Singapore Expats

Dear all,
we are a family of 4 (two kids, 3 and 1).
My company will send me to Singapore.
I checked the forums and have a feling now what live will cost for us there.
We have a good life here in Germany and we want to have at least the same in Singapore.

My calculation/month is as follows:

Condo Rent s$5500
Full time maid s$800
Taxi to work s$1000
Utility bills (air con etc..) s$1000
Car Rental s$1666
Food at home s$2000
School fees for 2children per month s$3410
Leisure activities: s$1000
savings: s$2000
Total outgoings s$ 18.500 per month

This is roughly 20.0000 net per month which I think we should have to enjoy ourselves also to be able to do some short trips to neighbouring countries.
If we cannot afford a better life than in Germany than it does not make sense to move.

We are planning to move to Bukit Timah area.

Are there German expat families who can advise how much money is needed here to make the children happy, trips, vacation etc.

Also, I wanted to know about family insurance. I have no idea, but it was recommended to me to use a German one with international package.

We want to have a package which is fair and to be able to having a decent life to enjoy our stay in Sinagpore.

Pls send me your ideas!!

Tks a lot.

The German

Having the Good Life is all about perception. I am intrigued by this question.

burgmer wrote:
... advise how much money is needed here to make the children happy, trips, vacation etc.

seriously base on your estimate caculation is good enough.

for a local expense like this is consider elite life in singapore.

burgmer wrote:Dear all,

...This is roughly 20.0000 net per month...

I am sure thats a typo you mean 20K SGD dont you? You guys use . instead of , and that makes it even more confusing

What is interesting is you wish to save 2k with a salary of 20K that is 10%. I save 3k with a salary of 6k net that is 50% and I consider our life as great here. Of course we are a family of 2 in our late 20s and dont have kids. I think at this rate I should be able to retire at 40!

Sorry I didnt help you but couldnt help analysing your spending and commenting

i am claculating in S$ when I assume 20k per month!
Of course, it is all about perceptions when you talk about a good life!!

Still keen to get some more ideas!

MB

I think thats a very conservative calculation. You can save a lot by not having the car. I think your estimate of food is a bit high, and utilities would probably closer to $200 unless you plan to run the aircon all day.

Your food estimate is probably a bit high, depends how much alcohol you drink and how much western products you plan to eat...

On the utilities point of view, you can probably turn lower than that... well it depends how much of air con you run at home.

You can also save by choosing a location for your condo that doesn't require a car, or can make it manageable for you to take MRT or bus to work...