Expat’s Living Expenses In Singapore
I bumped into this discussion of living expenses of foreign expats in Singapore. Read through the discussion, I think it is quite an eye opener to peasants like me. But anyway, I am not whining.
Why so, “WindUp”? What are you on about? It’s not a particularly large housing allowance. I see nothing unusual with the OP asking these questions here. After all, we are well placed to provide some answers. Experience has taught me not to rely on company HR departments and other associated low life for this kind of info. It is rarely adequate or accurate. Best to get info straight from the horse’s mouth. Neigh!
Here you go:
Power Bill: $1800 per month with 11 aircons running 24/7, outdoor lights, pool pump, hot water on tap. Dishwasher x 2, washing machine, dryer, cooking with a mix of piped in gas and electric oven and more.
Petrol (or gas, up to you!): I spend between $150 and $200 per week. Live close to everything.
Food: Approx $1000 per week. Could spend less, but we like imported stuff. Could definitely spend more and would if we didn’t eat out so much.
Gardener: $500 per month for twice a week service. Huge garden. Grass cutting, leaf blowing, general pruning and some gossip thrown in for good measure.
Parking varies. I spend between $120 and $150 per month on my ERP card.
Cable TV/Broadband: Approx $250 per month from a single provider. Could chose more channels and pay more $$, but then who has time to watch them all? Drowning in cable and fastest possible broadband.
Medical expenses: Fully covered by international medical policy. GP visit costs vary. Can’t recall. Dentists and specialists ditto. Maybe someone else can help more on this one.
Mobile: Running 6 mobiles, kids spend between $36 and $60 per month, adults between $300 and $600. Crackberry about $400 or so. Use VOIP calls to save on IDD.
Maid: $1300 per month (been with us for years) which includes government levy $265. Basic salary for an experienced Filipina starts at $450.
Some companies cover living expenses, some don’t. All packages seem to be different. Hard to compare.
Can’t remember about the connection fees.
Need estimate for Expat Family Living Expenses
Completely taken out of context to stir resentment and jealousy.
If you look at the website, you will see that it is either a windup or the salary of a top CEO.
Certainly not your average expat salary.
then?