A Warm Welcome to Our Expat Community in Kuala Lumpur
If you’re considering a move to Kuala Lumpur, you probably have plenty of questions about visas, housing, healthcare, education, and daily life. You may be curious about what life is really like, the pros and cons, and what fellow expats have to say. Keep reading to get all the information you need to feel confident about your decision. Plus, we’ll share tips for making friends and expanding your network. We host monthly events and fun hobby groups to help you make the most of your time abroad.
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Adam Malewski
With all the great information on this site, getting settled in Kuala Lumpur was a piece of cake.
Yasmin Krüger-Darango
A former business partner recommended 51ԹϺto me when I moved abroad to Malaysia. We still use it to stay in touch.
Why you'll love 51ԹϺin Kuala Lumpur
and countless possibilities for fun and friendship!
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The pros & cons of life in Kuala Lampur
Will I enjoy living there? That’s an important question to consider when deciding whether to move. To help you make an informed choice, explore the main pros and cons of living in Kuala Lumpur shared by over 12,000 other expats through our Expat Insider survey. Read through to find out what they say about the lifestyle, infrastructure, visas, and more.
Pros of living in Kuala Lumpur
Affordable cost of living: Kuala Lumpur is significantly more affordable than many Western countries, allowing single individuals to live comfortably on a budget of around 5,140 RM (approx. 1,250 USD per month. In fact, 78% of expats are satisfied with the local costs of living (vs. 43% globally)
Rich social life: 69% were happy with their social life (vs 55% globally). The city has a lot of affordable leisure activities and great food, from high-end restaurants to street food. Plus, there’s a big expat community that makes social integration easier, supported by platforms like Facebook groups and local expat events.
Excellent infrastructure: Residents benefit from high-quality infrastructure, including well-maintained roads, reliable public utilities, and fast internet. This makes daily life and remote work both convenient and efficient.
Friendly and accessible: The local population is very welcoming, helping newcomers feel at home quickly. With English widely spoken, 92% find it easy to live here without speaking the local language.
Natural attractions: Malaysia is home to some natural wonders that are the biggest of their kind. You'll find the world's largest flower, the Rafflesia, in Kinabalu Park and the world's largest cave chamber, the Sarawak Cave Chamber. If you love nature and want to check out some truly unique spots
Cons of living in Kuala Lumpur
Urban and environmental challenges: The city's rapid growth has led to some environmental issues and lots of empty office spaces. While this can mean cheaper rent, it also brings some challenges for urban planning and community cohesion
Visa program instability: Ongoing changes and uncertainty in the Malaysian visa program can create instability for expats planning long-term stays, complicating their ability to make informed decisions about living arrangements.
Traffic everywhere: In a crowded and densely populated city like Kuala Lumpur, traffic is a constant issue, making it take much longer to get from one place to another; drivers spend an average of 75 hours in traffic each year.
Expensive beer and wine: While daily living is affordable, imported items like beer and especially wine is expensive due to high import taxes. If a bottle of beer costs around 1–2 USD in the US, in Kuala Lumpur it costs around 5–6 USD (24–28 MYR). This can be a downside for those who enjoy these beverages and buy them regularly.
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Join Our Exciting Events in Kuala Lumpur
Want to meet new people and grow your network? Join 51ԹϺEvents in Kuala Lumpur! Whether you're looking to connect, network, or just have fun, our friendly hosts and welcoming community make it easy, even if you come alone. Start with a Newcomers’ Event and, once you’re comfortable, enjoy our festive gatherings at top venues. You’re sure to have a great time!
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Frequently asked questions about living in Kuala Lumpur
Moving abroad is exciting, but settling in comes with questions about cost of living, housing, transport, and safety. Dive into our Q&A for insider tips to help you transition smoothly to life in Kuala Lumpur.
