Incredible Cost of Living in Singapore (Japanese Perspective)

[@jay_chang]

The cheapest option might be to adopt cooking as one of your recreation. And watch KZbin for new recipes. Cooking your own meal is going to make even hawker food looks expensive. Then learning DIY repair as recreation, changing plumbing fittings like valves and taps, fixing door locks, flush bolts and changing the LED light fittings. Drilling concrete and mounting fixtures that's expensive to hire people to do than spending on a set of tools. Practicing a musical instrument is not going to spend on electricity bill. The most literal "grinding" past time where you can spend little into and occupy very little space might be to get a shodo set and practice calligraphy.

[@jeffreyng9217]

we are a family of 4, has been tracking our expenses since after Uni (not including mortgages here): Single, 1 person: 1.2k Married, no kid: 2.8k Married, 1 kid: 3.4k (kid not going to school yet) Married, 1 kid: 4k (kid going to school) Married, 2 kid: 4.8k (going to school kid also going for extra activities) Married, 2 kid: 5.5k (both kid now going to school) We have no cars, but the frequency of taking taxis increase with more kids… Generally with kids, you are willing to pay more for convenience.

[@ahchoon9067]

think your expenses include alcohol and cigarette.

[@GhibOjisan]

I guess having kids will skyrocket our expenses😂🚀!

[@jeffreyng9217]

@@ahchoon9067 not tat much tbh, if u divide by 4, roughly 1.5 k pp. kid food, diaper, milk do add up and u spend more for convenience

[@jeffreyng9217]

@@GhibOjisan it does, saved a trunk if wife can breastfeed though. But u wont think twice to splurge on convenience like delivery, taxi, enrichment classes (if u have the mean to do so)

[@nuggetsss2526]

No kids cheaper

[@teatree6228]

Food is cheap as imported from malaysia and Sing dollars very strong Public transport is cheap snd efficient

[@Xx10_01xXyz]

How about ur medical bill, education upgrade cost, recreation fees, insurance, income tax and raise up child expenses?

[@bguan5169]

Need to look into home protection insurance, personal accident insurance and health insurance. Other like endowment & life insurance take after the 1st 3 kind of insurance are well covered. Like personal accident insurance, the premium is set at the time taken up so cost does not increase unless you increase the coverage amount. This type of insurance cost kept getting more and more expensive if you don't take up sooner. Health insurance best to take when one is healthy, otherwise have to declare when there is any condition. Then anything as a result of that condition will be under exclusions. For example if declare high blood pressure then next time if result in stroke, heart problem etc all not covered. Medical cost for serious illness in Singapore is very high. We all want to be in good health but something are unexpected.

[@guan2002]

Nice video, thanks for sharing! I notice there isn’t insurance premiums, do you spend on that?

[@oamitabha]

What about your insurance?

[@FreedomMaple]

Ghib's face at 6:40 after the wife sarcastically tells him to not drink at all 😂

[@kwekkelvin]

🤣

[@AmbientWalking]

I think if you don't: 1. drink cocktails at bars, 2. eat at expensive (and mostly mediocre) restaurants 3. buy and drive a car 4. live in a condo with high maintenance fees -- you should be ok living in Singapore. I have lived in at least 6 other cities around the world (disclaimer : I live in a HDB that I bought) and find that my cost of living is actually much lower here because I don't give in to stupid things like showing off with a BMW.

[@Bombasticbabygirl]

Quite sad like that. Eating at restaurants is yummy!

[@AmbientWalking]

@@Bombasticbabygirl I said... EXPENSIVE restaurants... not all restaurants.

[@jeems2066]

@@Bombasticbabygirl The thing about Singapore is that you can get food at all price ranges and the lowest is probably SGD 2-2.50. And they can be pretty good quality.

[@leewn2319]

For average Sg living in HDB, eat at restaurants only once a month or two and only on special occasions, take public transport MRT / Bus go tour once a year, it’s pretty affordable cost of living here.

[@nur_aryani]

Malay Muslim here… Single parent with two grown up kids… Fully paid up flat (just 3room)… Groceries & food > all depends on preference and where you shop. My groceries & food expenses do hit $800 a month for 3 persons…but if I keep away from taxis & Grab/Tada rides, my transport would be less than $100 (I’m still on hybrid mode of work).

