Inflation: -1.7% for Malaysia as at November 2020. Some expats say that there’s limited things to do in KL, and there’s some truth in that. Hours of operation of the LRT in Kuala Lumpur are from 6:00 am to 11:30 or 12 pm, depending on the station. It’s worth bearing in mind that travelling within Malaysia is generally more expensive than other places in SE Asia, but it’s still not on par with the Western world. Renting a home in Kuala Lumpur is easy and quick. As a foodie, I admit to being a tad disappointed with offerings when I first arrived to Kuala Lumpur. Below is the list of all the observations we made about life in Kuala Lumpur. The cost of renting an apartment here starts from 1300 ringgit (€282 or $310) and 560 ringgit (€121.5 or $136) for a room. The Disadvantages of Being an Expat in Malaysia It’s often the case that some of the disadvantages aren’t realized until you settled down in your new country. Only last year (2017), Kuala Lumpur was named ‘the most expat friendly city in Asia’ by Internations and ‘the second most liveable city in Southeast Asia’ according to Mercer. The main stations where you can make a transfer are the KL Sentral and Masjid Jamek stations. To me, KL in some way reminds Doha in Qatar. Being based in SE Asia of course has cut the costs of living coming from Melbourne. Especially if you rent an apartment far from the metro or bus stop. It also has a balcony and access to (don’t hate me) : an Olympic sized swimming pool, 2 additional secluded pools, a gym, tennis court, squash court, badminton court, sauna, jacuzzi, 2 allocated parking spaces and a herb garden. Now for the Disadvantages of Living in Penang Island Time. ), the facilities provided in the house (e.g. Events and things going on in the city are often limited and advertised late, so we’ve learnt to keep our ears close to the ground to find out about them and make our own fun. By the way, Malaysia is a Muslim country, so all supermarkets have a halal department. Here are my favourite local eats in the city! The median after-tax salary is $973, which is enough to cover living expenses for 1.3 months.Ranked 652nd (TOP 8%) in the list of best places to live in the world and 4th best city to live in Malaysia. Expats usually live in KLCC – Kuala Lumpur City Center. That makes it far more affordable than most. When you get tired of eating Asian food, you can find European. All Rights Reserved. And nor would it feel good. $700 AUD or £460 GBP.) It’s hard to find a specific camera or laptop and even if you do, the prices are higher compared to Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. Lviv Districts: Where to Rent an Apartment in Lviv For a Long & Short Stay, Life in Ukraine: Things You Should Know And Things To Expect, Moving to Kentucky? Rent in Kuala Lumpur is, on average, 86.15% lower than in New York. And they are not really expensive. A family costs: $2,898 per month. Coffee costs: $2.48. We learned about the cultural divide between ethnic groups within Malaysia when searching for jobs. I’m not saying imported items aren’t expensive in other places in Malaysia… Alcohol is also expensive: a glass of wine costs an average of 35 ringgit (€7.6 or $8.4). City buses in Kuala Lumpur, by far, are the weakest link in the city’s public transport network, despite many routes and low fares. And it very much is. As well as being genuinely friendly, humble and kind, local KL-ites have made me feel really welcome as an expat in their country. Earlier this year I was based in Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia. How To Get To Koh Phangan from Bangkok & Kuala Lumpur, An Insiders Guide to: The Best Areas to Live in Kuala Lumpur, Jungle Hiking in Kuala Lumpur – Bukit Kiara Trail Guide, 10 Things To See & Do in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (2020). I couldn’t imagine having the same in London or Melbourne compared to what we have here, unless we were on a 6 figure salary, and even then it would be a struggle. Kuala Lumpur is 71% cheaper than New York City. On their website, you can find routes, timetables, fares, prices as well as the Journey Planner system which lets you plan your route and tells exactly which transportation to take and how much it will cost. Interested to learn more? During rush hour, long lines near machines are possible. Enjoying warm sunny days is one thing, but being able to tolerate waves of heat and humidity is a totally different story. And then during our time there, we learned that those expats who move to the capital of Malaysia usually have the same reasons. It becomes a real problem when you need to wear a suit to your work and spend a lot of time away from AC. I am not exaggerating. Expats have higher salaries because all of them are mainly highly qualified specialists. No matter