A Malaysian who has spent 10 years living in Singapore says the cost of living here is lower compared to her home country. Now a Singapore Permanent R
A Malaysian who has spent 10 years living in Singapore says the cost of living here is lower compared to her home country. Now a Singapore Permanent Resident, she shared that after covering household expenses, she still has “a lot of disposable income” left for savings, dining out, shopping, and vacations.
Her story was featured on the Humans of Kuala Lumpur Facebook page. After moving to Singapore in 2013 to complete her Bachelor’s degree, she eventually married a Singaporean.
Why Singapore Feels Cheaper Than Malaysia
She attributes the cost savings to several factors:
Higher Disposable Income: With better income-to-spending ratios, she finds international brands more affordable in Singapore compared to Malaysia, making it easier to cover consumer goods and save.
Housing Grants: She and her husband bought an HDB flat in Sengkang for S$430,000, benefiting from S$90,000 in grants as first-time buyers, and managed monthly mortgage payments primarily through her CPF, with only S$276 in cash.
Subsidised Utilities & Public Transport: Thanks to initiatives like U-Save, utility bills are subsidised, and the efficient public transport system eliminates the need for a car.
Food Assistance: They also receive CDC vouchers, further lowering monthly expenses.
Higher Savings: With a combined monthly income over S$6,000, the couple saves about S$1,000 together.
More Comfortable Living Standards
Aside from costs, she finds Singapore offers higher salaries, better healthcare, more job opportunities, and a sense of safety that allows her to walk alone at night without worry. She also appreciates the close-knit Malaysian community within Singapore.
The Downside: Overtime Culture
The one drawback, she notes, is Singapore’s “overtime culture,” which often extends workdays into the evening and occasionally into weekends. This is in contrast to the more laid-back work culture in Malaysia, where socializing with colleagues is common. She misses the spontaneous lepak lifestyle with friends at Malaysia’s mamak eateries.
Final Thoughts
In her words, “Moving to Singapore has brought a lot of advantages. The higher income, better job opportunities, and improved quality of life make it worth the move. Though I miss Malaysia, we’re happy with our decision and grateful for the life we’ve built in Singapore.”
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