[@sktokyo9457]

It’s really interesting since I can say majority of the Japanese people moving to Singapore will say “woah it’s so expensive in SG” - but it really comes down to your priorities in life I suppose. Thanks for being transparent Ghib!

[@GhibOjisan]

I know right! I kinda wanted to bust this myth.

[@aconitine182]

Those expats stick to only the products that they know, and buy it from Meidiya and stuff, so it would be expensive of course!

[@NANICU]

Most expats do not have the choice of paying $1k to live in a 1,000 sq ft apartment. Add in the rental cost of an apartment and the monthly expenditure easily balloons to $4k or more. So, it really is expensive for expats.

[@1changi]

@@GhibOjisan Good that you do not smoke. (I am assuming). Next, if you gamble, that is going to burn a hole in your pocket.

[@silverchairsg]

Maybe because they stay in condos, shop at atas places and eat at expensive resturants.

[@terence3908]

Uncle Jimmy must be sad after hearing you say "I do not have friends". Not once, but twice 🤣

[@jenniferwong863]

Live within your mean and you are a happy man. Don’t stress yourself too much on expenses.

[@lcydavid]

Can start a series how much Singaporeans spend - atas life style, elderly/retiree lifestyle, foreigner lifestyle

[@ducky2777]

honestly i think it just depends on how u live your life. normally its not rlly that expensive to live in sg tho

[@cs2007new]

Same, I also work 5 days a week and watch KZbin and Netflix on rest day. Single with no friend, take MRT so manage to save more than $50,000 per year. Spend less than $1K on myself and its more than enough for me to be happy.

[@chaoticode]

Agree. Singapore is pretty affordable if you can choose a lifestyle that is within your means. Single 30+ Monthly spending about 1400 Parent allowance: 400 Transport: 50 (since WFH, and only heads out about 2 or 3 times a week) Food: 500 (Dining out with family / colleague/Homecook food) Snack: 100 (Usually spurge in NTUC/Donki on fruits and snacks) Hobbies: 200 Phone/House wifi: 70 Planning to get my own hdb once 35, so that will add on ard 1500 monthly. would probably fork out half in cash, and half in cpf. Overall Singapore is pretty affordable for an averge person with 3-4k salary, definitely will be able to save, until one decided to have kids / car / condo, in which will require additional planning since kids definitely takes up alot of the spending proportion of the salary.

[@TheoryHenry]

im singaporean and its not that expensive as long as you know how you spend your money

[@scubaful]

I love your wife's suggestion on cutting back on alcohol spending XD Actually, why not consider brewing it using a DIY kit?

[@GhibOjisan]

Brewing actually sounds really cool!

[@chinchowpowpook]

Self brew gadget so far,,can’t make it..

[@ILovePlayingZeldaGamesOnSwitch]

sg is surprisingly affordable if you live simply, without vices. My food budget for a day is $10, transpo a month is $100. I'm planning to downgrade my phone bill to $18 a month instead of $52.

[@nuggetsss2526]

I give myself a budget of 400 for food

[@hipposamadesu]

My monthly phone bill only $13+ with Zero1 unlimited plan 😁 I have been using it for over 2 years saving me the cost of internet subscription too since my data is literally unlimited. I use WhatsApp instead of normal phone call, thus further avoid unnecessary cost. WhatsApp is literally the de facto messenger app in Singapore 😁

[@ralphou]

how to find S$18? just the card only?

[@ralphou]

yes@@orange9784 , it is so true, try to avoid foodcourt! and not even tasty....i will alwys go to market or food centre/hawker type

[@towfusan]

​@@ralphou Some telco have offer. For example SIM only, they have about 20gb data plan plus free caller ID, for around $19. Sometimes telco pop ups offer incentive for you to switch to SIM only, I did that and only paid $15 for like one year

[@sujaniaslam2428]

Hi Ghib, wah everymonth my 4d cost around 2k maybe 🤣,,, maybe even more,, i never calculate how much i buy from isetan or donki or cold storage, but i m sure its more than 1k i think,, alot of expenses la Ghib hehe,, but i alrdy save money from travelling becoz of covid,, i cook at home too seldom eat out,, sometimes order mac d too lah,, Huat Ah ,, till d next vlog Ghib, 👍😬✋, oh yah i used to buy bags cloths, but not anymore,,the private hospital , clinic is expensive in singapore,, ! 🥲

[@sab7546]

I think you can consider borrowing books from the library. Our SG library has an amazing and up to date collection. It is free and there is less wastage, since we read most books only once!

