Kuala Lumpur vs Bangkok - Which city is best to live in?

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So if you are like me and enjoy living in Southeast Asia you might be considering living in two of the more popular cities for expats which are Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and Bangkok, Thailand. In this video I will break down the various advantages and disadvantages of living in both of these cities by looking at things like the quality of life, cost of living, healthcare, nightlife and visa/residency options.
0:00 - Intro
0:35 - Size
1:07 - Traffic
1:24 - Connectivity
1:50 - Quality of Life
2:02 - Safety
3:10 - Healthcare
3:27 - Pollution
3:43 - Cost of Living
5:02 - Entertainment/Leisure
6:28 - Food
7:00 - Visa/Residency Options
8:28 - Summary
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[@jacksonvun8475]

I am from China and when I shortlist BKK and KL for my second home.. KL came as 1st choice for the stability and quality living. KL also easy for intl expat for work and living. Not as cheap as BKK, but somehow KL is cheap enough to have cheap meal under 5 USD perday. I still love BKK tho. Love the food and night life. But can not imagine living there for long term.

[@alam_nature]

Life in malaysia is very bad, a lot of crime, corruption.. and our country is often included in the category of the most racist country in the world

[@HoneysMYStories]

Im from PH and working in KL right now. I love it here ☺️

[@user-yx5jf7nt9i]

Mahal kita🤗

[@chocolattesodap]

Salamat po😍🥰🇲🇾🇵🇭

[@MrGergasikuat]

Kuala Lumpur more develop, organize yet living quite cheap worth every cent. Its suitable for families to living cannot say same about Bangkok

[@ExpatWell]

Thanks for the comment!

[@BlakeTedKord]

@@ExpatWell Maurits, healthcare is big for me…with private medical care…I’ve researched the Google reviews of both Bangkok and KL…which is more reliable for emergency medical lung surgery in a medical emergency? Is it reliable to call up and ambulance, and they’ll rush you to a really good hospital of your choice (if your conscious) …and is it affordable to have private medical insurance in KL vs Bangkok? And are the docs reliable and good a excellent reliable job of the surgery in KL vs Bangkok? I know Thailand is good but I’m hoping KL is the same as well… Also how’s the internet reliability in KL? I heard it’s fantastic kinda better than the US in certain parts of Thai… But what about in KL? What’s the internet bill in KL like in USD? Also what’s easier to immigrate to KL or Bangkok if one tries to gain PR in KL…on a long term visa that is? Make the video. Ty! Pls do China in depth next. You’re the only YTber that’s going in-depth for ASEAN counties rn so subbed. Oh and I love the salary breakdown too! That’s really helpful…can you also add in the tax info and how much the salary would be after taxes for someone remotely making $50k and more while being a US citizen and living in China, India, KL, or UK, etc.

[@ExpatWell]

@@BlakeTedKord I would say that both countries have very good healthcare. The main key is to make sure to have good health insurance so that you can go to the best hospitals in the country. Personally think that the top hospitals in either city are likely to be better than what you will get at most hospitals in the US and Europe. In terms of ambulance service I don’t think there is too much to worry about it either city if you need regular access to a hospital it is not that difficult to find an apartment complex that is within walking distance of major hospitals. In terms of the cost I think you will be quite surprised how affordable it can be especially compared to the US. I have used cigna and MSH international in the past and have had a good experience with them although MSH international gave me better coverage for the amount that I was paying. Since you mention that you have issues with your lungs you need to keep in mind that the air pollution can be pretty bad in the city center especially if you look at other countries in Asia like China or India. So that is something you should be aware of when deciding where to live. Maybe a place like Penang or Phuket are better suited since you get fresh ocean air. Thailand does have faster internet overall but I don’t think the difference is not significant enough to choose one location over the other. For the price of internet you should get decent speeds for under 20 USD in Bangkok and under 30 USD per month in KL. In terms of which is easier for visas I will make dedicated videos for both countries in the future.

