When conversations around the cost of living come up, there's one aspect that often gets overlooked how much it actually costs to be a woman. Beyond the usual daily expenses, women carry a set of recurring costs tied to biology, societal expectations, and personal safety. Individually, they may not seem overwhelming, but over time, they add up significantly.
Healthcare Isn't Occasional Its Ongoing
Women typically begin preventative healthcare much earlier than men. Regular gynae visits, Pap smears, and eventually mammograms (usually from around age 40) are part of routine care.
While these check-ups are essential, they aren't always cheap especially at private or panel clinics. Over time, these recurring visits can easily come up to around RM500 a year, starting as early as your 20s.
Sanitary Products Are Non-Negotiable
Menstruation isn't optional, and neither are the costs that come with it. Pads, tampons, or menstrual cups are monthly necessities, along with extras like painkillers and heat patches.
While the monthly expense may seem small, it compounds over years and decades averaging about RM500 a year.
Birth Control Comes With a Price
For many women, birth control isn't just about preventing pregnancy its also used to manage periods, acne, and hormonal balance.
Options like pills or injections can cost around RM600 a year, while long-term solutions like IUDs may require a higher upfront cost ranging from RM500 to RM1500. On top of that, there may be side effects like mood changes, weight fluctuations, or discomfort costs that aren't just financial.
Bras: A Recurring Essential
A good bra isn't a luxury its necessary for comfort and support. With prices ranging from RM80 to RM150 or more, most women need multiple in rotation.
Over time, wear and tear means they need replacing regularly, bringing the yearly cost to around RM500.
Haircare Isn't Cheap
From regular haircuts every 68 weeks to occasional colouring or treatments, hair maintenance is another ongoing expense.
Women's salon services are often priced higher, with cuts ranging from RM80 to RM150, and colouring sessions going up to RM800. On average, this can total around RM1000 a year, or more depending on routine.
Skincare and Makeup Add Up
Basic skincare alone includes cleanser, toner, moisturiser, serum, and sunscreen. Then comes makeup foundation, mascara, brows, lipstick, and more.
For many, occasional facials are also part of maintaining healthy skin. Altogether, this easily reaches around RM2000 a year, and can go much higher depending on preferences.
Hair Removal Is a Regular Expense
Hair removal whether through waxing, threading, or laser treatments is part of regular upkeep for many women.
Even small sessions done consistently can add up to anywhere between RM500 to RM5000 a year, depending on the routine.
The Hidden Cost of Safety
Then there are the costs that don't come with a receipt. Choosing a Grab ride instead of walking at night. Paying extra for safer parking. Avoiding certain areas altogether.
These decisions are rarely about convenience they're about safety. And while they vary, they can still add up to around RM600 a year or more.
The Reality Behind Choices
Many of these expenses are often dismissed as choices. But the truth is, not all of them are.
Menstruation isn't optional.
Basic hygiene and upkeep aren't optional.
Safety isn't optional.
When you put it all together, being a woman isn't just emotional or social labour its financial labour too.
Final Thought
This side of womanhood is rarely discussed openly. Yet for most women, its a quiet, consistent cost carried every single month, every single year, for decades.
Maybe its time we stop brushing it off as just how things are and start acknowledging the real price behind it.