[@bravesonny5234]

Free air-con, WIFI and electricity too!

[@yapkwangtan5062]

NLB digital has many ebooks, newspapers and magazines ..Free to read and borrow.

[@Aeadiyen]

"Thank you mum" Cha cha cha! 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@looIMusic4Life3]

Thanks for breaking down! I feel that there's a need to include insurance premiums that you are paying too into your monthly expenditure for a more holistic view of your expenses!! If you are paying annually, it'll be nice to divide the amount by 12 and include that in your monthly expenditure too!

[@XxcloudoxX]

I Ghib San, I live in a four room HDB. 5 people in total Myself (father) Wife 2 sons Helper My fixed expense per month is around 4k - 5K SGD

[@jh_jlo4449]

You totally nailed it on the high end to low end. Singapore can be very affordable if you don't have atas expenses.

[@davidtan9101]

If u choose to live in Punggol then affordable, same as someone who choose to stay in Fukushima in Japan. If u choose to live in orchard/Sentosa then is the same as someone who choose to stay in Tokyo.

[@NinJa-qr1sp]

Your expenditure is very close to mine. Its funny how some people view condo, car and maid as necessities then cry that their salary is insufficient. These are luxuries, not needs for survival.

[@IZTheOne]

Cheapest way? You don't drink at all. Cannot do any rebuttal because it's the wifey saying lol! Singapore is not expensive, it's expensive when you choose to opt for expensive things instead of alternatives. Great video to debunk about cost of living in Singapore. It depends on your income and your priorities at the end of the day.

[@meehoongcheung2918]

Always live within your means...reward yourself occasionally to atas places if you have spare cash that month & you be OK!

[@sahfahrisupar]

really love how transparent you are. Glad that you're sharing. I think I should lower my own expenses on utilities too. haha.

[@AyaSatsuki]

I discovered this channel when I was preparing to move to Singapore for my job assignment. You are correct, Singapore can be pretty affordable depending on your lifestyle. I find that even if I do occasionally eat out with my colleagues, I still have some money to spare for recreation, etc. Thank you for being transparent, Ghib! Your channel is really helpful for someone like me who is really new to living in this island :D

[@aphraelk6214]

My family of 8 persons (3 generations in executive apartment) has utilities bill of average $450 monthly. You didn't count monthly HDB conservancy charge which is $95 for my flat type and should be $63.50 for 4 room flat. I work in the city centre so spend more on lunch and dinner (overtime) so about $20 a day on meals on weekdays. About once or twice a month I have meals at restaurant and it's about $120 per meal (2 pax) though occasionally it can go up to $200 per meal (for 2 pax). Take public transport (save $$). Spent thousands on travel once a year pre-covid. About $3,000 to $4,000 monthly expenses for myself as a single which comprise of $1k fixed expenses, $1k to $2k other expenses and $1k allowance to both my parents.

[@GhibOjisan]

Thanks for sharing!

[@chinchowpowpook]

I have friend who got big family,,matter of fact husband pay is 1.8k while wife 1.5k..the 5 childrens eldest is in poly.. each time we meet,,they always happy, never felt money trouble. While another friend’s pay is high in 18k (banking industry) single,,live in condo, drive Audi,, each time we met always mentioned economic is not doing well,,very trouble mindset he got..kowbeikowbu living expenses super high,,kowbeikowbu loan interest,property price, car coe..best still a single, he say to expensive to date a woman.. One is Low income family feeling living happy today , tomorrow, don’t think too far .. The other think very far,,loads of $$$,,very very very troubling ..keep saying how to retire early,,keep kowbeikowbu.. U be the judge

[@nightingle86]

Thanks to my job providing meals during working hrs and free transport working night shifts. Estimated savings of $300 SGD. Individual expenses add up to about $650. Things that i decided that were not necessary : owning a car, air con, no private transport unless when I'm rarely late for work, movies (using netflix as alternative), restaurant dining (only special occasion), no food deliveries (they cost on average 30% more)

[@paperknit]

I can do away with all these except air con. I need my air con 😅

[@nightingle86]

@@paperknit haha ya no air con abit extreme but my workplace super cold. Don't want to be blowing air con 24/7 365 days😅

[@maypong2007]

@@paperknit air con, you on dehumidifier mode, this will save some money. If still not cool enough, on fan at the same time.

