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Mohamed Oun
Singapore
#69 of 124
Asia

Singapore

Singapore

Salary & Cost of Living

View purchasing power ranking

How do salaries and expenses in Singapore compare to Chicago?

Purchasing Power Comparison

An engineer in Singapore is 25% worse off vs in Chicago

This shows how far a software engineer's salary goes in Singapore compared to Chicago, taking into account both salary differences and cost of living.

Median Salary
$88,623
-$51K (-37%) vs Chicago
Based on 1303 data points from levels.fyi
Net Salary
$84,192
-$9K (-10%) vs Chicago
Tax Rate: 5%

Community Insights

New

Singapore presents a polarizing but potentially lucrative opportunity for software engineers. The city-state functions as a highly efficient, low-tax haven with a median net income that rivals or exceeds many European capitals. However, the financial benefits are often partially eroded by exorbitant housing costs (ranked #114 for affordability).

The tech scene is bifurcated: US MNCs generally offer good work-life balance and high pay, while local and Chinese tech firms are frequently criticized on Reddit for demanding hours and a stressful "996" culture. Ultimately, it offers a safe, polished, and convenient lifestyle, but one that requires a high salary to fully enjoy without feeling the squeeze of the cost of living.

Resident Sentiment

Current residents often express a love-hate relationship with the city. Transplants frequently praise the cleanliness, safety, and the ability to travel easily, often citing that their quality of life is higher than back home due to domestic help and convenience.

However, there is a strong undercurrent of anxiety regarding rising rents and the competitive pressure of the workplace. Many treat Singapore as a temporary wealth-building phase (3-5 years) rather than a permanent home, citing the difficulty of buying property and the relentless pace of life.

Living Environment

Weather•Safety•Pollution•Events

A quick look at climate, safety, pollution, and tech community compared to Chicago.

Rankings

Tax Rate

Top 4%

#5

of 124 cities

5%

Current value (lower is better)

Safety Index

Top 6%

#7

of 124 cities

77.5/100

Current value

Pollution Score

Top 19%

#24

of 124 cities

32.2/100

Current value (lower is better)

Housing Affordability

View affordability ranking

How affordable is housing for a software engineer in Singapore compared to Chicago?

Avg. Property Price
$19,720 / m²
528% more expensive than Chicago
View detailed property prices on Numbeo

Salary Converter

Enter your annual gross salary (before taxes) to see what you would need to earn in Singapore to maintain the same standard of living.

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Do you have kids?

Cost of Living
21% more expensive than Chicago
View detailed cost breakdown on Numbeo

Top Paying Companies in Singapore

Facebook logo
Facebook
Binance logo
Binance
Google logo
Google

The Good

  • Extremely low income tax compared to Western tech hubs (roughly 5%), allowing for significant savings despite high costs.
  • World-class safety, making it one of the safest cities globally for walking alone at night.
  • English is the primary working language, eliminating language barriers for most Western expats.
  • Incredible food culture with affordable hawker centers providing cheap, high-quality meals (under $5-$10) despite the city's overall expense.
  • Strategic travel hub for exploring Southeast Asia, with Changi Airport being consistently rated the best in the world.
  • Efficient public transportation (MRT) that is clean, reliable, and covers the entire island, negating the need for a car.

The Bad

  • Sky-high rental costs that have surged recently, often forcing expats to downsize or share apartments to save money.
  • Intense work culture in many local and Chinese tech firms (sometimes known as 996 culture), which contrasts sharply with the better work-life balance in US MNCs.
  • Oppressive heat and humidity year-round which can make outdoor activities uncomfortable for those not used to the tropics.
  • High cost of living for "western" luxuries (alcohol, cheese, cars) which are heavily taxed/expensive.
  • Limited size and nature compared to countries with vast hinterlands, leading to "island fever" for some residents.
  • Lack of labor protections compared to Europe; employment is often "at-will" with shorter notice periods and fewer guaranteed benefits.

The Verdict

You'll love it if...

Career-driven software engineers targeting US MNCs or high-frequency trading firms who want to maximize post-tax savings.

It is ideal for singles or childless couples who value safety, efficiency, and travel opportunities over expansive living space. People who enjoy urban living and warm weather will thrive here.

Skip it if...

Engineers seeking a relaxed, slow-paced lifestyle or those strongly attached to European-style labor rights and shorter work weeks.

Families on a single income may struggle due to the high cost of international schooling and rent. Additionally, outdoor enthusiasts who dislike humidity or need vast wilderness for recreation will likely feel claustrophobic.

Updated 11/29/2025

Weather1.5/10-64% vs Chicago
Safety78+125%
Pollution32-36%
Events7+17%
1.5/10TechCities weather score vs 4.2/10 in Chicago

0–10 composite (higher is better) combining temperature comfort, sunshine hours, rainy-day count, and humid days. See methodology for weighting and data sources.

Weather snapshot

Average High
31°C(vs 15°C in Chicago)
Average Low
26°C(vs 8°C in Chicago)
Sunshine Hours
2,022h/yr-486h/yr(-19%)
Hottest Month High
32°C(vs 28°C in Chicago)
Coldest Month Low
25°C(vs -5°C in Chicago)
Rainy Days
154/yr+62/yr(+68%)

Community & Quality

Singapore community pulse

Singapore has 7 Luma events listed.

17% more events than Chicago.

Net Income

Top 26%

#32

of 124 cities

$84,192/yr

Current value

Community Events

Top 28%

#35

of 124 cities

7 events on luma

Current value

Purchasing Power

Middle of the pack

#69

of 124 cities

Home Affordability

Bottom 11%

#112

of 124 cities

≈18.7 yrs to buy 80m²

Current value

Cost of Living

Bottom 6%

#118

of 124 cities

81/100

Current value (lower is better)

Comfortable Weather

Bottom 3%

#121

of 124 cities

15/100 weather score

Current value

SWE Affordability
18.7 years
16.0 years longer than Chicago
Muggy Days
365/yr+323/yr(+771%)
Cloud Cover
85%(vs 47% in Chicago)