Comparison

[PEDRUSE]

I am an expat working in Dubai, thinking of moving to Fareast.
I have an offer both from Kaula Lumpur and Singapore.
My Malaysian Salary & package is atleast 15%-20% more than that of Singapore. 
Initial work contract is for 2 years, extendable.
Singapore has 13th month salary & 1 month salary as bonus.
In Malay I get 22 days leaves, Singapore only 14 days.
Medical is only for self in both the places. For family I have to opt co-insurance.
My question is which one is better? I have a very very small family.
Since I am not looking only for money, but life and time for family and enjoyment.
Can anyone suggest?

[sananton]

Hi, PERDRUSE:

First, Welcome to the forum!

If it is for me to choose, it will be KL due to a lot of factors. Living standard & real estate are way much cheaper in KL than Singapore. Schooling for the children are plentiful to choose from. But there again this is just my preference. You will hear more from the other members in this forum. From there later you can decide with way to go.
Good luck on the new journey!

[austlaw]

Hi Perdruse,

Of course, it all depends upon what you are used to, but one thing that Singapore seems to have to a higher degree than Malaysia is personal safety.  I have not been everywhere in either country nor have I lived for extended periods in either, but the general feel, the bars on the windows, comments in this forum and elsewhere appear to confirm this assessment.

It is something that is easy to overlook, but important for family harmony.  OTOH, food is very good in MY and the cost of living generally lower so you are likely to be able to live better on an equivalent salary.  (No idea of education costs as that part of my life is behind me).

 

[Gunnar45]

That life in KL is almost as good as in Singapore but the cost is half, plus that the salary is higher would make the decision for me.
Regarding personal safety I don't think it is so much an issue if you live in a condo area. Schooling and medical is also cheaper in Malaysia.
And - one can always pop over to Singapore for short visits.

[scott]

hi,

As your Malaysian salary package is 15% to 20% more than Singapore, I'd go for KL. But that's me.

I've already worked in Singapore for more than 12 years. Great place to earn money. But at that time, 80's, the population was only 2.5 million and the ringgit vs S$ almost at parity.

You're on a 2-year contract so I'd imagine that the amount of savings you can make over the 2 years is important.

The cost of living in Singapore is about twice that of Malaysia. Sure KL and Penang are more expensive than other Peninsula areas but even so the difference with Singapore is noticeable.

The 2 : 1 ratio is pretty constant, on most thing. In Singapore my monthly utilities (water, gas, electricity) bill is around S$90 ( RM225) and the bill in Penang is around RM100. Same usage, different countries.

It's the same with conservancy charges/maintenance fees for condos. In Penang it's RM220 per month for 1050 square feet, and in Singapore for 1200 square feet it's S$230 (RM575) per month.

Private clean-up and dental check in Malaysia, with bonding (last week) = RM150.
Private clean-up and dental check only in Singapore = RM625.

There's the exchange rate factor. Singapore dollar vs Malaysian ringgit. As sure as anything the Singapore dollar is a stable currency so far in the GFC. It has continually appreciated against the ringgit. Last year the MAS (Monetary Authority of Singapore) upped the dollar by around 5%. The forecasters expect the MAS to ease the S$ at it's next meeting in March/April.

However, what are the odds of any significant lifts over 2 years, it's already been done. The S$ is a very gradual appreciation to ease inflation which most forecasters expect to fall in 2012.

The cheapest rentals in Singapore are HDB flats. You'll need to pay at least S$1,800 per month for a 2 or 3 bedroom apartment in an outer area like Sembawang or Admiralty.

Lastly, jeez is Singapore crowded. And owning a car, out of this world.

I'm off to Singapore again this week for CNY commitments.

[papaya]

It must be worth a "look-see" to both places and see which one you like (or not).  Dubai is not a million miles away.

As Scott said, cost of living in Singapore is way more expensive, but getting around is easier.  You really don't need a car in Singapore and it's made for pedestrians.  Pavements/sidewalks to walk along.  Vehicles actually stop at crossings too