Is Singapore really as expensive as we think it to be?

last SG · 2013-01-08T16:36:19+00:00

I think it is expensive for lifestyle goods and services. Alcohol and wee bit finer dining is expensive. Rest I see is that there are cheaper options availab...

narkiz SG

So i know it's been a HUGE topic of discussion in here and anywhere else Singapore-related: The very High cost of living in Singapore. Heck, This little island has even been called one of the top five most expensive countries to live in!

But we forget we've also been called the world's richest nation... NO, i am NOT a PAP supporter, but facts are facts.

Here's what i think,after visiting the devastated europe and more Importantly, staying in SWITZERLAND for a month:

Before you guys denounce Singapore as being 'unlivable', think this: an average meal for four at a SMALL takeout place in the tiny town Zermatt, Switzerland costs easily 80 Francs or 104 SGD.

An average cup of coffee costs an upwards of 6 francs or 7.80 SGD.

In Paris, the cost to rent a place costs an upwards of a few thousand euros/ square meter.

A MACDONALDS quarter pounder meal with fries, no drink costs 11 francs or close to 15 SGD, so a meal for four costs easily 60 SGD in Switzerland.

A small bottle of shampoo at Coops(switzerland's Fairprice, supposed to be the low end, affordable market) costs easily 10.50 SGD.

A meal for one at an italian 'foodcourt' costs minimum 7 euros or 11 SGD if u order only a plate of, say, pasta and nothing else, a full set is easily 12 euros and up.

Compare to what we have here and perhaps before we open our mouths to say Singapore is too expensive, perhaps you'd like to see how bad to europeans have it as well.

Your views? Am i missing sth here?

SJS6638 SG

Hello, resident of ivory tower. Usually PAP supporters don't want admit they are.

Whatever, PAP supporters or not, generally we acknowledge costs of living in Singapore is high, there is no doubt about it. Even the rich are agreeing the cost of living are getting higher and higher.

If you don't agree with the people in general, does not surprise me. People living in the ivory tower will not know what high costs of living is.

narkiz SG

I know it's high, i do not disagree. yes, it's unreasonable, and lee and gang are doing nuts to help. but what i mean is, compared to the rest of the world, Singapore doesn't stand out much, no?

SJS6638 SG

Didn't you look at their salary?

I know of singaporean cleaner getting paid below $500 and has to cope with the high cost of living. Low wage and low salary coping with continuous rising cost of living, so ????? What else are you looking at to confirm this country is expensive to live?

SJS6638 SG

Please wake up la, even foreigners angmos and asians agree Singapore is expensive to live in. In some angmo countries with Singapore dollar 200k can buy land and build house, here in Singapore you wait long long hor. In Philippines, a few thousand singapore dollars you can buy a house. Ridiculous, someone just told me that her relative sold the house in philippines for sing $150.

SMB195G SG

You can buy bangalow for only $500000 in other countries.

SJS6638 SG

You can buy bangalow for only $500000 in other countries.

in singapore, you have to paid million and millions to buy landed properties.

I really don't know why is it so difficult for TS to face the reality that Singapore is expensive to live in.

Lokey SG

Singapore is very expensive to live in.There are numerous international research being done. Recently, there is another one which did on happiness.

lce SG

try havin a cup o coffee in orchard rd , yr 6 franc still consider cheap

u can always make yr own coffee n cook instant noodle if u cannot afford

so please stop compairin,

here ppl make $1000 mth yet still need to pay $400,000 installment for a 4 room flat

Summer hill SG