Malaysian Shares How RM10,000 Is Actually Not Enough To Live In KL

How much is actually considered enough to live in KL?

With the ever unsettling issue of raising minimum wage in Malaysia, Facebook user Farouq Johari shared his 2 cents on the cost of living in KL. Although his post was 2 years ago, we honestly feel this is still applicable today (or has the cost risen even more?)

For illustration purposes only

“You think having RM10,000 salary is a lot?”

The lengthy Facebook post starts with him asking, “Do you think having RM10,000 salary is a lot?”

“The term ‘poor’ is quite harsh, but here’s a reality check. Let me list down a cost breakdown for everyone to digest”

Farouq says that a family of 4 living in KL with only RM10,000 in their hands is actually considered POOR.

Total cost of living in KL is RM10,388 per month!!

Farouq Johari made a breakdown of his family’s whole expenses for a month:

After adding every single cost, the total that came up was RM10,388 to survive in KL. Not only is it not enough, Farouq mentioned how there is even a negative cash flow with an extra RM388.

Super minimum budget also doesn’t help much

Even with using the most super minimum spending, it comes up to RM7,468/month to live in KL.

“Look at that, it’s so sad. After seeing these numbers, you feel scared. For a person to live in KL, you should at least have RM7,500. And even with that you can’t even live lavishly.”

“It’s crazy to live nowadays”

Farouq raises his concerns, mentioning how it’s common to see people nowadays being in debt. Which is indeed not a good thing!

“It’s crazy! Even I’m shocked myself to see my own calculations. But this is the reality that we cannot run from, not only in KL, but living itself.”

With even the most basic necessity the pricing of item keeps raising, so Farouq continues to ponder upon our fate in the future. 

You can check out Farouq’s full Facebook post here!

Is RM10,00/month enough? Let us know your thoughts on the current cost of living here in Malaysia. 

Also read: Survey: Kuala Lumpur Is World’s Number 1 City To Live In For Expats