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Friday, January 25, 2013

Living Cost in KL - 2013


Before we decided to move to Kuala Lumpur, we did do a lot of research. One of it is the living cost in Kuala Lumpur. I search thru Google and found some websites that is writing about the living cost.
Here is some updates from what I have to pay in average per month, while living in Kuala Lumpur :


personal finance - funtimeguids prop

Rental Fee
The rental fee is very various, and depend on the area that we choose. If you are about to choose a nice Condo in KL nearby the KLCC area or Mont Kiara area, it will be around RM 2,500 to RM 4,000. 
Damansara, where I live now, the Condo Rent slightly cheaper than all of that area, around RM 2,000 to RM 3,500, but still it depends on the type of the condo itself, fully furnished, partly furnished or non furnished.

Electricity
The average bills that I paid is around RM 200 - RM 300 per month. Electricity usage in this country is still subsidized by the government. The biggest contributor for my electricity bill is the water heater, kettle and the vacuum cleaner. If using the dryer it will cost you more. 

Water
The water bill is very cheap, the highest that I paid is RM 50 for 2 months bill. So, it is only around RM 25 per month. This water usage also still subsidized by the government, even in some area, the government do  not charge for the water.

Internet
This service is the one that I loved the most, RM 150 for an unlimited services internet 24 hours using wifi, with a very fast and good connection. I never had this kind of connection before in Jakarta. I use the services from TM, the UNIFI one. Actually Unifi is a package of internet connection, phone and tv cable. But the internet is the best, the channel of the TV cable is not that much. 

TV Cable
TV Cable provider here is monopoly by Astro company. I just tried Astro this month, so I don't have the exact information about it. The rate that you have to pay is depend on the channel that you subscribe. Go to Astro.

Mobile Phone
This one is also very cheap. Me and My husband only spend RM 100 for both of our Blackberry, RM 50 each. So the complete Blackberry Services is RM 25, and the rest is for the calling purpose. There are lots of providers here, such as Digi, Celcom, Maxis, U-Mobile and Tune Card.

Groceries
This one must be different for each person. For my little family I usually spend around RM 500 - RM 600 for monthly groceries shopping. Please note that I am still buying the expensive milk for my son, the Pediasure 1.9 kg here is RM 160 something, so the rest is for family purpose. Other than that, I still spend around RM 150 for weekly groceries, contains of fruit, fish and vegetables.

Parking and Toll Fee  
In some area like KLCC or the heart of Kuala Lumpur, the parking fee is very expensive. RM 4 hourly !! I, once paid RM 22 only for parking..Hahaha.. But like Damansara area, RM 2 for the first 4 hours Totally different right.
Then the toll fee is still reasonable, RM 1 - RM 2,5. Sometimes the toll gave discount for the public holiday.

Petrol
Here the petrol price is controlled by the government, also still subsidized. The retail price for RON 97 is RM 2.60 per liter and the one that being subsidized RON 95 is RM 1.90 per liter. For my Petrol expense, I usually paid around RM 250 per month.

I think that's all that you need to know about the living cost in Kuala Lumpur. I may add some details if you needed more. 



34 comments:

  1. Damansara Condo around RM1500 only. Jangan lebay...

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  2. Thanks for sharing your experiences about life in KL. will it be good to move to KL near the university of malaya with a family of 3 for a monthly pay of RM5000? or it is too less ??

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Hamid,
      Great that you find this blog is useful. 5k a month, should be ok for 3 person, but it depends on the lifestyle you have :) Enjoy KL!

      Delete
    2. Can you please suggest a kindergarten school with English language as medium of instruction and suitable residential area near university of Malaya?

      Delete
    3. Actually there's a lot like that school. But the very nearby one with UM, I am not so sure :)

      Delete
  3. You have not mentioned Car Insurance, and Malaysian Medical insurance costs
    please add. Thank you

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Related to car insurance, the price is quite standard and will be depend on your car. Mine, a 10 year old car is around Rm 500 per year.

      But for the medical insurance, so sorry that I don't have the data since my husband company already cover all the insurance for us..

