The cost of living well in Kuala Lumpur.

Our verdict. Kuala Lumpur suits a family that wants an international city at about a sixth of London's cost, with foreign income left alone: foreign-sourced income received by residents is exempt, subject to conditions, until the end of 2036. The Alice Smith School charges RM 122,370 for the senior years before SST, and a two-star tasting menu at Dewakan costs RM 870. The weak point is the water and the clubs: the 20 m berth, about RM 50,000 a year, is at Port Dickson, not in the city, and KLGCC membership is bought on the resale market. Set against Singapore, a prime square metre costs about a seventh as much.

1. A prime family home, rented2026£14k

   MYR 75,000 a year · 3-bedroom condominium in KLCC or Bukit Bintang, RM 4,500-8,000 a month (midpoint 6,250 x12); planning range from an expat guide

   Malaysia4U, Cost of Living in Kuala Lumpur, Updated 10 July 2026

2. Senior school fees, two children2026-27£45k

   MYR 122,370 a year a child · The Alice Smith School, Years 10-13 annual tuition (RM 40,790 per term), excl. 6% SST

   The Alice Smith School, Tuition and Fees, Academic year 2026-27

3. Membership at a leading golf club2026£1,035

   MYR 5,641 a year in subscriptions · joining MYR 224,000 · KLGCC non-Bumi individual membership: resale ~RM 170,000 + club transfer fee RM 54,000, plus monthly subscription RM 470.05 x 12

   JT Memberships (broker), KLGCC 2026 analysis; Aneka Clubs fee table (transfer fee and subscription), 4 July 2026

4. A berth for a 20 m yacht2026£9,228

   MYR 50,282 a year · Admiral Marina, Port Dickson (Pontoons B-D, member rate RM 2.10/ft/day) x 65.6 ft (20 m) x 365

   Avillion Admiral Marina, Marina Rates, Checked 20 Oct 2026

5. A full-time housekeeper or nanny2026£3,634

   MYR 19,800 a year · Indonesian full-time foreign domestic helper RM 1,500-1,800/month (midpoint 1,650 x 12); RM 1,500 is the 2022 MOU floor

   Malaysia4U, Maid Guide (cites Immigration Dept, MOHR/JTKSM), Updated 3 May 2026

6. Tasting menu for two, twice a month2026£7,664

   MYR 1,740 a dinner · Dewakan (2 Michelin stars), Dewakan Tasting Menu RM 870 nett x 2, food only

   Dewakan; Michelin Guide Malaysia, Checked 20 Oct 2026

Figures are published prices, fees and surveys as dated, converted to pounds at the stated rates. They change, vary by home, school year and membership, and are a guide, not a quote. Nothing here is financial, tax or legal advice.

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Pounds at ECB reference rates (Gulf currencies at their dollar pegs) rates of 2026-10-20.