Singapore takes the crown as the best place to live and work
Singapore emerges as the best place overall for expats to enjoy an excellent quality of life, financial wellbeing and improved career prospects. Expats highlight its safe environment, confidence in the local economy and the quality of life for their children as some of the best reasons to live there.
Singapore attracts expats looking to learn new skills and earn higher wages. Nearly three in five (59%) expats say the city state is a good place for career advancement, while 53% say the chance to acquire new skills at work is better than at home (only 12% disagree with this view).
Nearly a third (30%) of expats in Singapore work in banking, insurance or financial services, reflecting its place as one of the major financial hubs in Asia. Although living in the country is expensive, expat earnings are high: an average expat salary of USD159,000 p.a. puts the country well above the global average of USD104,000 p.a. As a result, nearly two thirds (65%) of expats enjoy a greater level of
disposable income than at home, while 60% are able to save more, compared with only 16% who say they save less.
In addition to financial gains, Singapore is one of the best destinations for quality of life. Over two thirds (67%) of expats say they have enjoyed a rise in their quality of life since moving (compared with the global average of 53%). Exercise is one reason for this improvement,
as 55% of expats have become more physically active since living in Singapore. Watersports, team games like rugby and even a ‘Snow City’ offer ways to stay active.
Expat parents say there are clear benefits for their families, with almost two thirds (65%) stating their children’s health and wellbeing has improved since moving (compared with the global average of 48%). The vast majority (87%) of expats praise Singapore’s level of safety.
New Zealand, Sweden, Bahrain and Germany are the other countries ranked by expats in the top five overall destinations. Expats in each of
these destinations say they are a good place to raise a family and Sweden ranks first in the Family league table. Germany, Sweden and Bahrain rank in the top ten countries for Economics, while New Zealand ranks first for Experience.
