Finally.....SG is the real #1

[pisceangirl]

I agree with rajagainstthemachine and Singapore eagle.

When it comes to clothes, I have realised that buying them online from the US and having them shipped to SG works out cheaper (and definitely better choice) than if I bought the stuff here!

Hard to find Value for money establishments when it comes to food, in my opinion.

[Sergei82]

For rental, if I get asked what my budget is during an inquiry phone call, I hang up. The ad was obviously just to bait people.

For retail (electronics, cameras, watches, big purchases), I already know how much it should cost so I tell them a low figure. I ask them how much (to verify). If they give the slightest hint of trying to upsell or cheat me (by asking what my budget is or telling me what I want is no good and they give me something else), I walk away. Otherwise, I ask more questions just to make sure they're not leaving some things out. Some things to ask: GST, bundled accessories, etc.

That is a lot of squatting, jumping and dancing to do the most basic things, isn't it?

[sundaymorningstaple]

I agree with rajagainstthemachine and Singapore eagle.

When it comes to clothes, I have realised that buying them online from the US and having them shipped to SG works out cheaper (and definitely better choice) than if I bought the stuff here!

Hard to find Value for money establishments when it comes to food, in my opinion.

This especially so if you are buying Levi's want a pair that aren't made in China, Vietnam or the Philippines and cut/built like a cheap hotel.

[rajagainstthemachine]

I agree with rajagainstthemachine and Singapore eagle.

When it comes to clothes, I have realised that buying them online from the US and having them shipped to SG works out cheaper (and definitely better choice) than if I bought the stuff here!

Hard to find Value for money establishments when it comes to food, in my opinion.

This especially so if you are buying Levi's want a pair that aren't made in China, Vietnam or the Philippines and cut/built like a cheap hotel.

I go back to India to buy all my clothing, including Denim which produced in India is meant for the American market. The jeans feel like real jeans not some thin piece of cloth passing off as denim.

[sundaymorningstaple]

Sadly, while the denim may be produced there, the jeans are still cut like small hotels. I tried a bunch on last January (2013) in Kerala, and good denim but cut like small hotels. Couldn't wear 'em.

[ScoobyDoes]

When we travel, the suitcase comes back full of clothes - both for reasons of choice and price.

I get shoes and trousers when I head back to the UK, for the same reason but mostly price. You only have to check the M&S price in the UK, for example, and compare it to exactly the same item here.

Factory outlets throughout Europe offer much bigger discounts than their counterpart just over the border here, which is just another mall and at generally the same pricing. It was worth a visit......once.

Food also in the UK is not so bad now both in terms of quality, quantity and price.

[rajagainstthemachine]

Sadly, while the denim may be produced there, the jeans are still cut like small hotels. I tried a bunch on last January (2013) in Kerala, and good denim but cut like small hotels. Couldn't wear 'em.

Try Bangalore next time, there are many stores selling American sizes nowadays.

[singapore eagle]

I wonder what's up with Singapore. Is it:

- the small market size and lack of economies of scale for retailers;
- a lack of true toe-to-toe competition;
- high land prices/rentals putting up prices; or
- the way in which constant population growth equals near-automatic sales growth for anyone who sets up shop here?

[Wd40]

Shopping clothes, I think US is the only developed country that is cheaper than Singapore. Australia and UK are even more expensive. The AUD feels like it has absolutely no purchasing power in Sydney. After coming back from there I felt Singapore is cheap.

[Wd40]

The article in CNA had this in it:

However it must be noted that the EIU survey is aimed at helping companies and HR managers calculate allowances for executives or expatriates being sent overseas.

This means that their spending patterns may differ from locals. Hence, while cars and utilities are expensive, public transport and hawker food in Singapore are cheaper than in most developed cities.

So its essentially more relevant to expats, and not locals so much.

[sundaymorningstaple]

But as usual, only a small segment of the expat market, primarily those from developed western countries it smells like. Definitely not all expats.

[movingtospore]

I think it's expensive here. But I avoid hawker centres....

Clothes are want most get me. 2x to 3x the price for the same brand in the US or Canada.

[Wd40]

I come home for lunch so save money on weekdays and then weekends both saturday and sunday we have dinner outside. Indian fine dining doesn't cost a lot in Singapore, thank god! Max we spend like $30 every outing.

[ScoobyDoes]

The article in CNA had this in it:

However it must be noted that the EIU survey is aimed at helping companies and HR managers calculate allowances for executives or expatriates being sent overseas.

This means that their spending patterns may differ from locals. Hence, while cars and utilities are expensive, public transport and hawker food in Singapore are cheaper than in most developed cities.

So its essentially more relevant to expats, and not locals so much.

Yeah, CNA would say that though, wouldn't they? There is another index more geared for expats, hence the reason Angola comes in as the most expensive. This report is more accurate with regards cost of living, and on the BBC this evening EIU even said they didn't count the cost of accommodation

[pisceangirl]

I come home for lunch so save money on weekdays and then weekends both saturday and sunday we have dinner outside. Indian fine dining doesn't cost a lot in Singapore, thank god! Max we spend like $30 every outing.

30$ per pax? Else I want your definition of "fine dining" and examples of the Indian establishments!

Personally, I hardly ever go to Indian establishments myself cause I'm a pretty good cook and I'd rather savour Indian food at home. Not to mention that I find most Indian joints here serve dishes that are modified to suit a touristy clientele. (Not fun for me!) My weekend visits are reserved to restaurants that offer other cuisines and I do find the prices to be on the higher side for what's on offer. (A few exceptions exist, but they're "exceptions")

Clothes here wayyy too expensive. As someone mentioned earlier Marks and Spencer is a great example. I have seen dresses on the M&S UK website retailing for 35 pounds that retail for 169 SGD here.