Imagine waking up in a sunlit Paris apartment, knowing your healthcare is covered, and your daily costs are gentler on your wallet than back home. In much of Europe, you pay nothing for doctor visits. There’s no need to worry about surprise bills or endless paperwork.
Groceries and café mornings often cost less, especially if the euro is weak and you’re earning in dollars. Southern Europe — think the charm of Hungary or Spain — offers even more savings, letting you stretch every cent.
But life here isn’t all roses. Taxes can bite, and luxury goods or gas are pricier. Sales tax on everything you buy can be as high as 27%. And remember, wages are often lower, so your income source matters.
Still, if you crave adventure and a simpler pace, Europe’s cost benefits call out to you. Your money goes further, your worries shrink, and life feels lighter. Why not dream bigger and live better — one cobblestone street at a time?
Major Cost Advantages in Europe:
- Healthcare: The biggest saving comes from free, government-subsidized healthcare in most European countries – no premiums, deductibles, or co-pays
- Overall living costs: Lower prices for goods and services in many areas
- Currency advantage: The weakening euro can benefit those with dollar-denominated income
Areas where Europe costs more:
- Taxes: Much higher tax rates (averaging 42.8% in OECD countries, with Denmark at 55.9%)
- Specific items: Designer goods, gasoline (though better fuel efficiency may offset this)
- VAT: Value-added tax up to 27% on purchases
Key Considerations
Location matters enormously – just as New York or San Francisco are expensive in the US, cities like Paris, Hamburg, and Barcelona are pricier in Europe. Southern Europe tends to be less expensive than northern European destinations.
Income dynamics are complex – while costs may be lower, European wages also tend to be lower on average than American wages.
The article identifies Hungary as potentially the cheapest European country with a cost-of-living rating of 28.2 out of 100.
Additional Context
This analysis aligns with broader economic trends. The specific benefits you’d experience would depend heavily on:
- Your current income level and tax situation
- Which specific European country/city you’d consider
- Your lifestyle and spending patterns
- Whether you’d maintain US income while living abroad
Cost of Living Analysis: Europe vs America vs Singapore
Executive Summary
Singapore presents a unique position in global cost-of-living comparisons, ranking as one of the world’s most expensive cities while offering distinct advantages that differentiate it from both European and American models. This analysis reveals Singapore’s hybrid approach combining elements of both systems.
Comparative Framework: The Three Models
1. European Model Characteristics
- Healthcare: Government-subsidized, universal coverage
- Taxes: High (42.8% average in OECD countries)
- Housing: Variable by region, generally lower than major US cities
- Currency: Euro weakness benefits dollar holders
- Overall Philosophy: Social welfare state with high tax, high service model
2. American Model Characteristics
- Healthcare: Private insurance system with high costs
- Taxes: Lower personal tax rates
- Housing: Highly variable by location (NYC/SF expensive, other areas affordable)
- Currency: Dollar strength advantage globally
- Overall Philosophy: Market-driven with lower taxes, individual responsibility
3. Singapore Model: The Hybrid Approach
Singapore uniquely combines elements of both systems while addressing the constraints of a city-state:
In-Depth Singapore Analysis
Cost Position in Global Context
Singapore ranks 3rd globally for cost of living, with some key metrics:
- 29% more expensive than the United States on average
- United States is 16% cheaper than Singapore overall
- Average household costs range from $1,160 to $4,260 depending on household size
Housing: The Dominant Cost Factor
Singapore’s Housing Strategy vs Europe/America:
Unique Aspects:
- Public Housing Dominance: 80% of Singaporeans live in government-built HDB flats
- Forced Savings: CPF contributions (up to 37% of salary) fund housing through mandatory savings
- Ownership Model: 99-year leasehold system, not freehold like most Western countries
Cost Implications:
- Housing typically represents 25-40% of income (similar to recommended Western levels)
- Government intervention keeps public housing “affordable” relative to income
- Private housing costs rival or exceed major European/American cities
Comparison:
- Europe: Mix of social housing and private rental/ownership
- America: Primarily private ownership/rental with some public housing
- Singapore: Government-led with private tier for higher income earners