[@paperknit]

@@maypong2007 Yeah I do that. Sometimes it gets super cold on dehumidifier mode too

[@florenceleow7493]

Very good video. Well done. Keep up the good work, Ghib Ojisan. Fm Aunty Flor.

[@GhibOjisan]

Thanks Florence. Really appreciate it. Stay safe and healthy!

[@florenceleow7493]

@@GhibOjisan✳️ You are welcome, Ghib Ojisan:)

[@sleepandrelaxation3395]

Thanks for sharing, as these are quite personal information. I notice that insurance is not included, in my personal expenses, insurance does take up quite a bit for a proper coverage.

[@nshiba]

Ghib San - Interesting to know your take on books. I have the same opinion. That is one aspect I miss in Singapore compared to Japan. Singapore has a great library system, no doubt. But I miss the constant flow of newly written "convenient to hand-hold" books about various topics that I can freely walk in and buy in many many bookstores in nearby Japanese railway stations, shopping malls and of course big bookstores like Maruzen and Kinokuniya. Would be nice if you can post a monthly or quarterly update on the books your read. Also I liked your selection of books for this month. Thanks !

[@GhibOjisan]

I agree! Probably due to Japanese liking analog things (like CDs and paper books)😁

[@pyl4472]

❤Singapore has a great and free library! Great for both physical and ebooks!

[@eliseww13]

+1 !!

[@rokawahakim6817]

family of 3, an 8 yr old. avg mthly spend $2.3-2.4k include insurance

[@1changi]

When you buy books, you have to find storage space unless you sell them after reading. A better way is to borrow books from the nearby National Library branch. If you cannot find the book you want, you can make a recommendation to the NLB and they may consider buying them so that you can borrow to read it. You can make reservation for the book and can borrow it for 6 weeks (including renewal). You can borrow up to a maximum of 16 books per time. So, that would be more than enough to feed your mind. In this way, you can save some money.

[@anitacher2412]

Better still, borrow electronic books (Ebooks) from the National Library if you can. Go paperless!

[@mayellow3]

Of all my life borrowing books from library (more than 10 years), I can count with my fingers the time I couldn’t find it. Either e-books or physical books. You can also reserve the book for $1.5 and then the books will be delivered to your preferred library and you can pick it up. Singapore Library is the best. I saved thousands of dollars for the last decade just borrowing books. :)

[@orange9784]

Individual liking . Some prefer to own the book . I myself prefer to own the book then borrow from the library . Ever since 2020 , I have not borrow book from Library . Before the pandemic I used to borrow books from the library and visit the library . Enjoyed the air con and reading there . Love spending time at the library back then. Missed those preconvid days .

[@henrylee1269]

Never know the places library books have gone to though hahaha

[@chinchowpowpook]

Change hobby, stop reading

[@chinchowpowpook]

To foreigners or even local,,living is SG is cheapest and safest in the world..(UNSAFE but cheap is not an option) U can live here super comfy if u can do this points: 1- no alcohol intakes( free or treat by others go ahead) 2-no smoking 3-delete all Instagram apps, u only pressure yourself spending $$$ to follow or when see other posting eating in luxury restaurants or show off high end clothing ..don’t be silly living a fake luxury life for others,,others wouldn’t be there when u in your death bed. 4-don’t enter orchard zone, nothing there except higher spending on non essential items. 5-mrt or bus mode, don’t buy or rent car, don’t grab 6-restrict to hawker or kopitiam, don’t be picky, train your taste bud , no Starbucks no high end restaurants unless is a treat by others ..don’t fool own self for a reason that is special occasion..as the next day u feel pain but nobody know. 7- don’t anyhow travel by air ...just take bus go Malaysia, kampung style, no Kl or jb, gear back your humble mindset. 8-delete those shopping apps..useless unless is super deal 9-everything buy small, wardrobe just have 2 door..u forced NOT to anyhow buy clothing..no matter how Gucci or Prada, u got horse face always a horse face. 10- take up sport or leisure course on weekends so u wouldn’t have free time to hangout with so so friends going bars ,restaurants..spending unnecessary $$ eat 2 star Michelin, u don’t Shiit out Michelin gold poops.. 11- if u cannot achieved 6 out of above 10 points, packed up return where your are. The locals can seek counseling, to cure your spending mindset..

