A Chinese expatriate’s online post detailing her disillusionment with life in Singapore has gone viral, sparking debate about the cost of living and quality of life in the city-state. The woman described feeling a significant decline in her standard of living despite relocating for work.
Cost of Living Concerns
The woman’s breaking point came while considering transportation options late at night in the Central Business District. Faced with surge pricing on ride-hailing apps, she opted to walk to the nearest MRT station instead.
She expressed longing for her previous life in Shanghai, where she enjoyed conveniences such as readily available private car services and home-cooked meals. Weekends were spent taking road trips to nearby provinces, a lifestyle she feels is unattainable in Singapore.
The cost of car ownership in Singapore was a particular shock. She noted that the price of a Certificate of Entitlement (COE) alone could cover a down payment on a home in Shanghai. Even an ordinary Japanese car, she said, can cost between S$100,000 and S$200,000.
Housing and Daily Expenses
The expatriate also found Singaporean housing to be expensive, stating that her rental income from her Shanghai apartment is insufficient to rent even a master bedroom in Singapore. She contrasted her spacious apartment in Shanghai with her current, cramped living situation.
Daily expenses also contributed to her dissatisfaction. She described a diet largely consisting of oily and salty hawker food, and the high cost of dining on cuisine from home, even with GST and service charges included. She questioned whether Singapore truly offers the “high salary, high life” often associated with it.
Feeling Like a “Refined Poor Person”
The woman lamented that despite a seemingly high salary in Singapore dollars, she feels she is living as a “refined poor person.” She also cited social media as a source of unhappiness, observing friends back home enjoying affordable leisure activities.
She described her “overseas elite” identity as a fragile facade under the weight of Singapore’s high cost of living, while acknowledging the country’s safety and stability.
Netizen Reactions and Counterpoints
The post drew mixed reactions online, with some netizens suggesting her expectations were unrealistic. Comments ranged from questioning her priorities to suggesting she return to Shanghai if she was unhappy.
Another perspective came from a Singaporean woman who has been working in Shanghai for two years. She agreed that Shanghai generally has a lower cost of living than Singapore, but also noted the increased competitiveness and lack of work-life balance in China.
The Singaporean expat suggested that Singapore still offers affordable options, such as hawker food, and benefits from a strong currency for travel. She ultimately advised the original poster to simply make a change if she was unhappy.
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