Healthcare: Singapore’s Unique Hybrid System
The “3M” System:
- MediSave: Mandatory health savings (8-10.5% of wages, capped at $52,000)
- MediShield: Basic catastrophic insurance
- Medifund: Government subsidy for the needy
Comparison with Europe/America:
- Europe: Fully government-funded, “free” at point of use
- America: Private insurance-based, high out-of-pocket costs
- Singapore: Forced individual savings + insurance + government safety net
Cost Effectiveness:
- Lower per capita healthcare spending than US
- Better health outcomes than US
- More sustainable than many European systems
- Government health expenditure surpassed $10 billion in FY2018, quadrupling from $3.7 billion in FY2009
Taxation: The Singapore Advantage
Tax Structure Comparison:
- Singapore: 0-22% personal income tax (highly progressive)
- Europe: Average 42.8% in OECD countries
- America: Federal + state taxes can approach European levels in high-tax states
Additional Considerations:
- GST: 9% (2025) vs VAT up to 27% in Europe
- No capital gains tax for individuals
- Territorial tax system: Foreign income often not taxed
Transportation: Efficiency vs Cost
Singapore’s Approach:
- Car Ownership: Deliberately expensive through Certificate of Entitlement (COE) system
- Public Transport: Highly efficient, government-subsidized
- Urban Planning: Compact city design reduces transport needs
Comparison:
- Europe: Good public transport, high fuel taxes, moderate car costs
- America: Car-dependent culture, lower fuel costs, variable public transport
- Singapore: Forced efficiency through pricing, world-class public transport
Education: Investment vs Access
Singapore’s Model:
- High education costs alongside housing as major expenses
- Government schools with supplementary private tuition culture
- Meritocratic system with intense competition
Comparison:
- Europe: Often free/low-cost university education
- America: High university costs, varied K-12 quality
- Singapore: Moderate government school costs, high private supplementary costs
Food and Daily Expenses: The Hawker Advantage
Singapore’s Unique Features:
- Hawker Centers: Government-subsidized food courts providing affordable meals
- Import Dependency: 90% of food imported, affecting costs
- Cultural Mix: Diverse food options at various price points
Cost Analysis:
- Example budget: PhD student with wife spending $400/month on food for four daily meals
- Street food significantly cheaper than restaurant meals
- Grocery costs higher than many countries due to import dependency
Quality of Life vs Cost Trade-offs
Singapore’s Value Propositions:
- Safety: Among world’s safest cities
- Infrastructure: World-class utilities, transport, digital connectivity
- Healthcare System: Efficient, high-quality outcomes
- Education: High-performing system
- Economic Opportunity: Asia financial hub, career opportunities
- Climate Stability: No natural disasters, consistent weather
Singapore’s Cost Challenges:
- Housing: Limited land drives up private property costs
- Car Ownership: Deliberately expensive policy
- Import Dependency: Higher costs for many goods
- Competition: Intense shopping culture promoting overconsumption
Strategic Analysis: Why Singapore Costs More
Geographic Constraints:
- Land Scarcity: 728 sq km for 5.9 million people
- Resource Dependency: No natural resources, everything imported
- Strategic Location: Premium for Asia-Pacific hub status
Policy Choices:
- Deliberate Pricing: Cars, alcohol, tobacco heavily taxed for policy objectives
- Investment in Excellence: High public spending on infrastructure, education, healthcare
- Regulatory Environment: High standards increase compliance costs
Economic Model:
- High-Value Economy: Focus on finance, technology, high-skilled services
- Foreign Investment: Attractive to multinational corporations and talent
- Currency Strength: Strong SGD increases purchasing power for imports but makes country expensive
Practical Implications for Different Income Levels
For High Earners:
- Advantages: Low tax rates, excellent infrastructure, career opportunities
- Challenges: Housing costs, car ownership expenses
For Middle Income:
- Mixed: HDB housing makes homeownership possible, but private costs high
- Strategy Required: Careful budgeting, utilizing hawker food, public transport
For Lower Income:
- Support Systems: Government subsidies, public housing, healthcare safety nets
- Constraints: Limited affordable private alternatives
Conclusion: Singapore’s Unique Position
Singapore represents a third model in cost-of-living analysis—neither the European social welfare state nor the American free-market approach, but a carefully engineered city-state optimizing limited resources through strategic pricing, mandatory savings, and government intervention in key sectors.
