If you are moving to Singapore from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, this expat guide walks you through visas, jobs, cost of living, housing, and daily life – with specific, safety-first tips from Homejourney so you can relocate with confidence.
This article is a focused cluster in our wider Singapore relocation series and complements our main pillar guide on moving to Singapore for expats and investors . For a transport-specific deep dive from Malaysia to Singapore, see our dedicated guide Moving to Singapore from Europe Budget: Saving Money Expat Guide | Homejourney and our Malaysia–Singapore transport article on Homejourney.
Life in Kuala Lumpur vs Singapore: What Changes When You Move?
Living in Kuala Lumpur (KL)Petronas Towers, and easy access to malls like Pavilion and Suria KLCC. Many expats mix work in Grade A offices with evenings at Jalan Alor or rooftop bars, and short getaways across Malaysia using KLIA or Subang airports.[2]
People based in Kuala Lumpur consider Singapore for several reasons:
- Higher and more stable salaries, especially in finance, tech, and professional services[5]
- Very strong rule of law, low crime, and predictable regulations – especially reassuring for families and investors[6]
- World-class public transport and urban planning, with most daily needs accessible within a few MRT stops[6]
- Access to a deep, liquid property market with transparent regulation by URA and MAS
From my own experience moving regularly between KL and Singapore, the biggest lifestyle differences you will feel are:
- Cost of living: everyday items and rent are noticeably higher in Singapore, but you gain on safety, cleanliness, and public services[5][6]
- Commute: in Singapore, an MRT commute from Punggol to Raffles Place is under 40–45 minutes with predictable timing; in KL, the same distance can vary widely by traffic
- Walkability: Singapore’s city core is much more walkable; in KL you will likely still rely more on Grab and driving outside key transit corridors
If you are still exploring KL before your move, you can find ideas on KL attractions, things to do in KL, and Malaysia travel in these Homejourney guides: family travel Kuala Lumpur Malaysia with Kids: Family Guide | Homejourney , budget travel Budget Travel Guide to Kuala Lumpur Malaysia | Homejourney , KL food Homejourney's Best Food & Restaurants in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia 2025 , and city highlights Homejourney's Complete Guide to Things to Do in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia 2025 .
Relocating from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore: Visas, Work & Costs
Visa and Work Pass Options for Malaysians and KL Expats
Whether you are a Malaysian citizen or an expat already based in Kuala Lumpur, you need a valid pass to live and work in Singapore. Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM) administers these passes, and ASEAN citizens (including Malaysians) enjoy simpler entry for short visits but still need a work pass to stay and work legally.[5]
Common passes used by people relocating from KL include:[5][6]
- Employment Pass (EP): for professionals and managers, usually requiring a job offer from a Singapore employer, salary above a minimum qualifying level, and COMPASS points.
- S Pass: for mid-skilled staff, with quota and levy rules; common in technical and operations roles.
- EntrePass: for startup founders wanting to build a venture in Singapore.
- Dependent’s Pass / Long-Term Visit Pass: for eligible family members of EP and S Pass holders.
From a practical standpoint, most KL-based professionals secure their job offer before moving, then allow 3–6 weeks for pass approval. Homejourney always recommends checking MOM’s latest requirements directly and avoiding any third-party agent that cannot show an official MOM licence.
Employment Opportunities for People Coming from KL
Many sectors that attract expats to Kuala Lumpur – banking, oil & gas, shared services, and tech – also have strong footprints in Singapore, often with regional or global HQ functions.[6]
KL-based talent often looks at roles in:
- Banking & finance: CBD areas like Raffles Place, Marina Bay, and Tanjong Pagar
- Technology: one-north (Buona Vista), Mapletree Business City, and CBD tech hubs
- Logistics & trade: Jurong, Tuas, and airport-linked zones
- Professional services: law, consulting, and accounting with a strong presence in the Downtown Core
Compared with Kuala Lumpur, you will find:
- Higher salary benchmarks, but also tighter requirements on qualifications and experience
- Stricter enforcement of employment law and work pass rules
- More competition from global talent, especially at senior levels
Cost of Living: Kuala Lumpur vs Singapore
Most expats moving from KL to Singapore feel the cost difference strongly in these categories:[5][6]
- Rent: a modern 2-bedroom condo near KLCC might cost RM3,000–4,500 per month; in Singapore, a similar 2-bedroom condo near the MRT in city-fringe areas can easily be SGD 3,500–5,500, depending on age and facilities.
- Daily food: hawker meals in Singapore range roughly from SGD 4–8. Compared with KL’s kopitiam or mamak options, you will pay more but enjoy strict food safety standards.
- Transport: daily MRT and bus fares in Singapore are very affordable – many expats spend less on commuting compared to driving or Grab in KL.
Homejourney’s budget tip: when you browse properties on our safe, verified platform Property Search , use filters for distance to MRT and bus stops – living within 5–8 minutes’ walk of a station can cut your transport costs and time dramatically.
Community and Social Networks
As someone who splits time between Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, and Singapore, I see the same pattern: KL expats integrate quickly in Singapore by joining communities that match their lifestyle rather than only nationality.
Popular options include:
- Industry groups (tech meetups at one-north, finance events in the CBD)
- Sports and hobby clubs (Dragon boating at Kallang, running at East Coast Park, climbing gyms near Bendemeer and Kallang)
- Faith communities and cultural associations that mirror what you may already know from KL
Many Malaysians and KL-based expats settle in neighbourhoods like Queenstown, Tiong Bahru, Paya Lebar, and Punggol, which feel community-oriented yet are still well linked to the city.
Property in Singapore for Expats Coming from Kuala Lumpur
What Can Foreigners Buy in Singapore?
Under Singapore law, foreigners (including most expats moving from Kuala Lumpur) can freely purchase private condominiums and apartments and strata-titled commercial units. Landed residential property, HDB flats, and some restricted property types require approval from the Land Dealings Approval Unit (LDAU) or are generally not available to non-residents.[7]
Key points for KL-based buyers:
- HDB flats: generally reserved for Singapore citizens and some permanent residents under specific schemes; foreigners cannot buy HDB resale flats directly.
- Executive Condominiums (ECs): restrictions apply during the first 10 years; foreigners can only buy ECs on the open market after the Minimum Occupation Period and privatisation.
- Landed houses: most foreigners need approval to buy landed residential property on mainland Singapore.
ABSD (Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty) for Foreign Buyers
Singapore imposes Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) on top of standard Buyer’s Stamp Duty for residential property purchases. Foreign buyers typically pay a higher ABSD rate than Singapore citizens, and rates have been revised several times in recent years as part of cooling measures reported by local media such as The Straits Times and Business Times.Straits Times Housing News Business Times Property
