Low Budget Airbnb Setup Malaysia: Complete Affordable Startup Guide 2025

Think you need RM50,000+ to start an Airbnb? Think again.

Many first-time hosts overspend, buying things guests don't care about. The truth is, you can furnish a functional, attractive Airbnb for RM15,000-20,000 and still get 5-star reviews.

The secret? Spend on what matters (bed, WiFi, photos), save on what doesn't (brand names, fancy decor).

We've set up 100+ properties across all budget levels. This guide shows you exactly how to start Airbnb on a budget without sacrificing guest satisfaction.

Budget Setup: How Low Can You Go?

Realistic Budget Ranges (2025)

Setup Level	Budget	Guest Experience	Expected Reviews
Ultra-Budget	RM10,000-15,000	Basic but functional	3.5-4.0 stars
Smart Budget	RM15,000-25,000	Clean, comfortable	4.0-4.5 stars
Standard	RM25,000-40,000	Professional, polished	4.5-4.8 stars
Premium	RM40,000-60,000+	Luxury experience	4.8-5.0 stars

Our Recommendation: Smart Budget (RM15,000-25,000)

Why?

• Balances cost and quality
• Gets you 4.0-4.5 star reviews
• ROI of 8-12 months
• Room to upgrade later

This guide focuses on the Smart Budget approach.

What Guests Actually Care About

Priority Ranking (What Matters for Reviews)

HIGH PRIORITY (Must-Have for 5-Star Reviews):

Priority	Item	Why It Matters	Budget Impact
#1	Quality mattress	Guest comfort = reviews	RM800-1,200
#2	Cleanliness	#1 complaint in bad reviews	RM80-100/stay
#3	Fast WiFi	Guests expect it	RM100-150/month
#4	Hot shower	Basic expectation	RM300-500 one-time
#5	Air conditioning	Malaysia climate = essential	RM2,000-4,000
#6	Good photos	First impression	RM800-1,500

These 6 items = RM4,000-7,500 (40-60% of budget)

MEDIUM PRIORITY (Nice to Have):

Item	Impact	Budget Impact
Smart TV with Netflix	Entertainment	RM1,200-1,800
Quality bedding	Comfort impression	RM400-600
Basic kitchenware	Convenience	RM500-800
Dining set	Functionality	RM400-800
Wardrobe	Storage	RM300-600

LOW PRIORITY (Skip or Buy Later):

Item	Skip Because
Designer furniture	Doesn't affect reviews significantly
Artwork/decor	Can add gradually over time
Luxury appliances	Standard ones work fine
Brand name everything	Guests don't notice
Excessive accessories	Clutter, more to clean

Complete Smart Budget Setup: RM15,000-25,000

Room-by-Room Breakdown

Living Room: RM3,000-5,000

Essentials:

Item	Budget Option	Smart Budget Option	Our Pick
Sofa	RM600 (2-seater, basic)	RM1,200 (3-seater, decent quality)	Smart Budget
Coffee Table	RM150 (basic)	RM300 (solid wood)	Budget
TV Cabinet	RM200 (simple)	RM500 (stylish)	Budget
Smart TV	RM900 (43")	RM1,400 (50")	Smart Budget
Air-Con	RM1,800 (1 HP)	RM2,500 (1.5 HP)	Smart Budget
Curtains/Blinds	RM300 (ready-made)	RM600 (custom)	Smart Budget
Floor Lamp	RM80 (basic)	RM200 (designer-look)	Budget
Rug	RM150 (small)	RM350 (medium, quality)	Smart Budget

Total Living Room:

• Budget: RM3,730
• Smart Budget: RM6,050
• Our Target: RM4,500-5,000

Money-Saving Tips:

• Buy sofa during sales (Lazada 11.11, Shopee sales)
• Consider second-hand TV (still under warranty)
• Basic curtains = fine, custom = luxury
• Mix budget + smart items (budget coffee table, smart TV)

Bedroom: RM4,000-7,000

This is the MOST IMPORTANT ROOM. Don't scrimp here.

Item	Budget Option	Smart Budget Option	Our Pick
Mattress (Queen)	RM800 (basic foam)	RM1,500 (pocket spring)	Smart Budget
Bed Frame	RM400 (metal)	RM800 (wood, upholstered)	Smart Budget
Bedding Set	RM200 (basic)	RM450 (thread count 300+)	Smart Budget
Pillows (2)	RM60 (basic)	RM150 (quality foam/feather)	Smart Budget
Wardrobe	RM350 (basic)	RM700 (sliding door)	Smart Budget
Bedside Tables (2)	RM150 (basic)	RM350 (solid wood)	Budget
Air-Con	RM1,800 (1 HP)	RM2,500 (1 HP, inverter)	Smart Budget
Blackout Curtains	RM250 (ready-made)	RM500 (custom lined)	Smart Budget
Lamp/Alarm Clock	RM80 (basic)	RM180 (USB charging)	Smart Budget
Mirror	RM80 (basic)	RM200 (full-length, framed)	Smart Budget

Total Bedroom:

• Budget: RM4,170
• Smart Budget: RM7,230
• Our Target: RM5,000-6,000

Why Spend More on Mattress?

