You probably tired to hear how we love Kuala Lumpur (KL). But does this mean that we plan to settle in KL and establish a principal residence there? And what does it cost to live for a month in KL?

As of now, we do not plan to settle or establish a permanent residence anywhere.   We like the freedom of moving from place to place when we want, freedom to stay longer in the places we like.

Last year we planned to visit KL just for one week but stayed for four months.  This year, we planned to stay here just for two months… and as of today, staying here till September.

Before taking early retirement abroad, we’ve made a decision that our quality of life will not be lower than we had back in the US.  That’s why we rented a 3bdr/3.5 bath furnished apartment (1,700sq. ft ~158 sq. m) in the heart of KL, in the upscale neighborhood called KLCC located just 300 m from the famous Twin Towers.

Twin Towers – a view from the pool

Twin Towers at night – a view from our the apartment building

(Do you remember the movie “Entrapment” with Sean Connery and Catherine Zeta-Jones when they tried to steal billions from a Malaysian bank located in Twin Towers building on 2000 New Year’s Eve?)

Lobby

Our condominium is 3 year old, and has a nice gym, pool, library, security, etc. The short term rent for this type of unit is starting from RM 5,000/mo (~$1,350/mo or $45/night) plus utilities.  (TV & Internet are not included.) The rate is based on the length of your rent, the floor, view, unit size, and your negotiation skills.  In the older apartment complex, located next to our building, for $50/night you can get a small studio apartment (750sq. ft), if you lucky. TV and internet will be included, though.

Pool

Gym with a pool reflection

Library

We did not get our electric bill yet, so I can’t report the cost. The water and gas bill was less than $10/mo.   We pay RM 80 each time to clean this apartment ($21-$27).

The price of organic food in the good supermarket is the same or a little bit less than at good supermarkets in the US.  Local produce – at least 50% less.  All non- GMO food is clearly labeled.

At the mall you can get a cup of coffee for $3.3, the slice of a nice cake – $3.5, a glass of the fresh squeezed juice – $3.00. At the local vendor, the juice will cost you $1.5. Eating out – your choices are unlimited.  You can spend as little as $1 for two at the local food stall, or $100+/person in the fancy place.  We usually alternate: 1-2 times we are cooking at home, 1-2 times – taking out food from the local vendor, 1-2 days eating out at the mid range vegetarian restaurant ($8-$15 for two people), 1 day at the western type of restaurant ($50/for two).  We splurge on gelato (1 scoop – $3.00) and coffee more often than we probably should.

Taxi and public transportation are so cheap!  A subway/metro ride is 30 cents one way per person.  The taxi from one side of the town to another – less than $5!

Grooming. The cost for a haircut/coloring for women in the upscale hair salon is the same as in the Tri-State area. If the women has dark strait hair, than she can save 30% by going to the local salon. For men the hair cut is $15 including tips in a good salon. A hair cut at the local barber shop could be as little as $5. Manicure/pedicure is about the same as at oriental salons at Tri-State area ($30-$40).  Massages and facials are generally twice less expensive.

Healthcare is much better in KL or Thailand(!!!) and sooo cheap! Recently, we went to the nearest modern medical center, located just 300m away from our condo, on the 4th floor of the upscale shopping mall Suria KLCC.

No need for appointment, just walk in, take a number, fill the form, and 40 min later you are at the doctor’s office. (We went there during the lunch time; in the morning the line would be shorter.)  15 min later, we got two bags of medicine and the bill – $91 for two of us, including EVERYTHING! ($1 US=3.65 RM)

Medical bill for two

Communications. Mobile phones with internet around $30/mo for two!  20 GB home internet – $40/mo

We spend around $3,500/month here in KL.  That includes another category, that we call a “US footprint”, like renting a storage facility where we keep our 6 boxes with …junk, mail forwarding service, safe box at the bank, life insurances, etc…