what clothes you put on, be ready to sweat once you step outside. KL Monorail runs in the very center of the city that is very convenient for tourists. Mark and I were trying to stick to home-cooked meals and only occasionally dined out. The Malaysian government has encouraged foreigners to retire in Malaysia, as a fixed income can go a long way here. I believe it should be a number one point for anyone who is considering to live in Kuala Lumpur as an expat. Even whilst saving, I’ve managed 10 getaways. Most metro stations are aboveground and only a few are underground. If possible, I’d always suggest visiting before taking the leap to relocate your whole life. The capital Kuala Lumpur also pulls in huge numbers of working expats looking for an adventure. local sitting right here Check out my post on top eats in KL). Some others have a public patio, garden, and even its own grocery store. Almost all condominiums have pools (although not on the rooftop), gyms, private parking and security. KTM trains leave every 10-15 minutes. The meat is expensive because it is imported from Australia. Die Urban Living Residence begrüßt Sie in Kuala Lumpur, 7 km vom Tempel Thean Hou und 9 km vom Islamischen Kunstmuseum Malaysia entfernt. Life in Kuala Lumpur differs a lot from the rest of the country and in some ways resembles the most modern cities in the world. Required fields are marked *, During the last 10 years, we’ve had careers that enabled us to live and travel abroad. TIP: The apartment lease must be stamped at a special real estate agency. It’s seriously been the best! You can purchase tickets for a period of one day to a month in special kiosks and vending machines. "Brace for the heat. In comparison to KL, I live in a 120 m2 three-bedroom flat in one of the most exclusive expat neighbourhoods for 2’300 RM per month (approx. In Melbs all we could afford in a year was taking a budget long-weekend trip to the Great Ocean Road (which was epic though btw!). Oh my, we have even found a huge food court offering Russian dumplings and lesser-known Ukrainian foods. Income tax is calculated on a regressive scale. And that’s true. Howbeit, until this day some job applications are openly saying that the employer is looking for a particular gender, ethnic or age group to join their team. Note that we did manage to bag a “g r e a t” deal on our  particular apartment (ones in this block usually start from at least 3’5000). The downfall of Kuala Lumpur’s quickly expanding city is the amount of traffic. Whilst it took me time to adjust my palate to all varieties of local flavours (ikan bilis, I’m looking at you!) Summary about cost of living in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: Family of four estimated monthly costs are 1,808.99$ (7,320.98RM) without rent (using our estimator). You should estimate about RM300-600 (US$94-188)for your accommodation per month. Most public transport in Kuala Lumpur is owned by the government company RapidKL. Ever wondered how a normal day in my life looks like? Read Our Story page, 27 Seriously Cool Jobs That Require Travel, More Than 50 Vital Travel Tips For Barcelona, 6 Hikes in Montenegro That Will Leave You Speechless, Best Areas in Istanbul: What to Expect From Istanbul Neighborhoods, Price of an Apartment for Rent in Kuala Lumpur, What to Remember When Thinking About Moving and Living in Kuala Lumpur. Though Kuala Lumpur is the most expensive city in the country, housing is extremely affordable compared to North America. When it’s raining (what happens often) or is simply too hot (what happens even more often), you’ll want to stay inside with AC round the clock. One of the most frequent complaints from those living here is that Malaysia can be a bit gritty. Unfortunately, age, gender, and ethnicity still matters in many cases when applying for a job or trying to rent a home (perhaps in some other situations too.) Because local people treat representatives of other cultures with respect and without strict requirements for a dress code. WLAN nutzen Sie kostenfrei und Privatparkplätze können gegen Aufpreis arrangiert werden. Since 2017 we went remote with a goal to live in more countries around the world and find a place we can eventually call home. This is mainly because of the EPF. They are everywhere and it feels like people are living in them. For example my rent has more than halved. Quite often ideas supporting inequality are veiled. when I did, I had to pull myself away so I didn’t develop an uncomfortable muffin top! KTM opening hours in Kuala Lumpur are from 5:30 to 0:00. EPF is the Malaysian pension scheme. Located within 4.1 miles of Thean Hou Temple and 6 miles of Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia, Urban Living Residence provides rooms in Kuala Lumpur. Are you keen to make the move too? The rest of the time though, we were hitting the Asian eateries! Traffic, as in any other large city, is horrendous, but taking a cab or a bus doesn’t mean you will be avoiding it. Numerous hotels and more expensive condominiums constantly offer usage of pools, bars, and restaurants to outside guests. I know it will sound cliche but let me say it. When we were thinking to move and live in Kuala Lumpur, we were asking the same question. Sticky shorts and sweat streams through the body may not be of your concern if you are spending time in any tropical country, including Malaysia, as a traveler. 