Migrating away from Malaysia can often be a daunting and intimidating opportunity. While one knows they are leaving to seek out something better for themselves, a change in environment, culture, and surroundings prove to be more difficult than many expect it to be.
Sharing her experience after moving to the Netherlands, Malaysian content creator Zulia recently shared just how much it cost her family of four to migrate to the country on her page @zuliainholland. Breaking down the expenditure on a monthly basis and providing the amount in Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) as well, the distribution was nothing short of eye-opening for many.
Beginning with the monthly cost for her family’s apartment, Zulia shared that her and her husband spend an estimated EUR1,700 (approximately RM8,500) per month for a two-bedroom flat. However, Zulia also shared that their rental fee is considerably high due to the location of their residence, and the couple is hoping to find another dwelling in the near future.
Continuing on, Zulia revealed that the duo pay EUR350 (approximately RM1,750) on health insurance, while their children receive the same benefit for free. As for the price of utilities around the house including their bills and Wi-Fi payment, the couple spend about EUR230 (approximately RM1,150) per month.
Although shocking at first glance, Zulia stated that her family spends an estimated EUR600 (approximately RM3,000) per month on groceries, though the mother of two alluded to the fact that the amount contributes to three meals every day and lunch containers for her children at school.
“It may seem like it’s expensive, but if you eat out, it’s even more expensive,” wrote Zulia in a caption across the video.
Despite that, Zulia also shared that her children’s schooling doesn’t cost her a dime, and is completely free, as there are no fees to pay and no books or uniforms to buy. On top of that, their transportation expenditure as a couple of EUR200 (approximately RM1,000) per month on road tax, car insurance, and petrol expenses are provided for under a company allowance, reducing the overall cost.
In her final comments, Zulia also stated that her family try to save around RM15,000 a year to return to Malaysia.
“That is the total amount of my monthly commitments. This doesn’t even count weekend expenditure, buying seasonal clothing, eating out, tickets to come home to Malaysia, and other things we have to see to back home. We don’t have a lot, but God has given us enough,” wrote Zulia in her TikTok post.
In a brief conversation with WORLD OF BUZZ, Zulia stated that she hopes this information will enlighten those who are intending to move overseas, as well as provide a realistic version of what it looks like to take that big step.
“I am grateful to have the opportunity to live in another country, but my heart will always be with Malaysia,” said Zulia.
Click here to check out the full series of photos breaking down Zulia’s expenditure on her TikTok page.
While living overseas is a privilege to most people, the realities behind this liberty are just as important to adhere.
Also read: M’sian Actress Spends About RM15k to Visit Private Zoo in Dubai & Even has a Cheetah Lick Her Hand
