Cost of Living in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Malaysia · Asia
Cost of Living in Kuala Lumpur: Quick Answer
The average cost of living in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia is approximately $1,200 per month for one person. This page covers rent, groceries, transportation, utilities, salaries and quality of life. The cost of living index is 38, using New York City as the 100-point benchmark.
$1,200
Monthly Cost
avg/person
38
Cost Index
NYC = 100
32
Rent Index
NYC = 100
74
Quality of Life
Good
60
Safety Index
Moderate
1.8M
Population
MYR
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Meal (inexpensive) | $3 |
| Meal for 2 (mid-range) | $15 |
| McMeal at McDonald's | $4 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | $4 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | $5 |
| Cappuccino | $3 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33L) | $1 |
| Water (0.33L) | $0.5 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | $1.2 |
| Bread (500g) | $0.8 |
| Rice (1kg) | $0.8 |
| Eggs (12) | $1.5 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $3 |
| Beef (1kg) | $7 |
| Apples (1kg) | $2.5 |
| Banana (1kg) | $0.8 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $1.2 |
| Potato (1kg) | $1 |
| Onion (1kg) | $1 |
| Water (1.5L) | $0.5 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $0.6 |
| Monthly Pass | $28 |
| Taxi 1km | $0.5 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $0.5 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $38000 |
| Toyota Corolla | $28000 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $70 |
| Mobile Plan | $15 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $25 |
| Fitness Club/month | $35 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $550/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $350/mo |
| 3BR Center | $1,200/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $750/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $3,000/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $1,500/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $1200 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 4% |
Cost of Living in Kuala Lumpur: Complete Guide
The cost of living in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, depends mainly on housing, transportation, food, utilities and lifestyle. The estimated monthly cost for one person is $1,200. The city's cost of living index is 38, compared with a New York City benchmark of 100.
Monthly Expenses in Kuala Lumpur
A typical monthly budget in Kuala Lumpur includes rent, groceries, transportation, utilities and other everyday expenses. Housing is usually one of the largest parts of the monthly budget.
Rent and Housing Costs in Kuala Lumpur
A one-bedroom apartment outside the city center costs approximately $350 per month, while a one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $550. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $1,200 per month.
Average Salary in Kuala Lumpur
The average net salary in Kuala Lumpur is approximately $1,200 per month. Purchasing power is rated 62out of 100.
Is Kuala Lumpur Expensive to Live In?
With a cost of living index of 38,Kuala Lumpur is less expensive than the New York City benchmark. Housing, groceries and transportation are important factors when comparing the total monthly cost.
Quality of Life in Kuala Lumpur
Safety
Kuala Lumpur has a safety score of 60/100. Safety is one of the factors to consider when comparing living costs and choosing a city.
Healthcare
Healthcare in Kuala Lumpur is rated 72/100. Healthcare access and medical costs can affect the total monthly budget for residents and families.
Climate
The climate index for Kuala Lumpur is 55/100. Climate and seasonal conditions can influence housing, transport and lifestyle expenses.
Purchasing Power
Kuala Lumpur has a purchasing power score of 62/100. Comparing salary levels with living expenses provides a better picture of affordability than looking at rent alone.
Living in Kuala Lumpur
Cost of Living for Students
Students should budget for accommodation, food, transportation, utilities and study expenses. Shared housing and public transportation may reduce monthly expenses.
Cost of Living for Expats
Expats considering Kuala Lumpur should compare rent, healthcare, transportation, taxes, groceries and salary levels before relocating.
Cost of Living for Remote Workers
Remote workers can compare housing, transportation, internet, food and purchasing power to estimate whether Kuala Lumpur fits their monthly budget.
Is Kuala Lumpur Affordable?
Affordability depends on income and housing choices. The cost index of 38provides a useful benchmark when comparing Kuala Lumpur with other cities.
Key Cost of Living Facts for Kuala Lumpur
- Average Monthly Cost
- $1,200
- Cost Index
- 38
- Rent Index
- 32
- Average Net Salary
- $1,200
- Quality of Life
- 74/100
- Safety
- 60/100
- Healthcare
- 72/100
- Currency
- MYR
Frequently Asked Questions About Kuala Lumpur
What is the cost of living in Kuala Lumpur?
The estimated cost of living in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, is approximately $1,200 per month for one person. This estimate includes major living expenses such as housing, food, transportation and utilities.
How much is rent in Kuala Lumpur?
A one-bedroom apartment outside the center costs approximately $350 per month, while a one-bedroom apartment in the center costs about $550.
Is Kuala Lumpur expensive to live in?
Kuala Lumpur has a cost index of 38 compared with New York City's benchmark of 100. The overall affordability depends on housing, salary and lifestyle.
What is the average salary in Kuala Lumpur?
The average net salary in Kuala Lumpur is approximately $1,200 per month.
Is Kuala Lumpur good for expats?
Expats should evaluate housing, salaries, transportation, healthcare, safety and quality of life before deciding whether Kuala Lumpur is suitable for relocation.