[@martinacold9255]

Vegas on an island. 6 years, p.r . Great full for ferries to nirwana . Can't afford membership to various clubs(Japan, hollandaise, American) don't want to be on orchard road or geylang? Good luck. Sold my hdb and moved to Korea. Mrt worked beautifully though 🤣

[@18000rpm]

Many Singaporeans who are not any richer than you and also live in HDB spend thousands on luxury goods like LV, Chanel etc to "flex" LOL.

[@shellyannegoh6054]

Singaporeans live frugally while their politicians are the highest paid in the world. Such disparity.

[@sawadeeaust9762]

I live in Sydney and travelled to SIN 2 months ago, gosh! Everything except public transportation fare was so pricy.

[@Caeldras]

hey, didn’t you forget to include insurances? Especially health insurance as a foreigner? Or even just a liability insurance? I believe that‘s not so cheap no? And what about retirement savings as you don’t have a cpf account? Would be great if you could give some information about these expenses as well!

[@twirsula]

This was really interesting & informative to watch! I LOL-ed when the clip of your MIL cha-cha-cha-ing popped up, she's so cute 😂

[@embershen364]

I spent at least $2.5k a month, sometimes more like $3.8k. Food and drinks: $1.5k. I order a lot of deliveries for the whole family. I also buy a snack for my sister everyday, be it croissant, Kimbap, onigiri, Sando, churros, pancakes, Starbucks, bubble tea, donut, popiah, takoyaki, hotdog. I work in CBD so my meal is expensive. Skincare, cosmetics: $400 Clothes: $150 from uniqlo, H&M Entertainment: $150, watch 1 movie every week, with my mom or dad so I pay for them. Phone: $50 Public transport: $100 (work in office everyday). Exercise: $80 for Zumba course Groceries: $32 mostly feminine hygiene. Taxi: $30 for a trip that I was running late Education: $20 for books Gifts: $5 to buy my sister some stickers. Parents allowance: $1200-2000. I think singapore is definitely expensive if you want to have a good life.

[@Jo-lz4ie]

Only if your u own a hdb in sg else the cost of accommodation is substantial

[@lpericteo]

You can decide how much you going to spend besides medical issues. A bowl of $3 fish noodles or a plate of high end restaurants noodle may cause you more than $300. But in the end your stomach felt the same and still come out smelly in the other end. 😊😂 😅

[@orange9784]

My market fishball noodles $4.50 , little bit minced pork , 3 small fishball , 1 piece of those processed 鱼饺。

[@realcartoongirl]

WHO DONT HAVE DBS IN SG

[@joetan84]

Probably good idea to add in a couple hundred bucks for insurance to be complete, but otherwise it's really up to individual choices like you mentioned.

[@bowlofsouppp]

The way Ghib said walking at 8:33 had me in tears... sounds so Singaporean and also yes, my favorite hobby also.

[@winters4960]

Ghib spit a lot of dad joke, and no one noticed it until someone pointed i in the comment

[@alaina.vittoria1484]

I think the takeaway is that everyone has their own lifestyles, their own circumstances, etc etc. Some have to pay more not by choice. Others HAVE that choice to splurge. Some are by nature frugal even though they CAN splurge. Plus, being single or in a relationship/being married (having kids is another thing entirely) can drastically affect the choices that you have. For housing, if you're single but below 35yrs old, you won't even have the option of having a HDB. And it's not just about money either. Sometimes time is an issue. Sometimes, it's other personal issues. It's good that some of us can live an affordable life, but let's be careful to not judge others when they can't keep their costs just as low. 🙏🏼

[@wl4006]

Cute video, Ghib. Especially enjoy your banter with "wifey" and your MIL is hilarious, as always, what a sport she is. 😄

[@q.a.2875]

Yup Sg is surprisingly affordable

[@GhibOjisan]

That’s my conclusion!😁

[@nightowl4121]

Do you factor monthly allowance for your parents? Most Singaporeans give monthly allowances to their aged parents out of filial piety. I am not sure whether that also applies in Japan? We also need to pay monthly Town Council Conservancy fees in the range of about $50 - $80. Though your expenditure is considered necessity and basics, the total sum is still pretty high as most Singaporeans salaries (after deducting CPF), average to about $3000. That leaves not much savings for emergency. Thus, our fertlisation rate in this country is low, out of fear there may not be enough to support another children in the family. People are living from paycheck-to-paycheck nowadays - especially those with childrens to feed.

