Malaysia vs Thailand
Malaysia is about 3% pricier than Thailand overall, with a price level of 31.1 versus 30.2 (US = 100). The gap is widest in restaurants & hotels and narrowest in food. On quality of life, Malaysia scores higher (92 vs 86 of 100).
Metric Malaysia Thailand
Price level (US=100) 31.1 30.2
GDP / capita (PPP) $38,779 $24,712
GNI / capita (PPP) $37,450 $23,960
Inflation (YoY) 1.8% 1.4%
What's different, by category
Price levels by category (world average = 100). The cheaper of the two is highlighted.
Category Malaysia Thailand
Housing & utilities 34 26
Food 82 85
Transport 63 68
Restaurants & hotels 30 42
Health 44 40
Communication 81 107
Category price levels: World Bank ICP 2021 (world average = 100).
Quality of life
Metric Malaysia Thailand
Quality-of-life score 92/100 86/100
Life expectancy 77 yrs 77 yrs
Safety ยท homicide /100k 0.7 4.8
Internet users 98% 91%
Frequently asked
Is Malaysia more expensive than Thailand?
Malaysia is more expensive: about 3% pricier than Thailand overall.
What would a $100,000 lifestyle cost in Thailand?
Living the way $100,000 buys in Malaysia would cost roughly $97,000 in Thailand, based on overall price levels.
Which has the better quality of life, Malaysia or Thailand?
Malaysia scores higher, 92 vs 86 out of 100.
Salary check
A $100,000 lifestyle in Malaysia would cost about
$97,000
in Thailand. Run your real salary โ