Cost of living in Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur, the vibrant capital of Malaysia, is known for its bustling city life and cultural diversity. Understanding the cost of living in this dynamic city is crucial for both residents and newcomers.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Kuala Lumpur, including housing, dining, transportation, and more, to help you plan your budget effectively.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $4.48 on average, with a range between $2.24 and $6.71.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $26.85, with prices ranging from $15.67 to $67.14.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $4.48, with a range between $4.03 and $5.59.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $2.69 to $7.39, imported beer $3.8 to $7.83, cappuccino $1.57 to $4.03, and Coke/Pepsi $0.56 to $1.34.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $1.25 and $2.46 per liter, averaging $1.85.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $0.67 and $4.03, with an average price of $0.93.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.07 to $3.22, averaging $2.22.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $1.34 to $3.36 per kg, while oranges range from $1.12 to $4.48 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $0.45 and $1.99 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.67 to $1.79 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $0.45 and $1.12, with a monthly pass priced between $11.19 and $22.38.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.46 and $0.58 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $0.67, with a cost of $0.9 to $1.34 per km and $3.36 to $4.92 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $324.49 to $783.26, averaging $477.9.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $223.79 to $559.47, averaging $351.67.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $671.37 to $1678.42, averaging $1024.8.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $402.82 to $1007.05, averaging $577.37.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $2014.1 to $4817.68, averaging $2874.08.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $1083.98 to $1686.19, averaging $1359.14.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $38.04 and $114.13, averaging $61.73.
- Internet - Internet services range from $22.16 to $33.57, with an average cost of $24.71.
Cost of Living Rankings
Kuala Lumpur ranks 1st on the Cost of Living rankings in Malaysia. The cost of living indices for Malaysia are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in Malaysia, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.
Cost of Living Data
Restaurants
Restaurants
Markets
Markets
Transportation
Transportation
Rent Per Month
Rent Per Month
Utilities (Monthly)
Utilities (Monthly)
Sports And Leisure
Sports And Leisure
Clothing And Shoes
Clothing And Shoes
Buy Apartment Price
Buy Apartment Price
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Childcare
Childcare
"Key Takeaways"
Kuala Lumpur offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to many other major cities. Dining out is particularly economical, with inexpensive meals widely available.
Housing costs vary significantly depending on location, with city centre apartments being more expensive than those outside the centre.
Public transportation is cost-effective, and basic utilities are reasonably priced, making Kuala Lumpur an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Kuala Lumpur presents a balanced cost of living, with affordable dining and transportation options. While housing costs can vary, the overall expenses remain manageable for most residents.
Whether you're planning to move to Kuala Lumpur or just visiting, understanding these costs can help you budget effectively and enjoy all that this vibrant city has to offer.