Kuala Lumpur
Singapore

Kuala Lumpur vs Singapore — Cost of Living Comparison

Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia
VS
Singapore
Singapore
Estimated average living costs are ~152% lower in Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur

$1,450

avg. monthly cost

Population

8,420,000

Safety

63/100

Quality

62/100

Cost
35
Safety
63
Life
62

Singapore

$3,650

avg. monthly cost

Population

5,917,000

Safety

90/100

Quality

85/100

Cost
88
Safety
90
Life
85

Data last updated:

Compare Two Cities

Estimated average living costs are ~152% lower in Kuala Lumpur

Overall Monthly Cost Comparison

Kuala Lumpur

$1,450

estimated per month

Singapore

$3,650

estimated per month

Difference

+151.7%

Monthly savings

$2,200

Yearly savings

$26,400

Figures shown are estimated averages for general comparison purposes only and may not reflect individual spending patterns.

Cost Comparison by Category

Monthly averages side by side

Estimated Salary Equivalency (Informational)

What you'd need to earn for the same lifestyle

This calculation provides an estimated comparison based on average living costs and does not represent financial or employment advice.

$/year (USD)

$188,793

+$113,793/year (USD)

Salary equivalency figures are illustrative estimates only and should not be used for employment, negotiation, or financial planning decisions.

Detailed Category Breakdown

Item-by-item price comparison across 7 categories

ItemKuala LumpurSingaporeDiff
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$520.00$2,200.00
+323.1%
1-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$310.00$1,450.00
+367.7%
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$1,100.00$4,200.00
+281.8%
3-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$620.00$2,600.00
+319.4%
ItemKuala LumpurSingaporeDiff
Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant(per meal)
$2.50$4.50
+80.0%
Meal for 2 at Mid-Range Restaurant(per meal)
$18.00$50.00
+177.8%
McMeal at McDonald's(per meal)
$4.50$6.00
+33.3%
Milk (1 liter)(per liter)
$1.80$2.40
+33.3%
Bread (500g loaf)(per loaf)
$1.10$2.10
+90.9%
Rice (1 kg)(per kg)
$0.90$2.30
+155.6%
Eggs (12)(per dozen)
$1.50$2.60
+73.3%
Chicken Breast (1 kg)(per kg)
$3.20$7.80
+143.7%
Apples (1 kg)(per kg)
$3.50$4.50
+28.6%
Banana (1 kg)(per kg)
$1.20$2.20
+83.3%
ItemKuala LumpurSingaporeDiff
Monthly Public Transit Pass(per month)
$28.00$85.00
+203.6%
One-Way Ticket (Local Transport)(per trip)
$0.55$1.40
+154.5%
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)(base fare)
$0.75$2.80
+273.3%
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)(per km)
$0.35$0.55
+57.1%
Gasoline (1 liter)(per liter)
$0.50$1.85
+270.0%
ItemKuala LumpurSingaporeDiff
Basic Utilities (85m² Apt)(per month)
$55.00$160.00
+190.9%
Mobile Phone Plan(per month)
$12.00$28.00
+133.3%
Internet (60 Mbps+)(per month)
$22.00$32.00
+45.5%
ItemKuala LumpurSingaporeDiff
Doctor Visit(per visit)
$14.00$55.00
+292.9%
Dentist Visit(per visit)
$18.00$65.00
+261.1%
Prescription Medicine (avg)(per prescription)
$5.00$20.00
+300.0%
ItemKuala LumpurSingaporeDiff
Fitness Club Monthly(per month)
$30.00$95.00
+216.7%
Cinema Ticket(per ticket)
$4.50$10.00
+122.2%
Cappuccino(per cup)
$2.80$4.80
+71.4%
Beer (0.5l) at Restaurant(per glass)
$3.50$8.00
+128.6%
ItemKuala LumpurSingaporeDiff
Pair of Jeans (Levi's)(per pair)
$40.00$75.00
+87.5%
Summer Dress (Chain Store)(per item)
$22.00$40.00
+81.8%
Running Shoes (Nike, Adidas)(per pair)
$70.00$95.00
+35.7%

Category values are aggregated estimates and may vary by neighborhood, lifestyle, and market conditions.

Frequently asked questions: Kuala Lumpur vs Singapore

Is Kuala Lumpur or Singapore more expensive?
Singapore is more expensive, with a cost of living index of 88 compared with 35 for Kuala Lumpur.
How much cheaper is Kuala Lumpur than Singapore?
Living in Kuala Lumpur is around 60% cheaper than Singapore, based on their overall cost of living indices.
What is the cost of living difference between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore?
Kuala Lumpur scores 35 out of 100 on our cost of living index, while Singapore scores 88 — where New York City equals 100.