Singapore Quality of Life

What is it like to live in Singapore? This question is widely discussed among netizens. This article approaches the topic from the perspective of ‘quality of life’ and aims to provide a relatively comprehensive answer.

Quality of life is how an individual measures the goodness of their life (including health, happiness, and satisfaction), and it is related to the objective standard of living. The specific quantification of quality of life can be broken down into four parts: private life, public life, living environment, and life satisfaction, measuring factors such as economic, political, social, physical, and mental well-being. Although Singapore is a small country in Southeast Asia, it is undoubtedly Asia’s leading livable place with an extremely high quality of life.

According to data from the global human resources consulting firm Mercer, Singapore is ranked as the top city in Asia for quality of life. Based on the 2021 World Happiness Report, Singapore is considered the “happiest country in Southeast Asia.” The study also shows that in Singapore, people value family the most. Despite the pursuit of material goals, Singaporeans always prioritize family and community. This also helps build a satisfying and happy society.

Factors affecting the quality of life:

The following factors play a key role in influencing a country’s quality of life:

• Political and social environment
• Economic environment
• Socio-cultural environment
• Health and sanitation
• Schools and education
• Public services and transportation
• Recreation
• Natural environment
• Consumer goods
• Housing

Singapore’s Political and Social Environment

Singapore is known for its stable political atmosphere. Although Singapore’s politics are considered authoritarian—a political form that restricts civil liberties and is highly centralized—its political culture is based on pragmatism, rationality, and the rule of law. The government’s primary goal is the survival and prosperity of Singapore as a small nation. This often means that for the good of the country, the government sometimes has to make unpopular but difficult and wise decisions. The government adheres to a proactive governance philosophy, adopting a “pragmatic” approach to statecraft, aimed at solving domestic survival issues and challenges, with a strong focus on the future economic development of the nation.

According to Singapore’s founding father, Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore has been able to attract more than 9,000 multinational corporations to do business here because it provides first-world conditions in a third-world region. Good governance aims to have a sound system to ensure national survival and provide citizens with a greater sense of security in their lives.

Singapore’s Economic Environment

Singapore has a competitive, corruption-free, open, and transparent business environment. The Port of Singapore is one of the busiest in the world, as the nation relies heavily on exporting electronics and chemicals to wealthier industrialized countries. Over the years, Singapore’s economy has diversified, becoming a research and development hub, a biomedical hub, and a banking and financial center in Asia. In recent years, it has also become a healthcare and wellness destination in the region.

Today, Singapore is a knowledge-based economy that attracts multinational investments from all over the world. Despite the sharp rise in land and labor costs, and employers having to contribute a significant portion to the Central Provident Fund (CPF) on top of employee salaries, its open trade policies, social stability, world-class infrastructure, and international connectivity are also reasons why foreign investors flock to Singapore.

The World Economic Forum identifies Singapore’s economy as one of the most open in the world. Singapore is also globally renowned for its low tax system. For residents, the personal income tax rates range from 0% to 22% (for income above S$320,000), while non-residents face a flat rate of 15% to 22%. For corporate income tax, the effective tax rate is 8.5% for profits up to S$300,000, and 17% for profits exceeding S$300,000. The Goods and Services Tax (GST) or Value Added Tax (VAT) rate is 7%. Additionally, Singapore does not levy dividend tax, inheritance tax, or capital gains tax. Singapore has signed over 50 comprehensive double taxation agreements to help Singaporean businesses minimize their tax burden.

According to a report by the financial consulting firm Ernst & Young and The Japan External Trade Organisation, Singapore is one of the best investment destinations in Asia for foreign companies. Singapore also benefits from these companies as they bring capital, technology, management expertise, and access to international export markets. In this process, Singapore has also recognized the need to increase its workforce and has encouraged top foreign talent to relocate to the country. As a result, Singapore’s labor force is largely highly educated, skilled, and proficient. Singapore’s liberal immigration policies also encourage talented individuals to work and live here.

Singapore’s Socio-Cultural Environment

Singapore is a cultural melting pot, with a social and ethnic fabric that is a unique blend of various cultures and ethnicities—Malays, Chinese, Indians, and expatriates from different countries. The Singaporean way of life is diverse, with each ethnic community maintaining its own unique lifestyle while coexisting harmoniously.

