Recently, Singapore has again been ranked the world's most expensive city for expatriates for the 4th consecutive year, according to the Economist Intelligence Unit's (EIU) latest league table. The EIU's Worldwide Cost of Living Survey was designed to help human resource and finance managers calculate cost-of-living allowances and build compensation packages for expatriates and business travelers. The survey does not reflect the average consumption patterns of Singaporean households. Also, currency fluctuations can affect expatriates who earn their living in foreign currencies, rather than impacting Singaporeans. As a result, consequences of Singapore's high cost of living would more likely land on expatriates than on locals.
Foreigners make up about 38 percent of Singapore's population, up from about 25 percent in 2000. More than 7,000 multinational companies operating in the city are seen as key to developing Singapore, not just as a regional hub in finance but also in other sectors such as oil and gas. Even though Singapore lacks land space and natural resources, it makes up for in terms of location. Natural deep-water ports and shipping routes make trade a key part of the economy alongside manufacturing and the service industry. The government has also invested in education for decades. Human capital and a skilled workforce contribute to the prosperous economy in Singapore. Unfortunately, the high cost of living may be the beginning of a decline in our economy.
Families with lower income would struggle to face the high cost of living in Singapore while trying to afford basic necessities. This may discourage expatriates to continue staying in Singapore, which then causes Singapore to lose some of its competitive edge to fast-developing neighbors in Southeast Asia. Expatriates may start to leave Singapore for other countries to work in when they see that they are able to use the same skills but afford better lives. The problem gets worse as more businesses and companies move out of Singapore when it becomes too expensive for them to hire employees. Businesses pay a significant portion of all taxes including income tax,
property tax and employment tax. Having more businesses in Singapore can boost tax income for local government. Businesses which move out of Singapore would greatly affect Singapore's economy.
Darika Suter, who has lived in Singapore for 24 years, is re-locating her antiques business to the Thai island Phuket in March. "I can use the funds I have built up to live comfortably in Thailand, so why stay in Singapore and sweat it out?" she says. "Basically, I can keep up the lifestyle I have here, where I spend about S$2,000 a month, and have the same in Phuket for S$800 a month." Of course, there can be expatriates who are willing to pay a premium for the quality of life offered by this island state. But as the high cost of living increases to a certain extent, expatriates would feel too pressurized and give up their living in Singapore.
On the other hand, I take a different view as to Singapore being ranked the most expensive country. At first, I was surprised that America or England was not the most expensive country. Then, I realized that we should look at the data which the EIU's Worldwide Cost of Living Survey takes into consideration. Where basic necessities such as food, housing, daily needs, transportation, sanitation, shelter and healthcare may be more costly, the standard of living in Singapore is much better than many other countries. Many are now able to afford private cars, property investment, electronic devices and many kinds of luxurious items. The stable government and safe security is also one of the many reasons Singapore seems so appealing to expatriates and foreign workers. As the cost of living in Singapore continuously increases, it is important for Singapore to sustain its standard of living and other aspects which encourage expatriates to live in Singapore despite high expenses.
Source(s):
https://www.internations.org/singapore-expats/guide/16061-economy-finance/the-economy-of-singapore-16045
http://www.straitstimes.com/business/economy/singapore-ranked-worlds-most-expensive-city-for-expats-for-4th-straight-year
https://www.cnbc.com/id/100418370
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