      Delete
  4. Thank you dear for the answer. No worries about the medical insurance, which I will Research from my end. Tanks for your efforts in putting a blog which to me was very useful. May you be and your Family blessed with long life in Malaysia.

    ReplyDelete
  5. nice blog,
    i am thinking of moving to KL for my education in 1 of the uni's there,
    what would be the avg budget for me,a single adult aprt from the university fees,like rent,eating out,using public busses and trains,can u give me an estimate
    thanks

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am so sorry I can't help to give you the budget estimation, because I live with my family. The number will be much different. Usually if you could get the dorm, you will save money from the rent fee, outside will be slightly higher than the college dorm. But for eating out and transport, I think MYR2k will be enough.

      Thanks :)

      Delete
  6. Hi,

    Please give me some estimate on cost of living for three members (me, wife and 3 months old baby) in KL. I recently got the offer from one of the IT company in KL and i'm planning to move soon. What should be the minimum salary i have to opt for KL ?

    regards
    KB

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi,

      It will depend on how you live. Living in KL of course will cost more rather than Selangor area. But for the minimum estimation, it will be good if you can get more than 5k a month (in MYR).

      Delete
  7. Hi! We're going on a trip to KL for maybe 2 days or so. In terms of daily needs, is it expensive there? Food, transpo, park entrance fees, etc. We're in a very tight budget, actually, so we'd really want to know a comparison.

    We will come from the Philippines. Our main trip will be in Thailand and we will fly to KL because we have our flights booked back to Philippines from KL. We're thinking of enjoying KL, too.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Che..

      You can find a very less expensive food and transportation in KL. Food per person will only be like MYR 10-15 (set menu, almost every food court will sell this kind of range.

      About transportation, if you take the mass public transport, it will also be very cheap. If you are deciding to take a cab, ensure the driver to use the meter, because some of the driver prefer not to use the meter and ask for a higher rate, usually this kind of taxi will be at the KLCC and Bukit Bintang Area (because it is a tourist area). Always ask for the official and metered taxi.

      Park and museum usually do not charge any entrance fee. But some of it like the bird park will cost around MYR 48/person, for museum it will not more than MYR25.

      Enjoy your holiday dear!

      Delete
  8. Hi Kiky,

    I have got the offer of around 7000 RM and am planning to move with wife to Malaysia, Bukit Jalil, TPM. My office is around TPM.
    I have got accidental insurance and health insurance from company.

    How much will 1 BHK furnished apartment cost in this locality. I am hoping it should not cost me more than 1000 RM per month.
    Also, does this mean electricity bill and water bill will be separate. And what about gas connection?
    Considering the internet, cable, monthly grocessories,gas connection(if separately needed),transport to and from office,electricity bills, waterbills, RENT, what will be monthly spending? Approximate with + or - 100 RM will do.

    Thanks.

    Sandip

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Sandip, sorry for the late reply..

      Fully furnish apartment will cost more than 1k per month. I am not so sure about the exact price, but you can check it on iproperty or propwall website.

      Monthly expense will also differ based on your spending, but you can not put 100 on your budget, it will be more than that.

      Thanks

      Delete
  9. Hi Kiky,

    Also, one more question with taxation.
    Considering i will joining in say Dec 2013, and i will have non-residental status so tax deduction will be flat 26%. Right?
    And this deduction will continue till March 2014. Right?
    According to tax dept, i will have residental status after 6 months stay in malaysia.
    When exactly i will have this residential status in my case(June 2014?) and from which month can i expect appropriate(0-26% not flat 26%) monthly tax deduction by employer?

    Thanks

    Sandip

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi again Sandip,

      Yes, you need to work here for 182 days in Malaysia to get the tax residential status. Before 182 days you will be deducted flat rate 26%, but don't worry, upon you get your tax residential status, the balance will be refunded to you immediately.

      You can just count the 182 days, starting the time you come here. After that your company will adjusted it for you.

      Don't forget to keep every receipt for books, health equipment, medical check up, laptop and others. You can have a lot of relief from buying that thing.

