I've lived in Singapore since 2014. There has been a massive shift since then. It's still a great place to live and with the lower taxes, you have a great opportunity for a good life here. Here's a quick brain dump that might be helpful.
Everything, just like in any other country, has gotten more expensive. Rent has always been high but even more so since covid. There is no real average price on housing. It's all a free market, so it depends on what's important to you.
It's all a compromise.
Standard
Size
Location
The average price for a 3-4 bed for family of 4 ranges from 7-20K and up a month - sometimes you're better off getting an older house a little outside than to get a central and newer condo as it's more sought after.
Food at the markets is way cheaper and sometimes of better quality than at the central supermarkets. That's where you can get more international food. It's convenient but you pay for it big time. Some spend 200 a week or groceries others 2000 (family of 4-5)
School fees used to be covered by companies but rarely so any more. They range is around 35-50k a year聽 per child depending on the school.
Utilities are not that expensive and phone plans are easy to come by cheaply. Wifi is good.
You can find tons of free activities, but also equally tons of really pricey but fun activities. It's often focussed on outdoor as it's hot and humid.
Transport is affordable and it's close to everything. Super safe and people are very friendly. It's easy to start a business here.
The corporate standard is to work late as you're at the end of the time line if you're in a global role.
Many have a 'helper'. A foreign domestic worker to help with various household chores, kids pick up and drop of due to the work hours and the local expectation to have the additional help to hand.
Your monthly leisure spend varies greatly but the biggest spend we have is on travel. Wherever we go outside the neighbour countries add up when you're a family of 4 with families in multiple continents.
It's an amazing place for people who like food and culture. I think I can eat at a new place every day for the rest of my life and still not be able to go through it all. From hawkers (local food markets) with amazing food for less than SGD10 to Michelin establishments that charge you a months rent to enjoy a piece of food heaven.
If you have issues with EP. Call MOM directly, they are very helpful when you get them on the phone. The website can be confusing and overwhelming if you don't know the system. Once you have your pass approved, the whole process is super smooth.
Welcome to Singapore!
