat communities in Malaysia, many of them in the above-mentioned cities. Many also claim that life in Malaysia feels more spiritual and relaxed than in the hustle and bustle of Singapore.
Climate in Malaysia
The climate in Malaysia is quite similar to Singapore. The weather is warm all year round, around 25-35 degrees Celsius, and has a humid hue. There are also two monsoon seasons, the southwest monsoon, and the northwest monsoon. The prior takes place from May to September and the latter from November to March.