      Delete
  10. Hi, I will be moving to KL in Dec. and am offered a salary of RM15000 per month. Plus Housing allowance of RM22500 per year. I intend to staay near Mt. Kiara. Please let me know if it will be enough for me. my wife and a kid (8 yrs)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Rent in Mont Kiara usually start from 3k/month. It is a nice place, only in MK there are no public transport except for taxi.

      I can say the offer is quite good, but it is really depend on your position. :)

      Delete
  11. Hi .The above information are really great.... My query: I am from Bangalore, India, planning to relocate to KL in the month of Feb 2014 with my wife and 2yr old daughter. My wife is a Gynaecologist (MS-OBG - RGUHS university) completed this year so considered as fresher and willing to work or practice in KL soon we relocate. If possible can you give some input on guide or provide some reference through which can get more info. Or advise the Criteria to start her career in KL/Malaysia.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Hi, I am relocating from India with a job there and my wife has done her masters in Psychology and was in to teaching profession for 3 years in India. Is there a way she can get a job there in KL? If yes, what would be the criteria if she has a work pass?

    ReplyDelete
  13. Hi there,

    Thank you so very much for this useful blog. I have an offer of all inclusive US$6000 tax free per month. The only benefits i will have are air tickets, paid leave and accident and mdeical insurance. I have 2 children aged 12 and 9 who will be joining me in addition to my wife. Can you please let me know how much i would have to pay for schooling for both of them as the rest i have already researched.

    Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  14. i am been offered for 3000RM per month with accommodation is it enough for good life for 2 person, Me and my wife.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Hello,

    I am moving to KL with a pay package of 11500 RM permonth inclusive tax. Having 3 members, me my wife and kid of 10 months. Can you please suggest what life style I expect with a good saving say 3-4000 PM. Please help.

    Best Regards,
    Avijit

    ReplyDelete
  16. This site is too good. It has helped me a lot as I have an offer of 8000MYR fixed and 2000 as bonus. It sounds too low and i was bit concerned as i will be moving to KL with wife and daughter going to 1st std. After going thru all the blogs..i am bit confidence to do ok there. thanks all.

    For schools pls see http://www.globalschoolsfoundation.org/globalschoolmalaysia/Admissions/CBSEiFeesStructure.aspx

    ReplyDelete
  17. Hi,

    I got offer for 4800 myr (+300 myr for travel allowance) but going through this very useful blog, I realized that this is too low offer. I am single, 35, given the fact that from 4800 myr is deducted 26%.

    I see that I could not afford not even 1 BHK. My intention was to save every month 1800 myr at least (400 EUR).

    Can you tell me exactly if this is realistic or not? Of course I wouldn't like to share appartment, maybe if 2 BHK, I could share with one more but this was not my original idea.

    Resumed, I see 3500 myr (after 26% tax) is too low and I am very likely to turn down the offer.

    Do you agree according to what I wrote?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi..first of all the apartment rent cost totally will be based on the location that you choose..if it's around KL and Damansara, then the price that I mentioned above will be the most possible that you find. Check property website for the accurate current price.

      Hence, 26% tax that you mentioned before it's only for the first 182 days while you stay in KL. After that you will follow malaysian current tax rate which is maybe somewhere around 15 - 16%.

      You always can manage what you get, and save the amount that you want. It really depends on how you spend :)

      Delete
  18. Hi, I have been offered a position in Kuala Lumpur and my salary would be 11000 (after taxes) and housing assistance. Should I be okay?

    ReplyDelete
  19. I really like your blog, incidentally. I am excited that I have access to current information like this.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Hu Kiky

    Is 13400 per month a good salary for a family with two kids in seramban?
    Thanks
    ISM

    ReplyDelete
  21. Hi There,

    Reading through this blog will definitely give me some answers. The company i'm working for would like to send me over to MY. The offer they gave me is MYR 9500 Gross per month. What will the amount be in in Net? Which areas in KL i can rent a nice 2 bedroom apartment and what is safe as well?

    ReplyDelete