The two pie charts illustrate the distribution of average household spending across five categories in Japan and Malaysia during 2010. Overall, it is evident that housing and other goods and services were the primary expenses in both nations, although the specific proportions varied significantly between the two countries.
In Japan, other goods and services represented the largest share of expenditure at 29%, followed closely by food at 24%. Housing and transport accounted for 21% and 20% respectively, while health care comprised the smallest portion at only 6%.
Conversely, Malaysian households allocated the highest percentage of their budget to housing, which stood at 34%. Food was the second most significant expense at 27%, followed by other goods and services at 26%. Transport costs in Malaysia were notably lower than in Japan, accounting for 10% of total spending. Health care represented the least significant category in Malaysia as well, at a mere 3%, which is half the proportion observed in Japan. In summary, while both countries prioritised similar categories, the relative weight of these expenses differed, particularly regarding housing and transport costs.