Compare Singapore with Australia...

[designher]

Hello, I just joined. I'm a local that's keen to live in Australia. I have been there a few times, and I love the environment - particularly Sydney. Just wondering if anyone who's worked in Australia have anything good/bad to say about it? In comparison with life in Singapore. Thanks. I actually have many questions, but I'll just start at that

[Silly Gallah]

The tax rates in Australia are much higer than Singapore and as a result you may find yourself financially worse off. Other than that I would rate Australia as a much better lifestyle than Singapore. Ok yes, I am Australian and I am enjoying living overseas, but if you are a local Singapore you get Australia AND an overseas experience.

One thing that may or may not be important to you, I know so many people do Asia with young kids and home help, go back to Australia and find it very isolating while the kids are young if they get basically stuck at home...so come back to Asia for a bit longer. You do not have the affordable options for child care and home help in Australia that you do in Singapore.

[sierra2469alpha]

Hello, I just joined. I'm a local that's keen to live in Australia. I have been there a few times, and I love the environment - particularly Sydney. Just wondering if anyone who's worked in Australia have anything good/bad to say about it? In comparison with life in Singapore. Thanks. I actually have many questions, but I'll just start at that

Des - Hi - we're actually doing what you are asking in reverse. We live in SYD, and moving to SIN. We've lived in SYD for 12 years currently, and before that on and off for 15.

The other posting here sums it up - in AUS you get hit with higher GST, Capital Gains tax on ALL assets, and much, much higher personal income tax levels. Furthermore, you have the Medicare levy (1.5% of total income), and (on a per square foot ratio), similar rents depending on where you want to live.

Sydney has a public transport infrastructure, which is normally OK., however, you do need a car if you want to go out of Syndey. remember, Sydney is not an island like SIN - there are lots of places to discover. That being said, car ownership in AUS is SIGNIFICANTLY lower than in SIN. In SIN, a Suzuki Swift costs about $SIN29K, in AUS, try $AUD14K including most insurances. Petrol is expensive, but hey, isn't it everywhere.

In terms of accommodation, let me cite our personal circumstances. We have a 122SQM apartment with high ceilings that overlook parts of the harbour, and are about 4 blocks back from it. That's $AUD1950 per month. We have an investment property nearby which is similar to what would be termed a landed house (cottage, 2 bedrooms, one bathroom, big backyard, fully aircon and polisihed floorboards), that is about to go on the market for $AUD550 per week.

Cost of living will be slightly cheaper in SYD in terms of fresh produce, I think, particularly if you like wine/beer. Costs me about $SGD22 for a very minor bottle of wine here in SIN, and the same costs me $AUD14 back in SYD.

Eating out - SYD is very damn expensive at the moment, unless you eat in pubs/cafes in the Inner West or even further. You will have to cook at home a lot more. It's been this way for ages, so do not expect it to change.

All up - as we're swapping from SYD to SIN, the tax rates are lower in SIN, there is no Capital Gains Tax here in SIN, but 22%+ in AU, and in terms of day to day living it all evens out as long as you don't pay too much on your mortgage/rent in SIN. In SYD, we pay a higher GST (10%), higher tax rates (>$AUD60K it's 49% plus Medicare), compulsory private medical insurance or you pay an extra 1.5% tax (figure on $AUD400 Per annum), higher taxi/public tranpsort charges (In SIN it's hard to spend more than say $SGD.90c on the MRT) - In SYD you will pay a minimum of $AUD2.20.

Mortgae rates in AUS at the moment are hovering around 7.1% - in SIN it's 2.8%.

Sydney is a nice place to live, we agree - just make sure you get a good package.

Hope this helps.