• Guests remember comfort more than anything
• Bad mattress = guaranteed 3-star review
• Good mattress lasts 8-10 years (amortized cost is low)
• Direct impact on repeat bookings

Our Recommendation: Buy the best mattress you can afford (RM1,200-1,500 range).

Kitchen: RM1,500-2,500

Budget Kitchen Setup (Functional, Not Fancy):

Item	Where to Buy	Budget
Refrigerator	Second-hand or sale	RM600-900
Microwave	Basic model (Toshiba/Sharp)	RM200-300
Electric Kettle	Any brand	RM40-60
Rice Cooker	Basic model	RM80-120
Cookware Set	Non-stick (5-7 pieces)	RM150-250
Utensils	Basic set	RM80-120
Cutlery/Crockery	IKEA or budget options	RM150-250
Cleaning Supplies	Detergent, sponge, cloth	RM100-150

Total Kitchen: RM1,400-2,150

Money-Saving Tips:

• Second-hand fridge = huge savings
• Don't buy full oven (guests rarely use)
• Basic microwave = fine
• IKEA has budget-friendly kitchen sets
• Dollar stores for small items

Bathroom: RM800-1,500

Essential Bathroom Setup:

Item	Budget Option	Smart Budget Option	Our Pick
Water Heater	RM300 (basic)	RM500 (instant, quality brand)	Smart Budget
Shower Set	RM100 (basic)	RM250 (rainfall head)	Smart Budget
Toilet Seat	RM150 (basic)	RM250 (soft-close, quality)	Smart Budget
Vanity Mirror	RM80 (basic)	RM180 (LED, storage)	Budget
Towels (4 sets)	RM120 (basic)	RM250 (quality)	Smart Budget
Toiletries	RM150 (bulk buy)	RM250 (better quality)	Smart Budget
Shower Curtain	RM40 (basic)	RM80 (quality liner)	Budget
Mat	RM30 (basic)	RM60 (non-slip, absorbent)	Smart Budget

Total Bathroom:

• Budget: RM970
• Smart Budget: RM1,820
• Our Target: RM1,000-1,300

Water Heater Priority: Don't buy the cheapest. Guest complaints = "no hot water" = bad review. RM400-500 range is sweet spot.

Essential Items (Non-Room Specific): RM2,000-3,500

Category	Items	Budget
WiFi	Router + 100 Mbps plan	RM500 + RM120/month
Cleaning Supplies	Starter kit (vacuum, mop, broom)	RM300-500
Safety Items	Fire extinguisher, smoke detector, first aid	RM200-300
Basic Tools	Screwdriver, pliers, tape	RM100-150
Welcome Pack	Toilet paper, soap, tea/coffee starter	RM150-250
Linen (Extra)	2 sets of sheets + pillowcases	RM200-300
Kitchen Extras	Cutting board, knives, can opener	RM150-250
Decor	Artificial plants, budget frames	RM200-400

Total Essentials: RM1,800-2,650

Photography: RM800-1,500

NON-NEGOTIABLE.

Why:

• 30-40% more bookings with professional photos
• First impression is everything
• Sets accurate expectations
• Justifies your pricing

What's Included:

• 20-30 professional photos
• Editing and optimization
• Twilight shots (if applicable)
• All rights included

Budget Option: RM800 (local photographer)
Premium Option: RM1,500 (established Airbnb photographer)

ROI: Pays for itself in 1-2 months

Grand Total: Smart Budget Setup

Room/Category	Budget Range
Living Room	RM4,500-5,000
Bedroom	RM5,000-6,000
Kitchen	RM1,500-2,500
Bathroom	RM1,000-1,300
Essentials	RM1,800-2,650
Photography	RM800-1,500
TOTAL	RM14,600-18,950

With 10% contingency for unexpected costs:
RM16,000-21,000

Get Started with Your Budget Setup

Free Setup Consultation

We offer new hosts:

• Budget breakdown for your specific property
• Prioritized shopping list
• ROI projection
• Management quote (transparent pricing)

What We Assess:

1. Your property size and layout
2. Your budget range
3. Expected occupancy and rates
4. What to prioritize
5. Where you can save
6. Where you must spend

Take Action Today:

WhatsApp us for a free budget setup consultation.

We've helped 100+ hosts set up properties across all budget levels. We'll tell you exactly what to buy, where to save, and what to prioritize for YOUR specific situation.

Or learn more:

• Cost to Furnish Condo for Airbnb
• Airbnb Startup Costs Breakdown
• Self-Manage vs Hire Company