According to our Expat Insider survey in 2021, Kuala Lumpur was ranked as the best city in the world for expats. The cost of living is significantly lower compared to Western countries, making it easier for expats to manage their finances. The locals are very friendly and welcoming, and many speak English, which helps expats easily make friends and communicate. Kuala Lumpur offers a great lifestyle with a plethora of dining options, from upscale restaurants to local street food. There are also numerous leisure activities available, such as visiting museums, shopping malls, enjoying trendy cafes, lively nightlife, or relaxing in parks. Plus, you don’t have to worry about the weather—it's always sunny.
Kuala Lumpur is generally a safe place for expats to live, but there are still several safety concerns to keep in mind.
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Pickpocketing is the most common crime in Kuala Lumpur, as in many large cities.
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Expats should also be cautious of burglaries, particularly in apartments and condominiums; always keep doors and windows locked.
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Tap water is not safe to drink — stick to bottled water.
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Be aware of illnesses such as dengue fever, flu, and malaria; while not widespread, it’s important to maintain cleanliness and be mindful of what you eat.
Just like in any city, your living costs in Kuala Lumpur will largely depend on your personal lifestyle and whether you're supporting just yourself or have a family to care for. Here's an overview of the monthly cost of living in Kuala Lumpur, as reported by other expats living there.
USD (approx.) | Local currency | |
Rent for a studio apartment | 400–610 USD | 1650–2,500 RM |
Rent for a small family home | 660–1,170 USD | 2,700–4,800 RM |
Utilities (power, water, etc.) | 65 USD | 270 RM |
Public transportation | 12 USD | 50 RM |
Mobile phone & internet | 40 USD | 170 RM |
Meal at a restaurant | 220–380 USD | 900–1,550 RM |
Groceries (per person) | 130–230 USD | 550– 950 RM |
Basic health insurance | 24–120 USD | 100–500 RM |
Finding a good place that meets your needs at an affordable price can be tough, especially when you've only been in the country for a few days and are still unfamiliar with the local housing market's complexity. But don't worry—there are various websites that can help you find the perfect accommodation. You can start your search on Property Guru or , both of which offer a great selection of housing listings.
It’s not really necessary to get a car in Kuala Lumpur, as the city offers various accessible public transportation options including KRL, MRT, monorails, and buses. For detailed information about public transportation in Kuala Lumpur, you can check out “” and “Kuala Lumpur Metro Guide.” These resources allow you to view the entire rail map, purchase tickets online, and help you plan your journey.
Additionally, there’s a ride-hailing app called ‘’ that lets you book motorcycles and cars with drivers at affordable prices. It might be confusing at first to navigate public transport in Kuala Lumpur as an expat, but with the assistance of these apps, you'll quickly adapt and get used to it. However, it all depends on your personal lifestyle and preferences. If you're living with your family and have young children, you might want to consider getting a private vehicle for more convenience.
Malaysia, which has a majority Muslim population public displays of affection like hugging or kissing someone of the opposite sex are generally seen as inappropriate. Other etiquette practices might seem basic but are important to remember, such as removing your shoes when entering someone's home or a place of worship.
If you're used to just using first names where you're from, you might need to switch things up a bit in Malaysia. It's polite to call older people 'Uncle' or 'Auntie,' which is a way of showing respect, kind of like saying 'Sir' or 'Miss/Madam' in English. Since most Malaysians speak English, it's also acceptable to use these English titles.
Malaysia doesn’t have public health insurance because healthcare costs are subsidized by the government for locals and citizens. However, as an expat, you'll need to purchase private health insurance. But don’t worry, it’s affordable, it typically ranging from 100 to over 500 RM (approx. 24–120 USD) per month depending on your plan. For health insurance, expats typically go with providers like AXA, Allianz Care, Cigna, or Aetna International. These companies are popular among expats.
