10 Reasons Why We Chose Malaysia over Singapore

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After exploring both Singapore and Malaysia during a two-week trip, we found Malaysia to be a better fit for several compelling reasons. From easier visa options and lower costs of living to better property investment opportunities and a more relaxed lifestyle, we dive into all the key factors.

We'll also discuss the perks of car ownership, local travel, access to nature, work-life balance, social life, and business opportunities. We're eager to hear from those with experience living in either country and welcome any recommendations, particularly about neighborhoods in Kuala Lumpur.

Stay tuned for future videos on our experiences in Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Penang. Don't forget to subscribe, like, and share!

00:00 Welcome and Introduction
00:10 Trip Highlights: Singapore and Malaysia
00:35 Why Malaysia Over Singapore
01:14 Visa Options: Malaysia vs. Singapore
02:11 Cost of Living: Housing
02:55 Property Investment Opportunities
03:44 Education and Childcare
04:34 Car Ownership: Freedom and Flexibility
05:16 Gasoline Costs and Road Quality in Malaysia
05:59 Local Travel Options in Malaysia
06:45 Access to Nature
07:15 Work-Life Balance
07:52 Social Life Comparison
08:28 Business Opportunities and Growth
09:17 Final Thoughts and Community Input

[mingwu]

If you are young and seeking for money, Singapore is your choice. If you are seeking for a good retire life, Malaysia is your choice.

[peggyhiew]

I'm a Malaysian Chinese & have been to San Francisco about 40 years ago for a holiday.I loved it there but never thought that a city can change to what it's today.I'm now living in Kuantan, Pahang on the east coast of Peninsula Malaysia.It's less hectic here & has many beautiful beaches.Hope that one day you'll be able to visit Kuantan.

[tg]

Welcome to Malaysia. So many migrants coming to here. Suitable for family of four. Suitable locations:
1.Desa Park City - Little expensive, expats community, park for dog, variety food outlet and pubs, condos, landed homes.

2.Mont Kiara - Little expensive, expats community, international schools, variety food outlet and pubs, condo living.

3.Penang - Street food heaven, expats community, Chinese majority area, international schools, beach lover.

4.KLCC & Bukit Bintang - Little expensive, city hub, international schools, metro transportation.

5.Ampang - Embassy area, expats community, many internationa schools, metro transportation, very near to CBD.

6.Bangsar, Bangsar South, & Damansara Heights - Expats community, international schools, metro transporation.

Malaysia is suitable for entrepreneurs, business community due to low-cost startup and affordable retirement destination. Singapore is suitable for emplyoment due to favorable currency exchange rate.

[Brisamars-qc]

Listen my friend, I made a decision a couple of decades ago and settled in Malaysia over Singapore where I was offered a high paying job. I chose a little chaos and uncertainty over the expensive sterility and the one track mindset that exists there. The tremble and obey towards authority just restricted my sense of freedom-just wasn't for me. Man, my wife and I had such a wonderful 10+ years, the best in our lives up till then. We explored China, S E Asia, Bali etc to our heart's content. I ended up with owning two condo apartments in Bangsar/Damansara Heights which i still have today. KL is where you taste life to the fullest late into the evenings. Friends are instantly made, respect is instantly awarded. Freedom to do anything, to succeed with whatever you're doing....no one's stopping you, after the paperwork is sorted, that is. We are dying to get back! KL has vastly improved since. Good luck.🎉

[ahmadaziz]

Spore is an urban country. If you prefer to be in the concrete jungle better choose Spore to live. If u like nature, jungle, rain forest, mountain, beaches, driving, diving etc, Msia is the place. All at your own choice.

[NomosPocus]

Sinkapore is the ideal 15 minute city of the WEF. Total and easy control of the population. It is just a big concrete expensive shopping mall in a tiny piece of rock in South East Asia. Malaysia is 100x better with it's rich natural resources, clean air, rich cultural heritage and tradition, friendly people and large land size. U made the absolute right choice.

[xiaomashitu]

Singapore to Work
Malaysia to Live 😊

[azuadrazali]

The GDP per capita in Singapore is significantly higher than in Kuala Lumpur (KL) and Malaysia overall. However, despite this economic difference, many people still find living in KL to be more appealing due to various factors like cost of living, lifestyle preferences, and cultural diversity.