Key Insights:
- Forced Efficiency: High costs in some areas (cars, private housing) offset by excellent alternatives (public transport, HDB housing)
- Quality Premium: Higher costs often correspond to higher quality and reliability
- Long-term Sustainability: Systems designed for 50+ year horizons, not just immediate affordability
- Cultural Adaptation: Success requires understanding and adapting to Singapore’s unique systems
The Singapore model demonstrates that cost of living cannot be evaluated purely on price comparisons—the integration of systems, quality of life factors, and long-term financial security must all be considered in any comprehensive analysis.
Living Scenarios: Europe vs America vs Singapore – Detailed Cost Analysis
Scenario 1: Young Professional (Age 25-35)
Software Engineer, 3-5 years experience
EUROPE (Berlin, Germany)
Monthly Income: €4,500 gross (~€2,800 net after taxes ~38%) Monthly Expenses:
- Housing: €900 (1-bed apartment, central)
- Food: €350 (mix of cooking + dining out)
- Transport: €86 (monthly public transport pass)
- Healthcare: €0 (covered by insurance)
- Utilities: €150 (heating, electricity, internet)
- Entertainment/Misc: €400
- Total Expenses: €1,886
- Net Savings: €914 (33% savings rate)
Quality of Life: Excellent work-life balance, 25+ vacation days, strong social safety net, vibrant cultural scene
AMERICA (Austin, Texas)
Monthly Income: $7,500 gross (~$5,600 net after taxes ~25%) Monthly Expenses:
- Housing: $1,800 (1-bed apartment, decent area)
- Food: $450 (groceries + occasional dining)
- Transport: $350 (car payment, insurance, gas)
- Healthcare: $300 (employer plan contribution + copays)
- Utilities: $120 (electricity, internet)
- Entertainment/Misc: $500
- Total Expenses: $3,520
- Net Savings: $2,080 (37% savings rate)
Quality of Life: High earning potential, car-dependent lifestyle, limited vacation time, higher healthcare stress
SINGAPORE
Monthly Income: S$7,000 gross (~S$6,200 net after taxes ~11%) Monthly Expenses:
- Housing: S$2,500 (1-bed condo, central location)
- Food: S$800 (mix of hawker + restaurant dining)
- Transport: S$120 (MRT + occasional taxi)
- Healthcare: S$150 (outpatient, insurance premiums)
- Utilities: S$180 (aircon, electricity, internet)
- Entertainment/Misc: S$600
- Total Expenses: S$4,250
- Net Savings: S$1,950 (31% savings rate)
Quality of Life: Excellent infrastructure, safe environment, limited space, intense work culture
Scenario 2: Mid-Career Family (2 adults + 2 children)
Finance Manager + Teacher, established careers
EUROPE (Amsterdam, Netherlands)
Combined Monthly Income: €8,500 gross (~€5,800 net after taxes ~32%) Monthly Expenses:
- Housing: €2,200 (3-bed house, suburbs)
- Food: €800 (family groceries + occasional dining)
- Transport: €200 (public transport + bikes)
- Healthcare: €0 (fully covered)
- Childcare/Education: €600 (afterschool care)
- Utilities: €250
- Entertainment/Family: €600
- Total Expenses: €4,650
- Net Savings: €1,150 (20% savings rate)
Quality of Life: Excellent work-life balance, free education, comprehensive childcare support, cycling culture
AMERICA (Dallas, Texas)
Combined Monthly Income: $12,000 gross (~$8,800 net after taxes ~27%) Monthly Expenses:
- Housing: $2,800 (4-bed house, good school district)
- Food: $900 (family groceries + dining out)
- Transport: $800 (2 cars, insurance, gas)
- Healthcare: $800 (family plan + copays/deductibles)
- Childcare/Education: $1,200 (afterschool + activities)
- Utilities: $200
- Entertainment/Family: $800
- Total Expenses: $7,500
- Net Savings: $1,300 (15% savings rate)
Quality of Life: Larger living spaces, car-dependent, school quality varies by district, high healthcare costs
SINGAPORE
Combined Monthly Income: S$14,000 gross (~S$12,200 net after taxes ~13%) Monthly Expenses:
- Housing: S$4,500 (4-room HDB or small condo)
- Food: S$1,500 (family meals, mix of hawker + groceries)
- Transport: S$300 (MRT + occasional car usage)
- Healthcare: S$300 (family medical expenses)
