Kuala Lumpur - Post Report Question and Answers
How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
You can get most things here (maybe not specific baking stuff). Meat and dairy are expensive, as well as american brand name goods. But most things can be had (at a price). Local items/food are usually pretty cheap. - May 2022
You can get absolutely everything here for a reasonable price. I've never lived somewhere with such availability. I find the cost of living to be quite inexpensive. - Aug 2018
You can get just about anything you want in KL. It's probably the easiest transition for an American moving overseas since you can find nearly every product you'd find back home, including familiar American brand (also tons of British and Australian brands). Groceries are certainly cheaper than what you would pay in the New York area. Australian and British imports can be pricier, but if you buy local brands you'll definitely be saving money. There are several very nice grocery stores within walking distance or a short drive from the housing area, and they're nicer than many grocery stores I've seen back home! You can also get grocery delivery in KL. Jaya Grocer offers their own online service, but there are a couple of mobile apps including Happy Fresh where you can choose your store and then select your items. The items available are limited compared to what's in the store, but say you're hosting a game night and are too lazy to make the trip to the grocery store. You can order your snacks, paper cups and plates, and even alcohol online and have it delivered straight to your apartment. - May 2018
Everything is relatively inexpensive, especially if you are willing to eat local food. We love the food stalls near the international school. We have found this to be the least expensive city we have lived in. However, dairy items cost more than in the U.S. - Apr 2017
Availability and cost are comparable. Some things are less expensive, and other items cost more. It tends to even out. You can easily find products from the US, UK, Australia and all over Asia. There are lots of grocery stores and markets. The Marks and Spencer store in the KLCC mall has a decent supply of gluten-free products. - Apr 2017
If you shop at the "wet markets," produce and meat is quite reasonable - we can get a week's worth of groceries for our family of six for about $50. The grocery stores are more expensive but carry most everything you could want, including baking supplies and Western convenience foods. Prices are comparable to American grocery stores but a bit more expensive (maybe 20% mark-up?). - May 2016
Several decent grocery stores are available. - Feb 2015
Groceries can be bought from stores like Jusco, Aeon, Tesco, Cold Storage or from the weekend of night markets (Pasar is teh word for markets). They are not very expensive unless you go foro the "foreign" brands. - Aug 2013
Shopping at a wet market for fruits, vegetables, poultry, pork, and beef is reasonable for expats. If formal grocery chains such as Carrefore, Tesco, and Cold Storage is your preference, this could be costly. If you seek specialized butchers or U.S. products, then expect to pay 150% of US prices. - Aug 2011
Most things are easily available. Local brands are generally cheap; international brands can be quite expensive ($8 for a box of Cheerios!). - Mar 2011
I find things more expensive here though not unbearably so. There are two expat friendly shops in the Ampang area where you can find treats from home. There is also Carrefour or Tesco for cheap household items. - May 2009
Groceries are pretty cheap and readily available. There is not much you can't find here. - Mar 2009
If you buy local much cheaper, especially vegetables and such. Imported food more expensive as the government still uses taxes to protect local products. - Jul 2008
Vegetables and fruits are very cheap if bought at the open markets. Otherwise, groceries are on par with the cost in America and some higher. You can find everything here...except cranberries when you want them, but you may pay a premium price. It is abundant here but sometimes you may have to shop around to find what you need. - May 2008
