Having a secure place to stay is essential, regardless of whether you’re torn between Kuala Lumpur vs Singapore. Each of these cities indeed has a lot to offer. But, is Kuala Lumpur expensive to live? What of Singapore?
You should be aware of and be ready for the expense of living in either city as it is a major factor to consider whether you’re moving there for long or just staying for the short term.
If you want to invest as an expat or high-net-worth individual, which is what i specialize in, you can email me (advice@adamfayed.com) or use WhatsApp (+44-7393-450-837).
Cost of living Singapore vs Kuala Lumpur 101
Kuala Lumpur is a vibrant, varied, and old metropolis. No wonder it is a big city with many sites and attractions. Visitors will also discover that there is a lot to do here. Its breathtaking beauty draws tourists from all directions. The local cuisine, shopping, and nightlife are other well-liked pastimes.
On the other hand, you might be wondering is Singapore expensive? This city is a glamorous, lively, and wide-ranging city and there are a ton of things to do here. This is another stunning location that draws a lot of tourists and expats. Beaches, shopping, and museums are some of the most well-known attractions.
Restaurant prices in Singapore vs Kuala Lumpur
A cheap restaurant meal in Singapore costs 15 SGD (52.19 RM). The city is always busy; so, it’s expected that the demand will also have an effect on the food costs in Singapore. However, Kuala Lumpur also has a promising and thriving restaurant industry. An equivalent dish costs 4.89 SGD (17 RM), which is a notable 67.4% difference compared to the ones in Singapore.
Meanwhile, dining out for a three-course meal for two people is more affordable in Kuala Lumpur compared to Singapore.
A three-course dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant costs around 100 SGD (347.96 RM) in Singapore. However, it costs 34 SGD (120 RM) in Kuala Lumpur. This poses a significant 191% difference in food costs in Kuala Lumpur compared to Singapore.
Also, there is an available McDonald’s McMeal that is equivalent to a combo meal in both countries. It costs around 6 SGD (20 RM) in Kuala Lumpur, whereas the food cost in Singapore for a McMeal is also the same, which is 6 SGD (20 RM).
How about the market costs?
The cost of living in Kuala Lumpur or Singapore, particularly everyday necessities, varies significantly when comparing market rates. Consider the following items:
- A liter of ordinary milk costs 2.28 SGD (7.96 RM) in Kuala Lumpur. It costs 4.29 SGD (14.94 RM) in Singapore.
- A 500-gram loaf of fresh white bread in Singapore costs 2.85 SGD (9.94 RM). This is much more expensive compared to the 1.17 SGD (4.09 RM) cost in Kuala Lumpur.
- The kilogram price of rice in Kuala Lumpur is 1.77 SGD (6.16 RM). This is cheaper compared to the 3.36 SGD (11.70 RM) price in Singapore.
- A dozen normal eggs cost 2.43 SGD (8.48 RM) in Kuala Lumpur. However, it costs around 4.25 SGD (14.82 RM) in Singapore.
- The cost of local cheese is around 24.05 SGD (83.82 RM) in Kuala Lumpur. In Singapore, it costs 17.11 SGD (59.63 RM) per kilogram.
- Kuala Lumpur chicken fillets cost 5.75 SGD (20.03 RM). It is about 60% cheaper than Singapore where it costs 13.97 SGD (48.69 RM).
- In Kuala Lumpur, a kilogram of beef round costs 14.37 SGD (50.07 RM). However, in Singapore, it costs around 27.77 SGD (96.78 RM).
- Singapore charges 5.74 SGD (19.99 RM) for a kilogram of apples, while Kuala Lumpur charges 3.53 SGD (12.31 RM).
- A kilogram of bananas costs 4.15 SGD (14.47 RM) in Singapore. But it’s more budget-friendly in Kuala Lumpur, for it’s only around 1.91 SGD (6.66 RM).
- A kilogram of oranges costs 5.44 SGD (18.96 RM) in Singapore; it’s 3.86 SGD (13.45 RM) in Kuala Lumpur.
- A kilogram of tomatoes costs 3.87 SGD (13.48 RM) in Singapore. It only charges 1.88 SGD (6.57 RM) in Kuala Lumpur.