1. 86 Ways to Make Money Online. Here is your chance. Malaysia is a lot more reserved, or at least its all happening behind closed doors, not openly, well at least thats one good thing about living in a Muslim Country. Another observation is about the malls in Kuala Lumpur. Featuring family rooms, this property also provides guests with a terrace. Even better than Melbourne, and I don’t say that lightly. In general, Kuala Lumpur reminds me of Istanbul when it comes to religion. Depending on the price of your rent, the variety of amenities is going to differ from one complex to another. In our opinion, yes and no, and should depend on your budget. It’s still full of concrete and condos, but from virtually every peak you can see the jungle that surrounds the city and there are large pockets to explore within. In this article I’ll break down why I think KL is an easy and enjoyable place for expats to live, and in another post I’ve written about the ‘other side’ of living & teaching in KL where I’ve opened up about a few challenges. For 2500 ringgit (€542.5 or $598) you can rent a studio with an area of ​​33 square meters in an elite residential complex with everything I mentioned above. It costs about 72% less to rent in Kuala Lumpur than it does to rent or own a home in the United States. A single traveler costs: $1,306 per month. For more insights check the list of average prices of Restaurants, Markets, Transportation, Utilities, and 40 more categories. I seriously can’t complain about the number of vacations and weekend trips I’ve taken this year. As most of you know I am living in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and working here. A lot of expats and locals love hitting those places at the end of the working day or during the weekends. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s capital, is a bustling mix of culture, fun, and food. Many expats I’ve known renew their contracts and stay for longer, and some never leave. All rooms are en-suite with an additional bathroom. You’d be surprised at how many Europeans, Australians and Americans call KL home. And trust me, you won’t be having time and desire to do sightseeing on a regular basis. Your best bet is to head to places that are busy, or you’ve only got to ask the locals (hey! If you are in those areas, feel free to hop on them too. The standard tax rate on goods and services is 0% from June 1, 2018. We personally were using Uber. For some who have never lived in Southeast Asia before, then the initial culture shock or adjustment period may be greater than I experienced. Yes? Lively music, freshly squeezed juice and cool vibes at the rooftop bar help to refresh the energy. Usually, the realtor does it but you need to double-check on that. If you are also in search, take a look. The quality of life vs cost and ease of living make it so. There are various cafes with steaks, burgers, pizzas, and pasta. On this blog, her main goal is to inspire others to travel to under-the-radar-places and discover the world while working remotely. In this Expat Interview, Claire shares her expat life in this city, so you can have a general view about living in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.. About Kuala Lumpur. Generally, everyday life is convenient and easy, particularly compared to other Asian countries. Sometimes even walk from the gate of your apartment complex to the bus or subway stop can make you break an awful prickly pit sweat. Also sprawled over town are many well-maintained parks for strolling on those lazy Sundays, which were largely formed during the colonial days. A friend who relocated to KL here before I did described life in the city as ‘expat living for dummies’ because it’s so easy. A lot of our friends who live in KL use Mudah.my site to find a flat. Since leaving London it’s been hard to keep me in one place for longer than 12 months, but KL’s liveability is proving greater than most other cities I’ve called home. Our favourite Mediterranean & French haunts looked after us well for our fix of Western fare. While Kuala Lumpur only rates 84th out of 230 cities in the Mercer quality of living survey 2015, there is a well-developed