Spending SGD Abroad: Which Dream City Would You Move To?
If your savings can cover your basic expenses, which dream city would you move to? Is the best lifestyle for Singaporeans not living in Singapore? Where does your SGD stretch the furthest?
In 2024, Mr. Chen from Singapore was laid off. He had worked at Google for nearly a decade and saved up about SGD 2.56 million. After assessing his finances, he realized that even without working, his investment interests, dividends, and capital gains were more than enough to support his lifestyle.
So, he took this opportunity to give himself a break — and chose to move with his wife to Chiang Mai, a city known for its low cost of living and high quality of life.
Life in Chiang Mai has been incredibly relaxing. There’s no rush or stress. He wakes up every morning to cook breakfast for his wife without worrying about beating the morning commute. They now live in a luxurious apartment for just SGD 580/month, which is even more spacious and comfortable than their SGD 3,150/month rental back in Singapore.
Indeed, once you stop trying to survive in one of the world’s most expensive cities and start spending your SGD in a low-cost country, life can feel truly “shiok”!
In fact, International Living has released its list of the Top 10 Best Countries to Retire in 2025 — but this list isn’t just for retirees. It’s also for anyone feeling overwhelmed by high costs, high stress, and a fast-paced lifestyle. South America, Southern Europe, and Southeast Asia dominate the rankings. Which region’s climate do you prefer?
Here are the top picks:
🥇 Panama – Score: 84
In rural areas, a single person can live comfortably on just SGD 1,800/month. Couples living in the cities can enjoy a very good life with SGD 2,500–3,700/month.
🥈 Portugal – Score: 83.9
Couples need just SGD 3,600/month to live well, including rent; singles only SGD 2,500/month. With its stunning beaches, architecture, food, and friendly international communities, Portugal is ideal for a slower, richer life.
🥉 Costa Rica – Score: 81.9
Costa Rica isn’t just affordable — it’s also politically stable and often called the “Switzerland of Central America.” A couple can live comfortably on SGD 3,200/month, with a two-bedroom apartment, groceries, entertainment, transport, and healthcare.
4. Mexico – Score: 81.4
Live well on less than SGD 2,500/month per couple! Beachfront apartments can go for SGD 650/month — inland options are even cheaper. Mexico offers incredible diversity: Caribbean beaches, artistic colonial towns, and spring-like lake regions.
5. France – Score: 78.4
Contrary to popular belief, France isn't always expensive. Some grocery costs are on par with the U.S., and rural property prices are low. Couples can live on SGD 2,500/month, including rent. A two-bedroom apartment in southern France averages SGD 1,200/month.
South America vs. South Europe
6. Spain – Score: 78.1
Spain has diverse climates — from Mediterranean coasts to snowy mountains. In smaller towns, singles can live well on SGD 2,500/month, and even rent a one-bedroom apartment for SGD 900/month in sunny Valencia or Andalusia.
7. Malaysia – Score: 75.7
A couple can enjoy a comfortable life on just SGD 2,000/month! Renting a luxury apartment with a pool and gym? Only SGD 640/month. Plus, private hospitals are world-class with English-speaking doctors, and visits can cost as low as SGD 15–75 per specialist.
8. Greece – Score: 75.6
Greece offers beautiful views and affordable living. A one-bedroom apartment rents for around SGD 880/month, and you can even buy a countryside cottage for SGD 117K–240K. Couples can live well on SGD 3,500/month including all expenses.
9. Italy – Score: 75.4
In Italy, couples can live comfortably on SGD 2,500/month. In smaller towns and non-tourist areas, homes can cost as low as SGD 190K. Whether you prefer sun-drenched beaches in the south or alpine towns in the north, Italy offers something for everyone — including world-renowned food and wine.
10. Thailand – Score: 74.6
In Bangkok, a luxury apartment can be rented for only SGD 1,050/month. With SGD 2,000/month, you can live very comfortably — including rent, food, transport, and short trips nearby.
