Putrajaya is the only place I would recommend due to its close proximity to the airport. The Shaftsbury Hotel is modern with two convenience stores, pharmacy, restaurants, dental, and more in the actual building. There is a rain fountain in "mall" of the building that would be Putrajaya's attempt at Singapore's airport one. The location is also literally right across from the bigger mall that has restaurants, international grocery store, movie theater, bowling, electronics, etc. It's a safe area if you're going to be in Malaysia for a week or two.
Nomad Guide of Kuala Lumpur
Explore Kuala Lumpur like a local with our comprehensive nomad guide. Find the best places to work, live, and play, all tailored to the digital nomad lifestyle. Stay connected and make the most of your time in Kuala Lumpur with our insider tips and recommendations.
Stay updated on the weather in Kuala Lumpur with our reliable data source. Plan ahead for changing conditions and make the most of your time in the city. Check the forecast and stay prepared for any weather events.
Cost of Living in Kuala Lumpur
Discover the cost of living in Kuala Lumpur with our data source. Compare expenses for housing, food, transportation, and more to make informed decisions about your budget. Stay informed and make the most of your money in Kuala Lumpur.
Cost of Living for Expats :
$1,428/mo
Cost of Living for Nomads :
$1,601/mo
Cost of Living for Families :
$3,892/mo
Cost of Living for Local :
$1,112/mo
Cost of coffee :
$2.11
Rent for 1 bedroom :
$944/mo
Dinner:
$3.34
Beer :
$3.29
Coca Cola :
$2.26
Tax for 50k income :
$
Tax for 100k income :
$
Tax for 250k income :
$
Pros and Cons Living in Kuala Lumpur
Like many other cities Kuala Lumpur have a lot of advantages to offer its residents and visitors, but it also has its fair share of drawbacks. We have made this pros and cons table to help you better vizualize them.
Pros
✅ Affordable to live
✅ Pretty safe
✅ Fast internet
✅ Warm now
✅ Warm all year round
✅ Good air quality on average
✅ Nomad List members liked going here
✅ Many Nomad List members here all year round
✅ Spacious and not crowded
✅ Very easy to make friends
✅ Very easy to do business
✅ High quality of education
✅ Great hospitals
✅ Democratic
✅ People can speak basic English
✅ Family friendly
✅ Not many people smoke tobacco
Cons
❌ No freedom of speech
❌ Not much to do
❌ Very sweaty and humid now
❌ Roads are very dangerous
❌ Not safe for women
❌ Hostile towards LGBTQ+
Quality of Life in Kuala Lumpur
No Data for now.
Visa Requirements in Kuala Lumpur
No Data for now.
Security and Crime in Kuala Lumpur
Stay informed on security and crime in Kuala Lumpur with updated information on crime rates, types of crimes and measures being taken. Ensure personal safety by staying informed and taking steps to protect yourself and loved ones. Help keep Kuala Lumpur safe.
Low Crime rate
High Security Index
Polution and Air Quality in Kuala Lumpur
Stay informed about the air quality and pollution levels in Kuala Lumpur. Our data source provides up-to-date information on various pollutants and their effects on health and the environment. By monitoring the air quality in Kuala Lumpur, you can take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones from the harmful effects of pollution.
Similar cities to Kuala Lumpur
Discover cities that are similar to Kuala Lumpur in terms of attractions and amenities. Our hand-picked list includes locations with similar cultural settings, recreational activities, and high-quality lodgings. These cities are worth visiting if you're looking for a place with a similar atmosphere or just a change of scenery. Plan your next urban journey by visiting these similar cities.
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17
Mbps
FEELS 35°
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Penang
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13
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FEELS 34°
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#141
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39
Mbps
FEELS 23°
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Ubud
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#28
Air Quality
Moderate
6
Mbps
FEELS 36°
28°
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Cities near Kuala Lumpur to visit
There are several cities and places close to Kuala Lumpur worth your visit. In addition to sightseeing in Kuala Lumpur, spare some time to discover the surroundings of the city. You can discover Penang, Krabi, Ipoh, Johor Bahru, and Singapore, who are a few kilometres away either by car or public transport.
