Top Tips for Renting in Kuala Lumpur

Last updated
April 15, 2024

If you’ve ever wondered about where and how to rent in Kuala Lumpur, you’re in the right place. With LemmyAdvisor guiding you, finding your next dream home will feel like a float down a serene stream.

Location, location, location

When it comes to renting in Kuala Lumpur, often abbreviated as KL, you are spoilt for choices! From luxurious high-rises to enchanting townhouses, there’s something to match every taste and preference. But with variety comes the question: “Where to rent in KL?”. KL’s rental landscape is as diverse as its culinary scene. For seekers of affordable homes, zones like Setapak, Cheras, Sentul might become your next haven. Dream of basking in the luxury of posh areas? Look no further than areas like Bangsar, Mont Kiara or KLCC.

KL’s allure isn’t just in its amazing skyline, but also in the average RM 4,000 monthly income, the highest in Malaysia! But here’s the twist, expect to spend an average of RM 3,200 per month for a high-rise apartment if you choose to stay within KL. That’s a budgeting curveball worthy of a beaver’s meticulous attention.

Budgeting Your Rental

A common question many ask is “How much should I spend on rent?”. A globally accepted recommendation is about 30% of your monthly income. By that math, the closer you want to be to KL’s beating heart, the fatter your paycheck has to be. Our tech-savvy beavers crunched the numbers and have mapped out the mean annual income renters need to comfortably rent solo in certain postcodes.

Data from JPPH (Department of Valuation and Property Management) and listing prices for high-rise properties in Kuala Lumpur suggests that if you’re eyeing a solo living experience in KL, you might need an income of around RM 6,000 monthly. If you are lucky, you might be able to make do with RM 4,000 a month. And for those with aspirations of living in the coveted KL City Center? The figure takes a significant jump to RM 57,000 per month.

Average Monthly Income Needed in Kuala Lumpur by Area

Monthly Income Range

3,000 - 6,500
6,501 - 7,000
7,001 - 8,000
8,001 - 12,500
12,501 - 14,500
14,501 - 17,900
17,901 - 18,500
18,501 - 60,000

Balancing Your Income with Rent

Turns out, if affordability is your key concern, areas like Cheras, Wangsa Maju and Sentul stand out with median rents around RM 2,000 per month. Upscale areas such as Bangsar, Desa Park City, Damansara on the other hand would set you back around RM 5,000 per month.

The good news is, KL’s rental market is flexible and diverse. On a RM 4,000 monthly income, neighborhoods like Titiwangsa, Sri Petaling, Wangsa Maju or Setapak offer comfortable 2-bedrooms options. And, here’s a secret: if you don’t mind a smaller pad in ritzy spots like Bukit Damansara, you might just score big without breaking the bank! For instance, a 3 bedroom apartment here might go for RM 5,000 while a one bedroom apartment is more budget friendly at RM2,000.

Average Monthly Income Needed for a 1 Bedroom Apartment in Kuala Lumpur by Area

Average Monthly Income Needed for a 2 Bedrooms Apartment in Kuala Lumpur by Area

Average Monthly Income Needed for a 3 Bedrooms Apartment in Kuala Lumpur by Area

Average Monthly Income Needed for a 4 Bedrooms Apartment in Kuala Lumpur by Area

Monthly Income Range

3,000 - 6,500
6,501 - 7,000
7,001 - 8,000
8,001 - 12,500
12,501 - 14,500
14,501 - 17,900
17,901 - 18,500
18,501 - 60,000

Making Informed Choices

Data is key to making informed choices. With the proper data, you’ll be more empowered to choose where to rent, ensuring your KL rental journey aligns with your budget and lifestyle.

Ready to dive into Kuala Lumpur’s rental scene? With LemmyAdvisor, you’ve got the ultimate beaver buddy. Dive into our lake of data, and let us paddle you right to your dream dam. Try out LemmyAdvisor today!

References: 

  1. https://www.dosm.gov.my/portal-main/release-content/employee-wages-statistics---formal-sector-report-first-quarter-
  2. LemmyAdvisor