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Southeast Asia80% Lower than the US

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Estimated monthly cost

$850

Average net salary

$1,644

Monthly cost breakdown

1-bed apartment (city center)$658
1-bed apartment (outside center)$391
Utilities (monthly)$67
Internet$27
Mobile plan$9
Monthly transit pass$13
Meal, inexpensive restaurant$5
Meal for two, mid-range$30
Cappuccino$3
Domestic beer (0.5L)$5

Source: Numbeo, in USD. A single-person estimate; couples and families will vary. Updated regularly.

Kuala Lumpur vs. the average US city

Kuala Lumpur$850
US average$4,200

You'd keep about $3,350/month in your pocket — roughly 80% lower than the typical US cost of living.

How we estimate $850/mo

A single-person monthly budget, built from real Numbeo prices.

Rent

1-bed, city centre$658
1-bed, outside centre$391
Rent used (average of the two)$525

Living costs

Utilities$67
Internet$27
Mobile plan$9
Public transit pass$13
Groceries(monthly basket for one)$115
Eating out(~12 meals @ $5)$61
Subtotal$292
+10% misc / entertainment$29
Estimated total$850/mo

Excludes health insurance, flights, visas and one-time setup — see the guide and tools below for those.

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