Cost of living in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Summary of cost of living in Kuala Lumpur

  • Family of four estimated monthly costs: RM10,380
  • Single person estimated monthly costs: RM4,756
    • WARNING!  These estimates are based on data that may have some inconsistencies at the moment. They already provide a decent estimate but they are not currently bullet-proof.

List of prices in Kuala Lumpur
Current as of Jul 2025.

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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) RM20
500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast RM12
1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk RM9
12 eggs, large RM12
1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes RM6
500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese RM28
1 kg (2 lb.) of apples RM15
1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes RM5.64
0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket RM13
1 bottle of red table wine, good quality RM73
2 liters of coca-cola RM6
Bread for 2 people for 1 day RM4.59
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Housing Update prices
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area RM3,466
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area RM2,259
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat RM237
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area RM2,681
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area RM1,593
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio RM166
Internet 8 mbps (1 month) RM102
40” flat screen tv RM1,390
Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) RM386
Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) RM25
Hourly rate for cleaning help RM35
Clothes Update prices
1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) RM247
1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) RM153
1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands) RM468
1 pair of men’s leather business shoes RM466
Transportation Update prices
Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new RM150,590
1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas RM2.48
Monthly ticket public transport RM105
Taxi trip on a business day, basic tariff, 8 km. (5 miles) RM34
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Personal Care Update prices
Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands) RM14
1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) RM26
Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) RM88
1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, ...) RM26
Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) RM14
Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) RM15
4 rolls of toilet paper RM7
Tube of toothpaste RM10
Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city RM32
Entertainment Update prices
Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub RM98
2 tickets to the movies RM40
2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) RM207
Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert RM194
1 cocktail drink in downtown club RM38
Cappuccino in expat area of the city RM14
1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) RM23
Ipad wi-fi 128gb RM2,159
1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) RM0.46
1 month of gym membership in business district RM247
1 package of marlboro cigarettes RM18
Some of these prices have some inconsistencies. They already provide a reliable comparison but they are not bullet-proof. They are based on 409 prices entered by 51 different people.
Latest price update: July 08, 2025

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