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Costs5 min read

Network School vs US Cost of Living: How Much You Save in Malaysia

Compare the total cost of Network School in Malaysia against typical living expenses in major US cities to see how much you could save monthly.

The NS Guide
The NS Guide·Last updated
01

US Cost of Living Baseline

In major US cities like San Francisco, New York, or Austin, a typical monthly budget for a young professional include...

In major US cities like San Francisco, New York, or Austin, a typical monthly budget for a young professional includes $1,500 to $3,000 for rent, $400 to $800 for food, $50 to $200 for a gym membership, $200 to $500 for a coworking space, $100 to $300 for transportation, and $200 to $500 for utilities and internet. The total easily reaches $2,500 to $5,000 per month or more, depending on the city and lifestyle. This does not include health-focused meals, structured courses, or the kind of community programming that NS provides. In smaller US cities, costs are lower but still typically exceed $1,500 per month for comparable services.

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02

Network School Total Cost

NS Basic at $1,500 per month covers housing, meals, gym, coworking, courses, and community. Adding a realistic $300 to $500 per month for transportation, eating out, and personal expenses brings the total to approximately $1,800 to $2,000 per month. NS Pro at $3,000 plus extras totals roughly $3,300 to $3,500. Even at the higher end, the total cost at Network School is competitive with a modest lifestyle in most US cities, and it includes services that would cost significantly more to assemble independently in America. The savings are most dramatic for members coming from high-cost cities.

RelatedWhat Is Network School? A Complete Introduction for First-Time Applicants
03

What the Numbers Miss

Raw cost comparison does not capture everything. In the US, you have access to a wider range of healthcare, entertainment, dating, dining, and cultural amenities. Forest City is isolated and has limited urban appeal. The social life at NS is rich but contained within the community. You also give up having your own kitchen, full privacy (in NS Basic), and the familiarity of your home country. On the other hand, NS provides a structured environment for personal development, a ready-made international community, and an intensity of experience that is hard to replicate by simply living cheaply somewhere.

04

Who Benefits Most From the Savings

The cost advantage is greatest for remote workers earning US-level salaries. If you are making $5,000 or more per month and spending $3,000 to $4,000 on living expenses in a US city, switching to NS Basic could save you $1,500 to $2,500 per month while adding community, courses, and fitness programming. Over a three-month stay, that is $4,500 to $7,500 in savings. For freelancers, founders, and independent workers, these savings can provide runway for building projects. You can apply at ns.com to start redirecting your cost of living toward an investment in personal growth.

US city living costs $2,500–$5,000/month vs NS Basic at $1,800–$2,000 total

Source: Numbeo cost of living data

Potential savings of $4,500–$7,500 over a 3-month NS stay

Source: ns.com member reports

I was paying $3,200 for a studio in SF plus food, gym, and coworking. At NS Basic I'm spending half that and getting ten times the community. The math is obvious.
NS member, Remote software engineer from San Francisco
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Frequently Asked Questions

How much money can I save by going to Network School instead of living in the US?

Remote workers from high-cost US cities can save $1,500 to $2,500 per month, or $4,500 to $7,500 over a three-month stay, while gaining community and fitness benefits.

Is Network School a good deal compared to New York rent?

Yes. NS Basic at $1,500/month all-inclusive compares favorably to NYC where rent alone often exceeds $2,000 before food, gym, and coworking costs.

Do I still need to pay US taxes while at Network School?

US citizens are taxed on worldwide income regardless of location. Consult a tax professional about your specific situation, including potential foreign earned income exclusions.

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