In a bold move, a foreigner recently took to the popular Reddit forum r/askSingapore to seek advice from Singaporeans about the feasibility of relocating to the bustling city-state for a job that offers a tempting salary of S$11,000 a month.

Currently living in Vancouver, the poster, employed as a software developer, makes a net monthly paycheck of C$5,000. Inspired by a friend who is a recruiter, he discovered a lucrative job opportunity in Singapore, which prompted him to consider a significant life change.

"I told her that I would think about it since I am not ready to leave Canada just yet, but I have to admit that 11K seems lucrative," he shared. As a single individual without dependents, he feels that this might be the right time to explore this opportunity.

However, the prospect has left him unsure. He reached out to the Reddit community to gauge whether the offered salary would be sufficient to cover the high cost of living in Singapore. "I want to get some ideas here," he stated, expressing concerns about whether S$11,000 would be enough to live comfortably.

The post ignited a vibrant discussion, with locals and expats chiming in. Many responses were notably optimistic. One Canadian poster shared their personal experience, stating, "Definitely worth it! The tax situation is favorable, food is affordable, everything is easily accessible, and the weather is pleasant.” They highlighted that the purchasing power in Singapore is robust compared to Canada, especially regarding rent.

Users pointed out that S$11,000 is indeed a generous salary for a single person. "If you want to rent a studio apartment, you’d only need about S$3,000 per month. Your taxes would range around S$8,000 to S$10,000 annually, and private health insurance is under S$1,000 per year. You can save a lot," one user commented.

Despite the encouraging feedback, not every response was painted with rosy expectations. Some Redditors cautioned about the challenges of urban living in Singapore. One commenter posed critical questions: "Would you be okay without a private vehicle? Living in cramped apartments? Enduring packed trains and humid weather during your daily commute?"

Moreover, the discussion touched on a sensitive topic regarding job competition. Some users expressed frustration over the trend of foreign professionals receiving high-paying job offers while locals sometimes struggle to secure employment. One Redditor remarked, "Wow, SG employers are willing to recruit $11K overseas. All the best to tech bros who can’t find a job."

In a related post, another foreign worker shared their struggles living in Singapore, lamenting the exorbitant cost of living despite working hard yet still finding it difficult to save. “The cost is just over the top; it’s hard to make ends meet and plan for the future,” they elaborated, echoing the sentiment of many long-term residents.

As this conversation continues to unfold, it reflects the multifaceted nature of living in Singapore—balancing high salaries against the backdrop of a fast-paced urban environment that can prove to be both thrilling and challenging.