- Childcare/Education: S$1,800 (enrichment classes, tuition)
- Utilities: S$300
- Entertainment/Family: S$800
- Total Expenses: S$9,500
- Net Savings: S$2,700 (22% savings rate)
Quality of Life: Compact living, excellent education system, safe for children, high academic pressure
Scenario 3: Senior Executive (Age 45-55)
Director level, established career
EUROPE (Zurich, Switzerland)
Monthly Income: CHF 12,000 gross (~CHF 9,200 net after taxes ~23%) Monthly Expenses:
- Housing: CHF 3,500 (luxury 2-bed apartment)
- Food: CHF 800 (high-quality dining + groceries)
- Transport: CHF 300 (car + public transport)
- Healthcare: CHF 600 (premium insurance)
- Utilities: CHF 200
- Entertainment/Luxury: CHF 1,200
- Total Expenses: CHF 6,600
- Net Savings: CHF 2,600 (28% savings rate)
Quality of Life: High standard of living, beautiful environment, expensive but high quality everything
AMERICA (New York City)
Monthly Income: $20,000 gross (~$13,500 net after taxes ~33%) Monthly Expenses:
- Housing: $5,500 (luxury 1-bed Manhattan apartment)
- Food: $1,200 (fine dining + quality groceries)
- Transport: $300 (subway + occasional taxi/uber)
- Healthcare: $500 (premium insurance + treatments)
- Utilities: $150
- Entertainment/Luxury: $2,000
- Total Expenses: $9,650
- Net Savings: $3,850 (29% savings rate)
Quality of Life: Cultural capital, networking opportunities, high stress, limited space for money
SINGAPORE
Monthly Income: S$25,000 gross (~S$22,000 net after taxes ~12%) Monthly Expenses:
- Housing: S$6,000 (luxury condo, prime district)
- Food: S$1,500 (fine dining + quality groceries)
- Transport: S$800 (car + parking + ERP)
- Healthcare: S$400 (premium medical care)
- Utilities: S$300
- Entertainment/Luxury: S$2,500
- Total Expenses: S$11,500
- Net Savings: S$10,500 (48% savings rate)
Quality of Life: Tax advantage creates wealth accumulation, limited space, excellent services, regional travel hub
Scenario 4: Student Life
International student pursuing Masters degree
EUROPE (Barcelona, Spain)
Monthly Budget: €1,200 (including tuition savings) Monthly Expenses:
- Housing: €450 (shared apartment)
- Food: €250 (mostly cooking, occasional tapas)
- Transport: €40 (student metro pass)
- Healthcare: €0 (European student coverage)
- Books/Supplies: €50
- Entertainment: €200 (student discounts available)
- Total Expenses: €990
- Buffer: €210
Quality of Life: Rich cultural experience, affordable lifestyle, good student support, language learning opportunity
AMERICA (Boston, Massachusetts)
Monthly Budget: $2,200 (including tuition loans) Monthly Expenses:
- Housing: $1,100 (shared apartment near campus)
- Food: $400 (meal plans + groceries)
- Transport: $90 (student transit pass)
- Healthcare: $200 (student health insurance)
- Books/Supplies: $100
- Entertainment: $150
- Total Expenses: $2,040
- Buffer: $160
Quality of Life: World-class education, high living costs, part-time work opportunities, networking potential
SINGAPORE
Monthly Budget: S$2,700 (scholarship/family support) Monthly Expenses:
- Housing: S$1,600 (on-campus housing)
- Food: S$400 (hawker food + cooking)
- Transport: S$50 (student concession)
- Healthcare: S$100 (basic coverage)
- Books/Supplies: S$80
- Entertainment: S$200
- Total Expenses: S$2,430
- Savings: S$270
Quality of Life: Safe environment, efficient systems, multicultural exposure, can actually save money as student
Scenario 5: Retirement (Age 65+)
Retired couple with pension/savings
EUROPE (Lisbon, Portugal)
Monthly Income: €3,000 (combined pensions + savings) Monthly Expenses:
- Housing: €1,200 (nice 2-bed apartment, central)
- Food: €400 (quality groceries + dining out)
- Healthcare: €150 (some private supplements)
- Transport: €60 (senior public transport)
- Utilities: €120
- Entertainment/Travel: €500
- Total Expenses: €2,430
- Surplus: €570
Quality of Life: Excellent healthcare, pleasant climate, affordable luxury, cultural activities
AMERICA (Florida, USA)
Monthly Income: $5,000 (Social Security + 401k withdrawals) Monthly Expenses:
- Housing: $2,000 (retirement community)
