Relocating to a new country can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially when you are moving with your family.
Malaysia is a popular destination for many foreigners due to its affordable lifestyle, warm climate, friendly people, and excellent infrastructure.
If you are searching for the cheapest ways to relocate to Malaysia with families, careful planning is key. From visa options to housing and travel tips, there are many smart strategies to save money and still enjoy a smooth transition.
In this guide, we will explore the most affordable ways to move to Malaysia, how to prepare your budget, and the best tips to settle down with your loved ones.
Why Choose Malaysia for Relocation?
Malaysia stands out as one of the most budget-friendly destinations in Asia. Housing, education, and healthcare are affordable, and the country offers modern amenities while maintaining cultural diversity.
Families enjoy Malaysia because of its safe environment, family-friendly parks, international schools, and excellent public transportation. English is widely spoken, which makes settling in much easier for newcomers.
1. Choose Budget-Friendly Visa Options
The first step when looking for the cheapest ways to relocate to Malaysia with families is choosing the right visa. For long-term stays, you can explore:
Employment Pass – If you secure a job in Malaysia, your employer often covers part of the relocation cost and handles your visa application.
Dependent Visa – This is suitable if one family member already has a valid work visa.
Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) Programme – While this program is popular among retirees, it can be a cost-effective option for families who can meet the financial requirements.
Planning your visa in advance helps you avoid last-minute expenses and unnecessary paperwork fees.
2. Plan Affordable Travel and Flights
Flight tickets can be one of the biggest expenses when relocating. To reduce costs:
Book tickets several months ahead of your move.
Compare fares on budget airlines such as AirAsia and Scoot.
Choose connecting flights instead of direct routes as they are often cheaper.
Consider flying during off-peak seasons to save up to 30% on ticket prices.
If you are relocating with a large family, group discounts or family packages can also lower travel costs.
3. Ship Your Belongings Wisely
Shipping household items internationally can be expensive. One of the cheapest ways to relocate to Malaysia with families is to minimize what you carry.
Sell or donate bulky items before you move.
Use cost-effective shipping options like shared container services.
Send essential items through sea freight instead of air freight, which is usually cheaper.
For small items, international courier services like DHL or FedEx offer economy shipping options.
In many cases, buying furniture and household goods in Malaysia is cheaper than shipping them from your home country.
4. Look for Affordable Housing
Accommodation is one of the most important factors when moving with family. Start by researching areas that are safe, affordable, and close to schools or workplaces.
Kuala Lumpur suburbs like Cheras, Shah Alam, or Ampang have family-friendly apartments at lower costs.
Consider renting a fully furnished apartment to save on buying furniture.
Use local platforms like iProperty or PropertyGuru to compare prices.
Negotiate rent directly with landlords instead of going through expensive real estate agents.
Sharing a rental property with another family during the first few months is also a smart way to reduce expenses.
5. Use Budget-Friendly Schooling Options
Education is a major concern for families relocating abroad. International schools in Malaysia can be expensive, but you can still find affordable alternatives.
Look for local private schools that follow international curriculums at lower tuition fees.
Public schools are a good choice if your children can adapt to the local language.
Some employers in Malaysia offer education allowances for expatriate children – check this option during job negotiations.
6. Manage Living Expenses Wisely
Malaysia offers many affordable lifestyle options if you know how to manage your daily expenses.
Eat at local restaurants or hawker stalls instead of high-end dining. Malaysian street food is not only cheap but also delicious.
Use public transportation like the MRT and RapidKL buses, which are efficient and low-cost.
Buy groceries at local markets or budget-friendly supermarkets like Mydin and Giant.
Use apps like Grab for affordable rides instead of owning a car initially.
7. Explore Work and Freelance Opportunities
If you are relocating without a secured job, consider freelance or remote work opportunities to support your family while living in Malaysia. The country has a growing digital economy, making it easy to find online projects, content writing, or IT-related jobs. This income can help you maintain financial stability during your transition period.
8. Get Affordable Health Insurance
Healthcare in Malaysia is excellent and cost-effective, but having health insurance for your family is still important. Many local insurance companies offer family packages at lower prices compared to international providers. Compare plans online and choose one that covers both routine care and emergencies.
Conclusion
Finding the cheapest ways to relocate to Malaysia with families is all about smart planning, budgeting, and using cost-saving strategies. From booking early flights to finding affordable housing and schools, every step counts. Malaysia is an ideal country for families because of its affordable living standards, cultural diversity, and welcoming environment.
