Living expenses EXCLUDING rent?

[EK2010]

Greetings -- thanks in advance for all the information posted here. I've already learned a great deal and it's been hugely helpful.

Wondering if you could help me get a sense of typical ex-pat living expenses EXCLUDING rent.

Compared with NY, it looks as if subway fares are cheaper. I'm having a tougher time gauging/budgeting:

1. Utilities (3+1, 1800-2000 sq foot flat)

2. Internet/TV/mobile phone

3. Groceries for a family of 4, assuming breakfast at home, 6 dinners a week at home.

4. Renters' insurance -- is there such a thing there? Is it commonly purchased?

5. Upkeep basic repairs -- I gather that most rental agreements assume tenant covers minor repairs up to a pre-agreed cap, maybe $100 or $150. I keep seeing AC maintenance is renter's responsibility. How much does that typically cost?

And lastly, I'd be interested to hear from others -- what was your biggest unexpected expense? And your biggest unexpected bargain? Trying to work out a budget from afar is really tough!

Many thanks to all.

[sundaymorningstaple]

Everything you have asked to compare has been answered numerous times. If you know the rates in NYC then apply the current exchange rates to the singapore costs and you will know the US dollar cost. Any FXCH board on the internet will give you the current rate (roughly 1.30 at the moment).

Groceries can be from 1to 2K/month. We don't know your eating habits do we. The more meat you eat, the more expensive you bill will be. You also might be a 350lb glutton as well. We don't know do we.

Aircon maintenance has been covered numerous times here as well but normally you need to do it quarterly.

[beppi]

1. Utilities: S$100-1000/month, depends on usage (aircon is the biggest bit)
2. Internet/TV/Phone: S$50-1000/month, depends on chosen subscriptions and usage
3. Groceries: S$1000-4000/month, depends on preferences - but I bet you'll eat at home much less often once you're here!
4. No.
5. Most tenants don't bother and most landlords don't insist.