- Food: $500 (groceries + dining)
- Healthcare: $800 (Medicare supplements + treatments)
- Transport: $300 (car maintenance, insurance)
- Utilities: $150
- Entertainment: $400
- Total Expenses: $4,150
- Surplus: $850
Quality of Life: Warm climate, age-friendly communities, higher healthcare costs, car dependency
SINGAPORE
Monthly Income: S$4,000 (CPF withdrawals + savings) Monthly Expenses:
- Housing: S$1,000 (HDB flat, paid off)
- Food: S$600 (mix of hawker + home cooking)
- Healthcare: S$300 (regular checkups, medications)
- Transport: S$80 (senior concession MRT)
- Utilities: S$200
- Entertainment: S$400
- Total Expenses: S$2,580
- Surplus: S$1,420
Quality of Life: Excellent healthcare system, safe environment, compact living, family-centric culture
Key Comparative Insights
Tax Efficiency Rankings:
- Singapore: 11-15% effective tax rates
- America: 25-35% effective tax rates
- Europe: 30-45% effective tax rates
Healthcare Cost Impact:
- Europe: Minimal direct costs, funded through taxes
- Singapore: Moderate costs, efficient system, good outcomes
- America: Highest direct costs, variable quality
Savings Potential (by income level):
- High Earners: Singapore > America > Europe
- Middle Income: Singapore ≈ Europe > America
- Students: Europe > Singapore > America
Quality of Life Factors:
- Work-Life Balance: Europe > Singapore > America
- Safety: Singapore > Europe > America (varies by location)
- Cultural Diversity: Singapore > America > Europe (varies by city)
- Space/Housing Size: America > Europe > Singapore
- Public Transportation: Singapore > Europe > America
Long-term Wealth Building:
- Singapore: Low taxes + forced savings (CPF) + property appreciation
- America: Higher income potential but higher costs + 401k system
- Europe: Social safety net but higher taxes limit wealth accumulation
Lifestyle Adaptation Required:
- Europe: Language learning, different work culture, smaller spaces
- America: Car dependency, healthcare navigation, work intensity
- Singapore: Compact living, high-density environment, cultural adaptation
This analysis reveals that the “best” choice depends heavily on life stage, career goals, family situation, and personal priorities rather than pure cost considerations.
The Great Migration: Three Singaporeans, Three Paths
A story of three childhood friends who left Singapore for different continents, and what they discovered about the true cost of living
Chapter 1: The Reunion Call
The WhatsApp notification pinged at 3 AM Singapore time. Wei Ming, hunched over his laptop in his Berlin apartment, had forgotten about time zones again.
“Eh, sorry ah, forgot you all different time now,” he typed quickly to the group chat named “Raffles Boys Forever.”
“No worries lah,” came the immediate reply from Marcus in San Francisco. “Just finished work anyway. 11 PM here.”
“Wah, so late still working?” That was Sarah from London, where it was 8 PM. “You all want to video call? Been too long since we properly catch up.”
Three minutes later, three faces appeared on screen – friends who had grown up in the same HDB block in Toa Payoh, gone to the same schools, but now scattered across three continents.
“Wah, Marcus, you look stressed sia,” Wei Ming observed, noting the dark circles under his friend’s eyes.
Marcus, a software engineer at a tech startup, laughed ruefully. “Cost of living here killing me, bro. You know how much I pay for my shoebox apartment in Mission District? Four thousand USD! And that’s considered cheap.”
“That’s like… S$5,400?” Sarah calculated quickly. She worked as a marketing manager for a financial services firm in London. “Mine’s £2,200 for a one-bedroom in Zone 2. But at least I get free healthcare.”
Wei Ming nearly choked on his German beer. “You all damn atas now. My place in Kreuzberg costs €900, and it’s actually quite nice leh. Central location somemore.”
“But how much you earning?” Sarah pressed. “Because my £4,500 gross becomes £3,200 after tax and National Insurance. Almost 30% gone just like that.”
