Most Expensive City In The World

A recent survey by the Worldwide Cost of Living (WCOL) index from the London based Economic Intelligence Unit (EUI) puts Singapore together with New York as the most expensive city in the world.

I find it hard to believe, especially when I have friends come back from their travels complaining about how expensive things were, where they had been, compared to prices in Singapore. We all know that there is quite a difference between what a tourist spent to that of a local. If you are a local, you would know where to eat, and shop cheaply.

Housing and cars are very expensive here. That’s a well-known fact. However, Singapore, an Island CityState has a world class transport system which is very reasonably priced. One does not really need a car. And public housing is heavily subsidized by the government. With a well designed loan/mortgage program, most people are able to own their homes. So, if you take out these two items from the survey, Singapore can’t be the most expensive city.

As with any survey, I guess it depends on who is doing the survey, who you ask, how the questions are phrased, and what is included in the survey. Generally, I take surveys with a pinch of salt. Singapore is expensive, I agree. But the most expensive, I very much doubt so.

It is true that things are getting more expensive here. But, in the current economic situation, the whole world is feeling the inflation due largely to the Covid-19 pandemic, and the senseless war that is going on. I don’t think anyone, anywhere is spared. The increases in prices here are expected and within reason.

Anyway, just out of curiosity, have a look at the following meals and see if you think they are expensive.

An ice lemon tea and a bowl of fish vermicelli soup for just under $10 SGD (roughly, about $7.30 USD). This is in the heart of the city. In the heartlands, this would cost me $6 SGD (about $4.50 USD)

Meatball Cognee from a food court in the Botanical gardens. I don’t think business is very good for them. They were quite tucked away. And given that they are located in a tourist attraction, I guess the price, just under $10 SGD – although a bit high is understandable. But I do take to heart the quality of the cognee. It is just too watery. And the meatballs – I think there were five of them were not that great either.

Anyway, what do you think? Is Singapore expensive? Of course, one can’t really have a clear picture of the situation based on the two examples above. But, what I am trying to say is that if you live a simple lifestyle, Singapore is not expensive at all. But if you chase after the ‘Five Cs’, (condo, credit card, car, country club membership and cash), then yes, Singapore will be expensive for you.

NB. The ‘Five Cs’ of Singapore is a phrase coined in the 1990s. It was used to describe people who aspire to obtain material possession in an effort to impress others. That might be a bit out of date now, since a credit card is a necessity for everyone in this age of IT.