infrastructure for expats living in Kuala Lumpur. This is a new hobby I picked up as my condo sits in front of Bukit Kiara and I don’t have a park nearby. I mean, who doesn’t like to come home after a long day in the office and hit the jacuzzi for some therapy? Kuala Lumpur strives to become second Singapore in organizing urban development, business development and economic growth. Go KL buses run on four routes every 5-15 minutes from 6:00 to 23:00 (Friday and Saturday until 01:00). #3 The mighty rainy season If you’re planning to live long-term in Bali, there’s no way to avoid the rainy season. Those who want something more interesting can find a lot of other different Asian foods: Thai, Indonesian, Indian, Chinese, Japanese, etc. Nevertheless, in moderation, pulling up a plastic chair at a casual kopitiam or mamak is an experience enjoyed by many expats in KL. Honestly, it is very uncomfortable. Your email address will not be published. Another expense you have is a housing tax. Local food in Kuala Lumpur is usually rice with chicken in different variations or noodles with chicken. All of them are alike. Due to the climate, it’s difficult to be spending lots of time outdoors. Time does fly when you’re having fun! There is a lot to choose from and prices range between 15-35 ringgit for breakfast and 8-12 ringgit for a coffee drink. Groceries in Kuala Lumpur are quite inexpensive, and you should have no problem eating exceptionally well for under $200 a month. 1 ringgit = $0.24 or €0.22. They are a hub for retail and entertainment, with some hip ones keeping you in check with local designers and the arts. In Melbourne, I lived in a cosy 70 m2 one -bedroom flat in one of the most liveable suburbs for $2000 AUD per month (approx. (Without bragging) I’ve been kitesurfing in Koh Phangan and to Cambodia, where I nearly kitesurfed (for the lack of wind). For instance, a very nice studio in a simpler house will cost around 1700-1800 ringgit. Diese Unterkunft bietet Familienzimmer und eine Terrasse. If you are coming to Kuala Lumpur as a digital nomad or with a goal to find a job and live as an expat, most likely you will be renting an apartment in a multi-store condominium. If you do it, expect to pay about 460 ringgit (€100 or $110) for the installation and 52 ringgit (€11.3 or $12.5) a month for usage. Whilst statistical data doesn’t tell you everything, like how you’ll feel in a place or how your personal experiences will pan out, it is a good indicator into potential liveability. Monthly rent costs: $619 per month. No one will ever be hungry there. Imported Items are Expensive. I have family currently living in Kuala Lumpur, so it’s familiar to me. Kuala Lumpur: Kuala Lumpur (KL) is the capital and largest city of Malaysia. £1100 GBP.) Also, remember, if you signed a contract where it says you are supposed to live until the end of the calendar year, and you decide to move out in October, you will have to pay for the remaining 2 months. This thing is real, and not only regarding the race. Your email address will not be published. Two KTM lines connect the central, northern and southern parts of Kuala Lumpur with suburban areas. The Sailor and I probably ate our weight in Pho over the past year and we’ve eaten some of the best Indian and Modern Asian food of our lives – in fact, I take that back. But as it turns out, most of these places weren’t typical Malaysian restaurants and I just picked the wrong places to dine. If that’s too much outdoorsy stuff for you in the humid heat, then the city offers many malls and markets to cool down in. Normally I’m rubbish at saving, but this system is ideal for folks like me as you can’t withdraw it until you leave! Almost all apartment complexes have a gym, pool, barbecue area, cool common lounge, security desk, and office. After a few unsuccessful attempts to find a taxi with a meter on, we switched to Uber completely and every time we were happy with the service. Park-life here is a bit different to back home, in an endearing way. If you are living in Kuala Lumpur, spending lots of time in the mall is going to become your daily routine. But most of them are located on the outskirts or outside the city and you would need to have some type of vehicle to travel to those destinations. The city is quite modern and open-minded, and even some local people are more relaxed about their own style, not to say about foreigners’. - Kuala Lumpur became established as a town in the mid-1850s, founded … Standards are much more Western than other places in the region and the language barriers are few. Most expats live in condos that have all of the extra facilities, like swimming pools and jacuzzis. I thought I was qualified enough to apply. Check out: Copyrights © 2020 TravelMermaid.com. Awful. It was in a great location