If you think you already know what “everyday” costs look like abroad, the Saleh Family’s Kuala Lumpur grocery trip is a reminder that nothing beats seeing the shelf prices for yourself. In this video, they take viewers along on a real weekly shop for a family of six, comparing what they find in Malaysia with what they’re used to back in Canada (and noting that Americans are facing the same kind of price reality at home).
The result? A grocery run packed with genuine surprises—some items that feel shockingly affordable, others that make them put products straight back on the shelf, and plenty of differences that go beyond the price tag.
Malaysia grocery prices: surprises in both directions
One of the biggest takeaways from the week’s shop is that Malaysia doesn’t simply feel “cheap” or “expensive”. Some things come with a pleasant surprise, while others—especially certain imports—can be dramatically pricier.
When prices feel unexpectedly affordable
- Garbage bags: The family notes there’s selection, but strength varies by brand. They choose a “guaranteed strong” option even though it feels “excessive” at 23 ringit, after comparing other heavy-duty choices.
- Eggs: They pick up 30 eggs for 15 ringit, remarking on how that roughly works out to a much lower cost than what they’re used to at home.
- Drumsticks: They’re excited by 1.47 ringit for drumsticks, calling it “insane” and “so cheap” before planning meals like chicken grai.
- Some vegetables and staples: They mention items like carrots and onions, and even comment that they’re unsure whether the deals are “good” or “outrageous”—which is exactly the point of price comparisons.
When the shelf price makes them pause
- Salmon: A key shock—one small fillet for 26 ringit—makes the family say salmon is “insanely expensive” in Malaysia. They mention they buy frozen salmon instead, partly because they eat salmon as Canadians.
- Strawberries: They compare imported strawberries (noted as China Driscoll’s) priced at 40 ringit for a small package, and contrast that with local strawberries from Cameron Highlands priced at 9.99 ringit—while also noting the local berries can be sour.
- Milk: Milk is described as especially expensive for a family of six: 15 ringit for 2L.
- Butter and dairy: They call out dairy pricing more broadly, including butter at 18.90 ringit, and sour cream that’s hard to find and priced around 7.70 ringit for small packs.
- Certain “comfort” foods: They leave bagels behind, with cinnamon raisin bagels at 32 ringit being more than they expect. They also remark that some specific snack and breakfast items aren’t quite the same as at home.
Not just prices: everyday shopping differences
The video also shows that shopping abroad can feel different even when you’re buying the same category of food.
Eggs aren’t refrigerated
One of the most noticeable practical differences: eggs are displayed on shelves rather than in refrigerators. The family points out that in Canada eggs are typically refrigerated, where they may be sprayed for reasons they describe as safety-related—while in Malaysia they aren’t refrigerated.
Imported brands can change the equation
When the family shops for familiar brands (paper products, detergents, snacks), they repeatedly note that imported or specific products may cost more, even when the packaging looks recognisable.
What they bought: a real weekly basket
To keep this comparison grounded, the family shares the items they pick up during the weekly shop—from protein and produce to breakfast favourites and cleaning supplies.
Highlights from their trolley
- 30 eggs
- Frozen salmon (preferred after seeing fresh salmon pricing)
- Chicken selections, including antibiotic-free options and drumsticks
- Fresh produce such as strawberries, mandarins, apples, dates, carrots, garlic, russet potatoes, and onions
- Breakfast/snacks like Cheerios and Froot Loops, plus tortellini (noting the kids love it)
- Ice cream including Ben & Jerry’s (priced at 40 ringit in the video)
- Cleaning and household items, with the family noting many laundry products are fragranced and that finding unscented options can be difficult
Bottom line: Malaysia can surprise you—weekly shops tell the truth
By the end of the trip, the Saleh Family sums up the experience with a key point: their total spend for the weekly shop was 637 ringit 55 cents (as mentioned in the video). But the bigger message isn’t the exact number—it’s how mixed the experience is. Some items look dramatically better value, while others (especially certain proteins, dairy, and imported goods) can be unexpectedly pricey.
Want to relocate? Start with practical guides
If you’re thinking about moving, this kind of real-world shopping comparison is exactly the mindset you need. For anyone inspired by Malaysia and considering the leap, the Saleh Family also shares a relocation guide—covering how they left Canada and moved their family to Malaysia.
Question for you: Which item surprised you the most in their Kuala Lumpur shop, and what’s the one thing you’d miss most if you moved abroad? If you’re planning your own move or just curious about daily life costs, add your thoughts in the comments and keep the conversation going.
