In our previous article, we discussed why Singapore’s high cost of living is just a myth. We mentioned that contrary to popular belief, Singapore’s cost of living is not that high. Consider the following: Basic necessities like food and transportation is low; considering the salary you will receive, expenses in Singapore is proportionately lower; electronics and other gadgets are generally cheaper compared to Philippines; and most of all, important things we pay for in the Philippines, we get it here for FREE.

Given these things, it doesn’t mean living in Singapore is cheap. Of course, there are still some things which are expensive here. These are the following:

1. House or room rental is expensive and will eat up a huge chunk of your budget. In our article, HDB vs Condo, we extensively discussed house and room rental in Singapore including price range and some tricks in the business. It is true that to rent a flat in Singapore, it will cost you about S$ 2,000 per month and that’s just a typical 2-bedroom HDB unit. Even before you move in, you will have to shell out 2 ½ months’ worth for deposit and advanced payment. That can be very expensive. To minimize the impact of this high cost, I suggest you read “HDB vs Condo: A guide to get the best yet cheapest place to stay in Singapore”

2. Liquor, cigarettes and other similar items are expensive. A pack of cigarette in Singapore costs roughly S$ 11! With that amount, you can have 3 Chicken Rice meals already. Also, beer and other liquor are priced exorbitantly. If you are the type who smokes 1 pack or more a day, or drinks a bottle or two everyday, then Singapore can be very expensive for you. If you don’t have any vice, you should do fine.

3. “Services-to-pamper-yourself” are generally expensive. I heard “pampering” services like manicure, pedicure, facial, spa, massage and the likes are generally expensive. Manicure is about S$ 25 (PHP 750), Facial is about S$ 45 (PHP 1,350), Spa is about S$ 100 (PHP 3,000). These things are not really necessary for your survival but if you really must avail of these services, just do it moderately and you should be fine.

4. Utilities (electricity, water, gas), Internet and cable subscription, are neither expensive nor cheap. They’re just ok. In Singapore, almost every Pinoy has internet and cable subscription at home. This should factor in your monthly expense. The utilities of course is a given as well. These monthly payables are neither expensive nor cheap. They’re just ok.

In the final analysis, you will discover that costly items in Singapore can be managed and reduced to bare minimum. What’s important is that essential stuff like food, transportation and decent place to live, are affordable. Over-all, the true cost of living in Singapore, given that you are not living a lavish lifestyle, is “affordable”.

And considering that many things here are accessible to almost every individual the quality of living becomes a lot better and pleasurable. That’s the best thing about living here, the Quality of Living is elevated in such a manner that you start to see Singapore as your home away from home.

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