San Francisco to Singapore- Compensation advice

[fr335pacer]

Hi,

I am a single 27yr old male considering a move to Singapore from San Francisco.

I would like to get some advice on what would be an equivalent of $100k US Salary in Singapore. I have an offer around 70k Singapore salary but I am not sure if that is any good.

I understand that taxes are lower in Singapore but I dont know the specifics and it would really help to get some advice.

FYI, I am not a US Citizen. I am on H1-B

[revhappy]

Although lots of factors involved but if you stick a gun to my head and ask what the equivalent is I would say 100K USD = 100K SGD. The exchange rate differential is negated by the lower taxes in Singapore.

Now what you can do with 100K USD in the US, you may not be able to do it with 100K SGD in Singapore and it works the other way round as well. You may not be able to afford to drive an SUV here. But then again you dont "need" to due to the excellent public transport system. On the other hand you can afford to eat out all day in Singapore but you cannot in the states.

Considering you are H1-B 9 out of 10 my guess is you are an Indian. The remaining 1 out of 10 you are a chinese or asian(non- India) or an eastern european

[fr335pacer]

Although lots of factors involved but if you stick a gun to my head and ask what the equivalent is I would say 100K USD = 100K SGD. The exchange rate differential is negated by the lower taxes in Singapore.

I have heard salaries are lower in Singapore compared to San Francisco.

By what you seem to be suggesting, that is not true. In $100k in SF, you dont live a rich life at all and I am not shooting for that in Singapore too.

However, my question is whether 70k is decent equivalent compensation or not? Also, would I be able to hold a decent lifestyle with that kind of money in SG.

Having a car is not part of that for me. Having a decent house though would be preferrable.

[revhappy]

Although lots of factors involved but if you stick a gun to my head and ask what the equivalent is I would say 100K USD = 100K SGD. The exchange rate differential is negated by the lower taxes in Singapore.

I have heard salaries are lower in Singapore compared to San Francisco.

By what you seem to be suggesting, that is not true. In $100k in SF, you dont live a rich life at all and I am not shooting for that in Singapore too.

However, my question is whether 70k is decent equivalent compensation or not? Also, would I be able to hold a decent lifestyle with that kind of money in SG.

Having a car is not part of that for me. Having a decent house though would be preferrable.

I guess someone who has lived in the US would be able to answer your question better. You need to tell your field of work for people to tell you what the equivalent salaries are. Also you need to tell more about you, because what is decent lifestyle for me may not be decent for you. Also not telling where you are actually from doesnt help either.

[nakatago]

A little nugget that may or may not help: Singapore vs San Francisco

[sundaymorningstaple]

A little nugget that may or may not help: Singapore vs San Francisco

Nice link! I like!

In fact, I just made it a sticky, nak, as I think is useful for anybody and should get lost in the detritus of old posts/threads.

[nakatago]

A little nugget that may or may not help: Singapore vs San Francisco

Nice link! I like!

In fact, I just made it a sticky, nak, as I think is useful for anybody and should get lost in the detritus of old posts/threads.

One thing to note is that it's purely quantitative. So caveat emptor. For example, a lot of people like Singapore for the present but definitely not for settling down (except RobSg). Some places maybe more expensive but some people are willing to compromise for a 'better quality of life.'



BTW, I think it was carteki who first posted about that site but just remembered it now.

[revhappy]

A little nugget that may or may not help: Singapore vs San Francisco

Nice link! I like!

In fact, I just made it a sticky, nak, as I think is useful for anybody and should get lost in the detritus of old posts/threads.

One thing to note is that it's purely quantitative. So caveat emptor. For example, a lot of people like Singapore for the present but definitely not for settling down (except RobSg). Some places maybe more expensive but some people are willing to compromise for a 'better quality of life.'



BTW, I think it was carteki who first posted about that site but just remembered it now.

Agreed, people shouldn't take the overall figures, instead they should look at the individual constituents and see what's applicable for them. For example there is no outskirts in Singapore. Whereas in the US, NY for example, you can stay for cheap in NJ and drive an awesome suv to work. So you can stay for cheap and yet enjoy driving. That kind of puts the whole equation upside down

[sundaymorningstaple]

Depending, you can also do that here as well. Look at the people who come on here wanting to live "close to the action" Oh, have you ever been to Jersey? I worked their for a while. No bloody way I'd live there, even if I was a Kardashian.

I reckon it's better than nothing at all and us getting asked the same bloody question 6 times a week.

[fr335pacer]

I guess someone who has lived in the US would be able to answer your question better. You need to tell your field of work for people to tell you what the equivalent salaries are.

I will be working at a software startup as an engineer.

Also you need to tell more about you, because what is decent lifestyle for me may not be decent for you.

I am looking to essentially have a normal lifestyle. Live in my own place(open to sharing too but not top preference). I would be eating outside as I dont like to cook that much. I own a car in US but dont care about travelling in public transport. Hence, no car is not an issue.

Basically, spend 70%-80% of my monthly and hopefully save 20%-30%.

I am Asian but not sure how that helps the matter.

[zzm9980]

I'm just a bit older than you, lived and worked for seven years in the bay area for seven years. You should get at least S$1 for every USD$1 you made there. Any less and you'll take a hit unless you're used to living like a nomad. On 70k. which is $5833/month, you won't be able to live alone and meet your savings targets. It'll be even worse cash-flow wise if your company does "13 month" pay, which means take that $70k and divide by 13 instead.

[ringo100100]

I think that is too much of a drop. But you are young and if you think of it as an investment to get some Asian experience on your CV, then fine. I don't think you'll be able save any unless you really live like a local.

But don't let that stop you. Think about whether you will be better off in 5 years time.

[zzm9980]

If you're young, willing to take a pay cut and live like a local, and want an "Asian experience", go to China. Any "Asian Experience" Singapore gives you (besides Jadedness) can be had at Epcot.

edit/clarification: I mean "Asian Experience" as in regards to boosting your career.

[Brah]

This is good advice.

Due to your age you're about 15-20 years too young to have experienced living in Japan for a much more interesting Asian experience, business-wise, culturally and as a single man. For many that was the Asian experience of the 90s and 00s.

Singapore is more if you've already been through all that and want something easier, or are being transferred here at a decent salary.

In China you'd be exposed to a more relevant business environment. Hong Kong is also a worthy alternative if you're paid appropriately.

If you're young, willing to take a pay cut and live like a local, and want an "Asian experience", go to China. Any "Asian Experience" Singapore gives you (besides Jadedness) can be had at Epcot.

edit/clarification: I mean "Asian Experience" as in regards to boosting your career.