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Kuala Lumpur vs Bangkok

Kuala Lumpur runs about 18% cheaper than Bangkok for this household, a difference of 212 USD a month.

The bright lights of Bukit Bintang.
Kuala Lumpur
$1,171/month · Malaysia
Will Simmonds from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, China · CC BY 2.0
Chakra Maha Prasat Throne Hall Grand Palace Bangkok aerial photo by Don Ramey Logan
Bangkok
$1,383/month · Thailand
Don Ramey Logan · CC BY 4.0
Kuala Lumpur monthly
$1,171
Index 18 (NYC = 100)
Bangkok monthly
$1,383
Index 22 (NYC = 100)
Difference
+18%
Bangkok relative to Kuala Lumpur
Rent gap
$100
Bangkok costs more for a central 1-bed
By category

Where the gap actually is

Kuala LumpurBangkok
  • Housing
    Housing: Kuala Lumpur $600, Bangkok $700. Cheaper in Kuala Lumpur.
  • Food
    Food: Kuala Lumpur $300, Bangkok $355. Cheaper in Kuala Lumpur.
  • Transport
    Transport: Kuala Lumpur $40, Bangkok $46. Cheaper in Kuala Lumpur.
  • Utilities
    Utilities: Kuala Lumpur $86, Bangkok $107. Cheaper in Kuala Lumpur.
  • Healthcare
    Healthcare: Kuala Lumpur $14, Bangkok $16. Cheaper in Kuala Lumpur.
  • Lifestyle
    Lifestyle: Kuala Lumpur $90, Bangkok $108. Cheaper in Kuala Lumpur.
  • Other
    Other: Kuala Lumpur $42, Bangkok $51. Cheaper in Kuala Lumpur.
Each row is one category priced in both cities for the same household. The bar is the gap; exact figures are in the table below.
Interactive — adjust the household

Full comparison

MetricKuala LumpurBangkok
Cost
Total monthly cost1,171 USD✓1,383 USD
Cost index (New York = 100)18✓22
Housing600 USD✓700 USD
Utilities86 USD✓107 USD
Food300 USD✓355 USD
Transport40 USD✓46 USD
Healthcare14 USD✓16 USD
Lifestyle90 USD✓108 USD
Income & tax
Take-home on 100,000 USD/yr5,698 USD6,510 USD✓
Effective tax + social rate31.6%21.9%✓
Left over each month4,527 USD5,126 USD✓
Average local net salary1,000 USD✓800 USD
Housing
1-bed rent, city centre600 USD✓700 USD
3-bed rent, city centre1,300 USD✓1,500 USD
Buy price per m², centre2,600 USD✓4,200 USD
Quality of life
Safety68/100✓64/100
Healthcare76/100✓74/100
Air quality50/100✓42/100
Public transport70/10072/100✓
Walkability58/10066/100✓
English proficiency84/100✓34/100
Nightlife72/10092/100✓
Family friendliness74/100✓66/100
Median broadband180 Mbps230 Mbps✓
Climate
Average temperature28°C✓29°C
Summer high33°C✓35°C
Winter low23°C✓21°C
Sunshine hours per year2,100 h2,600 h✓
Annual rainfall2500 mm1500 mm✓
Practicalities
Remote-work visaYesYes
Beach access60 min✓90 min
CurrencyMYRTHB
Time zoneAsia/Kuala_LumpurAsia/Bangkok

Kuala Lumpur runs about 18% cheaper than Bangkok for this household, a difference of 212 USD a month.

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Go deeper

Cost of living in Kuala LumpurCost of living in BangkokConvert a salary between themFlip the comparison
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FAQ

Frequently asked

Is Kuala Lumpur or Bangkok cheaper?

Kuala Lumpur runs about 18% cheaper than Bangkok for this household, a difference of 212 USD a month.

What salary do you need in Bangkok compared with Kuala Lumpur?

On a $100,000 gross salary you would take home $5,698 a month in Kuala Lumpur and $6,510 in Bangkok, before local costs. Use the salary converter for an exact equivalent.

Which has better quality of life, Kuala Lumpur or Bangkok?

Kuala Lumpur scores 68/100 on safety and 76/100 on healthcare; Bangkok scores 64 and 74. Kuala Lumpur averages 28°C against 29°C in Bangkok.