Hey there, it's your friendly neighborhood expat here to talk about the cost of living in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Now, I know what you're thinking - "Is Kuala Lumpur expensive? Will I have to sell my left kidney to afford it?" But don't worry, it's not as bad as you might think.
First things first, let's talk about housing. Depending on your budget and preferences, you can find anything from a cozy studio apartment for around MYR 1,200 (around $500) a month to a luxurious penthouse for around MYR 3,000 (around $900) a month. Just be prepared to fork over a decent chunk of your salary for rent. But hey, at least you'll have a killer view of the city skyline. If you're looking to live in a more upscale area like Bangsar or Mont Kiara, you can expect to pay a pretty penny for rent. But if you're willing to venture a bit further out, you can find some really great deals.
My husband and I live in a fully furnished 3-bedroom apartment in Jalan Ipoh, and let me tell you, it's pretty sweet. We pay about MYR 1,800 (around $400) a month, which isn't too bad considering how spacious and stylish our place is. And the best part? The balcony has a killer view of the lake. Not too shabby, right? Next up, let's talk about food. Kuala Lumpur is a foodie paradise, with endless options ranging from street food to high-end restaurants. The good news is, you can find something to suit every budget. For example, you can get a delicious bowl of laksa (a spicy noodle soup) for as little as MYR 5 (around $1.20), or splurge on a fancy dinner at a fancy restaurant for around MYR 100 (around $24). It's all up to you and your wallet. But what about those pesky everyday expenses, like transportation and utilities? Well, Kuala Lumpur has a pretty efficient public transportation system, with buses, trains, and taxis all readily available. A one-way ticket on the LRT (light rail transit) will cost you about MYR 2 (around $0.50), and a taxi ride within the city can range from MYR 10-30 (around $2.50-$7.50).
As for utilities, we pay about MYR 200 (around $50) per month for electricity, water, and internet for two people.
So there you have it - the cost of living in Kuala Lumpur isn't as daunting as you might have thought. Sure, it's not as cheap as some other Southeast Asian cities, but it's definitely not as expensive as cities like London or New York. Plus, with all the amazing things there are to do and see in Kuala Lumpur, it's well worth it. Happy budgeting!