For many, RM15K a month sounds like a dream salary.
It’s well above the national average, and most people would assume that earning five figures means living comfortably.
But in reality, some Malaysians say they’re barely getting by, especially in Kuala Lumpur.
A recent post on Threads sparked a heated discussion when a user asked:
As a middle-income earner, I don’t understand how someone with a salary of RM15K-20K cannot survive in KL. Please enlighten me.”
The responses poured in, with netizens breaking down their expenses and sharing how their paychecks seem to disappear faster than expected.
View on Threads
Where does the money go?
One user shared a real-life example of a small family struggling despite a decent income.
The husband earns just under RM15K, but after EPF and tax deductions, his take-home pay is around RM11K. His wife had to quit her job to take care of their baby, meaning they rely entirely on his salary.
Here’s what their monthly expenses look like:
- Rent: RM2,500
- Car Loan: RM1,000
- Bills: RM500+
- Insurance: RM1,500
- Groceries for the adults: RM1,500
- Baby’s groceries and essentials: RM1,500
That already adds up to over RM8K, and they haven’t even factored in outings, medical expenses, loans, or emergencies.
Another netizen broke down their own expenses, showing just how tight things can get even with an RM15K salary:
- Rental: RM1,800
- Car: RM1,200
- Utilities: RM250
- Insurance + Hibah: RM500
- Groceries & Dining Out: RM3,000
- Credit Card Payments: RM3,000
This brought their total to RM9,750, leaving them with just RM1,250 from their RM11K take-home salary.
The “lifestyle creep” dilemma
A common theme among the comments was lifestyle inflation—the tendency to spend more as you earn more. One user summed it up perfectly:
When you earn RM5K, you eat RM5 nasi kukus. When you earn RM10K, if you still eat RM5 nasi kukus, you’ll be fine. But no, most people tend to upgrade their lifestyle when their salary increases.”
And it’s not just about dining habits. Many pointed out that with a higher salary comes the expectation to drive a better car, live in a nicer home, and enjoy a certain standard of living.
If you’re in a senior position, you wouldn’t want to drive a Myvi and live in a single-storey house, right?”
A RM15K salary gets taxed at 30%, and with additional deductions like EPF and SOCSO, the take-home amount is closer to RM10K+. That’s before even spending a single cent.
Big paychecks, bigger problems?
Not everyone struggles because of rising costs, some simply mismanage their money. One extreme case shared was of a high-ranking professional earning RM50K per month but still struggling financially.
He rents a place in the heart of KL for RM15K/month, splurges on branded items, and travels frequently. Now, nearing retirement, he’s realising he has spent more than he earned.”
Even for those earning RM15K, a post-tax salary of RM12K can quickly be eaten up by:
- Rental in PJ (700-900 sq ft): RM2,800
- Car Loan: RM800-1,000
- Food & Groceries: RM1,500
- Utilities (electricity, internet, Netflix, etc.): RM500-700
- Childcare & Education: RM1,500-2,000
- Parental Support: RM500-1,000
- Savings (20% recommended): RM2,000
That totals RM11,700, leaving little room for clothes, insurance, or unexpected expenses.
Where does it all go?
Many netizens pointed out common financial pitfalls that drain their salaries:
- Buying expensive cars – A bigger paycheck often means upgrading to a pricier vehicle.
- High credit card debts – Many accumulate debts faster than they can pay them off.
- Failed business ventures – Some invest in side businesses that don’t work out.
- Dining out too often – Eating at nice restaurants regularly adds up fast.
- Relying on GrabFood/FoodPanda – The convenience comes at a cost.
- Luxury purchases – Branded goods and high-end gadgets take a chunk of income.
- Buying multiple properties – Some invest in real estate but struggle with negative cash flow.
One user commented:
I’ve met people earning over RM10K who still say they ‘can’t afford’ a RM150 income replacement plan. Some even own multiple houses but are stuck in financial stress because of poor planning.”
Is RM15K really enough to live comfortably in KL?
At the end of the day, the debate boils down to spending habits and personal financial choices.
While some believe that careful budgeting and mindful spending can make RM15K more than enough, others argue that KL’s rising cost of living makes financial security harder to achieve.
The truth? It’s not just about how much you earn, it’s about how you spend it.
