Indian Couple Who Lived 10 Years In Singapore Say Malaysia Offers Better Family Life

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A couple who spent nearly a decade living in Singapore has opened up about why they decided to leave and why they now believe Malaysia offers a better lifestyle for families

In a YouTube video, Sowmya and Mothi, originally from Coimbatore and Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu, India, shared an honest breakdown of their experience living in both countries after relocating to Kuala Lumpur about two years ago.

They said the decision to leave Singapore wasn’t an easy one.

“We lived in Singapore for nine, almost 10 years. One day, we suddenly decided to pack everything and move to Malaysia,” Mothi said.

He added that many friends and family questioned their choice.

They were paying more for less space in Singapore

One of the biggest differences, they said, was housing.

The couple shared that between 2019 and 2022, renting a two-bedroom condominium in Singapore cost them about SGD4,000 (roughly RM12,500).

The unit was around 750 sq ft.

After moving to Kuala Lumpur, they now rent a condominium in Bangsar that is nearly 2,000 sq ft, while paying less.

“In Malaysia, the rent in a prime area like Bangsar is much cheaper. You get much better and more secure houses with significantly more space for about half the cost when you convert the currency.”

For them, the extra space made a significant difference, especially as their son grows older.

Groceries and daily expenses are noticeably cheaper in Malaysia

They also found that everyday costs are much lower in Malaysia.

In Singapore, a weekly grocery run costs them around SGD250 to SGD300. In Kuala Lumpur, they now spend about RM400 to RM500 for a larger variety of items.

They pointed out that Malaysia’s access to locally sourced produce made groceries feel fresher and more affordable.

“You can buy exactly how much you want — like asking for 200g of something or RM3 worth of items — just like back home in India.”

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But Singapore still has the edge in infrastructure

Not everything tilted in Malaysia’s favour.

The couple said Singapore’s public transport system remains unmatched, describing it as efficient and reliable enough to get anywhere without needing a car.

In Kuala Lumpur, they said owning a car is almost necessary for convenience.

They also noted that Internet speeds in Malaysia tend to be slower and more expensive compared to Singapore.

“Also, in Singapore, tap water is perfectly safe to drink. In Malaysia, you need to pay for a water purifier every month,” Sowmya said.

Safety and cleanliness still stand out in Singapore

On safety, they were clear that Singapore sets a global benchmark.

They said it’s common for a woman to feel safe walking alone late at night in Singapore, something that requires more awareness in Malaysia.

“Everyone knows the boundaries and the consequences of breaking the law.”

While they stressed that Malaysia is not unsafe, they said people tend to be more cautious, for example, double-checking car locks or keeping a closer eye on belongings.

Malaysia stood out for lifestyle, food, and community

Where Malaysia stood out most, they said, was in lifestyle.

The couple described Malaysia as a “food paradise”, with a wide range of affordable options, from simple meals costing just a few ringgit to more premium dining experiences.

“I do miss the ‘Old Chang Kee’ chicken mushroom curry puffs from Singapore, though!”

They also said they felt a stronger sense of community in Malaysia, from building relationships with neighbours to being invited to festive open houses.

Compared to Singapore, which they described as efficient but sometimes “transactional”, Malaysia felt more personal and grounded.

“We feel more ‘at home’ in Malaysia.”

Schools and family life tipped the balance

For their child, they said Malaysia offered a more well-rounded environment.

They highlighted that international schools in Malaysia often come with larger campuses, better facilities, and more extracurricular activities, at a lower cost compared to Singapore.

This, combined with the overall pace of life, made Malaysia feel more suitable for raising a family.

Their conclusion: It depends on your life stage

Rather than saying one country is better than the other, the couple framed it as a matter of timing.

They described Singapore as ideal for young professionals looking to build their careers and financial stability, thanks to its strong systems, safety, and lower income tax rates.

Malaysia, on the other hand, felt more suitable for those looking to settle down, with its lower cost of living, larger homes, and family-friendly environment.

They said they have no regrets about either phase of their lives.

The video has sparked discussion among viewers who are weighing the same choices between Singapore, Malaysia, and even India

Not everyone in the comments, however, saw the couple’s experience as universally relatable.

One Malaysian viewer pointed out that the lifestyle Sowmya and Mothi enjoy in Bangsar comes with a catch; it works because of the salary packages typically offered to foreign executives.

With rent in the area starting at around RM2,500 and half of Malaysians earning between RM4,000 and RM5,000 a month, the maths looks very different for locals.

The commenter added that they are actually planning to move in the opposite direction, from Malaysia to Chennai, where a post-tax monthly income of INR80,000 (roughly RM3,500) would stretch considerably further than it does in KL.

Others pushed back on the hesitation some people have about choosing Malaysia over Singapore.

One commenter argued that the real question isn’t which country pays more, but what you can do with what you earn.

For those who can secure a competitive income in Malaysia, the lower cost of living means more room for savings and a more comfortable lifestyle overall, something that is harder to achieve in Singapore, even on a higher nominal salary.

You can watch the couple’s video here: