Cost of living in Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) is 55% cheaper than in Melbourne (Australia)
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This comparison has some inconsistent or sparse data. It already provides a reliable comparison but it is not bullet-proof. It is based on 990 prices entered by 122 different people.
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| Food | - 44% | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Food in Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) is 44% cheaper than in Melbourne (Australia) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| Kuala Lumpur | Melbourne | Diff | ||
| Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district | RM23 (AU$8) | AU$24 | - 66% | |
| Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) | RM20 (AU$7) | AU$16 | - 54% | |
| 500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast | RM12 (AU$4.45) | AU$9 | - 49% | |
| 1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk | RM9 (AU$3.15) | AU$2.03 | + 55% | |
| 12 eggs, large | RM12 (AU$4.52) | AU$8 | - 40% | |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes | RM7 (AU$2.36) | AU$8 | - 68% | |
| 500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese | RM28 (AU$10) | AU$12 | - 13% | |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of apples | RM15 (AU$5.26) | AU$5.15 | + 2% | |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes | RM5.64 (AU$2.05) | AU$3.71 | - 45% | |
| 0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket | RM13 (AU$4.84) | AU$8 | - 41% | |
| 1 bottle of red table wine, good quality | RM73 (AU$26) | AU$20 | + 30% | |
| 2 liters of coca-cola | RM6 (AU$2.20) | AU$4.30 | - 49% | |
| Bread for 2 people for 1 day | RM4.59 (AU$1.67) | AU$2.76 | - 40% | |
| Housing | - 63% | |||
| Housing in Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) is 63% cheaper than in Melbourne (Australia) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| Kuala Lumpur | Melbourne | Diff | ||
| Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area | RM3,466 (AU$1,257) | AU$4,075 | - 69% | |
| Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area | RM2,259 (AU$820) | AU$2,763 | - 70% | |
| Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat | RM237 (AU$86) | AU$250 | - 66% | |
| Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area | RM2,681 (AU$973) | AU$2,204 | - 56% | |
| Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area | RM1,593 (AU$578) | AU$1,960 | - 71% | |
| Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio | RM166 (AU$60) | AU$200 | - 70% | |
| Internet 8 mbps (1 month) | RM102 (AU$37) | AU$73 | - 49% | |
| 40” flat screen tv | RM1,390 (AU$504) | AU$761 | - 34% | |
| Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) | RM386 (AU$140) | AU$243 | - 42% | |
| Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) | RM25 (AU$9) | AU$15 | - 42% | |
| Hourly rate for cleaning help | RM35 (AU$13) | AU$44 | - 71% | |
| Clothes | - 44% | |||
| Clothes in Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) is 44% cheaper than in Melbourne (Australia) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| Kuala Lumpur | Melbourne | Diff | ||
| 1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) | RM247 (AU$90) | AU$118 | - 24% | |
| 1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) | RM153 (AU$56) | AU$150 | - 63% | |
| 1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands) | RM468 (AU$170) | AU$181 | - 6% | |
| 1 pair of men’s leather business shoes | RM466 (AU$169) | AU$205 | - 18% | |
| Transportation | - 60% | |||
| Transportation in Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) is 60% cheaper than in Melbourne (Australia) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| Kuala Lumpur | Melbourne | Diff | ||
| Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new | RM150,590 (AU$54,630) | AU$37,839 | + 44% | |
| 1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas | RM2.48 (AU$0.90) | AU$1.89 | - 52% | |
| Monthly ticket public transport | RM108 (AU$39) | AU$170 | - 77% | |
| Taxi trip on a business day, basic tariff, 8 km. (5 miles) | RM33 (AU$12) | AU$28 | - 57% | |
| Personal Care | - 42% | |||
| Personal Care in Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) is 42% cheaper than in Melbourne (Australia) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| Kuala Lumpur | Melbourne | Diff | ||
| Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands) | RM14 (AU$4.97) | AU$9 | - 45% | |
| 1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) | RM26 (AU$9) | AU$17 | - 43% | |
| Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) | RM88 (AU$32) | AU$82 | - 61% | |
| 1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, ...) | RM26 (AU$10) | AU$7 | + 30% | |
| Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) | RM14 (AU$4.99) | AU$6 | - 17% | |
| Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) | RM15 (AU$5.54) | AU$9 | - 38% | |
| 4 rolls of toilet paper | RM7 (AU$2.70) | AU$4.99 | - 46% | |
| Tube of toothpaste | RM10 (AU$3.49) | AU$4.31 | - 19% | |
| Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city | RM32 (AU$11) | AU$43 | - 73% | |
| Entertainment | - 52% | |||
| Entertainment in Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) is 52% cheaper than in Melbourne (Australia) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| Kuala Lumpur | Melbourne | Diff | ||
| Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub | RM98 (AU$35) | AU$85 | - 58% | |
| 2 tickets to the movies | RM40 (AU$14) | AU$44 | - 67% | |
| 2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) | RM207 (AU$75) | AU$416 | - 82% | |
| Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert | RM194 (AU$70) | AU$134 | - 47% | |
| 1 cocktail drink in downtown club | RM38 (AU$14) | AU$24 | - 43% | |
| Cappuccino in expat area of the city | RM14 (AU$5.03) | AU$5.65 | - 11% | |
| 1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) | RM23 (AU$9) | AU$14 | - 38% | |
| Ipad wi-fi 128gb | RM2,159 (AU$783) | AU$954 | - 18% | |
| 1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) | RM0.46 (AU$0.17) | AU$0.38 | - 55% | |
| 1 month of gym membership in business district | RM247 (AU$90) | AU$93 | - 3% | |
| 1 package of marlboro cigarettes | RM18 (AU$6) | AU$48 | - 86% | |
 |
TOTAL | - 55% | ||
This comparison has some inconsistent or sparse data. It already provides a reliable comparison but it is not bullet-proof. It is based on 990 prices entered by 122 different people.
These prices were last updated on May 12, 2025.
Exchange rate:
0.36277
AUD
/
MYR
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For example, to keep the same standard of living that would require AU$12,000 in Melbourne you would need to make just about AU$5,354 (RM14,758) in Kuala Lumpur.
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