[@projektxtension]

5 bux (main + a drink) x 3 meals a day at kopitiams x 30 = 450bux oredi. I dun believe u can keep ur meal costs that low.

[@starman1994]

You must also factor in the average salary in major ASEAN countries. Like in Malaysia a local university graduate will only get between MYR2,000 to MYR2,500 starting salary on average. One meal alone can cost on average MYR7 (for a mixed rice without any seafood and without drinks). Most places you work may not have any public transport coverage therefore you need to factor in vehicle instalment and monthly parking fees apart from petrol. There are many foreigners from ASEAN countries working in Singapore, they will tell you the same story.

[@waisee80]

I guess spending in Singapore is cheaper as compared to her neighbours due to her strong currency and food are being imported from Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and etc (if using tropical vegetables and fruits as basis of comparism and Singapore still has some local farms). If you compare $ to $ without conversion, Singaporean salary at $2k vs Malaysian wage earner of RM 2k with a normal chicken rice for Singapore at about $4 ~ $5 as compared to RM 9 ~ RM 10 in KL. This is yet to include accommodation, utilities, transportation (and keeping it at minimum and entertainment using existing smartphone and internet line) and savings.

[@leewn2319]

In SG coffee shop or hawker centers a simple mixed rice consisting 2 veg 1 meat (pork) cost about S$3.50 to S$4.00. So if you earn S$5k a month its cheaper than Msia especially KL.

[@starman1994]

@@leewn2319 even the average starting salary for local university graduates are between S$3,000 to S$3,500 which is already higher than most neighbouring countries. That alone has given those fresh grads a lot of headroom for them to save and spend as they please.

[@wancipong]

Too bad the malays in malaysia like to live in their own coconut shell till the end of their life

[@waisee80]

@@leewn2319 Exactly what I am trying to convey

[@VortexEclipse]

as a singaporean working and living in japan i do agree the cost of living really depends on your lifestyle but i do feel like it is just ever so slightly cheaper living in tokyo compared to japan (maybe that is just me).

[@brandenongkp]

No air conditioning unbelievable?! Singapore heat is a killer 😂

[@simplyme3306]

We hardly switch on ours too

[@garamgarum4898]

OMG, its amazing your electricity and water bill so low. Ours is like 200-300 every month even though we are only 2 persons also. Our food bill is also quite high as we don't cook at home at all now. Every meal cost around $25-40. I don't know much about other things like housing in Japan, but regarding food, I felt like Japan is cheaper and got more variety of food. Last time we went to Okinawa, dinner at restaurant cost only ¥1500 for 2 persons. And food was delicious and ample amount. Equivalent food at a SG restaurant would cost at least double or more. Another thing I like about Japan is their 7-11 stores have full lunch sets of sushi which are more delicious, more filling and also cheaper than SG. Here 7-11s don't have full meal sets. And bakeries and confectioneries in Japan are superb.

[@Don96497]

$2154 is alot considering this does not include Town Council fee; Allowance for Parents; Insurance; and Savings. I only spent about 1k/mth for all of your mentioned expenses for me and my Mrs.

[@yingchen5465]

Interesting vedio.. I am working in SG and holding SP. my daughter is studying in high school and she has became a PR. When she was a foreign student, per month I paid fee to school $1650 per month, still pay housing, food, transportation etc..our overall living cost for month is at least up to $5000-6000. Tour cost is not included.

[@aconitine182]

@Ghib You should look into getting an NLB account. Unless you are very particular about reading new books, its a real deal. Its even free for SG citizens!

[@HappyNotes]

It's good to get a kobo that you can link to your NLB account

[@7eeYeaH]

Thanks for creating all these videos! And drinking is our leisure activity! Don’t take it away! That’s what I tell my wife.. hahahaha

[@GhibOjisan]

Thanks Jeff, appreciate it. Really agree on the drinking park, haha. Cheers!

[@kewpiechong]

I hope you have insurance, especially since you are self-employed. Nowadays, many companies don't cover medical expenses of family members of employees. And also, once you have a child, your expenses will increase by a lot. From diapers to formula milk, childcare/kindergarten to enrichment class... Of course, enrichment class is not a necessity. Even if really need, there are cheaper options. but these expenses add up really quickly. But the joy kids bring is priceless.

[@et6090]

Yes, DBS apps is easy to use and very convenient.

[@mountainguy4710]

You have a friend Ghib. Jimmy!