[@BlakeTedKord]

@@ExpatWell what about Indonesia ? And have you been to China? Would you recommend it? The currency exchange is slightly lower in China than Malaysia… There’s UK, France, Malaysia, Indonesia, China, and Thailand I’m considering… I heard some people saying Thailand getting too expensive and not foreigner friendly anymore and only catering to millionaires both immigration wise and real estate wise…also hurricane / flooding / tsunami’s and tornadoes are also things I consider when deciding…since these are all pretty much coastal countries…I’m avoiding Vietnam altogether (hospitals not as good - modern equipment or access to proper surgeons or drugs…Google reviews…and the worst flooding among ASEAN countries?) Immigration I’m pretty sure Vietnam and Thai make it harder? Indonesia shows the govt and countries’ ability to handle a pandemic…not their fault…but not good place to be during a medical emergency situation…idk would you take your chance there if you need medical surgery for a collapsed lung…if you were there…you wouldn’t have a choice but too…but if I were to ask you to go back now is what I mean…? Idk tell me, but leaving the US and India if either don’t work out…this leaves UK, France, Malaysia and China…as the remaining… I’ll only consider France over UK last cuz UK went through Brexit…and being in France…if I were to become a PR…I can possibly live near France border and go into Germany for free or for reduced healthcare for surgery with a EuroUnionHealthInsurance (EUHI) card. But yeah tell me the immigration difficulty to Indonesia, Thailand, UK, France, Malaysia, and China. Ty sir.

[@ExpatWell]

I will make some visa/residency videos on each of these countries in the future where I explain everything in more detail. I can't really answer your questions in a simple manner because there are a lot of intricate details that need to be taken into account. A lot of other youtube videos will overlook the legal details that need to be followed if you want to live and work in a country legally. From what you have described you will not only need a residence visa but also a work visa because you will be generating income in the country you plan to live in. FYI if you were to live in France and use an EHIC card for health coverage as far as I know you can't simply just go to whatever country you want for health coverage you need to have a reason why you are seeking treatment in another country for example for emergencies in the case of travel or because you have a second residence in that country.

[@brothersman524]

KL and Bangkok are my favourite cities that I have visited but my choice has to be KL for many reasons like good healthcare, proficient in English, not into nightlife, lovely people, and I'm a Muslim from UK. However, Bangkok is an awesome city though (I just avoid the nightlife)

[@tawansrithrachaikul4573]

Healthcare is even better in BKK. Also, you can easily avoid nightlife in BKK, it's not like it's ubiquitous, there are plenty of peaceful areas in BKK, but you have more options in case you love nightlife as well.

[@brothersman524]

@@tawansrithrachaikul4573 Yes I am aware that I can avoid nightlife because I have done it while visiting BKK a couple of times but KL does suit me better on many levels and I have some contacts there too. And I'm aware there are plenty of mosques in Bangkok as well. - it is up there for retirement plans along with KL, Singapore, Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi, Algarve in Portugal and the Spanish Costas

[@tawansrithrachaikul4573]

@@brothersman524 Yes, I agree with you. Many people say that Malaysia is more family oriented because BKK has great nightlife. Most Bangkokians live in the outskirts of BKK, where its relatively peaceful, and away from those hectic touristic areas of BKK. Most Bangkokians visit the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Khaosan road etc only a handful of times in their entire life. It's super hot, hectic, and traffic congested.

[@brothersman524]

@@tawansrithrachaikul4573 I think Malaysia being more family orientated does appeal me more. Centre of BKK is chaotic and I've always avoided Khaosan Road. Many Bangkokians probably want to avoid too many tourists going to Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun and so on. BKK is great for nightlife but it is not my thing plus I don't drink alcohol. Having said that, I am from the UK and we have a heavy drinking culture so I know all about the nightlife and the clubs here but I never go there. Myself being a Muslim as well would say Malaysia is the ideal choice but I know Bangkok has many mosques especially on the eastern side of the Chao Praya river so there is convenience for me plus many Halal places in BKK which is why I would put BKK higher than many cities for retirement but KL is my ultimate choice

[@tawansrithrachaikul4573]

@@brothersman524 I grew up in BKK, and I would say its fairly family oriented, foreigners and thais live parallel lives. BKK has plenty of peaceful areas like TalingChan, Nawamin, Ramintra, Rama 2, Rama 3, etc are peaceful areas with full amenities. The peaceful areas of BKK are actually bigger in absolute size than KL. But BKK also has much more to offer than KL. KL doesnt have a single michelin star restaurants, for example. BKK is one of the world's most visited city, so they have everything for everyone. Indian town, Korean town, Japanese town, German street, Chinatown, etc. Minburi and Nongjok are filled with mosques and they have great halal foods as well. I live in the US but I still miss BKK.

