Cost of living in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Summary of cost of living in Kuala Lumpur

  • Family of four estimated monthly costs: RM9,741
  • Single person estimated monthly costs: RM4,799
  • Cost of living in Kuala Lumpur is cheaper than in 65% of cities in Asia (15 out of 23)
  • Cost of living in Kuala Lumpur is cheaper than in 92% of cities in the World (209 out of 227)
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List of prices in Kuala Lumpur
Current as of May 2023.

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Food Update prices
Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district RM23
Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) RM18
500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast RM10
1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk RM7
12 eggs, large RM9
1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes RM6
500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese RM27
1 kg (2 lb.) of apples RM10
1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes RM5.65
0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket RM11
1 bottle of red table wine, good quality RM79
2 liters of coca-cola RM4.78
Bread for 2 people for 1 day RM3.61
Housing Update prices
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area RM3,874
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area RM2,360
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat RM288
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area RM2,273
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area RM1,547
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio RM243
Internet 8 mbps (1 month) RM102
40” flat screen tv RM1,953
Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) RM393
Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) RM23
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) RM111
1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands) RM298
1 pair of men’s leather business shoes RM317
Transportation Update prices
Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new RM146,731
1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas RM2.07
Monthly ticket public transport RM76
Taxi trip on a business day, basic tariff, 8 km. (5 miles) RM26
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) RM66
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 RM40
Entertainment Update prices
Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub RM90
2 tickets to the movies RM34
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 RM185
1 cocktail drink in downtown club RM37
Cappuccino in expat area of the city RM15
1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) RM22
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 RM186
1 package of marlboro cigarettes RM18
These prices are based on abundant and consistent data. They are very reliable. They are based on 173 prices entered by 67 different people.
Latest price update: May 28, 2023

Moving to Kuala Lumpur with your children?

International Schools in Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur position in our World Ranking

the world
209th
out of 227
asia
15th
out of 23

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

the world
3rd
asia
1st
asia
1st
asia
4th

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