Cost of living

[evka]

How much can I expect to spend for furbishing (moderately) a 3 bedroom appt? Excluding / including electronics.

Also, what is cost of food, clothes, cosmetics, sports (gym), services etc in S?

In general, what is expensive / cheap in comparison with West Europe / US?

If housing and utilities are paid by company, how well can I live with 1,600 SGD per month?

Is there any web site where I can find such info? I tried, but no result.

[Guest]

The salary you are getting is lower than a pay package for local fresh grad. Make sure they cover medical, dental, transportation, housing, handphone allowances. You can't live like a expat unless you get SDG4~5K/mth. Will they pay for your relocation?

Also, to obtain an Employment Pass (EP), you need a min basic salary of SDG1,800. As a rule, the higher your pay/education and longer your employment contract, the higher you chances of obtaining EP. (refer to http://www.mom.gov.sg/MOM/CDA/0,1858,12 ... --,00.html)

Cost of living is high if you are used to branded imported goods and frequent travelling. I don't suggest you take up the offer. Apply to other companies and compare the packages.

[evka]

I was not 100% correct/clear in my post.

I should be paid SGD 1.600 in Singapore and next to that SGD 2.600 in my home country. Out of this 2.600 I want to save 1.200.
Which leaves me with 3.000 SGD to spend in Singapore.

Housing, utilities, medical bills and local transport will be paid by my employer.

So, can I have a decent living wiht this amount?
My idea of decent living is:
I dont need designer clothes or cosmetics etc.
I like to eat in a restaurant (not hawkers) at least twice a week.(I read the price of a restaurant dinner is like SGD 15-50. Is that drinks included?)
I want to be a member of some fitness club.
Going out like every other evening, no heavy drinking.
When possible, I want to travel to neighbouring countries.
... am I missing any other important cost to consider when living in S?

My colleagues will be American and I will want to socialise with them... so want to make sure it will not be a *killer* to my budget!
Also, I want to be an equal member of the expat community... going out.. (and I do not mean the high expat... no, no, I do not need any exclusive golf club or so..!).. .

Thanks.

[evka]

And yes, they will pay the relocation costs.. well... it is not well written in the draft contract in fact. They suggest giving me a furnished flat or to relocate my stuff (which is x times more expensive than furbishing the flat!)

In my country I would need at least SGD 6,000 for furbishing the flat.
Knowing that Singapore is much more expensive, I think there I would definitely need more than the offered SGD 3,000!!

I received replies on other forums.. it seems that a huge portion of my money would be spent on socialising! At home I do not go out too much, but it is vital to do so when expat, in my opinion.

[riversandlakes]

How long does it take to be able to move into a rented room? Will landlords insist the paperworks are done before I can move in?