FutureCEO wrote:I am evaluating my Expat Contract and need a bench mark for monthly expenses incurred by a family with similar characteristics.
For reference, I am US national and have been offered a contract by my MNC to move my family (wife and 2 kids under age 11)to Singapore for 3 years as an Expat. I am a low level Exec reporting to a Division President. My boss' 2-up manager is my company's CEO.
Finally, my monthly Housing allowance is SGD 12,000 per month so I anticipate renting a 4-5,000 sq ft, 5-7 BR bungalow or semi-detached home.
Can someone help me with estimating montly expenses for the following?
Utilities (Water/Gas/Electric):
Petro for Comapny Car (20 min daily drive):
Food (for family of 4):
Garden Maintenance for Bungalow home:
Parking expense (for 2 cars):
Cable TV:
Broadband Internet:
Typical Medical Expenses (for family):
Mobile phone (1 phone):
Is it standard for Expat contracts to cover living expenses (yard maintenance, utilities, internet, cable TV, etc?
Finally, what kind of one time expenses should I expect? I am aware of the following:
Utilities (GIRO): SGD 150 for Semi-D; SGD 250 for Bungalow
TV License: SGD 110 per TV
Dirver's License (Basic Theory/Registration): SGD 11.25
Is there a connection fee for?:
Cable TV:
Landline Phone:
Mobile Phone:
Thanks in advance for your help and information.
Not sure I can give you any definitive answers here, but maybe just shed a little light. Your housing allowance is generous but, depending on where you live -- I wouldn't count on a big (7 bedroom, large garden) bungalow unless you're willing to go very far a field. Taking that into consideration, your utilities can range anywhere from $1,200 - $500. Of course if you never turn the airconditioning on it will dramatically effect your utility bill.
$100/week for gas in the car give or take.
Groceries from Cold Storage (again very hard to estimate) $500/week. There are cheaper places, there are more expensive places. If you eat a lot of beef, enjoy wine and American cereals -- look out.
Garden maintenance depends of course on the garden and can often be negotiated to be included in the rental. A small semi-D can be $100/month, a very large garden well over $1,000/month.
We have 5 cable boxes and most channels, as well as broadband and I think our cable bill is under $200 (it's on autopay and I don't pay very close attention to it).
No parking expense at home but if you drive around the CBD and park in Orchard area car parks, you'll need $50 - $100 on your ERP cash card per month.
Medical is a tough one. Neighborhood clinics are dirt cheap. A medical exam for sports at the Woodlands clinic is $15. However a blood test downtown can be $500. Generally, it is much cheaper than in the US.
You're going to need more than one mobile phone. So many deals and packages out there -- plan on spending an hour figuring it out and bring your passport and EP. Prices arer reasonable, I just signed up for a $5/month unlimited calls to the US package.
Rental contracts can include a wide variety of things (gardening, air/con maintenance/pest control are the most typical. Utilities and cable, are almost always on the tenant in a bungalow.
As far as one time expenses go, just get ready for there to be an overwhelming, unexpected amount. Moving is always expensive: trash cans, handymen, bed linens, end tables, extention cords, paint, lightbulbs, etc... You'll be at IKEA and the DIY every other day. I can't remember the last time we paid a TV license...
Yes, there is definitely a connection fee for phones, cable, etc... They are very professional and require very little lead time. Moving day usually means all these people showing up at one time or another.
Have you figured out school? That will greatly influence where you live I suspect. Don't forget to budget in the kids school commuting costs as well. Good luck!
