The Real Cost Of City Living

Singapore is arguably the world’s most expensive city* to live in. (In good years, we’re No. 2.) But is living in another city that much more affordable? Yes and no, depending on what you use for comparison. (Nothing beats a $4 bowl of laksa, and maybe you’ve considered things like jobs and the weather, but not the cost of public transport, movie tickets and apartments.) Clara How speaks with residents and expats in cities in Asia and Europe to get a reality check about money matters+. So you decide: What’s the real cost of making that move?

Oslo

Lan Le Phuong

31 | Adviser at a book council

In Norway, you’re expected to start working part-time at 16, move out at 18, and start paying rent from 19. Because of this, Norwegians tend to have a higher sense of financial literacy. Banks also do a good job of keeping us in the know – the position of financial advisers doesn’t even exist in Norway. We take care of our finances on our own, and you would have an accountant only if you’re rich or have a business.

As someone who went to university in Singapore and worked there for a couple of years, I do think that rent in Oslo is comparable to Singapore. Oslo, however, offers higher pay – if you have a tertiary education, you can expect to earn a starting salary of $33,000 before tax. I work as an adviser to the Norwegian equivalent of a book council, and earn $75,000 before taxes.

Typically, I save 20-30 per cent, with the rest going to food, entertainment (like concerts) and rent.

Because salaries are high, it’s fairly easy to save in Norway – one of the most common moneysaving options is a housing savings plan for young people, which lets you put aside a certain amount of money every year (and claim tax deductions) when you’re between 18 and 34 years old. There’s also a pension fund that requires your employer to pay a minimum of 2 per cent of your monthly salary to the fund (12 per cent for civil servants). Plus, there’s a strong culture of having meals at home, because a mid-range restaurant would probably set you back $40. If my workplace doesn’t offer me free lunch, I would pack a lunch box. Eating out is considered a special treat.

Amsterdam

Siti Jaffar-Kloof

35 | Stay-at-home mum