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Living expense estimate

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frenzal
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Living expense estimate

Post by frenzal » Sun, 13 Apr 2008 2:23 pm

Howdy,

I've researched this previously, but I'd prefer some 'professional' advice from you guys. I'm contemplating moving to Singapore, and would like to plan out a budget, so that I can estimate whether my offer is sufficient to live in Singapore. I'm not looking to splurge heavily, but I do like to maintain a nice lifestyle.

I'm 22 years old and would be moving to Singapore from Australia upon graduation in around January 2009. My offer is in the field of business. I have no dependants so am only really paying for myself.

For accommodation, I would need to live on the red line (NS) between Sembawang and Marina Bay (10 mins walk to an MRT maximum). I would require my own master room, with my own bathroom. The room would need to be furnished, and I'd like it to have a washing machine/dryer.

I'm not a heavy user of air-conditioning, but do use a lot of internet to download quite a lot of programmes (so internet use will be high).

I like local food quite a lot despite not being Asian, so can save money by eating at hawker's centres.

I wouldn't be going out to more classy places often, but I would have about 10 standard drinks/night (usually mixed spirits). I anticipate that I'd be going out once/week.

Gym membership won't be necessary, as the company provides this perk.

Travel is certainly desired, and I would like two vacations/years. Desired destinations are mainly in SE-Asia, at present. Trips home are not necessary.

Sorry for the long post, but I figured that this should give me more accurate answers than people who simply say 'moving to singapore - how much money should I ask for?'

Thank you so much in advance :)

frenzal
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Post by frenzal » Tue, 15 Apr 2008 6:53 am

am I posting this in the wrong sub-forum?

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Post by osej » Tue, 15 Apr 2008 11:37 am

Housing costs would be by far the biggest impact on your budget. Alcohol doesn't come cheap either but that is something that would be more in your hands to control. Checkout the other forums or the property guide on this site to give you an idea on what you would pay. Renting an HDB would be a cheaper option so you may want to look into that as well.

frenzal
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Post by frenzal » Tue, 15 Apr 2008 11:50 am

osej wrote:Housing costs would be by far the biggest impact on your budget. Alcohol doesn't come cheap either but that is something that would be more in your hands to control. Checkout the other forums or the property guide on this site to give you an idea on what you would pay. Renting an HDB would be a cheaper option so you may want to look into that as well.
Do most HDBs only have one bathroom, though?

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sundaymorningstaple
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Post by sundaymorningstaple » Tue, 15 Apr 2008 1:24 pm

Most 4-room and 5-room HDB flats have on common bathroom and a separate bathroom in the Master Bedroom. 4-room flats are generally 3 bedrooms while 5-room flats are 3 or 4 bedrooms or 3 BR with a half-sized den/bedroom.

I own a 5-room 4 BR HDB flat. Have lived there for 9 years now.

I doubt seriously you would find a master room w/bath that also had a washer & dryer. (beside the bed?) At least that what you appeared to write.
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Post by frenzal » Tue, 15 Apr 2008 3:26 pm

sundaymorningstaple wrote:Most 4-room and 5-room HDB flats have on common bathroom and a separate bathroom in the Master Bedroom. 4-room flats are generally 3 bedrooms while 5-room flats are 3 or 4 bedrooms or 3 BR with a half-sized den/bedroom.

I own a 5-room 4 BR HDB flat. Have lived there for 9 years now.

I doubt seriously you would find a master room w/bath that also had a washer & dryer. (beside the bed?) At least that what you appeared to write.
thanks for the info :) haha, i meant washer/dryer anywhere in the apartment: a shared one. I just wouldn't want to pay for my own.

Could someone provide numerical estimates, by any chance, to help me get my head around expenses a little better?

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Post by frenzal » Tue, 15 Apr 2008 5:50 pm

also, are rents in the classifieds generally negotiable? for example, if it says a room is $1,500 - how much should I offer?

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Post by jpatokal » Tue, 15 Apr 2008 7:19 pm

frenzal wrote:also, are rents in the classifieds generally negotiable? for example, if it says a room is $1,500 - how much should I offer?
Yes, rents are usually negotiable, but if they're in the ballpark to start with (compare against other similar properties) you're unlikely have more than $100-200 of room. Landlords can come down if they think you'll be a good/dependable tenant, but won't give way if you start making expensive demands.
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Post by frenzal » Tue, 15 Apr 2008 9:24 pm

jpatokal wrote:
frenzal wrote:also, are rents in the classifieds generally negotiable? for example, if it says a room is $1,500 - how much should I offer?
Yes, rents are usually negotiable, but if they're in the ballpark to start with (compare against other similar properties) you're unlikely have more than $100-200 of room. Landlords can come down if they think you'll be a good/dependable tenant, but won't give way if you start making expensive demands.
Great - that's very useful to know.

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