with a lovely park nearby, and came with a small garden. As someone who has considered relocating to KL, I appreciate your insight. On average, 200 ringgit (€43.5 or $48) goes for a studio if using an air conditioner at night and a washing machine a couple of times a week and drying clothes twice a month. With a rather modest, especially for the capital, size of the city, a lot of people wonder how everything can be combined here so well. The monthly cost for groceries. Although only within the 2%, the expat bubble in Kuala Lumpur is big. One thing I do cherish about living here is access to 365 pool days per year and 30°C + average temperatures. Just in the beginning, after landing in Kuala Lumpur after three long months in Vietnam we took advantage of local culinary masterwork. Problems with burglars and pick pockets (in some areas at least). For me, the biggest downside is accountability and customer support. She is working online and that’s why has an opportunity to travel slowly and live in different countries around the world. Anya is originally from Ukraine but in heart she is a citizen of the world. Either you crave some Malaysian coconut rice, Mediterranean hummus, Indian curry or Western-style burger, you’ll be able to find it in the capital of Malaysia. For all of those other days, KL is generously filled with pretty much every world cuisine. The people here are friendly and always ready to help. Prices, as probably everywhere else, depend on the length of your stay. I’ve visited Sri Lanka, Langkawi & Koh Lipe over Christmas, took my first visit to Vietnam and chilled in the Perhentian Islands – to name a few. Opening hours of KL Monorail are from 6:00 am to 11:30 or 12 pm, depending on the station. Have you lived in Kuala Lumpur? Cost of Living in Kuala Lumpur Price of an Apartment for Rent in Kuala Lumpur When driving “in traffic jams” (which are quite frequent in Kuala Lumpur), payment is 3 ringgit (0.60 euros) for the first three minutes, then 0.30 ringgit (0.06 euros) for each minute. At night, the rate goes up slightly. Cost of living in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia is $756 and it seems affordable according to the average monthly salary which is $864. For comparison, the average salary of local residents is 4,000 ringgit ($957 or €870). But we thought they were mainly in downtown. with or without air-conditioning) and of course, the number of people sharing the room (or apartment or house). But in our experience, none of it was nearly as good as back home. There’s also usually a random iguana happily basking…you can see all of this fauna specifically at TTDI park. Highways, byways and regular roads in and around KL are in excellent condition. But there are several more stations where you can make a transfer. These dishes will cost a bit more but still very reasonable prices, especially for someone who comes from the western world country. Chillaxing moments near the pool help to escape the heat. Kuala Lumpur is of one the top city in Malaysia, the city is also known for its culture, traditions and job opportunities that welcomes expats & students for jobs and education. - CON: Heavy traffic on a daily basis. And to be able to spend a year or two in one of the safest countries in Asia as expats while exploring the Southeast Asia continent. For the same amount, you can rent a two-story apartment in a new but more basic and simple building. This means that there’s always some form of celebration going on in the city, as well as many Bank Holidays to accommodate them (always a bonus.). Definitely not everyone’s cup of tea. Even so, the exact amount you’ll spend will depend mostly on where you shop, as well as your … Malaysia is ideal for those who are tired of cold slushy winters and who want to have a western world lifestyle without paying much for it. The state currency in Malaysia is the ringgit. LRT rail has three lines that connect almost all of Kuala Lumpur. Ugh. Upon writing this post, I’m still amazed to have been living in Kuala Lumpur for a year and a half already. For us, KL looks very similar to many American cities where you can definitely survive without a car but having one is very helpful. Love it or hate it, but it is part of life in Kuala Lumpur. Thanks for sharing, I found this really helpful. How old you are, color of your eyes, the shape of your ears and your gender matters. From litter on the beaches and beside roads, trash in the ocean and floating down rivers, and bathrooms that would horrify even Freddy Krueger , it takes some time to adjust. Firstly, instead of dogs running around (who are either not allowed in, or must be on a leash due to Muslim laws) there are monkeys playing on the lawn. Free MEGA Guide. The fare on LRT, depending on the number of stations, varies from