A Singaporean couple, Sean Lee and Rachell Tan, have brought their retirement plans forward by nearly two decades after relocating to Kuala Lumpur in 2025. They now live in a 135 sq m 3-bedroom condominium apartment in the gated township Desa ParkCity, which they bought for around RM1.7 million.
The couple’s decision to move was motivated by a desire for a slower and more affordable life. They estimate that their average monthly expenditure has decreased by at least 30 per cent, from $4,000 to roughly $2,740.
Lee and Tan are among a growing number of Singaporeans exploring the idea of relocation while in the prime of their careers, drawn by lower living costs and the promise of a slower pace of life. Housing affordability, cheaper daily expenses, and proximity to Singapore are some of the draws of moving across the Causeway.
In contrast, their monthly spending in Singapore was higher due to their car loan and maintenance fees, petrol, and the cost of recreational activities, food delivery, and eating out.
The couple’s move was also motivated by the concept of geoarbitrage, a financial strategy involving earning an income in a strong currency or in a high-wage economy while living in a country with a significantly lower cost of living. By widening the gap between income and expenses, practitioners aim to stretch their dollar further, build wealth more quickly, and enjoy a higher quality of life.
For Lee and Tan, the idea of geoarbitrage evolved from an interesting financial concept into one of the biggest motivations behind their move. They can run their e-commerce business remotely and earn primarily in Singapore dollars, making the move feasible.
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One of their biggest concerns was securing the right to long-term stay in Malaysia. They applied for the Silver tier of the Malaysia My Second Home visa, paying agency fees of RM40,000 for the two of them.
While the reduced cost of living has been a welcome change, rebuilding a life abroad in their mid-30s has been far from effortless. They had to start from scratch, finding new favorite eateries and neighborhood hangouts, and figuring out where to shop for everyday essentials at the best prices.
They have had to adapt to a new environment and deal with the challenges of living in a foreign country.
Lee and Tan have come to see their home country from a different perspective, understanding why certain rules are in place.
The couple’s decision to move to KL has allowed them to re-evaluate their priorities and appreciate the benefits of a slower pace of life. As they look to the future, they are aware of the potential challenges of balancing life in KL with caregiving responsibilities back home, but for now, they are enjoying their new life in Malaysia.
Their experience is an example of how some people are rethinking their urban living arrangements and choosing to move to other countries in search of a better quality of life.
