Safe, efficient and delicious, but not cheap

Singapore works. Transport, government services, banking and healthcare are all efficient, and it is the safest place I have lived. Hawker food is cheap and excellent, and Changi Airport makes weekend trips around Asia easy. Taxes are low, so savings grow quickly on a professional salary. The costs are rent, alcohol, cars and international schools. A room in a condo is around 2,000 dollars and a family can spend a fortune on school fees. The heat and humidity never stop. Social life takes effort because many expats leave after a few years, but clubs and running groups help a lot.