Salary for comfortable life in Singapore..advice please?

[Canadajim]

Hi...first post on what seems like a very insightful forum, so here goes with my question..hope to get some answers

I have had a good look at some threads on here as well as some general info sites on living in Singapore but need people in the know to confirm my research..?

My company is looking at sending me and my wife (no kids yet but planning in the next 2 years) to Singapore...currently UK based.

My question is that the approx proposed salary is around $105K yr plus medical and some relocation allowance. This would have to be for both of us to live on. I have gone to the Singapore Tax calculator website and calculated this works out to about $8100 / month net.

Now...here are some figures that I hoped would be correct and allow us a comfortable (not massively indulgent but not totally skimping either) lifestyle:

- Rent for 2 bed condo in intermediate area - $3000-3500 to inc basic utilities?
- Grocery shopping for 2 people $200-250 week
- MRT costs per person per month $100
- Mobile phone/cable/internet $200 (?)
- Going out (mainly weekends) $250/weekend (we dont plan to eat in mega expensive restaurants)

As you can see this comes to about $6000/month in total costs for 2 people. I would hope to put about 2K with a view to sending this home or putting it in offshore savings.

Realistic or not? (bear in mind I am not looking to live in the most top class newest condo complex but something middle of the road, comfortable and clean near(ish) to the main shopping areas)

Thanks for any advice.

[x9200]

http://forum.singaporeexpats.com/ftopic63811.html

[dragsworthy]

Hi...first post on what seems like a very insightful forum, so here goes with my question..hope to get some answers

I have had a good look at some threads on here as well as some general info sites on living in Singapore but need people in the know to confirm my research..?

My company is looking at sending me and my wife (no kids yet but planning in the next 2 years) to Singapore...currently UK based.

My question is that the approx proposed salary is around $105K yr plus medical and some relocation allowance. This would have to be for both of us to live on. I have gone to the Singapore Tax calculator website and calculated this works out to about $8100 / month net.

Now...here are some figures that I hoped would be correct and allow us a comfortable (not massively indulgent but not totally skimping either) lifestyle:

- Rent for 2 bed condo in intermediate area - $3000-3500 to inc basic utilities?
- Grocery shopping for 2 people $200-250 week
- MRT costs per person per month $100
- Mobile phone/cable/internet $200 (?)
- Going out (mainly weekends) $250/weekend (we dont plan to eat in mega expensive restaurants)

As you can see this comes to about $6000/month in total costs for 2 people. I would hope to put about 2K with a view to sending this home or putting it in offshore savings.

Realistic or not? (bear in mind I am not looking to live in the most top class newest condo complex but something middle of the road, comfortable and clean near(ish) to the main shopping areas)

Thanks for any advice.

Your income is about the same as mine and your expenses are about the same as mine. I think it's really dependent on your lifestyle though...

[alanloke23]

mostly it still depends on individual needs and wants

[valleyman]

A few things you may want to consider are -

1) What are the items that are covered under your insurance ? Is pregnancy covered(I know some companies do that). Pregnancy related expenditure here is quite high.

2) You have not factored in a maid. It will be around $300-350 per month

3) Mobile/Cable/Internet: I think $250-300 is a more realistic estimate with 2 mobile phones

4) Utilities will be in the range of $250-300 for a 2 bedder condo. Need to factor that.

5) Travel to nearby countries.. short trips etc..

All in all I would say that you may end up saving around $500 at most based on the data above..

[sundaymorningstaple]

valleyman, if you factor in a maid I think you are a little light. Total cost per month for a maid works out to just around $1000/month. Maid salary (you got that only), maid levy, maid insurance, additional groceries, etc, etc.