Yes..trying living in UK.
Just passed by the job centre yesterday. Looking for a new graduate
to work as office administrator...salary 10-12k GBP per annum. That
translates into less than S$3000 a month (and no 13-month bonus in
UK). From that salary, you have to pay income tax, council tax and
national insurance, which will take up at least 20% or more of your
salary, depending on where you live. Every time you buy something,
the VAT (equivalent of GST) is 17.5%.
Each time you take the bus, the local fare starts at 1.70 GBP
(about S$5) one-way. Every time you take the MRT in London, the
fare is 3GBP or S$8.80. Don't even ask about taxi, you cannot
afford it.
What about housing? If you rent a studio flat with one bedroom in
London, you can expect to pay 800-900 GBP (S$2,300-2,600).
How do you live on such a salary? People talk about high costs of
living in Singapore...come to London and you will thank your lucky
stars you are in Singapore.