GDP Per Capita Comparison:

1. Singapore:
• Singapore has one of the highest GDP per capita in the world. As of 2023, Singapore’s GDP per capita is estimated to be around $82, 000 USD.
• This reflects the highly developed, advanced economy of Singapore, driven by finance, technology and trade.
• However, Kuala Lumpur and its surrounding areas (Klang Valley) are the economic hubs of Malaysia, with a higher GDP per capita compared to the national average. The GDP per capita in KL is estimated to be between $30, 000–$35, 000 USD, which is still much lower than Singapore’s.

Why Living in KL Can Still Be Better Despite Lower GDP Per Capita:

1. Lower Cost of Living:
• Affordability is one of the main reasons people prefer living in KL over Singapore. Housing, food, transportation, and everyday expenses are much more affordable in KL. You can rent a comfortable apartment, dine out, and enjoy a good standard of living for much less than what you’d spend in Singapore.
• Even though Singapore’s GDP per capita is higher, it comes with a much higher cost of living, particularly in areas like housing, healthcare, and education. In KL, retirees, expatriates, and locals can live comfortably without needing to earn as much as they would in Singapore.
2. Housing and Real Estate:
• Property prices in KL are much lower than in Singapore. Whether you are renting or buying, KL offers more affordable options with bigger spaces. In Singapore, real estate is some of the most expensive in the world, and many people end up living in small apartments.
• In KL, you can afford a spacious condo or even a landed house in many areas for a fraction of the cost of an equivalent home in Singapore.
3. Cultural Diversity and Lifestyle:
• KL offers a rich blend of cultures and traditions due to its diverse population of Malays, Chinese, Indians, and expatriates. This diversity is reflected in the food, festivals, and everyday life, giving the city a unique charm and variety that appeals to many people.
• While Singapore is also multicultural, its fast-paced, urbanized environment can feel more regimented, whereas KL maintains a more laid-back and relaxed atmosphere, which many people find more enjoyable.
4. More Space and Nature:
• KL, and Malaysia in general, offers more natural landscapes and space. You can easily access beaches, mountains, and forests without having to travel far from the city. The availability of green spaces and less urban density can lead to a more relaxing lifestyle.
• Singapore, being a small city-state, is highly urbanized with limited natural landscapes. While it has beautiful parks and nature reserves, it doesn’t offer the same variety and scale of outdoor adventures that Malaysia does.
5. Healthcare Costs:
• Healthcare in KL is both high-quality and affordable. Malaysia’s healthcare system, especially in private hospitals, is known for offering excellent services at reasonable prices, which attracts many medical tourists.
• In Singapore, while the healthcare system is world-class, it can be significantly more expensive, particularly for non-residents or those without access to government subsidies.
6. Food and Dining:
• Food in KL is not only diverse but also highly affordable. Street food and local dining options are a huge part of the culture, and you can enjoy excellent meals for much less than in Singapore.
• While Singapore is also a food haven, dining out, especially at restaurants, tends to be more expensive, and the overall cost of food can add up quickly.
7. More Affordable Transportation:
• Transportation costs in KL are generally lower, and while public transport is still developing, many people find driving to be an affordable and convenient option. Petrol prices in Malaysia are subsidized, making it cheaper to own and use a car compared to Singapore.
• In Singapore, cars are extremely expensive due to high taxes and the Certificate of Entitlement (COE) system, which limits the number of vehicles on the road. While Singapore’s public transportation is excellent, owning a car is often out of reach for many due to the high costs.
8. Work-Life Balance:
• KL’s slower pace of life can offer a better work-life balance for many, especially those who prefer a more relaxed environment. The lifestyle in KL is generally less intense than in Singapore, where the fast-paced, competitive nature of the workforce can sometimes lead to higher stress levels.
• While Singapore offers many opportunities for career growth, some may find the high-pressure environment exhausting over time. In contrast, KL offers a more balanced lifestyle with a good mix of work and leisure.

Conclusion:

While Singapore is economically more advanced and offers a higher GDP per capita, KL provides a more affordable and relaxed lifestyle, which can be more appealing, especially for those who prioritize cost of living, space, and a laid-back atmosphere. The lower cost of living, affordable housing, and rich cultural diversity make KL an attractive option for those looking for a good quality of life without the financial pressures of living in a high-cost city like Singapore.

