Cost of living in Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) is 65% cheaper than in San Diego, California (United States)
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This comparison is lacking data. It provides a decent comparison, but it is not yet reliable. It is based on 685 prices entered by 115 different people.
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Currency:
| Food | - 60% | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Food in Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) is 60% cheaper than in San Diego, California (United States) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| Kuala Lumpur | San Diego, California | Diff | ||
| Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district | RM21 ($4.92) | $27 | - 82% | |
| Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) | RM19 ($4.61) | $14 | - 67% | |
| 500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast | RM12 ($2.94) | $8 | - 61% | |
| 1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk | RM8 ($2.01) | $1.16 | + 74% | |
| 12 eggs, large | RM11 ($2.72) | $5.46 | - 50% | |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes | RM6 ($1.49) | $5.27 | - 72% | |
| 500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese | RM24 ($5.71) | $8 | - 27% | |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of apples | RM12 ($2.88) | $4.62 | - 38% | |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes | RM5.52 ($1.31) | $1.90 | - 31% | |
| 0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket | RM13 ($3.11) | $5.21 | - 40% | |
| 1 bottle of red table wine, good quality | RM71 ($17) | $25 | - 32% | |
| 2 liters of coca-cola | RM4.92 ($1.17) | $3.23 | - 64% | |
| Bread for 2 people for 1 day | RM4.18 ($0.99) | $3.27 | - 70% | |
| Housing | - 74% | |||
| Housing in Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) is 74% cheaper than in San Diego, California (United States) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| Kuala Lumpur | San Diego, California | Diff | ||
| Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area | RM4,216 ($1,002) | $4,171 | - 76% | |
| Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area | RM2,593 ($616) | $2,754 | - 78% | |
| Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat | RM408 ($97) | $265 | - 63% | |
| Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area | RM2,436 ($579) | $2,792 | - 79% | |
| Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area | RM1,648 ($392) | $1,953 | - 80% | |
| Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio | RM230 ($55) | $149 | - 63% | |
| Internet 8 mbps (1 month) | RM117 ($28) | $67 | - 59% | |
| 40” flat screen tv | RM1,740 ($414) | $374 | + 11% | |
| Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) | RM468 ($111) | $154 | - 28% | |
| Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) | RM28 ($7) | $21 | - 68% | |
| Hourly rate for cleaning help | RM31 ($7) | $31 | - 76% | |
| Clothes | - 26% | |||
| Clothes in Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) is 26% cheaper than in San Diego, California (United States) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| Kuala Lumpur | San Diego, California | Diff | ||
| 1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) | RM247 ($59) | $57 | + 3% | |
| 1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) | RM164 ($39) | $55 | - 29% | |
| 1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands) | RM337 ($80) | $110 | - 27% | |
| 1 pair of men’s leather business shoes | RM322 ($77) | $151 | - 49% | |
| Transportation | - 60% | |||
| Transportation in Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) is 60% cheaper than in San Diego, California (United States) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| Kuala Lumpur | San Diego, California | Diff | ||
| Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new | RM156,959 ($37,309) | $28,163 | + 32% | |
| 1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas | RM2.19 ($0.52) | $1.42 | - 63% | |
| Monthly ticket public transport | RM53 ($13) | $73 | - 83% | |
| Taxi trip on a business day, basic tariff, 8 km. (5 miles) | RM31 ($7) | $21 | - 64% | |
| Personal Care | - 72% | |||
| Personal Care in Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) is 72% cheaper than in San Diego, California (United States) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| Kuala Lumpur | San Diego, California | Diff | ||
| Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands) | RM12 ($2.96) | $14 | - 79% | |
| 1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) | RM26 ($6) | $21 | - 70% | |
| Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) | RM82 ($20) | $132 | - 85% | |
| 1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, ...) | RM25 ($5.85) | $11 | - 45% | |
| Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) | RM11 ($2.63) | $5.24 | - 50% | |
| Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) | RM14 ($3.29) | $11 | - 70% | |
| 4 rolls of toilet paper | RM5.99 ($1.42) | $5.94 | - 76% | |
| Tube of toothpaste | RM9 ($2.17) | $2.98 | - 27% | |
| Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city | RM34 ($8) | $35 | - 77% | |
| Entertainment | - 60% | |||
| Entertainment in Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) is 60% cheaper than in San Diego, California (United States) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| Kuala Lumpur | San Diego, California | Diff | ||
| Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub | RM84 ($20) | $77 | - 74% | |
| 2 tickets to the movies | RM40 ($9) | $36 | - 74% | |
| 2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) | RM210 ($50) | $295 | - 83% | |
| Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert | RM141 ($34) | $136 | - 75% | |
| 1 cocktail drink in downtown club | RM41 ($10) | $20 | - 51% | |
| Cappuccino in expat area of the city | RM13 ($3.18) | $5.77 | - 45% | |
| 1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) | RM24 ($5.61) | $9 | - 39% | |
| Ipad wi-fi 128gb | RM2,176 ($517) | $459 | + 13% | |
| 1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) | RM0.43 ($0.10) | $0.30 | - 65% | |
| 1 month of gym membership in business district | RM207 ($49) | $64 | - 23% | |
| 1 package of marlboro cigarettes | RM18 ($4.21) | $12 | - 65% | |
 |
TOTAL | - 65% | ||
This comparison is lacking data. It provides a decent comparison, but it is not yet reliable. It is based on 685 prices entered by 115 different people.
These prices were last updated on October 04, 2024.
Exchange rate:
0.23770
USD
/
MYR
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For example, to keep the same standard of living that would require $13,000 in San Diego, California you would need to make just about $4,578 (RM19,258) in Kuala Lumpur.
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