about 1 ringgit to 3 ringgit (0.20-0.60 euros). Malaysia is often described as being one of the most diverse countries in Asia and when we were living in Kuala Lumpur, it was easy to see why. Ticket is expensive at 55MR per person, if more than 2 persons taxi is cheaper. We would like to travel to Malaysia one day . Taxis are also plentiful around Kuala Lumpur and charge a low rate. I'm going to mention the disadvantages of studying in Malaysia in my own opinion. Really, it is understandable why. Kuala Lumpur is an ordinary Asian metropolis with not many special attractions. With the hundreds of thousands expats who call this city home, it’s not just us that feel this way. From experience, the people who live in your new place of residence can really make or break your time there. I’m also continuously intrigued by its melting pot of cultures, which makes Malaysia very different to any other SE Asian country. The reasons for that are serious traffic jams on the city streets, they are always crowded, there is no information in English, and the information about the routes is too confusing. When it comes to taxis in Kuala Lumpur, there are a few things to remember. Despite being a culturally blessed and well-developed city in Malaysia, there are a few things that one should be aware of while living in Kuala Lumpur. You’re not spoilt with entertainment or leisure options that you might encounter in London, Melbourne or New York, but that’s not to say you’ll be less full-filled. There will also be a swimming pool, gym and relaxation area but nothing extraordinary. - In the Malay language, Kuala Lumpur roughly translates to ‘muddy confluence’ or ‘muddy river’! The Sailor and I have also both been working full-time on expat salaries. Expect shopping malls, cinemas, hangouts with your peers at the pool or bar to become part of your life. At present time, she is living between Lviv, Ukraine and Istanbul, Turkey. Besides the rent, you need to pay for water and electricity every month (and sometimes for sewerage). Travelling from KL is so convenient. Disadvantages: Fairly segregated (heterogenic), locals live segregated (Indians, Chinese and Bumiputera). A single person costs: $1,066 per month. If you are from the U.S. and haven’t been to Kuala Lumpur yet, try to think about Florida in summer to understand what type of climate awaits you there. Compare the Cost of Living in Kuala Lumpur with any other city in the world. Other than that, not much to add. Food + 48%; Food in Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) is 48% more expensive than in Istanbul (Turkey) Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district: RM23 (42TL) 38TL + 11%: Combo … The longer you stay, the less you pay per month. Another excellent way to enjoy the city is in the jungle. Public transport plays an important role in Kuala Lumpur and by all means, is developed quite well. Cars clog up the roads every day between 7am and 9am and again from 4pm to 7pm. On the other hand, though, it’s somehow difficult to find a taxi driver in Kuala Lumpur who has his meter on (strange), especially in the area of ​​tourist attractions. Okay, so I’ve rarely done that, but quality pool-time over the weekend is a bonus. A tax rate of 30% applies to capital gains from operations with real estate owned by foreigners if the property was sold within four years from the date of purchase. And it’s pretty expensive. Have you ever visited? Fortunately on both occasions, Mercer has pulled it out of the bag for me. You need to pay it every six months and it’s about 100-150 ringgit. I came across your website a year or two ago and have been reading your amazing blog ever since. Someone on a budget can easily check out quite a few of them. Malaysia is ethnically diverse and being a member of a given ethnic group confers advantages and disadvantages… A typical health cover in Kuala Lumpur costs about $100-500 a year for one person, depending on the types of services offered. There are a lot of good housing options in this area. Additionally, you pay for Wifi to the landlord or set it up by yourself. On a cold day, it might drop to 26/27 after a storm. Buildings of different styles and eras stand next to each other, it can be unbearably hot and cloudy at the same time, and the population consists of more than ten different nationalities. However, this is the salary of auditors, web developers, and programmers. Food is often spicy and greasy, but it is always cheap. I would love to know if there is anything you can add to this list! As I’ve been bunny hopping from one country to the next over the past 7 years, it’s nice to find a place to settle for a while. 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Past, English remains an important language in the city the energy particularly...