Singapore Vs Malaysia: Which One is the Best for You as an Expat?
Singapore is one of the most vibrant countries in Southeast Asia and attracts people from all over the globe. People visit as tourists, but a good portion visit in search of opportunity, and Singapore is the perfect place for it. But what many people often forget is that Malaysia is a giant in its own right and the economy still has lots of room to grow, and this comes with its own set of opportunities. Both countries share some things in common but are very different in certain areas. Let’s take a closer look at both and which one would be the best for you.
The Cost of Living
If you’re coming from a city like New York, LA, or even Chicago, the cost of living in Singapore might not be shocking. But for the average person, the price for even the simplest things may seem outlandish. So, before you go, we suggest you run a comparison search of the cost of living in your city and Singapore.
You also have to look at specifics. For instance, some things might cost roughly the same, like toothbrushes and most grooming products. But something like a car could end up costing you five times more than what you’d have to pay if you were in America. Rent is also through the roof in the country. This is because of the land to population ratio. So, you might want to look at different options when getting around and get ready for some sticker shock.
Malaysia, on the other hand, is much cheaper and offers many of the same amenities, infrastructure, and options as Singapore. You also have the option of moving to a city with a much lower cost of living, and still be a stone’s throw away from Singapore. Some areas literally have a small bridge separating the two countries. So, if you want your dollar to stretch longer and still feel comfortable, it’s Malaysia all the way.
The Bureaucracy
The country of Singapore is run like a well-oiled machine, and that comes with a lot of bureaucracy – especially fees. If you were intending to buy a home or become a tenant, then you will have to know all the paperwork that comes with it. You also need to know which type of property you can and cannot own as a foreigner. You’ll hear a lot about HDB flats when looking at real estate in the country. You should know, however, that these are a form of public housing only available to Singaporean residents.
Malaysia makes it much easier for foreigners to invest in real estate or become tenants, but there are still many hoops you’ll have to go through and hurdles you’ll need to jump over. There are also many things you may be surprised you’ll have to cover, like tenancy agreement fees, for instance. If you want to know more about how a tenancy agreement fee works, we suggest you check out the Property Guru forum. They even have an expert offering additional advice on the importance of tenancy agreements. You’ll also get information on stamp duty and administration fees, and how you can calculate them based on the duration of the tenancy.
The Shopping
One thing you will love about Singapore, however, is the shopping. If shopping malls are dying all over America, they certainly aren’t in Singapore. The country probably has one of the highest shopping mall per capita ratios in the world and it’s often said that Singaporeans have two favorite pastimes: shopping and eating. If you like both, then you’ll be served well in Singapore.
Malaysia is not too shabby when it comes to shopping options, though, especially in places like Kuala Lumpur. But it’s not comparable to the mega malls and the presence global brands have in the country. So, Singapore wins hands down in this category.
The Expat Experience
The thing you may want to know now is which one is the best for expatriates in general, and that’s a pretty tough question to answer. While Singapore is very open and diverse, it’s still not quite as much as Malaysia, so you may feel more welcome as a foreigner in Malaysia. The conundrum here is that Singapore is much closer in terms of culture, so you might not experience as much of a clash there.
At the end of the day, if you’re looking for adventure and an affordable place with good infrastructure and a pretty high standard of living, Malaysia is a great choice. But you may be more comfortable with the pace and business culture of a country like Singapore.
Picking between Singapore and Malaysia all boils down to what kind of lifestyle you’re after, your budget, and how many rules and red tape you can handle. Either way, both of these destinations are among the best for expats, so it’s difficult to go wrong.