12 Best Places To Live In Malaysia

Malaysia is one of the most popular locations in Asia for expats who are considering relocation. It’s located in southeast Asia and is an appealing destination for remote workers who want to take advantage of low living costs and a rich culture.

We’ll take a look at the best places to live in Malaysia for work, families, immigrants and more.

Let’s start by taking a look at the best places to live in Malaysia.

Sections

Best Places To Live In Malaysia

City	Reason
Kuala Lumpur	Best for work
Ipoh	Best for affordability
Johor	Best for families
Kuala Lumpur	Best for immigrants
George Town	Best for retirement
Penang	Best for young adults
Kuala Lumpur	Best for students
Penang and Kuala Lumpur	Best for food and nightlife
Langkawi	Best for singles
Kuala Lumpur	Best for weather
Langkawi	Best for beaches
Kundasang	Best for mountains

Best Places To Live In Malaysia for Work

The best city in Malaysia for work is Kuala Lumpur which is the capital. There are plenty of great opportunities in Kuala Lumpur – the city has a very active job market and is well-liked by expats, both who want to work remotely and in person.

Some of the most important work industries in Kuala Lumpur are agriculture, automotive and construction. A lot of digital nomads and remote workers also enjoy working in the city due to the number of national and international companies located there.

There are also plenty of prospects in the tourism and oil and gas industries. Those who are hoping to teach English as a foreign language will also find good potential jobs here.

Another good city for work opportunities is Johor. Located in Southern Malaysia, Johor is an affordable city that has a lot of potential prospects for workers who may not be able to afford the costs of a larger city such as Kuala Lumpur.

Cheapest Places To Live In Malaysia

The cost of living and housing in Malaysia are very affordable in comparison to a lot of countries, particularly in the West. This makes relocating a great idea for those who are hoping to enjoy the authentic culture and natural beauty of Malaysia while not breaking the bank.

Ipoh is the capital of the state of Perak and is a great option for expats hoping to keep their costs low. The city is a really popular choice for expats who are planning to stay in Malaysia for the long term due to its affordability.

The cost of living prices and housing prices in Ipoh are much more affordable than in Kuala Lumpur. It is also one of the cleanest cities in Malaysia and has plenty of famous attractions to enjoy during time off work.

Alor Setar is another great option for those keeping affordability as one of their key priorities. The city is the capital of Kedah and is accessible by road and rail.

Best Places To Live In Malaysia for Families

Johor is an ideal location in Malaysia for expats hoping to relocate to the country with family. The city has all the facilities one would need to raise a family – there’s a variety of housing options, good roads and transport and an international airport.

Johor is known as one of the safer cities in Malaysia and there are family neighborhoods and suburbs to choose from. As well as safety, there are plenty of outstanding cultural events throughout the year.

There is also a large existing expat community in Malaysia which is good for those who are hoping to find or build a new community for both parents and children alike.

Penang is another good option for families as the city has a very relaxed atmosphere and lots of good housing options. Penang has good public transportation options as well as a very active job market.

Best Places To Live In Malaysia for Immigrants

The best city for immigrants in Malaysia is the capital, Kuala Lumpur. The city is the capital of the country and has a well-developed infrastructure that is ideal for new expats.

There are shopping malls, restaurants, bars and plenty of housing options available in Kuala Lumpur. If you’re hoping to experience some of the amazing cultural traditions Malaysia has to offer, then Kuala Lumpur is one of the best cities for sightseeing.

Kuala Lumpur also has a large existing expat community and English is commonly spoken throughout the city. It’s also a much more affordable country than some others.

For those who want to try living closer to the natural wildlife of Malaysia, the city of Kuching is a great option. The city has a relaxed atmosphere and is rich with culture though it is a bit more isolated than other options and there may be quite intense rainfall during some months.

Best Places To Live In Malaysia for Retirement

Malaysia is one of the safest countries in Asia to retire to and it’s popular with a lot of expats due to its beautiful scenery, lovely cuisine and friendly residents.

George Town is the capital of the island of Penang and is a great spot to consider for those who are hoping to relocate to a relaxed town. The city is known for its British architecture and for being a Colonial trading spot.

There are outstanding eateries in George Town and the city is known for its iconic street food. The city has also been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site for one of the largest collections of pre-war buildings in Southeast Asia.

For those hoping for a slower pace of life with more access to the coast, Langkawi is a great option to consider. Expats love the relaxed atmosphere of Langkawi, though do be aware that internet speeds are slower on this island.

