Cost of Living in Kuala Lumpur - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $631 (excluding rent), and $1,072 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,428 (excluding rent), and $2,149 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$4.83 MYR 19.60

$2.42 MYR 9.82

$7.25 MYR 29.42

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$28.81 MYR 117

$16.81 MYR 68.2

$48.02 MYR 195

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$4.63 MYR 18.81

$4.17 MYR 16.93

$5.79 MYR 23.52

Cappuccino

$3.07 MYR 12.46

$1.42 MYR 5.76

$4.27 MYR 17.32

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.87 MYR 3.53

$0.58 MYR 2.36

$1.63 MYR 6.61

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.52 MYR 2.11

$0.36 MYR 1.45

$0.96 MYR 3.90

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$4.21 MYR 17.09

$2.57 MYR 10.44

$7.02 MYR 28.49

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$5.80 MYR 23.56

$3.95 MYR 16.04

$8.13 MYR 33.00

Milk (1 liter)

$2.00 MYR 8.12

$1.39 MYR 5.64

$2.55 MYR 10.36

White Bread (500g)

$1.00 MYR 4.07

$0.69 MYR 2.80

$2.30 MYR 9.32

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.67 MYR 6.77

$0.93 MYR 3.76

$2.55 MYR 10.37

Eggs

$2.27 MYR 9.20

$1.35 MYR 5.47

$3.46 MYR 14.05

Local Cheese (1kg)

$14.87 MYR 60.4

$7.20 MYR 29.24

$33.85 MYR 137

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$4.51 MYR 18.32

$2.75 MYR 11.17

$6.87 MYR 27.91

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$9.85 MYR 39.99

$4.31 MYR 17.50

$14.37 MYR 58.4

Apples (1kg)

$2.87 MYR 11.64

$1.38 MYR 5.62

$3.70 MYR 15.03

Banana (1kg)

$1.59 MYR 6.45

$0.93 MYR 3.79

$2.34 MYR 9.52

Oranges (1kg)

$2.58 MYR 10.49

$1.15 MYR 4.65

$3.51 MYR 14.23

Tomato (1kg)

$1.46 MYR 5.91

$0.51 MYR 2.06

$2.31 MYR 9.36

Potato (1kg)

$1.23 MYR 5.01

$0.51 MYR 2.08

$2.33 MYR 9.46

Onion (1kg)

$1.35 MYR 5.46

$0.70 MYR 2.83

$2.32 MYR 9.41

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.16 MYR 4.71

$0.69 MYR 2.81

$1.84 MYR 7.48

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.67 MYR 2.71

$0.36 MYR 1.46

$1.09 MYR 4.42

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$4.17 MYR 16.92

$4.03 MYR 16.36

$5.10 MYR 20.71

Wine (Bottle)

$18.47 MYR 75.0

$12.32 MYR 50.0

$31.53 MYR 128

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$3.41 MYR 13.84

$1.95 MYR 7.90

$4.37 MYR 17.73

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$4.28 MYR 17.39

$2.33 MYR 9.48

$6.76 MYR 27.43

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.72 MYR 2.94

$0.48 MYR 1.95

$1.20 MYR 4.88

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$11.94 MYR 48.47

$23.89 MYR 97.0

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$1.21 MYR 4.93

$0.73 MYR 2.96

$1.45 MYR 5.89

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.11 MYR 4.50

$0.89 MYR 3.62

$1.33 MYR 5.39

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$4.79 MYR 19.43

$3.60 MYR 14.61

$5.27 MYR 21.41

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.48 MYR 1.95

$0.46 MYR 1.87

$0.68 MYR 2.78

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$40.7K MYR 165.3K

$35.9K MYR 145.9K

$43.1K MYR 175.1K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$32.0K MYR 129.7K

$30.3K MYR 122.9K

$34.2K MYR 138.8K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$64.5 MYR 262

$37.75 MYR 153

$94.4 MYR 383

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$11.58 MYR 47.01

$5.94 MYR 24.12

$23.77 MYR 96.5

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$25.61 MYR 104

$22.62 MYR 91.8

$35.30 MYR 143

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$46.05 MYR 187

$23.49 MYR 95.4

$64.6 MYR 262

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$8.01 MYR 32.52

$3.64 MYR 14.76

$9.68 MYR 39.32

Cinema Ticket

$5.35 MYR 21.70

$4.37 MYR 17.73

$7.28 MYR 29.57

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$266 MYR 1,080

$141 MYR 572

$469 MYR 1,905

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$9,472 MYR 38.5K

$5,683 MYR 23.1K

$18.9K MYR 76.9K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$61.3 MYR 249

$35.63 MYR 145

$83.2 MYR 338

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$36.95 MYR 150

$16.33 MYR 66.3

$58.3 MYR 237

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$86.8 MYR 353

$59.5 MYR 242

$119 MYR 483

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$80.0 MYR 325

$46.83 MYR 190

$117 MYR 475

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$578 MYR 2,346

$357 MYR 1,451

$953 MYR 3,869

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$365 MYR 1,482

$233 MYR 945

$512 MYR 2,078

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,055 MYR 4,284

$814 MYR 3,306

$1,629 MYR 6,612

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$646 MYR 2,623

$432 MYR 1,752

$1,172 MYR 4,759

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$3,619 MYR 14.7K

$2,176 MYR 8,834

$5,205 MYR 21.1K

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$1,550 MYR 6,294

$1,381 MYR 5,608

$1,889 MYR 7,668

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$1,500 MYR 6,090

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

4.47

3.6

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: January 12, 2026

Kuala Lumpur Median Internet Speeds (Updated December 2025)

Mobile

Mbps

Fixed Broadband

257

Mbps

122

Mbps

The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

⛩️ Asia

Cost of Living in Kuala Lumpur - Frequently Asked Questions

Compared with many regional capitals, Kuala Lumpur offers a balanced mix of modern amenities and affordable everyday costs. The Cost of Living in Kuala Lumpur tends to be appealing for digital nomads who value fast internet, coworking spaces, diverse dining, and reliable public transit without a heavy price tag. Neighborhood choices – from central Bukit Bintang and KLCC to leafy suburbs like Mont'Kiara or Cheras – shape your budget and lifestyle. You’ll find value in street food, markets, and transit fares, while longer-term housing can save you money if you opt for compounds or shared flats. Tip: Start with a two-week stay in a few neighborhoods to gauge vibe and commutes.

Kuala Lumpur living cost varies by neighborhood, with central districts offering convenience but higher rents, while more affordable pockets reduce housing bills. You will find a range of housing: high-rise condos near transit, serviced apartments for short stays, and room shares that help budgets. Food is incredibly versatile – from hawker stalls to international groceries – so you can eat well without overspending. Transport is easy via LRT, MRT, and buses, and rideshares stay affordable for nightly outings. For errands and coworking, target areas around major transit hubs and shopping belts for best access. Tip: Use a local SIM and transport apps to plan routes and save time.

Quality of life in Kuala Lumpur blends affordability with modern conveniences. A simple budgeting framework – split your month into housing, groceries, transport, and leisure – helps you stay on track as you settle in. Save by cooking at home, batching errands, and choosing coworking spaces with day passes instead of full memberships. Neighborhood fit matters: central districts suit nightlife and international cuisines, while suburban pockets offer more space and calmer mornings. Seasonality is light for climate, but expect heavy rain at certain times; plan indoor activities and flexible work hours accordingly. Tip: test multiple neighborhoods during a month-long stay to find your best balance.