With a continuous influx of foreigners, Singapore’s society is highly international. People respect each other’s origins and traditions and get along well on this small city-island nation. The Singapore government places a high value on harmony among all communities and races. In 1991, the government introduced the “Five Shared Values” in its “White Paper on Shared Values,” which are accepted by Singaporeans of all ethnic groups, classes, and religious beliefs.

The five shared values are:

• Nation before community and society above self;
• Family as the basic unit of society;
• Regard and community support for the individual;
• Consensus, not conflict;
• Racial and religious harmony.

The Singapore government believes that if its citizens adhere to these five shared values, everyone will be happy and can collectively build a compassionate and cohesive society, making the country and community more prosperous and better developed. Singaporeans are taught the five shared values from their primary and secondary school days. These values are also displayed in various religious places and public facilities for social education.

According to Mercer’s Personal Safety Ranking—which is based on an analysis of internal stability, crime levels, law enforcement, restrictions on personal freedom, relations with other countries, and press freedom—Singapore ranks first in Asia and eighth globally. Singapore ensures the safety of expatriates and their families in all aspects, making it a popular destination for international migration. Expatriates consider the level of safety one of Singapore’s most attractive features.

Singapore’s Healthcare

Singaporeans enjoy one of the highest levels of health and nutrition in Asia. The country is also renowned for its world-class health infrastructure, advanced technology in the healthcare sector, and its specialists and doctors. Singapore’s medical environment is clean, efficient, and safe.

Singapore operates a universal healthcare model based on medical savings. Costs are financed through a combination of government subsidies, compulsory savings for citizens (and permanent residents), and national health insurance. At the core of Singapore’s healthcare system is “MediSave,” one of the three accounts in the Central Provident Fund (CPF), into which a portion of one’s monthly salary is deposited. Its main purpose is to enable citizens to build up mandatory healthcare savings, which can then be used to pay for medical expenses. The government provides high-quality, affordable healthcare and medical subsidies at public hospitals and clinics for those in need. Besides pharmacies, medicines are easily available in supermarkets, shopping malls, and department stores. Drugs in Singapore are very safe and meet high-quality standards. All doctors must be registered with the relevant authorities.

Singapore promotes a clean and green environment and encourages a healthy lifestyle and diet. The National Environment Agency (NEA) regularly inspects the island for mosquito breeding and imposes heavy fines for breeding sites. These measures have played a crucial role in curbing the spread of diseases like chikungunya and dengue. According to the World Health Organization’s 2010 ranking of the world’s best healthcare systems, Singapore ranked sixth out of 100 countries.

Singapore’s Schools and Education

Singapore places great emphasis on national education. The education system provides citizens with the skills and knowledge needed to survive in a globally competitive environment. Singapore’s public schools have high standards of teaching and learning, and many students have won top prizes in international competitions.

In addition to its three internationally renowned universities—the National University of Singapore, Nanyang Technological University, and Singapore Management University—Singapore is also home to several other world-class institutions, such as INSEAD, the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, and United World College. Singapore’s education system also caters to the growing expatriate community, with many international schools and Foreign System Schools (FSS) established. FSS schools are registered with the Ministry of Education and follow the same curriculum as their home countries, with annual fees ranging from S$12,000 to S$48,000.

The National University of Singapore (NUS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), and Singapore Management University (SMU) were all ranked among the top 50 globally in the Financial Times’ “Global MBA 100” ranking in 2018.

Singapore’s Public Services and Transportation

Singapore places extreme importance on clean water, clean energy, clean air, managing traffic congestion, water conservation, a reliable energy supply, and good urban planning. Over the past few decades, the government has been committed to increasing greenery and creating a garden effect, with good urban planning and pollution control as key considerations. Today, the city is world-renowned as a “Garden City”—eco-friendly, green, clean, and largely free of severe traffic congestion. Residents can enjoy well-planned parks and nature reserves.

According to the National Environment Agency, Singapore’s air quality is better than that of many other cities in Asia, with the Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) remaining in the “Good” and “Moderate” ranges most of the time. In the field of water resource development and management, Singapore is an exemplary country, and its model has received international recognition multiple times, including the Stockholm Industry Water Award in 2007. Singapore has also banned smoking in public places.

