Malaysians can sometimes take living in our country for granted. While there are some issues which can be worked on, it is not all bad either. Still, it can be hard for us to believe that the capital, Kuala Lumpur, is actually a great place to live. Especially if you want to lead a comfy but low-cost life. Yet, it seems that it is indeed the case!
A recent study by HR and financial consulting firm Mercer has ranked KL as one of the world’s most affordable cities, offering a unique blend of modern amenities and low living costs that attract expats from all around the world. The study puts KL on par as world-class cities like Warsaw, Poland and Montreal, Canada. As astonishing as it is, KL can compete with these cities in terms of lifestyle.
Living costs in KL
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The report based its findings on how much money a person needs to live comfortably in that particular city. For the case of KL, the study stated that a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs around RM2,340 monthly. Unsurprisingly, your marital status also affects how much you need to survive. For singles, monthly expenses excluding rent amount to approximately RM2,690, while a family of four can live comfortably on about RM9,540.
Diverse and affordable dining
The study also noted that KL’s rich cultural diversity ensures that people living in the city always have access to a wide variety of dining options. A three-course meal for two in a nice restaurant costs around RM127, apparently. Meanwhile, a cappuccino is priced at RM13.50. Staying fit is also affordable, with gym memberships averaging RM204 per month. So, what’s your reason for not going to the gym, hmm?
Challenges of living in KL
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Despite its affordability, the study noted that KL has some drawbacks. The city’s entertainment scene is not as extensive as neighbouring cities. Bangkok and Singapore come to mind. And because of local circumstances, alcohol prices are relatively high when compared to other places. Additionally, customer service here is considered to be slow, requiring patience from residents and foreign visitors alike.
What do we think?
While this may all be true, it doesn’t change the fact that many Malaysians are feeling the pinch as salaries stay stagnant and the price of essentials keeps going up. KL may be affordable for expats earning foreign currency but the city can be a pricey affair for locals, especially those coming from less-developed parts of the country. Nevertheless, we can hope for the best and maybe given some time and luck, Kuala Lumpur might be an ever better place than it is now.
You should also check out: Why travel overseas? Kuala Lumpur’s ranked 2nd on TripAdvisor’s Trending Destinations 2025 list
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