Move to Bangkok or Kuala Lumpur? Which one

sydsm on 29/09/2017 - 13:51

Hi - have visited both cities many times and decided I want to move to S.E Asia in the next 12-18 months.

Does anyone have experience in living in either city and happy to share tips? I have found a few property websites for rentals, but overall, thinking of a large 1bd or 2bed condo nearby the city. Reasons for move - honestly, im so sick of Sydney and want a lifestyle change. I can work remotely from anywhere with decent internet so not concerned about cash…thinking of spending $250/wk on rent also.

Other half is a senior nurse, so she is thinking of doing FIFO remote community work in Northern australia.

Poll Options

  • 74
    Bangkok
  • 32
    Kuala Lumpur
Financial

Comments

  • tims on 02/10/2017 - 12:57

    Here's what the comparison website Numbeo says about Malaysia and Thailand:

    Consumer Prices in Thailand are 10.98% higher than in Malaysia
    Consumer Prices Including Rent in Thailand are 17.57% higher than in Malaysia
    Rent Prices in Thailand are 44.40% higher than in Malaysia
    Restaurant Prices in Thailand are 4.56% higher than in Malaysia
    Groceries Prices in Thailand are 14.71% higher than in Malaysia
    Local Purchasing Power in Thailand is 55.05% lower than in Malaysia

    https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/compare_countries_resu…

    and between Bangkok and KL:

    Consumer Prices in Bangkok are 19.00% higher than in Kuala Lumpur
    Consumer Prices Including Rent in Bangkok are 27.79% higher than in Kuala Lumpur
    Rent Prices in Bangkok are 52.68% higher than in Kuala Lumpur
    Restaurant Prices in Bangkok are 2.79% lower than in Kuala Lumpur
    Groceries Prices in Bangkok are 27.72% higher than in Kuala Lumpur
    Local Purchasing Power in Bangkok is 46.13% lower than in Kuala Lumpur

    https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/compare_cities.jsp?cou…

  • crentist on 02/10/2017 - 13:13

    I spent a few months in KL last year for some web dev classes, in Petaling Jaya, about 15mins from city centre. I enjoyed it, and got the impression that there is a growing tech scene and startup community. Stayed in a few airbnbs, and saw newer buildings had fibre. They also often had good gyms and infinity pools. Never even tried public transport since Uber and Grab were so cheap. 15mins to the city cost about $6. And being just outside the city meant it was a bit more pleasant, not so hectic and full of tourists and touts. And food is amazing everywhere

    Downside, it's not the most interesting place, can feel a bit like generic SE Asia at times, but that's kinda what you make it. And maybe that's just part of being a developing city thats kinda overlooked. But it can feel like everything is turning into a bunch of big air-conditioned malls, and the heat and distance mean it's not very walkable. Luckily the ubers are dirt cheap

    I'd like to go back for a while. It's very comfortable and easy to get around and do things. No language problems, safe, and doesn't feel like a poor country but stretches your money like one. And you can get a nice apartment with a damn infinity pool for cheap. Expats doing visa runs to/from　Singapore seemed to be a common thing.

    Can't really comment on Bangkok
    Damn I gotta get into that remote work

  • tims on 02/10/2017 - 13:13
    +1

    And another - KL vs Sydney:

    Consumer Prices in Kuala Lumpur are 50.23% lower than in Sydney
    Consumer Prices Including Rent in Kuala Lumpur are 60.46% lower than in Sydney
    Rent Prices in Kuala Lumpur are 75.01% lower than in Sydney
    Restaurant Prices in Kuala Lumpur are 65.09% lower than in Sydney
    Groceries Prices in Kuala Lumpur are 45.29% lower than in Sydney
    Local Purchasing Power in Kuala Lumpur is 32.98% lower than in Sydney

    https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/compare_cities.jsp?cou…

    Best bargain -
    McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) 10.00 A$ vs 3.93 A$. -60.69% cheaper

    What are you waiting for!

    • sydsm on 03/10/2017 - 12:12

      thank you for this. cementing my mind more and more with KL

  • starspawn on 02/10/2017 - 15:00

    BKK - I loved my time there.

  • Mia03 on 02/10/2017 - 16:50

    I've lived in Kuala Lumpur from 2010 to 2014 and can't wait to return. I've also traveled to Bangkok several times but I'd choose Kuala Lumpur as it provides a better combination of life in terms of health, safety, costs, etc.

    If you're single/looking for fun, Bangkok would be a better choice but if you're after a decent life, Kuala Lumpur is the way to go!

    • sydsm on 03/10/2017 - 12:13

      where did you live in KL?

      • Mia03 on 03/10/2017 - 22:28

        Kajang.

        • sydsm on 04/10/2017 - 11:25

          Interesting..are you a local? Why this area - 25km from the city seems pretty far to me. I was looking at Demansara, Mont Kiara (very expaty)..

        • Mia03 on 07/10/2017 - 21:36

          @sydsm: I studied at the University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus.

  • Dont Care on 02/10/2017 - 22:47

    just dont be one of those dirty old men who leaves his wife for a bar girl.

    • Peck on 21/10/2017 - 10:10

      Don't have a wife who makes you want to leave! And not all Thai girls are bar girls. Don't judge the whole population of Thailand by the fact that there are sex areas in Bangkok. That is like judging Sydney based on Kings X.

      • Dont Care on 21/10/2017 - 12:07

        Statistically, bangkok has the highest number of sex workers in the world.

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