“Welcome to Europe,” Wei Ming grimaced. “I earn €4,200, but after German taxes… €2,650 left. But honestly, I don’t mind. You know why? I go doctor, pay nothing. I take 28 days leave, boss cannot say anything. Last month I went Amsterdam for weekend, train ticket €39.”
Marcus shook his head. “My insurance alone costs $300 monthly, and that’s the ‘good’ company plan. If I get sick, still need pay deductible. But my gross salary… $8,500. After taxes, around $6,200 take home.”
“Wah, so much!” Sarah exclaimed.
“But everything here damn expensive,” Marcus countered. “You want to eat out? $15-20 for lunch. Coffee $5. Don’t even talk about grocery shopping – I spend like $400 monthly just buying food to cook at home.”
Chapter 2: The Real Stories
Wei Ming’s Berlin Life
Two years ago, Wei Ming had left his job at DBS Bank earning S$5,800 monthly. The Berlin move wasn’t about money – it was about life.
“You all remember how stressed I was in Singapore?” he said during their next call. “Work until 8 PM everyday, weekend still need check email. Here, 5:30 PM I close laptop, walk to the park, drink beer by the river. My German colleagues think I’m crazy if I work weekend.”
His monthly budget told the story:
- Rent: €900 (utilities included, something that amazed him)
- Food: €250 (cooking mostly, €8 döner for lunch out)
- Transport: €86 (month pass for entire city)
- Entertainment: €300 (concerts, bars, weekend trips)
“Best part? I learning German now, dating this girl Hannah. She show me hiking in Black Forest last weekend – train ticket €29, stayed in hostel €25. In Singapore, weekend in Batam cost more!”
But it wasn’t all rosy. “Miss Singapore food like crazy. Spent €15 on terrible laksa from Asian restaurant. Called my mom after and cried.” He laughed, but they could hear the homesickness.
Marcus’s Silicon Valley Reality
Marcus had chased the American dream with a vengeance. His $102,000 annual salary looked impressive on paper, but California had its own arithmetic.
“You know what’s crazy?” he said, sharing his screen with a budgeting app. “I earn almost three times what I made at ST Engineering, but I’m saving less money than in Singapore.”
His breakdown was sobering:
- Rent: $4,000 (studio apartment, 45-minute commute to work)
- Car expenses: $600 (payment, insurance, gas, parking)
- Food: $800 (eating out frequently due to long work hours)
- Health insurance: $300
- Utilities: $150
- Student loan repayment: $400
“Left with maybe $1,000 for everything else. In Singapore, I was staying with parents, saving S$3,000 monthly easy.”
But Marcus had discovered something else. “The network here is insane. My startup might get acquired next year. If it happens, I make more money in two years than I would in Singapore in ten years. It’s a gamble, but the upside…”
He’d also found love in unexpected places. “Dating Jessica now, she’s from Iowa. First time I visited her hometown – you can buy a four-bedroom house for $200,000. Made me realize how distorted SF prices are.”
Sarah’s London Balance
Sarah had perhaps the most balanced perspective. Her move to London came after her relationship ended and she wanted a fresh start.
“I thought London would be like Europe-lite,” she laughed. “Still English-speaking, but with better work-life balance than Singapore. Half right only.”
Her £54,000 salary seemed substantial until the British tax system kicked in:
- Rent: £2,200 (one-bedroom in Clapham)
- Council tax: £150
- Transport: £160 (Oyster card)
- Food: £400
- Utilities: £120
- National Insurance + Income Tax: £1,300
“But the quality of life… wah, different level. I work 9-5, that’s it. Weekends are actually weekends. Last month I went Edinburgh for £30 train ticket, stayed with friends I made through expat groups.”
Sarah had also discovered the British pub culture. “Every Thursday, office goes pub together. Boss buys first round, we just chat about life, not work. Cannot imagine this in Singapore – after work just want go home.”
Chapter 3: The Hidden Costs
Six months later, their video calls had become monthly traditions. Each friend was discovering the hidden costs and unexpected benefits of their new lives.
Wei Ming’s Revelation
“You know what nobody told me?” Wei Ming said, bundled in a winter coat even though it was April. “Seasonal Affective Disorder is real. December to February, I was damn depressed. Had to buy this light therapy lamp for €150.”
