Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
A bustling satellite city of Kuala Lumpur, known for its shopping malls, diverse food scene, and thriving business district.
Overview
Petaling Jaya is a city in Selangor with a population of 771,000. A bustling satellite city of Kuala Lumpur, known for its shopping malls, diverse food scene, and thriving business district. Housing is more affordable than the national average. The overall cost of living is below the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 7b growing zone supports Mild — wide variety of vegetables, many fruit trees. Reported crime rates are relatively low. The population skews young, with a median age of 30.0.
Last updated: August 30, 2026
Below Average vs Malaysia Avg (100)
Affordable
Household income
Job market health
Petaling Jaya vs Malaysia Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: None
- Sales Tax: 8.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: RM 72,000
- Unemployment: 2.8%
- Population: 771,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 180/year
- Summer High: 92°F
- Winter Low: 74°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 7b
Housing
- Median Home: RM450,000
- 1BR Rent: RM1300/mo
Cost of Living
Petaling Jaya's cost of living index is 43 (Malaysia average = 100).
| Category | Petaling Jaya | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 43 | 100 | -57.0% |
| Housing | 32 | 100 | -68.0% |
Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | RM450,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | RM1300/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | RM1,625/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | RM300 |
Data source: Zillow Research, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Petaling Jaya:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | RM80 | |
| Heating & Cooling | N/A | Estimated based on local climate. |
| Cooling (AC) | RM102 | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | RM25 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | RM100 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | Included in taxes | Municipal service (covered by property taxes) |
| Total Utilities | RM307 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Remote Work Score
Petaling Jaya scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Petaling Jaya has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 94°F | 74°F | 2.5" |
| April | 77°F | 89°F | 2.8" |
| July | 92°F | 67°F | 1.5" |
| October | 72°F | 92°F | 2.2" |
Mild — wide variety of vegetables, many fruit trees
Natural Hazards
Petaling Jaya faces the following natural hazards:
Extreme summer heat.
Moderate seismic activity with occasional earthquakes.
Coastal areas with tsunami risk.
Moderate typhoon risk.
Monsoon floods in eastern states.
Forest fires.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 0% (None)
- Sales Tax: 8%
- Property Tax: ~0.1% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 2.8%.
Schools & Education
Academic Schedule
Year-end break is the longest. Breaks for Hari Raya, Chinese New Year, and Deepavali.
Demographics
The population of Petaling Jaya is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.
Ethnicity
Education
Religion
City-level demographic data is not available for this location. The figures shown are national averages, which may differ from actual conditions in this city.
Data source: Department of Statistics Malaysia (2020)
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia?
The cost of living index in Petaling Jaya is 43, which is Lower the Malaysia national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Petaling Jaya?
The median home price in Petaling Jaya is RM450,000. The housing index is 32.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Petaling Jaya is approximately RM1300/mo.
Does Petaling Jaya, SL have income tax?
Petaling Jaya is in SL, which has no income tax.
What is the climate like in Petaling Jaya?
Petaling Jaya enjoys approximately 180 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 92°F, while winter lows can drop to around 74°F.
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
- Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
- Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
- Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Data last updated: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.