Singapore has an efficient, convenient, and affordable public transportation system, consisting of taxis, buses, and the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) system. These modes of transport are air-conditioned and operate from 5:30 AM to midnight, connecting the entire city. They are safe, clean, and efficient. Bus and MRT fares are affordable, ranging from S$0.70 to S$2.50. Compared to Western countries, taxis in Singapore are plentiful and relatively cheap. Taxi travel is safe and reliable; drivers do not cheat or overcharge passengers, strictly following the meter without ever charging an extra cent.

To manage traffic congestion, the government introduced the Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) system. This means you have to pay a minimum fee when using certain congested roads and expressways in the Central Business District. Owning a car in Singapore is very expensive, costing between S$100,000 and S$200,000, not including registration fees, insurance, and taxes. In comparison, renting a car is a more cost-effective option.

Recreation in Singapore

Dining and shopping are two of the most popular activities in Singapore. Most expatriates feel there is a lack of sufficient entertainment options, so on weekends, they often travel to nearby areas like Johor Bahru, Langkawi, Tioman, and Genting in Malaysia, or Bintan, Batam, and Bali in Indonesia to explore. However, Singapore’s nightlife is quite vibrant, with lively bars and nightclubs for night owls. Cinemas are also very popular. Additionally, there are art festivals, theater, concerts, and cultural performances, but these options are seasonal and can be expensive.

Singapore’s Natural Environment

Singapore’s geographical location is generally not at risk from natural disasters. However, the climate is hot and humid year-round, especially in the last few months of the year, when the humidity can be difficult for newcomers to adapt to.

Abundant Consumer Goods in Singapore

Singapore’s retail sector is active almost all year round. With rising disposable incomes, a booming property market, and active retail promotions, people spend significantly on luxury goods, cars, and household items like furniture and other consumer durables. Consequently, many internationally renowned retailers have entered the Singapore market. Whether it’s Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) like packaged food, cosmetics, toiletries, and household products, or luxury brands, they are all readily available in Singapore. Many consumer durables have become basic necessities in Singapore.

Hypermarkets and supermarket outlets are located throughout the island, offering promotions and discounts. Some supermarkets also offer products from Mexico, Australia, and India. In addition, there are convenience stores like 7-Eleven and small grocery shops near residential areas. You can also find specialty supermarkets everywhere, such as Meidi-Ya (Japanese supermarket), Tanglin Market Place (American products), Tierney’s (Scandinavian, Swiss, and German products), and Mustafa (Indian products). Hot food, semi-cooked food, frozen food, and Western-style convenience foods are very popular among the population. Health foods like low-fat products, diet drinks, yogurt, and fruits are also gaining popularity. Singapore imports a wide variety of goods from all over the world, so the range of choices is extensive and prices are competitive.

Housing in Singapore

Housing in Singapore is divided into two main categories—public housing flats (built by the Housing & Development Board, HDB) and private condominiums/landed properties. The choice of housing depends entirely on budget, location, amenities/facilities, transportation, and personal preference.

Many expatriates prefer to live in condominiums and often choose to live near their workplace or their children’s school. Condominiums in Singapore are mid to high-rise buildings with stylish exteriors and interiors, 24-hour security, swimming pools, gyms, tennis courts, barbecue pits, and sheltered parking. The rent for a three-bedroom condominium near the Central Business District can range from S$7,000 to S$15,000, while units further away from the CBD may rent for S$3,300 to S$5,000. 78.3% of Singaporeans live in HDB flats, which are a more affordable option. However, HDB flats generally do not come with luxury facilities like swimming pools or gyms. Nevertheless, these public housing estates are usually located near shopping malls, food courts/restaurants/stalls, libraries, supermarkets, clinics, and sports/recreational facilities. Expatriates from India, China, and Malaysia find living in HDB flats to be a viable and convenient option.

Pros and Cons of Living in Singapore

Positive Factors

• Easy-to-adapt culture and living environment
• Modern and international environment
• Extremely high level of personal safety, very low crime rate
• Widespread use of English, Singapore’s first language, for easy communication
• Convenient transportation system, high-quality infrastructure, and sanitation facilities
• Readily available and inexpensive domestic help
• Clean, green, and healthy living environment

Negative Factors

• Limited options for sports/recreation
• Bound by various rules, which can sometimes feel suffocating
• Owning a car is very expensive
• Hot and humid weather most of the time

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