From US to Malaysia: How He Found Paradise for Just $620 a Month!

Andrew Taylor, now 70, left the United States a decade ago to embrace a more affordable retirement in Malaysia. Settled in a modern two-bedroom condo in Kuala Lumpur, the capital city, he pays just $620 per month in rent—an unimaginable scenario had he stayed stateside.

“I probably would not be retired if I were still in the US,” Taylor reflected, highlighting the financial challenges he faced back home.

The Quest for a Dream Retirement

Taylor, who once worked in administrative roles, began contemplating retirement in his mid-50s. However, soaring living costs in the US turned his dreams into doubt. “I realized that I was probably not going to be able to stay in the United States, or I was going to have to work until I was 80,” he said.

Taylor moved to Malaysia from the US a decade ago.

Exploring alternatives, he learned about Malaysia’s Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) visa program through a partner who lived in Penang. The program, launched in 2002, aims to attract expats by offering long-term residency visas. Taylor applied in late 2014, and by 2015, he was ready to leave behind 40 years in Washington, DC, to start afresh.

Building a Life in Kuala Lumpur

Initially settling in Penang, Taylor spent seven years there before relocating to Kuala Lumpur three years ago. His current condo, located two miles from the city center, boasts a breathtaking 22nd-floor view of the iconic Petronas Twin Towers. “If I’m going to be in KL, that’s what I wanted,” he shared.

The view from the windows of his apartment immediately caught his attention.

While previous rentals came furnished, Taylor opted for an unfurnished unit this time, allowing him to design his space to his liking. “I really never liked the furniture in the apartments I was renting,” he explained, adding that he furnished his home with locally sourced items to create an eclectic mix of modern pieces and oriental rugs.

The building includes amenities like a pool and gym, further enhancing his lifestyle. Taylor’s Vespa scooter adds convenience to his city explorations.

Financial Freedom in Malaysia

Living on $2,500 a month, Taylor finds his budget stretches comfortably in Malaysia compared to the US. His expenses include a basic health insurance policy costing just $72 a month, which covers hospitalization. “You don’t have to wait long for an appointment or wait long at your appointment,” he said, praising Malaysia’s healthcare system.

His rent is 2,800 Malaysian ringgit, or about $620, a month.

Safety is another major draw for Taylor. “I’ve never felt safer anywhere,” he remarked, contrasting his peaceful surroundings with memories of hearing gunshots outside his former DC home.

Lessons from a Decade Abroad

Reflecting on his decision, Taylor believes renting, rather than buying, has allowed him to adapt easily. Early on, he learned the pitfalls of property ownership when construction obstructed the view from his first apartment. “If you buy a place, it’s just harder to move on,” he said.

Retirement abroad isn’t for everyone, Taylor admitted, especially for those with close family ties. His move was feasible due to his loose family connections. “My family thought I would last about six months,” he recalled. “Ten years later, and I’m still here, with no intention of ever going back to the US.”

A Growing Trend Among Retirees

The pool at Taylor’s condo in Kuala Lumpur.

Taylor’s story mirrors a broader shift. With rising costs making US retirement increasingly unattainable, many Americans are exploring life overseas. As of early 2024, over 56,000 people hold active MM2H visas, with US citizens making up a small but growing share.

Taylor spends his days documenting his life in Malaysia through YouTube, offering a window into the opportunities available abroad. For him, Malaysia has turned retirement from an impossible dream into a fulfilling reality.