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Cost of living for individual in Singapore ?

I'm currently working in Malaysia. I've just been offered a job in Singapore, and I'd like to see if it's worth my while to move. I'm offered S$2000, Singapore office based in Cecil Street. I'd like some suggestions as to the kinds of expenses in terms of: 1) Lodgings - single room, partly furnished,utilities inclusive. 2) Transportation - cost, and recommended to bring own car from M'sia or rely on SG public transport? 3) Food - Total based on mostly take out, cook @ home and occasional fancy restaurants 4) Communications - avg calls per month, factor calls back home to M'sia 5) Etc... I currently already have fixed expenses at almost RM1000 (or around S$500) excluding room rental. So with all those in mind, is it worth to stay at Singapore at S$2000? Would also appreciate suggestions of places to stay in SG based on recommended budget / expenses given

Public Comments

1. Cecil Street is near Tanjong Pagar area the flats there are consider expensive flats. Lodging - To rent a room ranges between S$400 - S$500 with sharing kitchen etc. But I think you can rent from JTC which can be cheaper. Utilities bills have to negotiate with the landlord. The nearest MRT is Tanjong Pagar or Raffles Place which is the North-South line or the North-Eastern line or the East West line. Travel - If you are to travel to work via MRT, best to look along these area. Or you can check www.sbstransit.com for bus route, it gives you more options for places to stay. Travelling by Bus will be cheaper. Won't recommend bringing car, you will be working in town area which is really expensive to park. To keep your car for occasional use, you pay something like S$80 for season parking. Petrol is about S$1.20 per litre. Food - Food are relatively cheap in Singapore of course cannot compare to Malaysia lah. But still can achieve S$3 - S$5 a meal from the hawker. Fancy restaurants range between S$15 - S$40 a meal on average depends what you eat. Communications - getting a mobile line is pretty cheap. if you are not fussy a free phone comes with it too. Average S$35 for start up, monthly about S$35 for subscriptions on the basic plans, and free sms's. IDD to Malaysia is charged at local rate normally, SMS to Malaysia will be expensive. Generally speaking, I would say you will be spending at least 75% of your income on your standard montly expenses depending on your lifestyle. But you will never know if you don't try it out. Good luck!
2. I would say it about SG 1200/ month as you mention all the suff you want to pay for. it is worth to stay if you really can save some money
3. Angel's Smile has given you a pretty detailed analysis. Just wish to add on that unless you are doing sales and really, absolutely need a car for day-to-day commuting; plus your company is giving you car allowance - the use of the car is highly discouraged. The parking fees in the Central Business District (CBD) is exorbitant. ERP/CBD toll fees, parking fees and petrol fees will eat up a big section of your salary. It is more convenient and cheaper to use public transportation than to drive in the CBD. Public transportation here is excellent and most areas are accessible by MRT/ bus or cabs. Even if you want to take a cab to all your destinations, it is still cheaper than having your own car. And don't forget that all foreign-registered vehicles entering and leaving Singapore via the Woodlands and Tuas Checkpoints will have to pay Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) fees and tolls. See: http://www.lta.gov.sg/motoring_matters/motoring_guide_permit.htm#foreign With some careful spending, it's not a problem to stay at Singapore on a 2K salary.
4. You better stay in Malaysia rather than taking away our jobs.
5. 1) Lodgings - single room, partly furnished,utilities inclusive. S$ 350 2) Transportation - SG public transport? S$ 180 3) Food - Total based on mostly take out, cook @ home S$180 4) Communications - avg calls per month, factor calls back home to M'sia S$ 120 5) Etc... clothes, hair cut, cosmetics, cinema...S$ 70 Therefore, you can save 1000 S$ if you are not spendthrift.