Cost of living in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Summary of cost of living in Kuala Lumpur

  • Family of four estimated monthly costs: RM9,501
  • Single person estimated monthly costs: RM4,567
  • Cost of living in Kuala Lumpur is cheaper than in 62% of cities in Asia (16 out of 26)
  • Cost of living in Kuala Lumpur is cheaper than in 83% of cities in the World (226 out of 271)
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List of prices in Kuala Lumpur
Current as of May 2022.

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Food Update prices
Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district RM14
Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) RM17
500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast RM8
1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk RM7
12 eggs, large RM11
1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes RM6
500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese RM21
1 kg (2 lb.) of apples RM11
1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes RM4.72
0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket RM12
1 bottle of red table wine, good quality RM81
2 liters of coca-cola RM4.87
Bread for 2 people for 1 day RM3.55
Housing Update prices
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area RM3,547
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area RM2,275
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat RM269
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area RM1,938
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area RM1,258
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio RM243
Internet 8 mbps (1 month) RM108
40” flat screen tv RM1,969
Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) RM396
Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) RM22
Hourly rate for cleaning help RM31
Clothes Update prices
1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) RM208
1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) RM123
1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands) RM279
1 pair of men’s leather business shoes RM239
Transportation Update prices
Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new RM162,423
1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas RM2.10
Monthly ticket public transport RM93
Taxi trip on a business day, basic tariff, 8 km. (5 miles) RM32
Personal Care Update prices
Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands) RM18
1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) RM25
Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) RM69
1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, ...) RM21
Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) RM10
Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) RM13
4 rolls of toilet paper RM7
Tube of toothpaste RM8
Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city RM42
Entertainment Update prices
Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub RM86
2 tickets to the movies RM35
2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) RM201
Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert RM81
1 cocktail drink in downtown club RM35
Cappuccino in expat area of the city RM12
1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) RM15
Ipad wi-fi 128gb RM1,985
1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) RM0.24
1 month of gym membership in business district RM166
1 package of marlboro cigarettes RM19
These prices are based on abundant and consistent data. They are very reliable. They are based on 341 prices entered by 46 different people.
Latest price update: May 24, 2022

Moving to Kuala Lumpur with your children?

International Schools in Kuala Lumpur

Did you know that ...

Kuala Lumpur position in our World Ranking

the world
226th
out of 271
asia
16th
out of 26

Cheapest and most expensive products in Kuala Lumpur compared to other cities:

the world
5th
asia
1st
asia
2nd
asia
2nd
asia
3rd
asia
4th

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Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI 150 CV (or equivalent), with no extras, new

in Kuala Lumpur?

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International Cost of Living Index

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Prices recently added

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