Why Does Every Country I Move To Become the Most Expensive?

 

It’s official — Singapore has just been ranked the most expensive city in the world. Funny thing is, every country I’ve moved to seems to earn that title not long after I arrive. When I lived in Tokyo, it was the most expensive. Then I moved to Hong Kong — same story. And now I’m in Singapore… and here we are again.

Sometimes I wonder if the universe just doesn’t want me to be rich — or even comfortable! 😅

I work in IT for a bank, and yet I still find it hard to save money or even get through the month comfortably. Some might think, “You must be spending on luxury items or living the high life.” Honestly, I haven’t bought new clothes or anything fancy in nearly 10 years. Most of the new things I have come as gifts from family and friends in the UK.

Yes, we do take holidays, but they’re simple and local — Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, or staycations here in Singapore. We’re a family of four — two boys aged 6 and 7, my wife, and me — living modestly.

So What Makes Singapore So Expensive?

Let’s break it down:

✅ What isn’t expensive:

  • Tax: At 15%, it’s lower than the UK and quite reasonable.

  • Public transport: Efficient and affordable.

  • Taxis: Not too bad compared to other cities.

❌ What is expensive:

1. Rent

  • HDB: $2,500–$3,000/month depending on location.

  • Condo: $2,800–$15,000/month.

  • We live in Woodlands — far from central, small unit, and still pay $3,200/month.

2. Schooling

  • Local School (for expats):

    • Primary: ~$500/month + $13 fees.

    • Secondary: ~$650/month + $13 fees.

    • MOE Fees

  • International School:

    • Cheapest (e.g., DPS or GIIS): ~$750/month + ~$200 transport.

    • Other options: $25k–$33k/year.

  • Learning Support (in our case):

    • Our son Kai has learning difficulties, so he attends Dynamics in Orchard.

    • $150 per 40-minute session.

    • He does Occupational Therapy + Speech Therapy = $300/week = $1,200/month.

3. Food

  • Eating out (moderately):

    • Salad: ~$13.

    • Full workday (coffee, lunch, drink): ~$25–32/day.

    • Hawker alternative: ~$17/day.

4. Transport

  • MRT (round trip): ~$5/day.

  • Taxi (e.g., Raffles Quay to Woodlands after work): $30–$40.

5. Entertainment

  • Cinema for 4: $66.50

  • Universal Studios: $74/person (1-day pass)

  • Sentosa: Walk from HarbourFront (free), MRT ($1–$3)

6. Utilities & Living Costs

  • Mobile, internet, cable (2 adults): $374.74/month

  • Gas, electricity, water (1000 sq ft, 4 aircons): $270–$320/month

  • Groceries (FairPrice/Cold Storage): ~$1,000/month

  • Dining out:

    • Restaurant meal (2 adults, 2 kids): ~$200 for 2 visits.

    • Hawker meal: ~$50 for full family (dishes + drinks).

7. Healthcare

  • GP visit (e.g., pink eye): $50 (local clinic, Woodlands Ave 1)

  • Dentist: ~$600 every 6 months for 4 people (checkup + cleaning, Raffles Dentist Woodlands)

Final Thoughts

Living in Singapore is amazing in many ways — clean, safe, efficient, diverse — but it’s not cheap, especially as an expat with a young family. It’s frustrating when you earn a decent salary and still find it hard to save. For anyone considering the move: be realistic, plan carefully, and know what you’re getting into.

Would I change anything? Probably not. But it’s important to talk openly about the costs of living here, beyond the glossy Instagram photos and skyline views.

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