If your savings could cover your basic living costs, where would you go for a slower, better life?
Would you choose Chiang Mai like Mr. Chen, or does Portugal’s coast call to you?
Do you dream of the French countryside, or maybe the vibrant culture of Mexico?
Is it time to question whether the best way to enjoy your SGD……is by not spending it in Singapore?
Where’s your dream escape?
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Honestly, the best lifestyle for Singaporeans might not be in Singapore. The high costs and constant pressure can wear you down. Living abroad in places like Portugal or Malaysia offers better balance — more time, less stress, and the same comforts, but at a fraction of the price.
My dream escape would be somewhere peaceful and affordable, like Chiang Mai or southern Portugal. It’s not about giving up on Singapore, but choosing a smarter, more fulfilling way to live — where my money buys time, freedom, and peace of mind.
@Tiger_comments @TigerStars @Tiger_SG
Singapore too expensive... ideally I would choose to go to a slower pace and inexpensive country (well less expensive than SG) where I can enjoy nature and good food... yet still have the vibrancy of the city life... any recommendations? [Thinking] [Thinking] [Thinking]
If your savings could cover your basic living costs, where would you go for a slower, better life?
Would you choose Chiang Mai like Mr. Chen, or does Portugal’s coast call to you?
Do you dream of the French countryside, or maybe the vibrant culture of Mexico?
Is it time to question whether the best way to enjoy your SGD……is by not spending it in Singapore?
Where’s your dream escape?
leave your comments on this post to win tiger coins~
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Why It’s Great: Chiang Mai is a digital nomad haven with a low cost of living, reliable internet, and a relaxed vibe. It’s a short 3-hour flight from Singapore, making it easy to visit or relocate. The city blends cultural experiences (temples, festivals like Yi Peng) with modern amenities like coworking spaces (e.g., Punspace). The SGD’s strength stretches far here, offering a high quality of life.
Cost of Living: SGD 700–1,400/month for a single person, including rent (SGD 300–700 for a modern one-bedroom), food (~SGD 5–10/day at local markets or street stalls), and transport (tuk-tuks or scooters at ~SGD 2–5/ride).
Family Fit: Family-friendly with affordable international schools (~SGD 500–1,000/month) and safe, walkable areas like Nimmanhaemin. Parks and kid-friendly cafes.
Drawbacks: Monsoon season (June–October) brings rain, and air quality can dip during the burning season (February–April).
清迈确实是一个诱人的选择，物价低、气候宜人，又有丰富的文化氛围。但我更倾向于葡萄牙南部的海岸小镇，比如阿尔加维。阳光灿烂、生活悠闲，一杯咖啡坐一下午也不会有人打扰你。更重要的是，那里的医疗、治安、甚至语言环境对外籍居民都很友好。
当然，我也曾梦想过法国乡村的葡萄园，或墨西哥色彩斑斓的街头节庆。但说到底，逃避的不是城市，而是压力，是那种为了效率和KPI不停奔跑的日常。
所以我常想，真正让新加坡元变得“值钱”的方式，或许不是在新加坡花掉它，而是在别处换一种活法。我的梦想逃避地，是那个每天醒来都不用设闹钟，晚餐可以看着日落慢慢煮饭的地方。不用远，只要刚好。
If I were to choose myself.. I would not choose those far away places. I have lived with my husband in Panama for a good 9 months & it was indeed a slower paced life, however I couldn't enjoy proper Chinese food & definitely missed my Chinese desserts back home in SG [Sad]
Thus after coming back, I treasured my home country so much more, not just in terms of the food variety but everyday - it's the safety outdoors that I enjoy and my friends & family here even amidst the rising costs of living.
I guess if I'm at my wits end.. perhaps I'll look for my distant relatives & stay in China.
I'm not a travel person but when opportunity comes, I'll be happy to visit diff scenic places. [Happy]
Our families can probably look out for one another too [Love]
@BABY SPACEROCK @LULU ROCKET