Cost of living in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia vs Newark, New Jersey, United States
Currency:
Food | - 42% | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Food in Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) is 42% cheaper than in Newark, New Jersey (United States) | ||||
Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district | RM22 ($5.52) | $15 | - 64% | |
Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) | RM16 ($4.06) | $9 | - 55% | |
500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast | RM8 ($2.08) | $4.38 | - 52% | |
1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk | RM7 ($1.65) | $1.04 | + 60% | |
12 eggs, large | RM8 ($1.89) | $3.13 | - 40% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes | RM5.21 ($1.29) | $3.28 | - 61% | |
500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese | RM23 ($5.55) | $5.24 | + 6% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of apples | RM10 ($2.40) | $3.10 | - 22% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes | RM4.14 ($1.02) | $1.07 | - 5% | |
0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket | RM12 ($2.86) | $3.23 | - 12% | |
1 bottle of red table wine, good quality | RM83 ($20) | $14 | + 45% | |
2 liters of coca-cola | RM4.35 ($1.07) | $1.98 | - 46% | |
Bread for 2 people for 1 day | RM3.44 ($0.85) | $2.08 | - 59% | |
Housing | - 60% | |||
Housing in Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) is 60% cheaper than in Newark, New Jersey (United States) | ||||
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area | RM3,673 ($905) | $2,036 | - 56% | |
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area | RM1,887 ($465) | $1,507 | - 69% | |
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat | RM335 ($83) | $185 | - 55% | |
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area | RM2,299 ($567) | $1,512 | - 63% | |
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area | RM1,350 ($333) | $1,164 | - 71% | |
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio | RM214 ($53) | $132 | - 60% | |
Internet 8 mbps (1 month) | RM99 ($24) | $67 | - 64% | |
40” flat screen tv | RM1,431 ($353) | $402 | - 12% | |
Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) | RM389 ($96) | $100 | - 4% | |
Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) | RM21 ($5.24) | $16 | - 67% | |
Hourly rate for cleaning help | RM34 ($8) | $16 | - 48% | |
Clothes | + 11% | |||
Clothes in Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) is 11% more expensive than in Newark, New Jersey (United States) | ||||
1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) | RM229 ($57) | $45 | + 25% | |
1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) | RM161 ($40) | $34 | + 18% | |
1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands) | RM280 ($69) | $79 | - 13% | |
1 pair of men’s leather business shoes | RM316 ($78) | $97 | - 19% | |
Transportation | - 42% | |||
Transportation in Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) is 42% cheaper than in Newark, New Jersey (United States) | ||||
Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new | RM165,013 ($40,681) | $22,280 | + 83% | |
1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas | RM2.23 ($0.55) | $0.64 | - 15% | |
Monthly ticket public transport | RM91 ($23) | $83 | - 73% | |
Taxi trip on a business day, basic tariff, 8 km. (5 miles) | RM33 ($8) | $32 | - 75% | |
Personal Care | - 64% | |||
Personal Care in Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) is 64% cheaper than in Newark, New Jersey (United States) | ||||
Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands) | RM18 ($4.55) | $11 | - 58% | |
1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) | RM24 ($5.88) | $22 | - 74% | |
Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) | RM64 ($16) | $101 | - 84% | |
1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, ...) | RM19 ($4.57) | $15 | - 69% | |
Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) | RM10 ($2.51) | $3.49 | - 28% | |
Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) | RM16 ($4.05) | $7 | - 39% | |
4 rolls of toilet paper | RM6 ($1.56) | $5.32 | - 71% | |
Tube of toothpaste | RM8 ($1.92) | $2.27 | - 15% | |
Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city | RM33 ($8) | $25 | - 66% | |
Entertainment | - 26% | |||
Entertainment in Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) is 26% cheaper than in Newark, New Jersey (United States) | ||||
Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub | RM84 ($21) | $52 | - 60% | |
2 tickets to the movies | RM35 ($9) | $27 | - 68% | |
2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) | RM200 ($49) | $168 | - 71% | |
Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert | RM197 ($48) | $65 | - 26% | |
1 cocktail drink in downtown club | RM34 ($8) | $10 | - 18% | |
Cappuccino in expat area of the city | RM14 ($3.42) | $4.12 | - 17% | |
1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) | RM24 ($5.86) | $5.24 | + 12% | |
Ipad wi-fi 128gb | RM1,900 ($469) | $430 | + 9% | |
1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) | RM0.54 ($0.13) | $0.10 | + 35% | |
1 month of gym membership in business district | RM183 ($45) | $33 | + 39% | |
1 package of marlboro cigarettes | RM17 ($4.26) | $9 | - 54% | |
TOTAL | - 46% |

These prices were last updated on March 03, 2021.
Exchange rate:
0.24653
USD
/
MYR
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Cost of living in Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) is 46% cheaper than in Newark, New Jersey (United States)
For example, to keep the same standard of living that would require $5,700 in Newark, New Jersey you would need to make just about $3,052 (RM12,378) in Kuala Lumpur.
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