[@JanGNT]

Jimmy is sad Ghib didn’t count him as a friend 😂

[@christopherleng]

Comfortably below $1000… House use CPF. I don’t have expensive hobbies or owning a car (iron mistress). My hobbies are dirt cheap but meaningful and healthy. FOC swim in SAFRA club, running and going to gym in ActiveSG… total below $20. After exercising for 2hrs everyday… I’m too tired to find energy to spend. My biggest spending is alcohol and tobacco… likely above $200.

[@doodlemecrzy8075]

Drinking alcohol, bubble tea, smoking are all underrated expensive hobbies. Some people also spend a large chunk on insurance & travel.

[@ViktorZuess]

Wait until you have children. Cheers!

[@youtubeprofile2070]

Mad respect to you for being so financially prudent. My monthly spending (excluding mortgage) is more than 2x yours because I'm not disciplined. One advice: try not to use CPF to service your mortgage. You'll have to "pay back" the lost interest if you sell your house. At the very least, consider paying half CPF-half cash (you can adjust this online at any time).

[@chung-meanericliu6789]

Why would recommend not to use CPF to service your mortgage? I have done it sold my HDB and the proceeds from the sale all goes back to my CPF. Therefore do not understand why you are recommending not to use your CPF to service your mortgage. Unless you are wealthy that’s a different story. I think this is a great option which the SG government offer to their citizens and PR.

[@youtubeprofile2070]

@@chung-meanericliu6789 First of all, CPF's main purpose is for retirement. The interest rate is generally pretty good for most people (although it's not the case this year). If you take it out to pay for mortgage, you lose out on the interest rate AND you will eventually have to pay the lost interest into your CPF. It seems that many people are not aware about this last point. Using CPF for mortgage may make it more difficult to meet your CPF Life's FRS. This will determine your monthly payout and how much cash you can withdraw when you retire.

[@chung-meanericliu6789]

@@youtubeprofile2070 I agreed that the CPF interest is higher then other. I have not noticed or aware that I had to pay back the interest lost. I have reviewed my statement and it was not shown on my statement. But anyway this is from my personal experience.

[@swaser112]

@@youtubeprofile2070 based on current mortgage rates, it's cheaper to take CPF loans.

[@youtubeprofile2070]

@@swaser112 You mean HDB loan. You don't need to use CPF to service your HDB loan. Anyway, that's not really what we're discussing here.

[@gerrykoh7442]

Better to buy health insurance when young cos health costs rises eg my relative diagnosed with cancer when he reached 60+, all his medisave exhausted cos no insurance. Cook healthy simple food yourself, save money, also exercise so u don’t fall sick often

[@brandonteh1381]

Ghib asked viewers to share our expenses but most people just comment but never share 🤣🤣🤣 I think now I spend about 2.5-3k per month for all bills, food, transport and entertainment excluding hdb mortgage. Most of them falls under food I guess. I don't really go to fancy restaurant but I can potentially spend $50-100 on food a day as I don't put a cap on spending. I probably should try to control my spending to save more but sometimes I just feel it's troublesome and treat it as a way to reward myself as thankfully I still have savings every month...

[@wyattearp88]

Eating restaurant is expensive? Then explain why Every lunch and dinner in the restaurant I work is always full house with Singaporean 🤣🤣🤣

[@kornhead8]

It's an individual choice based on one expectation & $. In SG u can found high priced Michelin to mid range $20 & above to common low priced descent food. Same as housings, transport & lifestyle. It's yr choice. Same as Paris where cafe dining can cost anything fr S$40 & above to S$800 for a Michelin meals or a S$12 sandwiches in supermkt 🤭

[@popocucu7749]

I felt Singapore cost of living is manageable comparing to its median salary. Malaysia is more expensive. The only advantage Malaysia can offer is car and rent.

[@allanyean]

Thanks! Well done Ghib 👍 God bless you and your family! 🙏

[@GhibOjisan]

Thanks AI! Bless you and your family too

[@yusux]

“You don’t drink at all” Ghib: “and I took that personally”

[@nail222]

Single guy mthly spending~ 800 to 1.5k Daily habits work, play mobile games, hang out with friends to lim kopi I splurge more on food and only eat out since it's my form of enjoyment

[@scbchong6964]

You should know that 85% of singaporeans live in HDB. And that all young adult singaporeans live rent-free under their parents' roof until they get married. Many do not contribute to household expenses such as groceries or utilities, which leads to bad spending habits when they do move out to live on their own.