But spring had brought revelations. “Now I understand why Germans so obsessed with summer. Every sunny day, people flood the parks. Office productivity drops 50%,” he laughed. “And the bread here… aiyo, I gained 5kg just eating different types of bread.”
His German had improved enough to make local friends, changing his social life completely. “Went to Wolfgang’s birthday party – his parents have this house in countryside, we barbecue, drink wine until 3 AM, next day hike in the mountains. This kind of lifestyle, Singapore cannot have one.”
Marcus’s Burnout
Marcus looked visibly exhausted during their April call. “Guys, I think I made a mistake.”
The startup’s promised acquisition had fallen through. Meanwhile, the cost of living kept climbing.
“My rent increased to $4,400. Coffee shop below my apartment raised prices again – $5.50 for regular coffee. I’m working 70-hour weeks, haven’t been on proper holiday for 18 months.”
But then came the breakthrough. “Remember I mentioned Jessica? Her company offered me a job in Austin, Texas. Same salary, but rent would be $1,800 for a two-bedroom house with garden. We’re thinking about it.”
The California dream was evolving. “Maybe the American dream isn’t about suffering in expensive cities. Maybe it’s about finding the right American city for you.”
Sarah’s Integration
Sarah had perhaps adapted best to her new environment. “I think I’m becoming British,” she announced with a grin. “Yesterday I complained about the weather, then apologized for complaining.”
Her social circle had expanded beyond the expat bubble. “Dating this guy Tom now – he’s from Manchester, works in finance too. He showed me how to use Tesco meal deals, save money on lunch. £3 for sandwich, drink, and crisps – quite worth it actually.”
But she’d also discovered British financial culture. “The pension system here quite good. They automatically deduct money for my future, plus company matches. In Singapore, CPF feels like government taking your money. Here, feels like they’re helping me save.”
Chapter 4: The True Accounting
A year and a half after their first reunion call, the three friends had developed a more nuanced understanding of “cost of living.”
Wei Ming’s Wisdom
“I finally figured out why Singaporeans always say Europe expensive,” Wei Ming shared. “If you live like a Singaporean in Europe – want aircon, eat Asian food, take taxi everywhere – then yes, damn expensive. But if you adapt to local lifestyle…”
He’d learned to love seasonal eating, cycling everywhere, and embracing the slower pace of life. “My savings rate now actually better than Singapore. €800 monthly going into investment account. But more importantly, I’m happy. Cannot put price on work-life balance.”
His relationship with Hannah had become serious. “She wants to visit Singapore next year. I scared she cannot adapt – our MRT during peak hour versus Berlin U-Bahn, very different experience.”
Marcus’s Pivot
True to his word, Marcus had moved to Austin with Jessica. The change was dramatic.
“Same salary, but now I’m saving $2,000 monthly,” he reported from his new home office – a converted garage in a house with an actual yard. “Food truck tacos $3, craft beer $5, BBQ that makes you question your life choices $12.”
The tech scene was different but vibrant. “Less cutthroat than Silicon Valley. People actually have hobbies beyond work. I joined a hiking group, learning guitar, thinking about getting a dog.”
But he’d gained perspective on American lifestyle. “Car is essential here, but at least parking is free. Healthcare still expensive, but Jessica’s company covers most of it. And you know what? I sleep eight hours now. In SF, I was averaging five.”
Sarah’s Maturity
Sarah had perhaps gained the most sophisticated understanding of international living.
“I think we spend too much time comparing costs, not enough time thinking about value,” she reflected. “Yes, my London salary buys less than Marcus’s Austin salary. But I can visit 20 countries for weekend trips. I have job security. I’m learning French through EU programs.”
She’d also become an unexpected expert on tax efficiency. “Opened an ISA account – can invest £20,000 yearly tax-free. Also putting money into Help to Buy scheme. British government actually helping me save for property.”
Her relationship with Tom had evolved too. “We’re thinking about buying a flat together. Not in London – too expensive. But Manchester or Birmingham, can get nice place for £200,000. His idea is work in London few years, save money, then move somewhere cheaper but still connected.”
Chapter 5: The Reckoning
Two years after leaving Singapore, each friend faced a moment of reckoning.
Wei Ming’s Choice
Hannah visited Singapore during Chinese New Year. The culture shock was mutual.
“She loved the hawker food, couldn’t believe $3 can buy full meal. But the heat, the crowds, the work culture…” Wei Ming shook his head. “She ask me, ‘How you all live so stressed?’ Made me realize I was stressed but thought it was normal.”
