Is a RM 11,000 Salary Before Tax Good for a Technical IT Professional in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia?

A monthly salary of RM 11,000 before tax for a technical IT professional with three years of experience in Kuala Lumpur is considered a good salary. This monthly income, after factoring in taxes and living costs, can provide a comfortable lifestyle and potential savings. Let's break down the financial situation to determine if this salary meets your expectations.

Salary Analysis

Monthly Salary: RM 11,000

Estimated Tax: Malaysia has a progressive income tax system. For an income of RM 11,000, the effective tax rate might be around 10-15%, depending on deductions and allowances. This means you could expect around RM 1,100 to RM 1,650 in taxes, leaving you with an after-tax income of approximately RM 9,350 to RM 9,900.

Cost of Living in Kuala Lumpur as a Bachelor

Your monthly expenses as a bachelor in Kuala Lumpur might include:

Rent

A one-bedroom apartment in the city center: RM 2,000 - RM 3,000 A similar apartment outside the city center: RM 1,200 - RM 2,000

Utilities

RM 200 - RM 400 for electricity, water, internet, etc.

Groceries

RM 400 - RM 600

Transportation

Public transport: RM 100 - RM 200 Car expenses if applicable (fuel, maintenance, etc.): RM 500 - RM 1,000

Dining Out and Entertainment

RM 500 - RM 1,000

Estimated Monthly Expenses:

On the lower end: RM 3,900 On the higher end: RM 6,200

Potential Savings

After Tax Income: ~RM 9,350 to RM 9,900

Monthly Expenses: ~RM 3,900 to RM 6,200

Rough Savings Calculation:

Lower Expense Scenario: Income: RM 9,350 Expenses: RM 3,900 Savings: RM 5,450 Higher Expense Scenario: Income: RM 9,900 Expenses: RM 6,200 Savings: RM 3,700

Conclusion

With a monthly salary of RM 11,000, you should be able to save a significant portion of your income while maintaining a comfortable lifestyle in Kuala Lumpur. Your savings could range from RM 3,700 to RM 5,450 per month, depending on your lifestyle choices. Overall, this salary provides a good balance for a bachelor living in KL.

Furthermore, you will need to account for factors such as tax (around RM 1,368.35 from the 7th month) and other deductions when filing your returns, potentially allowing you to recover some money. Additionally, your living expenses may vary depending on where you choose to live and whether you share an apartment. The savings calculations provided here offer a general guideline for how much you can expect to save.