Southeast Asia Updated
Average Cost of Living in Kuala-Lumpur
The average cost of living in Kuala-Lumpur, Malaysia is $611 per month for a single person, and $1,797 per month for a family of four. A one-bedroom apartment rents for around $675 per month. The local average net salary is $1,656 per month.
Very affordable
Updated today
Index 13.9 · NYC = 100
Estimated monthly cost
- Single person
- $611 / month
- Family of 4
- $1,797 / mo
- Student
- $360 / mo
Includes rent, food, utilities, transport, and dining out. Excludes healthcare, taxes, and discretionary travel.
Salary that covers life in Kuala-Lumpur
Adjust the household and see the gap or surplus vs. typical local pay.
Interactive
You need at least
$0 / month
Annual gross (25% tax)
$0
vs. local average net salary
$1,655.5 / month
On this page 11 sections
| Section | Description |
|---|---|
| Salary calculator for Kuala-Lumpur | Find out the monthly salary needed for a single, family, or student lifestyle. |
| Rent & Property Prices in Kuala-Lumpur | Apartment rent and property purchase price per square meter. |
| Grocery Prices in Kuala-Lumpur | Supermarket prices for staples like bread, milk, produce, and meat. |
| Public Transport & Car Costs in Kuala-Lumpur | Public transport tickets, taxi fares, fuel, and vehicle prices. |
| Utility & Internet Costs in Kuala-Lumpur | Monthly electricity, heating, water, mobile, and broadband bills. |
| Childcare & Preschool in Kuala-Lumpur | Preschool fees and international school tuition. |
| Clothing Prices in Kuala-Lumpur | Jeans, dresses, running shoes, and leather shoes from chain stores. |
| Gym, Cinema & Leisure in Kuala-Lumpur | Gym memberships, tennis court rentals, and cinema tickets. |
| Restaurant Prices in Kuala-Lumpur | Meals at inexpensive and mid-range restaurants, coffee, and soft drinks. |
| Salaries & Mortgages in Kuala-Lumpur | Average monthly net salary and mortgage interest rates. |
| Kuala-Lumpur FAQs | Common questions about rent, salaries, food, and transport in Kuala-Lumpur. |
Rent & Property Prices in Kuala-Lumpur
Apartment rent and property purchase price per square meter.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | $675 | $434 – $1,020 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre | $386 | $255 – $561 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | $1,295 | $765 – $2,040 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre | $724 | $510 – $1,275 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre | $4,271 | $2,550 – $6,886 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre | $1,513 | $1,405 – $2,196 |
- 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre $675$434 – $1,020
- 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre $386$255 – $561
- 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre $1,295$765 – $2,040
- 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre $724$510 – $1,275
- Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre $4,271$2,550 – $6,886
- Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre $1,513$1,405 – $2,196
Grocery Prices in Kuala-Lumpur
Supermarket prices for staples like bread, milk, produce, and meat.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Milk (Regular, 1 Liter) | $2.28 | $1.79 – $3.32 |
| Fresh White Bread (500 g Loaf) | $1.16 | $0.77 – $2.55 |
| White Rice (1 kg) | $1.81 | $0.89 – $3.06 |
| Eggs (12, Large Size) | $2.71 | $1.38 – $3.67 |
| Local Cheese (1 kg) | $16 | $6.63 – $38 |
| Chicken Fillets (1 kg) | $5.32 | $2.55 – $7.65 |
| Beef Round or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat (1 kg) | $10 | $7.65 – $13 |
| Apples (1 kg) | $3.49 | $1.53 – $5.10 |
| Bananas (1 kg) | $1.94 | $1.28 – $3.32 |
| Oranges (1 kg) | $2.58 | $1.02 – $5.10 |
| Tomatoes (1 kg) | $1.71 | $1.02 – $2.30 |
| Potatoes (1 kg) | $1.34 | $0.77 – $2.04 |
| Onions (1 kg) | $1.55 | $0.77 – $2.04 |
| Lettuce (1 Head) | $1.26 | $0.52 – $1.79 |
| Bottled Water (1.5 Liter) | $0.70 | $0.48 – $1.02 |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | $19 | $15 – $26 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter Bottle) | $3.56 | $1.53 – $5.10 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) | $5.33 | $2.55 – $7.65 |
| Cigarettes (Pack of 20, Marlboro) | $4.59 | $4.44 – $5.10 |