[@lingc5356]

Chicken still have $3 meh? Gyudon more than $5 per bowl.

[@GhibOjisan]

Yeah I should have said 3.5sgd! Gyudons are around 5$ considering the weak yen right now

[@vincenttravelsg]

It's quite similar but there's a major difference which is I still give my parents allowances of $1k a month. Do you need to provide to your parents in Japan?

[@hasyimuddin158]

Singapore is expensive if you live an expat life....but if you live as a commoner...its pretty affordable actually....the killer expense In singapore is car loan, renovation loan, having to raise kids needs alot of money, parking charges, petrol charges and rental charges..lucky there's hawker centres in singapore where the foods are pretty affordable compared to Japan where the cheapest meal is 500 yen...anything lower than 500 yen is just snacks

[@ちぃばいちゃん]

賃貸の人は今シンガポールは住む場所無いです。エージェントさんも紹介する家がないと愚痴ってました。家賃も更新時には大体20％は値上げが普通です。駐在の人は皆さん更新時の値段爆上がりで帰国か引っ越し先で苦労してますよ。私も7月に引っ越しました。だって日本円でいきなり17万も値上げされたら払えないって💦

[@kenneth3132]

I think for singles and couples yes it is cheap. But once you get kids the costs rlly go up quite abit. So families will find it expensive. Save up while you can before having kids. Or don't have them at all.

[@LAWRENCECHEE]

7K a month in all, plus all our insurances, mortages,car loan,groceries,utilities,HP/Internet,........

[@chensoonteo]

Family of 5 with maid here. Wa… I miss the days when my expenses were low as a couple like you guys. With kids, money just flow out like water. Childcare is exorbitant (1.7k/ month, per kid); enrichment class (200/month, per kid); school bus (200/month). We hardly eat out with the kids but if we do, will be at least $80/meal.

[@MrOng7474]

Now I can better understand why every countries are encouraging everyone to make more babies....

[@chinchowpowpook]

So..u know the figure, question, can this last till next 20 years? If yes is irrelevant, if no,,man , u seriously drag all down including your children, they gonna bear the burden

[@XZ_B94]

The cost of "cheap" food has been on the rise though. It can be difficult to find a meal below $5 these days.

[@sunyanik3577]

Wise advice: don’t drink at all 😃

[@jenny1818lll]

Chicken rice no more $3...on average minimum $4-$6 ...one cannot travel from punggol to REDHILL HAWKER CENTRE to eat what u mentioned still selling chicken rice at $3....food prices have gone up 40%...you have no children ...wait till u have 1 kid...you expenses can easily double

[@yongkangyong9949]

If we include expenses for kids, it will be really, really expensive :(.

[@chooteckseng3019]

1) You don't have a car 2) You don't have hobby 3) You don't pay insurance 4) You don't have a kid 5) You didn't give your parents money

[@wwpoof]

Wahh, 2K expense sounds (sounds only) quite ex/ high leh...😒🤔, but I think it's within normal range for 2 paxs considering that recently SG costs have risen tremendously. Lol

[@tinachan7013]

No insurance premium? That will be the additional cost most adults will have in Singapare

[@SB-dk7fy]

S$716 total my November expenditure. Single Person.Thanks.

[@silverchairsg]

The big expenses are: Healthcare, Housing, Car, Education (university tuition), and Baby. Moral of the story: Live with your parents, don't fall sick, don't get a BF/GF, take public transport and get a scholarship, and you'll be rich.

[@paladinemishakal3262]

I did not hear you mention about insurance which could also be a very large part of money spent. Do you have house insurance, fire insurance, critical illness insurance, life insurance etc

[@daniellian3690]

1. Housing mortgage $1200 (HDB) 2. Car $2000 including petrol 3. Insurance $400 me and my wife 4. Internet and singtel tv $150 5. Groceries $800 6. Eating out and take aways $600 7. 4D and Toto $600 8. M1 $160 me and my wife 9. Utilities $450 electricity/ water / gas 10. Recreation including drinking with friends once every 2 weeks $500 11. Cigarettes $400 12. Maid $700 13. Excluding kids expense

[@MrKevinliow88]

We spend about $2000 on our credit cards, combined thats inclusive of food, utility, transport. But you have children, you will spend on childcare, studentcare, tuition and other enrichment classes.

[@yuanmingwee8033]

Try having kids... a whole new ball game