If you’re working in Malaysia, your employer will enroll you in the mandatory ‘Foreign Worker Hospitalization and Surgical Scheme’ (SKHPPA). This is an annual hospital and surgical insurance that offers coverage up to RM 20,000 RM (approx. 4,200 USD), with ICU fees covered for up to 15 days. However, to enrol, you must meet certain criteria:
- a coverage period of 1 year
- age between 18 and 60
- currently and continuously employed full-time
Usually, your employer will sign you up for this program. It’s beneficial for both you and your employer, as the annual premium for SKHPPA is only around RM120 RM (approx. 25 USD), which is cheaper than the average private health insurance for similar services and coverage.
Choosing the right school for your children requires careful thought, especially as expats, but Kuala Lumpur offers plenty of great options. Here are some recommendations for high-quality international schools where English is the primary language of instruction:
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- Curriculum: British
- Age Group: 2 – 18
- Annual Tuition: 54,000–120,000 RM (about 13,100– 29,200 USD)
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- Curriculum: Australia
- Age: 3–18
- Annual Tuition: 45,000–95,000 RM (approx. 11,000– 23,000 USD)
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- Curriculum: British, Montessori, CBSE
- Age: 4 – 18
- Annual Tuition:18,000–30,000 RM (approx. 4,380–7,300 USD)
These schools are known for their excellent facilities, and high-quality teachers and staff. But these schools are generally considered expensive and mainly aimed at the upper class. If you're looking for something more affordable yet still a good-quality option, consider Heritage International School or Sri KDU International School. Both offer annual tuition ranging from 13,000–18,000 RM (approx. 3,160–4,380 USD).
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Connect with Like-Minded Expatriates in Kuala Lumpur
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From Australia, living in Kuala Lumpur
From Australia, living in Kuala Lumpur
From Australia, living in Kuala Lumpur
From Australia, living in Kuala Lumpur
From Australia, living in Kuala Lumpur
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Our Global Partners
Pursue your hobbies with amazing new friends
Do you like culture and music? Books? Food? Or is having a relaxed coffee and a chat more your thing? Whatever you're into, we've got the group for you. Join our Kuala Lumpur Community! With over 50 diverse groups — from arts and culture to sports and coffee meetups — you’ll find like-minded people and make new friends. Enjoy your interests and connect with others along the way!
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Your New Life in Kuala Lumpur
As Malaysia's capital city, Kuala Lumpur is the political and economic center of the country and hosts the headquarters of many multinational companies. Career opportunities are varied; finance is a key industry, with transport, tourism, education and the service industry just some of the other areas employing a large proportion of residents. You'll find lively nights out in Bukit Bintang, the entertainment district, and excellent shopping in the city center; Tuanka Abdul Rahman. There's culture to be found in one of the city's museums, such as the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia or the Bank Negara Malaysia Museum and Art Gallery, and of course at the events and festivals throughout the year, such as the Thaipusam procession at Batu Caves; a Hindu celebration of dance and song. Cuisine in Kuala Lumpur is just as varied as its Chinese, Islamic and Malaysian architecture; curries and spicy middle Eastern dishes are prevalent, with chicken and fresh seafood carrying the fusion of flavors. Chinese cuisine presents sticky pork dishes and noodle shops are also a firm favorite.
51ԹϺis the largest global network for expatriates, with communities in 420 cities around the world. Meet fellow global minds in your city of residence or get to know local expatriates before you're moving or traveling abroad and never feel like a stranger. 51ԹϺmakes it easy for you to stay in touch with your expat friends, both online and offline, so you can grow your network of friends and contacts from all over the world. Whether they live in Singapore or Shanghai, 51ԹϺallows you to be close to them even if they are miles away.
Find Like-Minded Expats in Kuala Lumpur
It can be tricky to find new friends when relocating; luckily, 51ԹϺis here to help with a huge number of groups in Kuala Lumpur. You'll find 51ԹϺGroups devoted to music, theater, professional networking, yoga, nightlife, wine and dancing, to name just a few, making sure you can carry on your hobbies and build up your social network after relocating. We are here to help you solve as many problems as possible before they even happen, so you can start your new life with the comfort of knowing you are not alone.
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