costs of living

[robodude]

Hi,
I am trying to estimate budget for comfortable living for family of 3 (2 adults + 1 3yo). I assume: kindergarten: ~1500SGD/mo - English classes are prio, learning Chinese is a plus 2-3 bedroom apartment not too far from queenstown (30-40min commute): 3500SGD/mo

My avg monthly income after tax would be around 12300 SGD / mo. This means in theory I have 7300 SGD left for eating, savings, whatever other costs. We like asian food, cook ourselves, don't really need a car, rather renting and traveling.
After some time, hopefully my wife finds job as well.

Does it make sense? Appreciate any feedback!

Thanks

[PNGMK]

Schooling costs jump dramatically for International Schools .... you're estimate is well under. I'd budget at 30k a year for schooling.

Also rents are definitely going up. I don't think 3500 is enough. Probably 4k will be enough.

[nelyanne]

Whether your wife will find a job or not, it depends on her education, skills, experience... Some industries/roles are totally closed for foreigners
For the general costs of living, you can check numbers on Numbeo.com. I find them quite accurate for Singapore. Add maybe +5% for the inflation.
If you want to cook at home, you can check the prices of groceries on Lazada Redmart - online supermarket.

[sundaymorningstaple]

Hi,
I am trying to estimate budget for comfortable living for family of 3 (2 adults + 1 3yo). I assume: kindergarten: ~1500SGD/mo - English classes are prio, learning Chinese is a plus 2-3 bedroom apartment not too far from queenstown (30-40min commute): 3500SGD/mo

My avg monthly income after tax would be around 12300 SGD / mo. This means in theory I have 7300 SGD left for eating, savings, whatever other costs. We like asian food, cook ourselves, don't really need a car, rather renting and traveling.
After some time, hopefully my wife finds job as well.

Does it make sense? Appreciate any feedback!

Thanks

viewtopic.php?p=851706#p851706

[BBCDoc]

Do you have health insurance? Is your company providing any? Make sure you cover that angle too.


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[malcontent]

It’s surprising how expenses can accumulate. All of the seemingly little things add up, and before you know it, it’s a 5 figure sum.

Going without a car helps. Going without air conditioning helps. Going without diary products helps. Going without alcohol helps. Going without beef helps. Going without imported Western foods of most kinds helps.

One other point on schools, don’t assume you can get your child a place in any school here. The popular schools have waiting lists, including popular local kindergartens. Both of my kids went to Barker Road Kindergarten, it’s a decent local school that foreigners can access, if there is a spot available - price is also reasonable. But that is only an option until age 7. No easy or cheap options after that.

[abbby]

I think $3.5k to $5k if you're looking in the queenstown area, maybe older condos give better value and space. Just avoid a west facing house to avoid high bills from the high air-conditioning.

To add on, your child might need tuition or enrichment classes which will add on to your schooling expenses. Don't drink and smoke, that'll save you quite a bit.

Grab cab is common, but car might come in handy if you have a kid to move around. Buy second hand cars if you're looking to buy a car or a COE car.

I think schools, rents and cars are the highest costs you need to consider.

[malcontent]

Schooling: $2,500-4,000/mo per child
Housing: $4,000-5,000/mo (3br, outskirts)

Remember, housing is not just rent alone, and schooling is not just tuition alone.

These two expenses can easily push a family of 4 into 5 digits monthly. This is why expats get packages, and locals get government subsidies for education, housing and healthcare. So if you have school aged children and you’re not getting a package or subsidies, you really need an exit plan.

If you are single, a couple or a young family, it’s important to recognize how your expenses will change as your family situation changes.