Moving to KL
 

Hi all,

I wondered if any of you could give me an idea of the cost of living for a single person moving to KL.

I am potentially moving from London to KL with work in the coming months and want an idea of what a good salary would be and what I could expect my monthly outgoings to be (inc. rent, travel, TV, internet etc.)

Also, any guidance on which areas I should be looking at for accommodation.

Thanks! :thumbsup:

Re: Moving to KL
 

Hi. I'm not in KL and not working so cannot help too much. I do know that those who have posted from KL before have suggested living as close as possible to your work, as commuting is pretty tortuous.

Re: Moving to KL
 

I was down KL a few times. The traffic is awful, even the Monorail at peak time is very very congested and there are pick pockets in there targeting their victims in that packed train!
The less time you spend commuting between home and work place the better.

Re: Moving to KL
 

Thanks! I have spent time in KL and to be honest I don't find the public transport/traffic there any worse than London!

Re: Moving to KL
 

Have not been in London for years, sounds like public transport/traffic in KL is similar to London.
I'm in HK now, just as bad but at least I don't have to worry about pick pockets in congested public transport.
If distance is not a problem there are places that are nice in Mt Kiara area, Sri Hartamas, Bangsa, One Utama where lots of new condos have been built past few years. For transportation convenience Sentral and Mid Valley vicinity.

Re: Moving to KL
 

Hi aehall,

I am Michael, a real estate agent in KL and I may be able to advise on that.

Cost of living in KL widely varies depending on where you are staying. The most expensive place would definitely be KLCC, Bangsar or Mont Kiara. Perhaps you can let me know where your office is, so I may advise better.

For a single person, the cost of living in the KL City Center (KLCC), is roughly as below.
1. Rental for a single bedroom unit: RM3000-RM4000
2. Utilities (Electric and water bills): RM200
3. TV and Internet bills: RM150-RM200
4. Transportation costs: RM200-RM300
5. Entertainment: RM1000+ (depending on your requirements)

If you prefer some nightlife, restaurants, and shopping, areas around KLCC is definitely the way to go. A lot of condos in this area is also within walking distance to the train station.

I have PM-ed you my number and email. I may be able to help to find you a good apartment, depending on your requirements.
(You won't be charged, since my commission comes from the apartment owner) :lol:

Best of luck

Re: Moving to KL
 

Hi Mike,

My wife and I are also moving to KL in early November and looking to rent and then want to buy. If you can help in anyway much appreciated!

Re: Moving to KL
 

to add to the thread - for a guideline

Cost of Living in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Prices in Kuala Lumpur. Updated Oct 2014

Re: Moving to KL
 

Hi Khangba,

I have sent you a private message :)
Hope to hear from you soon!

Re: Moving to KL
 

Thanks for sharing the cost of living link, really helpful!!

Re: Moving to KL
 

@sendomike, my office is close to DoubleTree by hilton so quite close to KLCC.

I've heard Ampang could be a good area?

Re: Moving to KL
 

Hi aehall, I know the area well. DoubleTree by Hilton is a short walk from Ampang Park LRT train station. There are a couple of condominiums around the area which is walking distance to your office :)

Re: Moving to KL
 

Hi

Would be very welcome to discuss some living costs with you. PM with details.

Re: Moving to KL
 

Geordie, have a look on the numbeo.com website for living costs and comparisons - very useful and regularly updated.

PS. Just seen that not2old has also posted this website.

Re: Moving to KL
 

For your info, PM function won't work until you have done at least 3 posts.

Re: Moving to KL
 

Thanks Vino, I can see that, that site is going to be invaluable in time...

Re: Moving to KL
 

Assuming its a company move they should have their own agent listings who you are required to deal with, this is common with most large companies as it stops unscrupulous clauses being added by agents or landlords, its a different world here.

As mentioned above find out the location of the employment then find somewhere hopefully within walking distance. If you are renting things like internet cable TV etc could be a part of a package, there are many blocks of service apartments in KL just look up on Google start renting there for a month or two then talk & find your way around, DO NOT JUMP INTO SOME RENTAL CONTRACT BECAUSE PEOPLE TELL YOU THERE ARE OTHERS QUEUEING. :eek:

Re: Moving to KL
 

Hi All,

Numbeo.com is a great site, and a lot of the information seems to be accurate.
it's a great site to get a rough idea on the living costs in KL.

Do note that with GST coming to Malaysia in April 2015, prices will be hiking up a bit.

I know this is a public forum, so I will share and answer all the questions here if I can. No need for PMs :)

If you guys need a hand in apartment hunting, then feel free to contact me personally.

Cheers.
Mike

Re: Moving to KL
 

in terms of cable TV and Internet, there are generally 2 options that we can choose from, namely TM Unifi and Astro TIME

Personally, I would prefer TM Unifi because I feel that it is more consistent. I have never used TIME before but I heard that there are slowdowns in Internet speed occasionally. Do note that some apartments don't have the backend infrastructure to support UNIFI, then TIME would be your only option.

Both TIME and UNIFI offers cable TV with Internet in a package, so the best option is to choose one that suits you best. Prices among both providers are similar, and roughly around RM200 (or more if you opt for more channels + higher broadband speed). RM200 will give you a 10mb Internet + basic home package.

Lastly, there is a one-off installation charge of around RM300 to install the modem, routers and cable TV system. However, this can be waived if you agree to a 2-year contract. so if you plan on staying for a short term, paying the one-off installation cost would be cheaper than the penalty charges (if you don't finish the 2-yr contract).

hope this helps.

Mike

Re: Moving to KL
 

It looks like Astro time has faster stated speeds and cheaper prices. So if price is any indicator, I'm guessing their reputation for slowness is behind the cheaper prices.

https://www.tm.com.my/Home/broadband...kages-VIP.aspx

TIME fibre broadband and ASTRO B.yond IPTV | IPTV - The One and Only One Line

Re: Moving to KL
 

ASTRO is like RM50 cheaper than Unifi, if not mistaken.
but Unifi is much more consistent in terms of speed. ASTRO TIME tends to fluctuate more often.
even though it's cheaper, its not a reason for the inconsistency...

my honest opinion. i am not affiliated with either party..
:lol: