FOR many folks, earning a salary of RM15,000 to RM20,000 sounds like a dream come true.
However, for some Malaysians, especially those living in Kuala Lumpur, this amount is just enough to cover their monthly expenses.
Recently, a netizen sparked a discussion on Threads by questioning how someone earning RM15,000 to RM20,000 could struggle to make ends meet in KL.
“As a middle-income earner, I cannot understand how a person with a salary of RM15,000 to RM20,000 cannot survive in KL. Please enlighten me,“ wrote @lxiongmau.
The post quickly gained traction, with many Malaysians sharing their monthly financial commitments and how, despite earning a five-figure salary, their expenses quickly consume their paychecks.
User @phyoishere shared an example of a friend’s household where RM11,000+ in take-home pay is barely enough.
”My friend and her family—her, her husband, and their one child—struggle to make ends meet. She had to quit her job to care for the baby, and her husband earns just under RM15,000, bringing home around RM11,000+. Their expenses are barely covered.
“Rent (RM2,500), car (RM1,000), bills (RM500+), insurance (RM1,500), groceries for the adults (RM1,500), groceries for the baby (RM1,500)—that alone is over RM8,000. Once you factor in outings, medical expenses, credit card payments, and loans, there’s not much left.”
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Similarly, @raysphires shared his budget with a take-home salary of RM12,000 while living in Petaling Jaya.
”Rent is RM2,800, car payments range from RM800 to RM1,000, food costs RM1,500, utilities RM500 to RM700, kids’ expenses RM1,500 to RM2,000, and money for parents RM500 to RM1,000.
“Savings take up at least 20%, around RM2,000. That totals RM11,700—without even factoring in clothing, insurance, or unexpected expenses. I could reduce my rent, but that would mean a longer commute.”
Many users pointed out that once children are added into the equation, expenses rise significantly. The cost of childcare, education, and necessities can quickly drain a salary that once seemed substantial.
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Others highlighted the concept of lifestyle creep—where income increases lead to higher spending, often on non-essential upgrades.
“When salaries go up, so do expenses. Instead of saving for a rainy day or working towards financial independence (FIRE), many increase their financial obligations. It often comes down to poor money management,“ commented @jeanai.
