Please advice in terms of cost of living

[Markoni]

Hello to everyone!

It looks like my wife, 6yr old daugther and I are moving to Singapore in July. First I was very happy, now I am mostly scared Every article on the net writes about how expensive life there/here? is... Please can I tell you our situation and if you could tell me if we will be ok...

Salary: 5800 SGD
Housing: paid by company (3100 SGD budget for rent)
Healthcare:paid by company for family
School for kid: company paid International School

Problem is first couple of months we have to live on 3800 SGD, because some loan for condo deposit etc. After that we will have 5800...

First year I will be stay at home dad, after that will be looking for work.

Lifestyle: we are used to cook at home, having no problem to have couple of fast food (chinese or something like that...) meals a week. We usually do not go so much to restaurants, but would maybe indulge once a month date if possible... We do not go clubbing, or go to bars every evening really we prefer nice walk in parks, riding bikes, or some other outdoor activity.

I just do not have any idea how life is in Singapore. Is this website at least accurate:

https://www.contactsingapore.sg/en/prof ... calculator

What can we expect really?

[sundaymorningstaple]

If your housing, insurance and schooling is covered by your employer and you don't need to buy/lease a car but use public transport with the occasional taxi/grab/uber you will be in good shape and will be able to save about half of your salary at the very minimum. You could probably eck out enough savings from the other half to give yourself several long weekends in other regional countries as well. You will be fine as long as you can keep away from the booze and cigarettes and high end restaurants.

[Markoni]

Uh, thanks for quick reply, really appreciate it. That sounds reassuring. We are not big spenders, just need to have normal life. We are thinking of longer stay if not permanently, but this is our first expat experience, we are leaving everything we know so we are a little bit on a edge. Really looking forward to meet new people and explore new culture, thank again.

Marko

[PNGMK]

I concur with SMS, while you're not coming here on super expat terms at least your important costs are being covered. DO NOT give up those benefits easily (you may come under pressure to take up PR etc - all that means is ALL THOSE COSTS are now coming out of your pocket!).

[aki01]

Regarding the healthcare - is your company going to cover all your family's insurance bills ? Or are they just going to pay for a healthcare plan, which may or may not cover a percentage of certain medical procedures.
The reason I ask is that even though I am on a global healthcare plan, it doesnt cover 100% of everything and medical bills here can get very expensive, even for routine procedures. (as Im recently learning - the hard way).

[Markoni]

I will check details about health insurance, but they say that dental is coverd also so I think it should be ok package, tnx for the tip

[aki01]

out of curiousity, what role is your wife taking on and what type of industry is her company in ?

[brian_singapore]

It's worth adding that Singapore is about the most family friendly place for someone with small children.

There are plenty of parks, many malls have free waterparks on the roof and on public transit, many people will give up their seat for small children and the elderly.

I choose not to own a car and live close to the MRT. Public transit is great, extensive and cheap comparable to other major cities. A complete trip from east to west will clock in at less then 2.00 (one-way).

Your child can also get a free bus pass until the age of 7 (I believe 7 is the cutoff, my 6 year old has one).

Bus to KL (I think return, it's been a long time not sure anymore) is around SGD$30. Flights to neighboring countries (Vietnam, Thailand etc.) can be had for $50-$70 one way during non-peak times.

The items covered by your company are the major costs here, along with cars and alcohol. As long as they continue to cover this (as per SMS) you should be fine.

When you start working, I suspect you'll have a fairly comfortable lifestyle.

You'll also have a much lower tax rate here then home (I'm guessing) so that will go a long way to offsetting the extra expense.

Oh, and when you start working, if you are so inclined, a domestic helper is around SGD$550 (+ levy). Reasonably priced childcare after school.

[Markoni]

Thanks Brian! One of the reasons for moving is to give our child better options in life of course, and I always wanted to live near the sea Nature, low crime rate, and geographic position (close to many nice countries to visit) are all great reasons to join you guys

[snakebite]

Being in Singapore there is a desire to travel more just to get away from time to time. You might struggle to afford those trips with your family on that budget. Short trips to Malaysia Batam Bintan etc should be fine though.


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