Cost of Living in Kuala Lumpur
Multicultural capital with world-class amenities; offers amazing value for money and arguably Asia's best expat lifestyle.
Moving abroad? The Wise account makes relocation easy.
£957
Average cost per month
Distribution of Expenses
Petronas Towers & hawker food
Tropical heat & modern skyline
Digital nomad favorite; affordable
Cost of living breakdown for Kuala Lumpur
Living costs in Kuala Lumpur can vary. You can expect to spend around £957 per month for 1 person as of 2026, on common living costs such as housing, food, and transport.
Housing
Standard of Living
Food & Drink
Kuala Lumpur average costs for food and drink.
Salary & Services
Kuala Lumpur average salaries and services.
Average living costs in Kuala Lumpur
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom Apartment in City CentreRent Per Month | £493.08 | £316.77 - £745.35 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of CentreRent Per Month | £281.83 | £186.34 - £409.95 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment in City CentreRent Per Month | £946.02 | £559.01 - £1,490.70 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of CentreRent Per Month | £528.73 | £372.67 - £931.69 |
.png)
Cities in Malaysia
Relocation made simple
Whatever you're relocating for, the Wise account is made to support you.
4.8★ on App Store 152k reviews
4.8★ on Google Play 1.3m reviews
Our smart app makes relocation easy
Frequently asked questions
The cost of living in Kuala Lumpur depends on your lifestyle. On average, a single person needs £464 per month without rent, while a family of four requires £1,668. Renting a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs an additional £493 on average.
Public transport prices vary, but generally, a one-way ticket for local transport in Kuala Lumpur costs £0.56. If you are commuting regularly, a monthly pass is typically priced at £9.
The average monthly net salary (after tax) in Kuala Lumpur is currently £1,188.
Dining costs depend on your choices. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Kuala Lumpur costs approximately £4, while a three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant costs around £22.
The estimated monthly cost of living in Kuala Lumpur for a single person is £464, excluding rent.
For a family of four living in Kuala Lumpur, the estimated monthly costs are £1,668, not including rent.
Rent prices in Kuala Lumpur depend on the area. The average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre is £493, compared to £282 outside the centre. For a 3-bedroom apartment, the average is £946 in the centre and £529 in suburban areas.
Basic utilities in Kuala Lumpur (including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage for an 85m² apartment) cost an average of £49 per month. Internet access typically adds another £20.