Best Places To Live In Malaysia for Young Adults

Penang is popular among young adults due to its safe reputation and the wide selection of restaurants, bars and cafes. There are dozens of good beaches to enjoy as well as an active job market for those who are looking.

Expats can also expect a large international community in Penang. This is ideal for young adults who may be leaving home or relocating for the first time.

There are good healthcare facilities in Penang and young adults can easily travel the city by public transportation. There are also lots of housing options for a range of different budget options.

Kuala Lumpur is another fantastic option for young adults – the city has a thriving nightlife scene and a huge range of different eateries and entertainment options.

Best Places To Live In Malaysia for Students

Those seeking to study in Malaysia should consider relocating to the capital city, Kuala Lumpur. Not only is Kuala Lumpur a melting pot for different cultures and communities, but it is also a safe and potentially affordable city.

Students will find plenty of culture in the capital and will have the opportunity to mix with people from all walks of life. There are also plenty of educational institutes in Kuala Lumpur which could be ideal for international students.

Some of the best private and public universities available include Asia Pacific University, University Malaya, Monash University and International Medical University.

Kuala Lumpur has good on-campus and off-campus accommodations for students depending on where they choose to study and their budget. Plus the modern city has lots of eateries and entertainment options.

Penang is another choice option for international students. The city is very well-liked by singles and families as it is very safe and has a great modern infrastructure.

Best Places To Live In Malaysia for Food and Nightlife

Penang is known as the “Pearl of the Orient” and is one of the top recommended locations in Malaysia for food lovers. The food here takes influence from Chinese, Indian, Peranakan and traditional Malay cuisine.

As well as being spoilt for choice in the city by the number of dine-in eateries, Penang boasts incredible street food. Regional dishes like char kway teow (stir-fried rice noodles) are readily available along with fresh food markets.

When it comes to nightlife, several places in Malaysia are worth considering but none more so than Kuala Lumpur. Consistently hailed as one of the best spots in the country for nightlife, Kuala Lumpur is packed full of bars, trendy clubs and exciting music venues ensuring there’s something for every type of nightlife lover.

Kota Kinabalu is another city that is well-loved for its nightlife scene. The residents are known to be very friendly and welcoming and it is a popular location with travellers and digital nomads.

Best Places To Live In Malaysia for Singles

Langkawi is one of the safest islands in Malaysia for single people to consider relocating to. It’s made up of 99 islands on the west coast of Malaysia and is a big holiday destination.

The archipelago holds plenty of appeal with digital nomads due to its relaxed atmosphere and the huge range of outdoor activities available such as hiking, swimming and diving.

Langkawi is very easy to travel around – the island has a good infrastructure for modern living, though it should be mentioned that the internet speeds in some locations are slow.

Penang is another good spot for singles due to the safety of the city and the wide variety of housing options. Penang is also more affordable than the capital Kuala Lumpur which could be very beneficial for any singles working on a small budget.

Best Places To Live In Malaysia for The Weather

Malaysia has a tropical climate which is characterised by high monthly temperatures – May, June and July are the hottest months – and high rainfall.

Kuala Lumpur is a city that experiences good weather, particularly during the summer months, and has dry weather during the months of May to September.

On average it is hot in the city most of the year round, with temperatures rarely dropping below 25 degrees celsius during the hot summer months.

Best Places To Live In Malaysia Near Beaches

If you’re hoping to relocate to Malaysia with a view of being close to some outstanding beaches – you’re in luck! Malaysia has hundreds of perfectly maintained white sand beaches, plus metres of coastline for those who enjoy water sports.

Langkawi is one of the best archipelagos for beach lovers and relocators will be spoilt for choice with the beaches available. Most beaches have a range of bars, restaurants or cafes close to hand and residents can choose between active, sports-loving beaches or more quiet, tranquil shores.

Pantai Cenang is one of the most popular beaches in Langkawi and is famed for its strip which includes restaurants, bars, resorts and Langkawi Underwater World.

Best Places To Live In Malaysia Near Mountains

As well as its fantastic beaches, several mountain ranges in Malaysia have idyllic mountain towns. Those hoping to relocate out of the hustle and bustle of the big city should consider Kundasang.

Kundasang lies along the bank of Kundasang Valley within the Crocker Range and is home to Mount Kinabalu, the highest peak in Malaysia. Kundasang has a cooler climate than some other Malaysian towns and the residents are said to be welcoming and friendly.

Kundasang is roughly a two-hour drive away from the city of Kota Kinabalu, making it still easily accessible despite being slightly more isolated than the bigger cities.