[@user-gb2sw2no3l]

KL attracts expats and professionals while Bangkok attracts backpackers and the younger single crowd. But both cities are the top destinations in Asia for International tourists.

[@SmilesMiles]

There are tons of expats in Bkk. Where u get that Bkk only has backpackers?

[@ROYAL_REBEL]

and dirty old men

[@Molloy1951]

I’ve lived both in KL and Bangkok from 2016 to 2021. Bangkok is more of an interesting city, while KL is more of a livable city. This video is well thought and researched. However, it portrays a forgivable misconception. Bangkok is NOT a cheap city any longer. It’s not as expensive as NYC, Sydney, Paris etc but it is more expensive than most Latin American, Eastern European, and medium-sized European cities. If you have two children and they attend good private schools in Bangkok, your cost of living probably is going to be higher than in Paris, Berlin, or Vancouver. One aspect that surprised me was the dating scene. Initially I thought the dating scene in Kuala Lumpur was too slow and boring. But it’s not. If you are open for a serious relationship, and for this purpose you are focusing on high-value women, KL might be a more favourable environment than Bangkok. The prevailing culture in Bangkok is not favourable for serious relationships. In general, Malaysian women take relationships way more serious than their Thai congeners. All in all, I would live in Bangkok if I were looking for an adventurous and hedonistic lifestyle, while my choice would lay on Kuala Lumpur should I wish a stable and productive lifestyle.

[@ArisBugisBone]

Kuala lumpur more clean,

[@njamil85]

Thank you so much for your thoughts/Info about Malaysia & Thailand. Welcome back to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

[@rorykandar9385]

KL - Serious Business Bangkok - Party and Fun

[@elliottwang727]

How much do you know about business in Bangkok?

[@shukriramlee]

Malaysia got less population compare to other neighborhood countries. I suggest expats to live in the southern part of Malaysia. Johor Bahru (JB), specificaly west JB, NusaJaya (NJ) or Forest City got less people, new infrastructure, near by Singapore and Indonesia, cheaper than KL, etc.

[@stanleytanyitfoong]

totally agreed ..

[@Molloy1951]

Very well researched and thoughtful video. Thank you

[@Abdul_hanif123]

Welcome to Malaysia

[@EvolvedBonobo]

Very helpful. Thank you!

[@kivarshan5011]

If you European/Westerner single/alone guy, Thailand is better. For fun. Malaysia are better for living with families. Lot of entertainment etc.

[@zakiezack4584]

Wonderful video .. easy and simply , keep it up 😊😊😊❤️

[@keyser_sozeevil_genius1152]

Excellent comparison of the two cities.

[@ramliremeli1141]

Those who chose ... Fun,, & enjoy able... choose Bangkok..... more city life...

[@SaadonAksah]

A nice comparison! 👍

[@ExpatWell]

Thanks!

[@sgustyindy3587]

Many Malaysians’ comments, l’m not surprised. As Thai, I agree that bangkok is not a city that should be living because this city is not cheap as you think it is from the beginning. Only for someone who wealthy enough and you can’t compare these 2 because bkk is where people come to work, touring, studying,etc but not for living. It’s a busy city as you can see. In Thailand, if you really want to live in, manny people will choose to live somewhere else like Chaing mai, chonburi, etc. we have about 77 provinces and many of them are developed and some are developing. What a bad comparison topic!

[@kivarshan5011]

No worry, Thailand also better.. 🤗

[@joelee4210]

Shopping vibes such as Big C is unbeatable elsewhere especially their food courts...

[@MrAndre.]

Bangkok Metropolitan: Metro Area 7,762 km2 Population 14.6 million Bangkok City: City Area 1,562 km2 Population 10.5 million =============== Kuala Lumpur Metropolitan: Metro Area 2,793 km2 Population 7.6 million Kuala Lumpur City: City Area 243 km2 Population 1.8 million

[@sheyone9075]

KL metro sizes is 2500km sqm

[@lawb00gie]

I think it

[@azeedahhasleezan1678]

KL is as big as bangkok if you take into account the surrounding cities like Petaling Jaya, Shah Alam, Serdang, Sungai Besi, Bandar Baru Bangi, Subang Jaya, etc, etc. So, the next time you make such comparison pls take that into account. I have been to bangkok myself and their metropolitain area are not much difference to Klang Valley.