- Milk (Regular, 1 Liter) $2.28$1.79 – $3.32
- Fresh White Bread (500 g Loaf) $1.16$0.77 – $2.55
- White Rice (1 kg) $1.81$0.89 – $3.06
- Eggs (12, Large Size) $2.71$1.38 – $3.67
- Local Cheese (1 kg) $16$6.63 – $38
- Chicken Fillets (1 kg) $5.32$2.55 – $7.65
- Beef Round or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat (1 kg) $10$7.65 – $13
- Apples (1 kg) $3.49$1.53 – $5.10
- Bananas (1 kg) $1.94$1.28 – $3.32
- Oranges (1 kg) $2.58$1.02 – $5.10
- Tomatoes (1 kg) $1.71$1.02 – $2.30
- Potatoes (1 kg) $1.34$0.77 – $2.04
- Onions (1 kg) $1.55$0.77 – $2.04
- Lettuce (1 Head) $1.26$0.52 – $1.79
- Bottled Water (1.5 Liter) $0.70$0.48 – $1.02
- Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) $19$15 – $26
- Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter Bottle) $3.56$1.53 – $5.10
- Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) $5.33$2.55 – $7.65
- Cigarettes (Pack of 20, Marlboro) $4.59$4.44 – $5.10
Public Transport & Car Costs in Kuala-Lumpur
Public transport tickets, taxi fares, fuel, and vehicle prices.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| One-Way Ticket (Local Transport) | $0.77 | $0.64 – $1.02 |
| Monthly Public Transport Pass (Regular Price) | $13 | $13 – $23 |
| Taxi Start (Standard Tariff) | $1.28 | $0.77 – $1.53 |
| Taxi 1 km (Standard Tariff) | $1.28 | $1.02 – $1.53 |
| Taxi 1 Hour Waiting (Standard Tariff) | $5.10 | $4.08 – $7.65 |
| Gasoline (1 Liter) | $0.71 | $0.51 – $0.99 |
| Volkswagen Golf 1.5 (or Equivalent New Compact Car) | $43,499 | $43,356 – $45,907 |
| Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6 (or Equivalent New Mid-Size Car) | $36,274 | $35,705 – $36,980 |
- One-Way Ticket (Local Transport) $0.77$0.64 – $1.02
- Monthly Public Transport Pass (Regular Price) $13$13 – $23
- Taxi Start (Standard Tariff) $1.28$0.77 – $1.53
- Taxi 1 km (Standard Tariff) $1.28$1.02 – $1.53
- Taxi 1 Hour Waiting (Standard Tariff) $5.10$4.08 – $7.65
- Gasoline (1 Liter) $0.71$0.51 – $0.99
- Volkswagen Golf 1.5 (or Equivalent New Compact Car) $43,499$43,356 – $45,907
- Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6 (or Equivalent New Mid-Size Car) $36,274$35,705 – $36,980
Utility & Internet Costs in Kuala-Lumpur
Monthly electricity, heating, water, mobile, and broadband bills.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Utilities for 85 m2 Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) | $67 | $41 – $89 |
| Mobile Phone Plan (Monthly, with Calls and 10GB+ Data) | $9.17 | $6.38 – $15 |
| Broadband Internet (Unlimited Data, 60 Mbps or Higher) | $28 | $25 – $33 |
- Basic Utilities for 85 m2 Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) $67$41 – $89
- Mobile Phone Plan (Monthly, with Calls and 10GB+ Data) $9.17$6.38 – $15
- Broadband Internet (Unlimited Data, 60 Mbps or Higher) $28$25 – $33
Childcare & Preschool in Kuala-Lumpur
Preschool fees and international school tuition.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Private Full-Day Preschool or Kindergarten, Monthly Fee per Child | $294 | $204 – $392 |
| International Primary School, Annual Tuition per Child | $10,862 | $6,121 – $24,891 |
- Private Full-Day Preschool or Kindergarten, Monthly Fee per Child $294$204 – $392
- International Primary School, Annual Tuition per Child $10,862$6,121 – $24,891
Clothing Prices in Kuala-Lumpur
Jeans, dresses, running shoes, and leather shoes from chain stores.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Jeans (Levi's 501 or Similar) | $74 | $38 – $102 |
| Summer Dress in a Chain Store (e.g. Zara or H&M) | $43 | $15 – $51 |
| Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) | $92 | $64 – $140 |
| Men's Leather Business Shoes | $99 | $64 – $166 |
- Jeans (Levi's 501 or Similar) $74$38 – $102
- Summer Dress in a Chain Store (e.g. Zara or H&M) $43$15 – $51
- Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) $92$64 – $140
- Men's Leather Business Shoes $99$64 – $166
Gym, Cinema & Leisure in Kuala-Lumpur
Gym memberships, tennis court rentals, and cinema tickets.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Fitness Club Membership | $52 | $31 – $70 |
| Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend) | $6.82 | $3.06 – $10 |
| Cinema Ticket (International Release) | $5.36 | $4.59 – $8.93 |
