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Complete side-by-side comparison of India and Malaysia for digital nomads and remote workers.
India is 53% more affordable than Malaysia, with a cost of living index of 4 compared to 9 (NYC = 100). Malaysia has stronger healthcare infrastructure (index 71 vs 66).
NYC = 100 for cost indexes. Higher safety/healthcare = better. Lower pollution/traffic = better.
India is the more budget-friendly destination with a cost of living index of 4 versus 9 for Malaysia (NYC baseline = 100). That's a 53% difference that adds up significantly over months of living abroad.
Rent is often the biggest expense: India has a rent index of 12 compared to 23. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and dining follow a similar pattern.
A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs $2.21 in India versus $3.80 in Malaysia. These everyday costs paint the real picture of how far your money goes.
India ranks higher for safety with an index of 56/100, compared to 52/100 for Malaysia. Both countries are generally safe for tourists and expats, though standard precautions apply in major cities.
Healthcare quality in Malaysia scores 71/100 versus 66/100 in India. International health insurance is recommended regardless of your destination.
Air quality is notably better in Malaysia with a pollution index of 61 versus 73. This could be a deciding factor if you have respiratory sensitivities.
Malaysia has a higher GDP per capita at $12,091 versus $2,850 in India. This reflects in the overall infrastructure, services, and cost levels you'll experience.
India uses the Indian Rupee (INR) while Malaysia uses the Malaysian Ringgit (MYR). Both countries have widely available ATMs and increasing digital payment adoption in urban areas.
India has a more established digital nomad scene with 2 popular nomad cities, while Malaysia offers 2 cities. Top picks in India include Bangalore, Goa.
Getting around is easier in Malaysia with a traffic index of 168 compared to 205. Lower traffic means less time commuting and more flexibility in your daily routine.
Source: Numbeo (national averages, USD)
India is 53% more affordable than Malaysia. The cost of living index is 4 vs 9 (NYC = 100), affecting rent, food, and daily expenses.
India has a higher safety index of 56/100 compared to 52/100. Both countries are generally safe for travelers, but exercise standard precautions in tourist-heavy areas.
Malaysia ranks higher for healthcare with an index of 71/100 versus 66/100. Modern hospitals and English-speaking doctors are available in major cities of both countries. International health insurance is recommended.
India has a more established digital nomad scene with 2 popular nomad cities compared to 2 in Malaysia. The best choice depends on your priorities: cost, weather, visa terms, and community size.
Check the dedicated visa guide pages for each country to see current DN visa availability, duration, cost, and requirements. Visa policies can change, so always verify with official sources before traveling.