- One kilogram of potatoes costs 3.14 SGD (10.94 RM) in Singapore. However, it’s significantly cheaper for a price of 1.31 SGD (4.58 RM) in Kuala Lumpur.
- One kilogram of onions in Kuala Lumpur costs 1.27 SGD (4.41 RM). This is 59.3% less than in Singapore, which is around 3.11 SGD (10.85 RM).
- A head of lettuce costs 2.69 SGD (9.38 RM) in Singapore. It’s 1.27 SGD (4.44 RM) in Kuala Lumpur.
- A 1.5-liter water bottle costs 1.84 SGD (6.41 RM) in Singapore. Furthermore, it’s around 0.84 SGD (2.91 RM) in Kuala Lumpur, with a price difference of 54.5%.
- A mid-range bottle of wine costs 20.09 SGD (70 RM) in Kuala Lumpur. This is more affordable compared to the 30 SGD (104.54 RM) cost in Singapore.
- Singapore’s 0.5-liter domestic beer costs 5.05 SGD (17.60 RM). Whereas Kuala Lumpur’s costs only around 3.85 SGD (13.43 RM).
- Singapore sells a 0.33-liter bottle of imported beer for 12 SGD. The same bottle costs 5.72 SGD (20.01 RM) in Kuala Lumpur.
- A 20-pack Marlboro cigarette costs 16 SGD (55.76 RM) in Singapore. That’s really expensive compared to the 5.17 SGD (18 RM) price in Kuala Lumpur. This indicates a price variation of nearly 68%.
Is Kuala Lumpur cheaper than Singapore in terms of transportation?
Getting around the cities comes at a price. A one-way local ticket transport cost in Singapore is 1.95 SGD (6.79 RM). However, this is just 0.86 SGD (3 RM) in Kuala Lumpur. This indicates a 55.8% difference in price.
A regular public train fare in Singapore costs 128 SGD (445.39 RM) a month. More so, it cost around 14.37 SGD (50 RM) in Kuala Lumpur. It then shows a discrepancy of about 89%.
The cost difference is also evident in taxi services. This is where Singaporeans pay more for both the start price and the wait time. Taxis help navigate the busy metropolitan streets, and therefore, the trip starts at 4 SGD in Singapore. This offers fast and affordable transportation. Each city mile costs 1.61 SGD. This ensures that tourists may easily reach their destinations with a straightforward price system.
Singapore’s cab hourly waiting rate is 20 SGD; this is amid severe traffic or unforeseen delays. This lets passengers stop and wait without worrying about extra costs for distance.
For the taxi fare in Kuala Lumpur, the taxi start (normal tariff) is around 5 RM (1.43 SGD). For a taxi run of 1km at the normal tariff, you must prepare at least 5 RM (1.43 SGD). The 1-hour wait (standard tariff) costs 15 RM (4.32 SGD) to 22 RM (6.33 SGD).
How much do monthly utilities cost in Kuala Lumpur vs Singapore?
Monthly utility costs are necessary to maintain a pleasant living environment. For instance, the basic utilities in an 85-square-meter flat in Singapore cost 223.25 SGD (776.82 RM). However, the Kuala Lumpur cost of living per month for the basic utilities is 72.27 SGD (251.47 RM). This shows a discrepancy of roughly 67%.
The monthly cost of mobile phone plans, including calls and 10GB+ data, is 14.84 SGD (51.65 RM) in Kuala Lumpur. Meanwhile, the charge is around 21.95 SGD (76.38 RM) in Singapore.
The internet cost in Singapore for a month is basically 45.98 SGD (160.01 RM). The internet charges in Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur in particular) are around 34.89 SGD (121.41 RM).
Leisure Expenses
Singapore cost of living in terms of leisure is higher compared to Kuala Lumpur. The price of a fitness club membership for leisure travelers is 56.1% less in Kuala Lumpur. This is because Kuala Lumpur assesses only around 59.07 SGD (205.55 RM), which is less than Singapore’s 134.55 SGD (468.19 RM).
On weekends, tennis court rents cost 17.24 SGD (59.98 RM) in Singapore, almost double the cost in Kuala Lumpur at around 9.68 SGD (33.67 RM).
A trip to an international movie theater in Singapore costs at least 15 SGD (52.19 RM). Kuala Lumpur, however, charges 5.75 SGD (20 RM).