Trending
Penang
Malaysia
#26
Air Quality
Moderate
13
Mbps
FEELS 34°
29°
$967/mo
Overall
All
Cost
Internet
WiFi
Fun
Safety
Trending
Krabi
Thailand
#63
Air Quality
Moderate
17
Mbps
FEELS 34°
28°
$1,712/mo
Overall
All
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WiFi
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Trending
Ipoh
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#267
Air Quality
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Mbps
FEELS 33°
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Johor Bahru
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Singapore
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Air Quality
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102
Mbps
FEELS 33°
29°
$5,150/mo
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All
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WiFi
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Trending
Malacca
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#259
Air Quality
Moderate
13
Mbps
FEELS 34°
29°
$1,371/mo
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Cost
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WiFi
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Safety
Trending
Langkawi
Malaysia
#295
Air Quality
Moderate
11
Mbps
FEELS 34°
29°
$1,752/mo
Overall
All
Cost
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WiFi
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Safety
Trending
Ko Lanta
Thailand
#279
Air Quality
Good
16
Mbps
FEELS 32°
28°
$1,667/mo
Overall
All
Cost
Internet
WiFi
Fun
Safety
Reviews of Kuala Lumpur - Feedback from travelers
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Discussion (19)
0
Putrajaya is the only place I would recommend due to its close proximity to the airport. The Shaftsbury Hotel is modern with two convenience stores, pharmacy, restaurants, dental, and more in the actual building. There is a rain fountain in "mall" of the building that would be Putrajaya's attempt at Singapore's airport one. The location is also literally right across from the bigger mall that has restaurants, international grocery store, movie theater, bowling, electronics, etc. It's a safe area if you're going to be in Malaysia for a week or two.
0
First time I was in KL was in 2015 as a backpacking student. I stayed for 2 weeks at an airbnb in Bangsar South and I loved it. Met up with Uni friends, made new friends and I really like the relaxed atmosphere, despite being in a huge city.Fast forward, 3 years later, I went by myself to KL for a 3 days stay on a visa run from Chiang Mai. I stayed in a hotel near Bukit Bintang. I actually really didn't like it - I think because I was by myself, in a fairly wild part of the city and got so used to all the conveniences of Chaing Mai prior to coming here. I couldn't wait to leave this hell hole.... Ironically, as a student, I loved the crazier parts of the city, but maybe as we get older, that changes.But then, 6 months later, I decided to give it another go, coming from Penang. This time with my girlfriend and back to the area where I first got to know KL back in 2015. We booked an apartment in Bangsar South. Swimming pool, gym, 1gbps internet connection, walking distance to supermarket, convenience store and metro to go exploring. Was an absolutely great month and ended up extending our stay by another 15 days until our visas expired. Cannot wait to go back after corona.
0
Kuala Lumpur is a modern metropolitan filled with fun loving people and excellent choice of food, available around the clock. Night life could be a little boring in downtown area but the suburbs are where the fun is in the evening. Internet speed is world-class, modern roads and highways, good connectivity and comfortable to live and work. Safety at night is a bit compromised so extra care is needed when travel alone. Most of the people speak reasonably good English. Alcohol is cheap and conveniently available.
0
Great city. I got a lot of work done. Luxury residences are overbuilt so the key to reserving sight unseen is determining how many units they have open (more=bad) and how many people aren't paying their maintenance (which you can determine from requesting a photo of their elevator interior which posts the debts.) Empty buildings with lots of debtors mean poor maintenance and perks like restaurants and pools being in disrepair or closed.
0
You can settle for a few months in the two Jaya areas (burbs) where modern conveniences are around (food deliveries, malls, nature parks, etc). Cyberjaya is a more youthful Jaya with college students, 24 hour bookstore, etc. You can still find families around though. It's rather quiet and "boring" to some though. It's good for relaxing, working out at the infinity pool gyms, and taking a travel rest.
0
Been Many times and it it wow. And if you have been anywhere in Asia you will know what I mean when I say - its modern. I didn't know why so I asked - they have oil off their shore - thus have $$$. And is still affordable - I like it more than Singapore even. Great hotels, great food, great taxi service and great internet.
0
Kuala Lumpur is one of the dirtiest and dodgies cities we've ever been. Everything looks broken down, messy or unmaintained. It seems completely mismanaged (or not governed at all) by the city government. It's relatively unsafe, with high crime, and especially if you're a woman, you'll get followed and harassed if you're out in the evening or night. To top all that off, it's boring with not many reasons to go here except shopping in malls.
