City Comparison
Shah Alam vs Toledo
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Shah Alam scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Shah Alam
Toledo
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Toledo is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
22% lower than in Shah Alam.
Housing costs are a major driver: Shah Alam's average rent is
72% higher than Toledo's.
| Metric | Shah Alam | Toledo | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,638 | $950 | +72% |
| Groceries | $450 | $342 | +32% |
| Utilities | $180 | $295 | -39% |
| Transport | $120 | $180 | -33% |
| Healthcare | $150 | $200 | -25% |
| Monthly Total | $2,538 | $1,967 | +29% |
| Cost Index | 100 | 95 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Toledo offers 38% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Toledo delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Shah Alam is estimated at
$55,000 vs $52,000 in Toledo.
| Metric | Shah Alam | Toledo |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $44,000 | $71,000 |
| Salary Needed | $55,000 | $52,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 44,000 idx | 74,737 idx |
| Household Income | $62,000 | $49,724 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Shah Alam runs warmer on average — a 82.3°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Shah Alam comes out ahead with 103 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Shah Alam sees 0 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Shah Alam | Toledo |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 82.30°F | °F |
| Summer High | 91.00°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 74.30°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 121.70 in | in |
| Snowfall | 0.00 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 103 | |
| Humidity | 65.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Toledo has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
4,000 minutes (67 hours) per year compared to Shah Alam.
Shah Alam scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Shah Alam leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Shah Alam | Toledo |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 28 min | 20 min |
| Transit Score | 55.0/100 | 45.0/100 |
| Walkability | 60.0/100 | 46.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | 50.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Shah Alam is the larger city
— approximately 1.6x the population of Toledo.
From a growth perspective, Shah Alam is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Shah Alam has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Shah Alam | Toledo |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 438,745 | 267,463 |
| Pop. Growth | 2.10% | — |
| Median Age | 31.5 | 35.8 |
| Unemployment | 4.10% | 4.40% |
| GDP | $104.6B | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Shah Alam
Advantages
Shah Alam is a well-planned city with organized townships, wider roads, and good infrastructure, contributing to a higher quality of life.
The city is known for its green spaces and recreational areas, earning it the nickname "Garden City of Malaysia".
Shah Alam has a strong industrial and manufacturing base, particularly in the automotive sector, offering diverse job opportunities.
Its strategic location within the Klang Valley and proximity to Port Klang enhance its economic and logistical advantages.
The city offers a good balance between urban amenities and a pleasant living environment, attracting young families and professionals.
Drawbacks
Shah Alam recorded the highest cost of living among Malaysian state capitals in 2024, surpassing Kuala Lumpur.
Traffic congestion can be a significant issue, especially during peak hours in certain areas.
Public transportation options are still developing, and car dependency remains relatively high.
Some sources suggest that Shah Alam may not be as diverse as other Malaysian cities.
While generally safe, like any urban area, it requires residents to remain aware of their surroundings.
Toledo
Advantages
Toledo offers a significantly affordable cost of living, approximately 5% lower than the national average.
The city boasts a thriving arts and cultural scene, highlighted by the world-class Toledo Museum of Art.
Residents have excellent access to nature and outdoor recreation through the extensive Metroparks system, the Maumee River, and Lake Erie.
Toledo has seen significant economic development and business investment, ranking among the top 10 nationally in 2024.
The average commute time in Toledo is relatively short at 19.8 minutes, easing daily travel for residents.
Drawbacks
Toledo has a high violent crime rate, which is significantly above the national average.
The city experiences harsh winters with cold temperatures and notable snowfall.
Toledo's infrastructure, particularly its roads, is often cited as being in poor condition.
Job opportunities in some high-growth sectors may be limited compared to larger metropolitan areas.
Public transportation options in Toledo are considered limited, leading to high car dependency for most errands.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Shah Alam
#77Selangor, Malaysia
61.3 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,638
Avg Salary
$44,000
Cost Index
100
Commute
28 min
Transit Score
55.0/100
Walkability
60.0/100
Sunny Days
103/yr
Avg Temp
82.30°F
Pop. Growth
2.10%
Unemployment
4.10%
Livability
74
Business
68
Toledo
#590Ohio, USA
43.5 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$950
Avg Salary
$71,000
Cost Index
95
Commute
20 min
Transit Score
45.0/100
Walkability
46.0/100
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
4.40%
Livability
68
Business
75
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