singapore cost of living - help please

[D2B]

Hi
DH has been offered a potential job in Sinagpore. we are interested, but have no real idea about the cost of living by which to judge the salary package. I think some PS members are in singapore or are familiar with it, so I would really appreicate some advise/information:

- how much should we budget for a three bedroom house/flat in a nice part of singapore (within the expat community I suppose)
-what sort of utlities budget should we aim for (2 adults one child)
- groceries - weekly rough estimates
-transport costs/options (is it super expensive to get and run a car? I recall hearing this before?)
- any other hidden costs / things to know about
-websites that would be useful.

Currently we are in the UK and housing etc is taken care of, so this wasnt something we had to research seperately.

If anyone can help, this would be really appreciated.

thanks heaps

d2b

 

[Harriet]

This might help: www.expatsingapore.com

 

[hibiscus]

Hi D2B,

I''m from Singapore and have lived in major cities around the globe and been here in California for 4 years. You will like Singapore a lot, I sure do, maybe you might find the weather a little too humid to begin with. To answer your questions:

- how much should we budget for a three bedroom house/flat in a nice part of singapore (within the expat community I suppose)
Ans: Depending on the location, a 3 bedroom condo with half or full-facilities/amenities can start from SGD 1800 -$23,000 depending on location. It will be more costly in the cities and 10-15 minutes away from the cities (Orchard Road). Check out this link : http://www.iproperty.com.sg

-what sort of utlities budget should we aim for (2 adults one child)
Ans:Utilities varies from SGD 80 and above

- groceries - weekly rough estimates
Ans: Food is cheap, if you plan to cook it would be even cheaper. A plate of fried rice can be as low as SGD 2.50. You don''t have to tip, its not mandatory.
Check this link:
http://www.fairprice.com.sg
http://www.coldstorage.com.sg
http://www.carrefour.com.sg


-transport costs/options (is it super expensive to get and run a car? I recall hearing this before?)
Ansublic transportation is very efficient. Some buses run 24 hours on certain days. Yes, it is expensive to get and run a car.
http://www.smrt.buses.com.sg
http://www.sbstransit.com.sg

- any other hidden costs / things to know about
Ans:govt tax on purchases is 5%. No hidden cost.

Personally, I think compared to California, its a lot cheaper to live in Singapore. Clean and green. Public transportation is affordable. Groceries is cheap. Check this link http://www.visitsingapore.com

Hope this helps.

 

[D2B]

Thanks so much hibiscus and harriet. Cant wait to check out all the links and get stuck into some research

.

d2b