Wanderingstar

I have just interviewed for a School in Singapore and wondered if you would mind helping me out ?
The salary is $6,000 Singapore dollars per month with no housing allowance,medical cover is included. What would be the minimum salary to enjoy a comfy lifestyle and be able to explore the region and save a little.
It seems low to me, I don't want to struggle month to month and not enjoy the benefits of being in such a place.
Thanks in advance, please respond ASAP as I need to make a decision.

ex reg

Is that before or after tax??
Assuming before tax then :
Depending on your lifestyle and where you live you might get by.
You won't save much if anything.
Ideally you'd want an additional S$2000 pm and even then ...

Wanderingstar

I assume it is before tax, no housing allowance. Is that all I would be able to do on it is get by ?
No saving, no trips away on the weekends diving, hawker stalls for food etc
Would you say no way !

Wanderingstar

They have upped it to $7k

Luk3yboy

I have lots of teacher friends and I don't know what their salary is (I assume it's around the same as this) but I know that they ALL receive a housing allowance in addition which is around $3600 pm - essentially means they live rent-free. They have very comfortable lives, travel a lot, save, go out a lot etc etc.
If you're job is at an international school I would definitely say no housing allowance is not the norm. Which school is it?

Wanderingstar

Its the winstedt school.
So 7k would be a struggle in Singapore ?

Luk3yboy

I don't think you'd necessarily struggle but compared to other teachers at international schools you wouldn't be as well off. Put it this way, your costs are likely to be something like:
Rent: $3.5k
Tax: $700
Utilities: $200
Which would leave you around $2.6k for food, going out, shopping etc. People certainly survive on less but it isn't a huge amount, especially as it doesn't include any kind of savings. As ex reg said, another $1-2k would make you a little more comfortable but that would still be the minimum you'd need to live in one of the most expensive cities in the world.

dean350

You really need to find the going rate for international teachers here before you do too much more negotiation. You have made a good start by coming on here.

As other posters have said it is standard to receive an accommodation allowance, medical insurance and paid flights every two years. Get a full written offer and check it through very carefully before signing. Make sure the employer covers all costs of getting a work permit.

If you are at any kind of specialist school and/or teaching a specialised subject then as a foreigner you have skills that are in short supply here. Its best not to get here and then find out that your employer has low-balled you.

Lydiavega

While the salary looks good, the package is questionable. Good salary sometimes ‘hide’ your real compensation needs, because that’s what a normal working person always think of first , that is “salary” only. As an expat your real needs is different, you need a “compensation” first and then benefits.The employer will always leave out something. Don’t ever think they list down all your needs. They basically use a “generic” expat package for you. Do you think they will offer an “ideal” expat package for you.

If you really want to know your own personalized cost of living and get a salary analysis get the calculator here