Cost of Living for a Family of Three in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia (2016)

When planning to live in Petaling Jaya, a city in the Klang Valley of Malaysia, it is essential to understand the cost of living, specifically for a family of three. Several factors can influence the overall cost, such as income levels, savings, and personal spending habits. According to various studies, a minimum of 4,000 Malaysian Ringgit (RM) per month can suffice for a comfortable lifestyle.

Income Levels and Average Monthly Expenditure

Petaling Jaya is classified as an urban area, and its mean monthly household income has been on the rise. From 2012 to 2014, there was a yearly increase of 8.7 percent, rising from RM5,742 to RM6,833. Petaling Jaya (PJP) and Kuala Lumpur (W.P. Kuala Lumpur) showed the highest median monthly household income of RM7,620 and RM7,512, followed by Selangor (Sel) at RM6,214.

Household consumption expenditure, according to the Household Expenditure Survey (HES) conducted in 2014, indicates that PJP had the highest mean monthly household consumption expenditure at RM5,627, closely followed by W.P. Kuala Lumpur at RM5,559. Selangor registered a lower mean of RM4,646, while Melaka and Johor each recorded RM3,809.

Comparison with Real-World Data

While specific figures cannot be provided due to varying individual situations, referencing websites such as Numbeo can offer a good estimation of necessary expenses. Numbeo's data, though not infallible, provides reasonable insights, and the amounts suggested may indeed vary in real life but generally do not differ significantly.

Personal Factors and Adjustments

The cost of living in Petaling Jaya can vary based on personal factors such as income level, lifestyle, and savings. A comfortable living can be maintained with rentals, utilities, food, transportation, and other day-to-day expenses. Here is a breakdown of the expenses:

Rent: Depending on property size, location, and condition, rental costs in Petaling Jaya can range from RM1,200 to RM2,500 per month. Utilities: Electricity, water, and internet bills can range from RM300 to RM600 monthly. Food: A family of three can expect to spend about RM2,000 to RM2,500 on groceries and dining out weekly. Transportation: Monthly commuting expenses, including MRT/EMT passes or a car, can range from RM500 to RM1,000. Entertainment: Inclining entertainment and leisure activities, such as movies and shopping, can cost an additional RM400 to RM800.

Conclusion: In summary, a family of three can expect to spend around RM4,000 to RM5,000 per month for a basic but comfortable lifestyle in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia. However, this figure can increase based on specific lifestyle choices, personal spending habits, and external factors.

Note: For a more accurate budget, it is advisable to consult Numbeo or similar resources and adjust based on individual needs.