Apartment for rent in Kuala Lumpur vs Singapore
The two cities’ housing prices are quite different when compared to one another. In reality, the cost of renting differs by 83.8%. One-bedroom Singapore apartments for rent within the city center cost 4,093.50 SGD (14,243.63 RM). On the other hand, the cost of an apartment in Kuala Lumpur is 664.83 SGD (2,313.33 RM).
In a similar vein, the price of a one-bedroom apartment outside of the city center varies by 86.7%. This translates 2,993.08 SGD (10,414.63 RM) for Singapore and 399.40 SGD (1,389.74 RM) for Kuala Lumpur.
What is the cost of purchasing a house?
Buying real estate significantly includes a number of important financial decisions you need to consider first. You need to be aware that the price per square meter in Singapore’s city center is 27,623.76 SGD (96,118.88 RM). Compared to the Kuala Lumpur housing price, which only goes around 3,274.95 SGD (11,395.42 RM), this then shows an 88.1% disparity.
The difference is even more noticeable outside of the city center. The cost per square meter is 90.3% higher in Singapore at 16,360.06 SGD (56,926.03 RM) vs nearly 1,592 SGD (5,539.43 RM) in Kuala Lumpur.
Kuala Lumpur and Singapore average income
Financial and income issues are important variables that should be put first in all your computations, especially upon seeing the cost of living in Singapore for single person and families are quite hefty already.
The average monthly net wage after taxes in Singapore is 6,904.57 SGD (24,024.97 RM). In Kuala Lumpur, it is 1,590.20 SGD (5,533.23 RM). This represents a difference of 77%.
What is the cost of healthcare?
When comparing the living cost in Singapore and in Kuala Lumpur, it’s better to take note of healthcare expenses as well.
Singapore has one of the world’s promising and advanced healthcare systems. And so, you must expect that premium services will lead to higher cost too. A standard doctor’s visit in Singapore costs around 45 SGD, but in Kuala Lumpur it costs about 11.47 SGD (40 RM).
The higher expense of medical care reflects the fact that Singapore has a more developed healthcare system. A heart bypass operation, for instance, may set you back as much as 80,000 SGD in Singapore. However, it will only set you back around 14,334 SGD (50,000 RM) in Kuala Lumpur.
The Malaysia health insurance cost, specifically for Kuala Lumpur, for a basic private health insurance plan among foreign nationals may vary from 100 RM to 500 RM (about 29 SGD to 143 SGD) every month.
Age, lifestyle, and medical history all affect how much a foreigner’s typical international health insurance plan costs in Singapore. The average Singapore health insurance cost for a 45-year-old nonsmoker is 132 SGD. The average premium cost for a 75-year-old falls between 69 SGD and 1,063 SGD.
Education Costs in Kuala Lumpur vs Singapore
An international student moving to Singapore must prepare a budget of not less than 2,294 RM (657 SGD) to 6,111 RM (1,751 SGD). Nevertheless, the school fees in Singapore change depending on the type of institution you want to enroll in.
However, without rent, the living cost in Kuala Lumpur for international students is around 152 RM up to 3,030 RM (32.69 SGD to 65.39 SGD). International students moving to Kuala Lumpur are expected to pay about 2,290 RM or 490 SGD per month and roughly 27,460 RM or 5,884 SGD per year.
The international school fee in Kuala Lumpur varies depending on the school. Pre-schoolers in the Malaysian capital pay between 500 RM and 1,500 RM per month. Primary students pay between 1,000 RM and 2,000 RM.
For those on a tight budget, schooling in Malaysia is appealing because of the country’s excellent educational standards and reasonably priced lifestyle. In addition to benefiting from a favorable exchange rate, fees and other expenses are often less expensive than in Singapore, the neighboring country.
Bottom Line
Over all, earning potential and cost of living must be well thought out while deciding between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. Due to its higher basic salaries and cost of living, Singapore has a balanced economy. Prices are lower in Kuala Lumpur, but earnings are the same.
You must decide which city best suits your lifestyle. With increased salaries and living standards, Singapore may provide a higher quality of life at higher prices. However, for those seeking a cheap lifestyle, Kuala Lumpur may appeal more to your preferences.
Each city’s possibilities, quality of life, and career prospects must be examined. The choice relies on personal and professional goals. Every city is different, so you need to look beyond the surface.
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