[krislee]

I totally agree with you, your reasons comparing Malaysia and Singapore is very true right on the spot. Two weeks exploring both countries giving so much correct informations is incredible.I love Malaysia so much better than the small expensive Singapore. The people in Malaysia is so much friendlier than the kiasu Singapore people. To own a simple car in Singapore is not easy because it is very expensive. Car and gas is way much expensiive than in Malaysia. I agree Singapore is well
developed and clean but I still prefer to live in Kuala Lumpur.

Meaning of developed in English

developed

[AlanKangBanMeng-sven]

Malaysia is a country suitable to raise a family here. The cost of living is affordable the variety of food from local to international cuisine to choose from.. English is widely spoken here and malaysian speaks at least 2 to 4 language from local malay language to mandarin, tamil, cantonese and english. There is no natural disaster such as earthquake, volcano eruption and so on . And there is no mass shooting here There are so many places you can go to visit and explore here such as the nationa park one of the oldest rainforest in the world, the largest or second largest cave chamber in the world. Here you will find long sandy white beaches and islands, caves, jungle, waterfalls . The shopping malls here is amazing im sure you already know that. Malaysia has another two states namely sabah and sarawak located in borneo island you might want to visit it some day. Festive season such as chinese new year, christmas, deepavali, eid -al fitr are celebrated here too. There are other festive season celebrated across east malaysia where sabah and sarawak are located.. Welcome to malaysia

[ihgnijz]

You made the right choice! You would have to work so much to be able to maintain the life style and cost of living, which is so much more in Singapore compared to KL. I have been to Singapore a few times, and yes while I enjoyed certain things there, but there are other things that Malaysia has to offer that Singapore doesn't. My friends and I went to visit Asia, and stayed in Singapore for two days, and ran out of things to do, unlike other neighboring countries, Malaysia included, so many interesting places to visit. Malaysia has a lot of kampungs which are so nice to see, huge rice field in Kedah that you can see if you take the train, and then there are states like Penang, Terengganu, and Sabah, the list goes on. We stayed in Malaysia for a week, and felt we need to go back for more. People are more relaxed in Malaysia, so true! We stayed in a 5-star hotels in a high-end area in KL, paid less than the basic 2-star hotel we stayed in a "not a very nice area" in Singapore. I was also stunt at how cheap grab was, and gas price, I hope things will stay this way for a while though, because now that a lot of people are moving to Malaysia, I think it will impact the price eventually.
But for now, enjoy your time in Malaysia, and maybe I will follow your foot steps soon, things are definitely getting worse in USA. I mean who can retire comfortably with Social Security, and who wants to work until 70!

[ysg-kp]

At 3:00, you don't have to pay 60% foreigner tax as a US citizen thanks to the free trade agreement between US-SG. You will receive the same treatment as a a Singapore citizen.

[ymhktravel]

As a Singaporean working in HR who deals with recruitment of Malaysian semi-professionals, I learnt that in M'sia you could rent an entire 3-room unit in JB for $400, where as the same money will get you only a bed space sharing with 2 others in a common bedroom of the HDB. Unless you earn a very high salary here as a foreigner, you won't want to stay in Singaprore as a M'sian, since there's cheaper and better living options across the causeway!

[mikechan]

Spot on. If you plan to buy a car, Desa Parkcity is definitely the best choice and close to nature. If you are a city slicker, Mont Kiara is convenient.

[sabaryunus]

1. Visa 2.cost huose 3. property 4. education & child care 5. Car ownership 6. Road 7. easy to travel 8. balance life & work 9. Bussines grow oppornity 10. Sosial life

[alwinyike]

You hit all the important reasons why Malaysia is much better than Singapore.

[andresloft]

I really like your decision based on practicality from opportunity, financial, work-life balance and social aspects. Once u get your car, drive around and visit small towns, and the East coast of peninsula malaysia as well for the Malaysia experience.

[TheGracehew]

I’m a Singaporean…..and sadly, I could Not agree More….on a fair and Balanced approach to Life anywhere in the world, you and your family made the Right choice as we all move on with our Lives….All the Best!☺️

[Cali]

Malaysia, such a beautiful, diverse, and tolerant Muslim country. Enjoy!

[Feliyam]

Nice I’m actually moving there too from US