Pros and cons of moving to Kuala Lumpur

The marriage of modern sky-rises and historical buildings, and the harmonious blend of Malaysians and expats make Kuala Lumpur stand out. That said, like any city, it has its pros and cons for expats who choose to settle here.

The city is growing by leaps and bounds and shows no sign of slowing any time soon. On the positive side, this means openness and acceptance toward change and forward-moving progress. On the downside, there are a few obvious growing pains that the city will continue to face.

Accommodation in Kuala Lumpur

+ PRO: Large, open-plan living areas

Since Kuala Lumpur has become such a prominent Southeast Asian destination, most buildings being constructed are modern and spacious. The living areas are open-plan, and most contain floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing the year-round sunshine to beam through. The newer homes often contain at least three bedrooms. Condos or bungalows can even have five or six.

Both of these accommodation types are readily available throughout the various suburbs of Kuala Lumpur, including popular areas like Mont Kiara, Sri Hartamas, and Desa Parkcity, which are favoured by expats for their amenities and community feel.

If you want to learn more, check out our guides on Renting Accommodation in Kuala Lumpur and the Best Areas and Suburbs of Kuala Lumpur.

- CON: Soaring prices

Accommodation prices in Kuala Lumpur have been on an upward trend recently, partly due to inflation and rising construction costs. This is also due to safety concerns in Kuala Lumpur, so many condos and bungalows have gates and guardhouses.

Certain amenities within the home, such as hot water in the kitchen, microwaves, ovens, dishwashers, and washer/dryer units, are all considered ‘extras’, many of which can be negotiated into the rental or sale price.

Cost of living in Kuala Lumpur

+ PRO: Locally sourced items are cheap

Thanks to the consistently warm and humid climate in Malaysia, you will find a huge variety of Asian fruits and vegetables grown here. Add to that the chicken, beef, and fishing industries, and you'll have a plethora of options.

The country is also home to a variety of manufacturing plants, from wooden furniture and clothing to textiles and ceramics. This ensures that locally sourced items are relatively affordable, making daily shopping for essentials quite budget-friendly.

Weather and Climate in Malaysia
Cost of Living in Malaysia

- CON: Expensive imports due to taxes

Anything not made in Malaysia will be expensive to import, including cars. While there are some auto manufacturers within Malaysia, the quality can be sub-par. If you're considering importing your current car, be prepared for high import taxes.

Malaysia's import duties on luxury items are remarkably high compared to neighbouring countries, contributing to the high cost of imported goods. Importing creature comforts from home can also be quite expensive. The cost of wine, beer, and liquor is rather exorbitant in Malaysia due to strict taxes on anything containing alcohol.

Transport in Kuala Lumpur

+ PRO: Ever-expanding light rail and cheap taxis

Kuala Lumpur is a growing city, and with that growth comes a need for more public transport. The light rail line has satisfied much of that need. Within the city, it has quickly become a viable mode of transport. 

Taxis are also plentiful around Kuala Lumpur and charge a low rate. Ride-sharing services like Grab are also very popular, offering an affordable and convenient alternative to traditional taxis.

For additional information, check out our guide on Public Transport in Kuala Lumpur.

- CON: Heavy daily traffic

The downside of the city's rapid expansion is the sheer amount of traffic. Cars clog up the roads every day between 7am and 9am and again from 4pm to 7pm. While the government is working on expanding lanes, the lack of proper police enforcement of traffic rules makes it often chaotic.

Cultural expression in Kuala Lumpur

+ PRO: Variety and freedom

Kuala Lumpur is home to a wonderful variety of Malaysian culture, with people from a mix of indigenous Malay, Indian and Chinese origins practising Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism and many other religions.

The Malaysian government honours a variety of holidays, with Islamic ones being the most prominent. Malaysia allows freedom of expression, so you shouldn't be worried about practising your religion.

To learn more about local culture, see our guide on Malaysian Culture.

- CON: Closed streets and shops

The downside of these holiday celebrations is that roads can be closed, leading to more traffic in an already congested city. The number of public holidays recognised by the government affects work and shopping hours, meaning you may need to carefully plan your shopping and commuting schedule around these holidays.

To see a full list of holidays, visit our guide on Public Holidays in Malaysia.

Cuisine in Kuala Lumpur

+ PRO: Variety of local options

Kuala Lumpur is known as a gastronomic hub of Asia, and it’s easy to see why. Cuisines range from typical Malaysian to Chinese, Indian, Indonesian, Japanese, and Thai. Malaysia is also known for its hawker stalls – food stands on the street serving aromatic dishes at a fraction of restaurant prices.

Sample the local food scene, from hawker stalls to five-star restaurants, and find out what makes Kuala Lumpur a true foodie's delight.

- CON: Good Western food hard to find

Although there are lots of Western-style outlets around the city, only a few seem to get it right when it comes to authentic Western cuisine. These places also tend to be pricier but are usually worth the cost if you miss the taste of home.

Healthcare in Kuala Lumpur

+ PRO: Doctors are highly skilled, and services are cheaper

Malaysia is quickly becoming a top medical tourism destination worldwide. The doctors here are highly educated, often starting their education in Malaysia and finishing it in various Western countries before returning home to practise.

Healthcare costs in Kuala Lumpur are extremely low compared to Western countries, and with the burgeoning market, business has demanded more modern hospitals and private clinics. Health insurance is also quite reasonable, and most plans will cover many of the expenses you would incur.

Healthcare and Hospitals in Kuala Lumpur

- CON: Conservative culture encourages a certain type of assisted care

Even though Malaysia is medically advanced compared to other Southeast Asian countries, there is still an element of tradition in healing methods, particularly concerning nursing care.

Nurses tend to be more traditional and may not always be open to Western-style practices. Understanding and respecting these cultural norms will go a long way in making your healthcare experience smoother.