- Monthly Fitness Club Membership $52$31 – $70
- Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend) $6.82$3.06 – $10
- Cinema Ticket (International Release) $5.36$4.59 – $8.93
Restaurant Prices in Kuala-Lumpur
Meals at inexpensive and mid-range restaurants, coffee, and soft drinks.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant | $5.10 | $2.55 – $6.38 |
| Meal for Two at a Mid-Range Restaurant (Three Courses, Without Drinks) | $31 | $20 – $77 |
| Combo Meal at McDonald's (or Equivalent Fast-Food Meal) | $5.10 | $4.59 – $6.38 |
| Domestic Draft Beer (0.5 Liter) | $4.59 | $3.06 – $7.65 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) | $6.38 | $3.83 – $8.93 |
| Cappuccino (Regular Size) | $3.31 | $2.04 – $3.83 |
| Soft Drink (Coca-Cola or Pepsi, 0.33 Liter Bottle) | $0.82 | $0.64 – $1.28 |
| Bottled Water (0.33 Liter) | $0.50 | $0.31 – $1.28 |
- Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant $5.10$2.55 – $6.38
- Meal for Two at a Mid-Range Restaurant (Three Courses, Without Drinks) $31$20 – $77
- Combo Meal at McDonald's (or Equivalent Fast-Food Meal) $5.10$4.59 – $6.38
- Domestic Draft Beer (0.5 Liter) $4.59$3.06 – $7.65
- Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) $6.38$3.83 – $8.93
- Cappuccino (Regular Size) $3.31$2.04 – $3.83
- Soft Drink (Coca-Cola or Pepsi, 0.33 Liter Bottle) $0.82$0.64 – $1.28
- Bottled Water (0.33 Liter) $0.50$0.31 – $1.28
Salaries & Mortgages in Kuala-Lumpur
Average monthly net salary and mortgage interest rates.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) | $1,656 | — |
| Annual Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed, in %) | 4.34% | — |
- Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) $1,656
- Annual Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed, in %) 4.34%
Compare Kuala-Lumpur with…
Pick any city to see costs side by side.
Related cities
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Malaysia
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$449
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Thailand
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Thailand
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Thailand
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$608
vs NYC
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Cambodia
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Monthly / 1 person
$630
vs NYC
14.3/100
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to live in Kuala-Lumpur?
- An estimated $611 per month covers rent, food, utilities, and transport for one person in Kuala-Lumpur. A family of four needs around $1,797 per month, while students living shared accommodation manage on roughly $360.
- How much money do I need to live in Kuala-Lumpur?
- Plan for at least $611 per month as a single person, $1,797 per month for a family of four, or $360 per month as a student in shared accommodation. Add 15–25% on top for taxes, savings, and discretionary spending — that's the salary you should be targeting before relocating to Kuala-Lumpur.
- What is the average rent in Kuala-Lumpur?
- A one-bedroom apartment in Kuala-Lumpur rents for around $675 per month, with three-bedroom apartments in the city centre around $1,295 per month. Prices vary depending on neighbourhood, building age, and furnishings.
- What is the average salary in Kuala-Lumpur?
- The average monthly net salary in Kuala-Lumpur is around $1,656. Whether that's enough to live comfortably depends on housing choice — rent typically claims 41% of a single-person paycheck.
- How much does food cost in Kuala-Lumpur?
- A meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Kuala-Lumpur costs around $5.10. Cooking at home, a single person spends roughly $51 per month on groceries. Staples like milk ($2.28/L) and bread ($1.16/500g) are typical.
- What is public transport like in Kuala-Lumpur?
- A monthly public transport pass in Kuala-Lumpur costs around $13. Cities with extensive metro and bus networks generally let residents skip car ownership entirely, particularly when commuting from areas outside the city centre.
- Is the internet expensive in Kuala-Lumpur?
- Unlimited broadband at 60 Mbps or higher in Kuala-Lumpur costs around $28 per month — useful context for remote workers comparing locations.