Now Hannah wanted Wei Ming to meet her parents in Munich. “Her dad owns small engineering firm, might have job for me. But then I really staying in Germany forever. No more Singapore passport privileges.”
The decision wasn’t just financial anymore. “In Germany, I’m expat who earns decent money and lives interesting life. In Singapore, I’m just another Singaporean trying to afford BTO flat.”
Marcus’s Revelation
Austin had given Marcus something he didn’t know he’d lost in Singapore – community.
“Jessica’s family treats me like son,” he shared. “Her mom makes me Texas chili, dad teaches me about American football. Last Thanksgiving, I was only Asian guy at table with 20 Americans, but felt more belonging than I did at office parties in Singapore.”
But the startup bug had bitten again. “Jessica and I thinking of starting our own company. Cost of living here so reasonable, we can bootstrap for two years on our savings. In Singapore or SF, impossible.”
The American dream was revealing new dimensions. “Maybe it’s not about earning maximum money. Maybe it’s about having space – literally and figuratively – to build something.”
Sarah’s Synthesis
Sarah had achieved something like equilibrium. Her relationship with Tom deepened when he met her parents during their London visit.
“Mum loved him, Dad grilled him about pension plans,” she laughed. “Very Singaporean dad behavior. But Tom handled it well, even asked Dad for investment advice.”
She’d also been promoted to senior manager, with salary jumping to £65,000. “With Tom’s income combined, we’re looking at houses in Zone 4. Still expensive by world standards, but we can afford garden, two bedrooms, proper kitchen.”
The London lifestyle had become natural. “Weekend farmers market, Sunday roast at pub, summer festivals in parks. This kind of rhythm, Singapore doesn’t have. There, everything is efficiency, optimization, maximum everything. Here, sometimes we just… exist.”
Chapter 6: The Verdict
Their third annual reunion call happened during Singapore’s Circuit Breaker period in 2020. Suddenly, their international perspectives gained new relevance.
Pandemic Perspectives
“Wah, you all damn lucky not in Singapore now,” Sarah observed. “My colleague there say cannot even buy bubble tea, everything delivery only.”
Wei Ming’s Germany had handled the pandemic differently. “Here also lockdown, but can still go parks, exercise outside. Government support quite good – they paying 60% of reduced wages. My company didn’t retrench anyone.”
Marcus’s Austin experience was chaotic but revealing. “America’s healthcare system really cannot make it during crisis. But community support damn strong. Neighbors checking on elderly, restaurants cooking free meals for medical workers.”
Each location’s response revealed deeper truths about their systems and values.
Final Reckonings
Wei Ming’s Resolution: “I’m staying in Germany. Not just because of Hannah, but because I found version of myself here that I like better. More relaxed, more curious, more connected to simple pleasures. The cost of living isn’t just money – it’s what kind of life the money buys you.”
Marcus’s Evolution: “Jessica and I decided – we’re staying in Austin but keeping options open. America is big, lots of different ways to live here. The key is not getting trapped in expensive coastal cities thinking that’s the only way to succeed.”
Sarah’s Integration: “Tom proposed last month,” she announced with a grin. “We’re buying that house in Zone 4. Britain feels like home now, but Singapore is still family. I think I’m becoming one of those people who has multiple homes in their heart.”
Epilogue: Five Years Later
The group chat still pings regularly, now with photos of Wei Ming’s Berlin wedding, Marcus’s Austin startup office, and Sarah’s London garden where she grows Asian vegetables.
Their cost-of-living calculations have evolved beyond spreadsheets. They measure now in relationships built, experiences gained, and versions of themselves they’ve discovered.
Wei Ming had learned that efficiency isn’t everything. Marcus discovered that the American dream has many definitions. Sarah found that home can be both a place you leave and a place you choose.
The money mattered, but the math was more complex than any of them had imagined when they first left Singapore’s shores.
“You know what’s funny?” Wei Ming typed in their latest chat. “We all worried about cost of living, but we never calculated the cost of not living.”
The message got three heart reactions – one from each continent.
Author’s Note: This story is based on composite experiences of real Singaporeans living abroad, with names and specific details changed. The financial figures reflect 2023-2024 research data and real expatriate experiences.
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