[@ginse4891]

so many malaysians’ comments, as expected. i personally hate bangkok and genuinely believe it could do much better than it does now. the city itself is MASSIVE and there’s a long way for development to be done like seriously it needs more public spaces and greenery. this is why i don’t not recommend living permanently there, yet.

[@makanminum670]

There's no such thing as a perfect city in this world. Every city in this world has its own uniqueness. It is just the matter of much we appreciate and comfortable with the uniquness. Plus, how much we can tolerate with the things that we are not comfortable with. If the scores for these two are high enough for us, for sure we shall stay in the city for as long as we wanted.

[@artnissfar6747]

I have watched many comparison video between KL and Bangkok, and almost all of it says more or less the same like in this video.

[@kesatria_gelap]

Both city are good for living if you have a lot money. heheh..

[@muhammadaffandi2184]

welcome to my hometown KL.. try make comparison KL vs jakarta...

[@ExpatWell]

Thanks! Yes I do plan on making a video like that in the future. Thanks for the suggestion

[@adamlee4045]

Meroyan org indon nnti

[@thisuserishakim1762]

@@adamlee4045 HAHAHA kan

[@barkobafc89]

@@thisuserishakim1762 🤣🤣🤣engkau jangan..nanti cite nii panjang....

[@thisuserishakim1762]

@@barkobafc89 😂😂😂😂

[@decTac]

Malaysia is better 🇲🇾👍✌️

[@cashcashhsac]

KL has beautiful skyline wow but BKK has the charm n better street foods BKK is my choice

[@brentonbills5946]

Are you a software developer in KL?

[@RB-rp6ud]

This the first time I heard the word “sexpat”..an iteration from “expat”

[@dayvboy4631]

Sexpats go to Pattaya 🤣

[@akuijan]

MM2H was suspended due to pandemic. I believe it will re-open after this virus ease. Who knows when.

[@ExpatWell]

Yes you are right hopefully it will reopen soon. Although for those who are not willing to wait the Sarawak-Malaysia My Second Home (S-MM2H) is apparently still open.

[@wildmenofborneo7413]

Yes do check Sarawak n Sabah my second home program too.might a good choice 🙏

[@cryptosecuritytools]

Ithas re-opened as of now, but the amount of income required per month is now drastically increased, which counts many people out. Also its retroactive so some people who are already there are now having to leave due to not being able to meet the income requirements. Kinda sucks that a country can retroactively apply that to existing MM2H visa holders. They got such a huge pushback though, they are considering changing it to a lower more affordable level.

[@habfromdawestside]

Kuala Lumpur Vs Bangkok. Which city the best to live in? Hmmm I think Vientiane is the best to live cuz it's has Air quality and Green city 🤭🤪🤣

[@joelee4210]

Viantiane? Cheap. Quality。。。I doubt.

[@aridyaacob3172]

@@joelee4210 and is English widely spoken? Do you have to learn Vietnamese for everyday dealings?

[@murraymuntain3720]

Some of the worst air quality during Burning Season on the planet

[@raymondchen6230]

Im from kuala lumpur .but i choose bangkok

[@munirbaharun7704]

Bangkok or danok…. Danok best port🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣😅

[@raymondchen6230]

@@munirbaharun7704 dannok is heaven for sure ..but i choose bangkok anyway..huhu

[@rodneyponlaroche7945]

Philippines is the best place to live in the world.

[@decTac]

There's typhoon and volcanoes

[@abunajmidanish6393]

please don't come to malaysia.....hahhaha

[@bungatelang8920]

Toxic comment. So jeolous

[@barkobafc89]

adeer pembaris lurus di sini..🤣🤣kan hujung komen dia tu.."hahaha" jangan jadi pembaris sangat ler...

[@bungatelang8920]

@@barkobafc89 Ha..ha...sori arr, I baru perasan yg I jadi pembaris rupanya..ampuun🙏🙏

[@musicgreatboy]

i think Japanese and Korean come to Bangkok more than Kl.

[@WillJ99999]

Bangkok is too crowded, very….traffic is the worst, the taxi are mean and love to rip ppl off. The side walk are damage and dirty, if you have a baby, bangkok is impossible to stroll the stroller everywhere, especially when illegal street vendor cover up the whole sidewalk. The population is bad, the flood is the worst and the hygiene my god…. Like it havent been developed for decades