0
Fantastic internet, pretty good co-working spaces, ridiculously affordable especially considering such a large city with all of the modern amenities, and all of the fun and nightlife you can ask for. I can see KL being one of my standard go-to places.
0
KL was a great place when I went. Affordable (and quality) apartments, good and affordable food (although spicy), and especially, very, very welcoming people. I will certainly come again!
0
I think KL will be the next hub for nomads. It's affordable, safe, convenient, has decent Internet and has decent weather. (Yes it's hot during the summer but it gives you a good reason to be inside and get your work done) Mostly it's quite chill, not as hectic and messy as other major SEA cities like Bangkok, Hanoi and Jakarta. There's not that much to do, but Malaysia has wonderful nature and getaway places, accessible with cheap AirAsia tickets from KL.
0
It's funny how 15-20 years ago, KL was almost devoid of travelers - presumably because "Muslim country", 9/11, whatever. THAT was actually a time when not only was everything ridiculously cheap; the locals were happy, friendly, courteous, always giving you a huge smile. I have so many happy memories of back then. Fast-forward to 2019: Yes, KL is now "on the map". Yet the cost of living is exploding; much of the city's heritage has been bulldozed away; a high-rise is going up at every corner; and more and more people are visibly stressed, frustrated, hostile. As a foreigner, I encounter silent treatment every day; have people shut the elevator door in my face; rarely get a Please or Thank You or even Excuse Me; the little annoyances just keep mushrooming. But all in all, and especially for those who never experienced the fun and relaxed KL of yesteryear, it's still a relatively safe and affordable place. Nowhere near as pricey as Singapore, and also not as prone to power cuts and violent crime and accidents as Thailand or Philippines. I see private doctors, and they are excellent, London/Cambridge-trained and yet affordable. Also, phone apps work quite well when it comes to payments, booking a Grab car or ordering food / groceries. And of course, the sky is blue and the sun is shining all year round.
0
Mostly great weather year round and some of the best food in the world at cheap prices. Probably the best standard of living for the cost in an international city.Good but not excellent public transport.Some questionable reviews being left here by people who possibly never visited,
0
It's hot and always cloudylack of good & delicious foodgood co-working spaces are available with good internetif grab doesn't work for you, use gocar
0
An Islamic consumerist utopia.Boring, dangerous, and overall average.Alright for a week or two if you're a couple or male. Hell on earth if you're female (DO NOT GO OUTSIDE ALONE AFTER 8PM IF YOU'RE MORE THAN 2KMs FROM THE CBD).
0
Stay in luxury Airbnb with all mod cons for less than $700 per month. Eat for less than $5. It’s clean and has everything you need, including great supermarkets and restaurants. Stay away from KL if you want history etc, but if you’re an expat this ticks every box.
0
I hope less people will come to KL so i have more of the city to myself LOL. Where else can you get fresh made roti canai with teh terek for less than US1.00 for breakfast? Where else can you stay at a 5star hotel for 1/3 the cost of overpriced Singapore. Please, tourist, stay away and leave KL to expats who appreciate the good side of a typical crowded Asian city.
0
Whanted to write a review, wrote about 200 words than pressed the arrow key and left the page and the review was gone. Fix this shit. You obviously don't give a rats ass about UX
0
I am confused why anyone wants to visit Kuala Lumpur, it’s a dirty, messy and crime infested city.
0
It’s hard to love Kuala Lumpur. Because everything here is average. Malaysia’s food is marketed as a mix of all cultures’ cuisines, that’s nice and all but that mix of the same cultures is tastier in any food court in Singapore. Because in KL the food is average. Malaysians are also far behind in cafes, you’ll see Starbucks rated 5 stars, while arisanal boutique cafes are rated 2 stars on Foursquare. Why? Because they have a prehistoric obsession with big brands and consumerism. The coffee in the few artisanal cafes is outstanding. Everywhere else? Average. A day in KL means you’ll be going from mall to mall. Chinatown still has some remnants of local street authenticity, but even that’s starting to be bulldozed by malls its edge. Admittedly Kuala Lumpur has come far since a decade ago, its citizens are getting close to middle class (that is if you're not one of the millions of illegal immigrants). But where Kuala Lumpur now thrives in money, it still lacks in class. And that makes it, well, average.