Relocating to Singapore

[chenrizee]

Hello Out There

I will be relocating to singaore in the next month. I do not know anything about it except what I have read on the web and through friends.

What I really want to know is the living standard in Singapore. I would appreciate if anybody out there would throw some light on various expenses which a family of 3 (23 year old son) would incur in Singapore...

I need to know expenses on Accomodation, travelling, medicenes, food, tax etc which a family would generally spent in a month....

What I am looking for is briefly described below;

2 bedroom
Fully furnished ( i.e. able to directly move in)
Fitness Center including swimming pool, sauna and steam
Quite surroundings
A decent view
Clean
Within 5-10 minutes walk to malls and supermarkets
Budget 2500S$

I prefer to be away from the city after work and not being crowded in with buildings and people.

Can anyone give an price range for a familily of 3, including rental (2500S$ budget), moderate usage of washing m/c but liberall usage of A/C
Regards


Chenrizee

[expat_helper]

You can find more information at the Singapore Expats Forum, address is http://www.singaporeexpats.com/forum/index.php

I have seen many queries similar to yours and I am sure someone there could help you.

[loybond]

Well, Singapore is basically a first world country by all social and economic indicators. Their GDP per capita is better than all the EU countries (basically, they are richer on a per-person basis). Everyone from the US govt to Wikipedia consider them a first-world nation, but they'd rather not admit it, probably to try and avoid the responsibilities of an industrialized country.
To answer your questions, the expenses are generally in line with that of Toronto. I'm considering working there, and I've found decent centrally-ACed apartments (you'll need one) for 800 SGD and up. However, you'll probably wanna spend like 1500 or so cuz it seems you have a larger family (its just me and my gf). Singapore has an awesome bus system which is probably the cheapest in the developed world. Some routes are like 60 cents or so. Medicine is FAR, FAR cheaper than Canada. This probably wouldn't be a big expense for you, and if it is, you can always run across the border to Malaysia for stuff thats, unbelievably enough, even cheaper. The Singapore-Malaysia border has two crossings, and its very simple and straightforward. Much better than our US-Canada crossings actually. Food is awesome in Singapore. You've got an huge range to choose from, and as far as eating out goes, your kids can eat out for 5 dollars +, while you and your spouse can hit Brazilian BBQ Buffets for 120+ dollars. Umm .. if you want a place thats a 5-10 minute walk to supermarkets and malls, you'd have to live in the CBD (central business district) which is super expensive. And trust me, you don't wanna walk around Singapore in the daytime. Check out what Wikipedia has to say about Singapore - its an alpha "world city" - one of the coolest in the world. As far as culture and events go, it is spectacular. Singapore has the highest millionaires per capita in the world, and it shows. You can really live the high life, with the fancy condo and yacht in the marina and all, but you can live a quiet, chilled out life too.
You'll notice a lot of similarities and differences with Canada. Similarities are the developed-country attitude that you won't find anywhere in the region (from customer service to the friendliness of people on the street), and the Popeyes, Taco Bells and all, and differences being those of culture. Singapore is dominantly Chinese, so being Canadian, you probably have some idea of Chinese culture is like (if you're from the GTA). There's a helluva lot of expats there, so you won't be bored or feel left out - I frequented a comedy club at Clark Quay ... but I was one of only 2 Canadians there!! All in all, I think Singapore combines the best of east and west. And they have 30 megabit internet too!

[loybond]

Oh, BTW. When you rent a place in Singapore, don't expect much inside. You'll probably have to get your own washing machine and dryer, and these are more expensive in Singapore than Canada. And MAKE SURE you get a newer place thats centrally air conditioned. You don't wanna leave your comfortable master bedroom to a hot, sticky kitchen to cook. Your electricity bill for a central-AC condo (on all the time) will be like 300 bucks/mo.

[debgal]

I lived in Singapore for two years. The place we rented was at the Paya Lebar train station and there was a small mall within walking distance. There was also a bus that went from just outside our complex to this same mall. We had a furnished two bedroom, with washer and dryer for 1600$S. The pool area was lovely and there was a small gym. It wasn't a huge mall but had a fairly decent grocery store, photo shop, a few food places and a 'odds n ends' store. Also opposite where the bus stopped was sort of a strip mall as well as another mall with jewelry stores, electronics etc. I am sitting here trying to think of the name of the complex but it just won't come to me so I'll ask my husband when he gets home. Remember too, there is a Canadian Association in Singapore and I met some great friends through that.

[Satine]

if you want a place thats a 5-10 minute walk to supermarkets and malls, you'd have to live in the CBD (central business district) which is super expensive.

I don't think that author is talking about big malls with brands such Versace or LV
There is a pretty mall on each MRT station where you can find everything for everyday shopping.