SGHOUSING.COM 新加坡房地产网

SINGAPORE has been ranked the best place to live in the world by expats in one of the biggest international surveys of expatriate living ever conducted.

The Expat Explorer survey for HSBC Bank International found that as well as coming out tops overall, expats rated Singapore best for quality of accommodation and second in terms of luxury living.

Almost three-quarters of expats staying in Singapore said their accommodation was better than what they had enjoyed back home.

Mr Paul Say, HSBC Bank International’s head of marketing and communications, said: “This survey has allowed us to delve into the lives of these expats on an unprecedented scale and reveal some fascinating trends into how life differs from country to country.”

The United Arab Emirates and United States came in joint second overall.

Hong Kong ranked fifth, scoring highly for earnings and savings. In fact, Hong Kong-based expats were found to have the highest salaries in the world, with almost half earning more than 100,000 pounds ($xxxxx million) a year.

The top countries for saving included Singapore, alongside the UAE and India.

However, the Netherlands was found to be the most popular destination where expats liked to stay the longest, with more than three quarters remaining for at least three years. Singapore was ranked sixth in terms of longevity.

Foreigners may like living here, but are finding it increasingly costly. A Mercer survey released this week showed Singapore was the world’s 13th most expensive city for expats in the world and the fifth most expensive in Asia.

This is partly due to the strength of the Singapore dollar, which makes things appear more expensive when compared to costs in other countries.

Earlier this week, the American Chamber of Commerce in Singapore released another survey, highlighting widespread concern among its members over living costs here and a shortage of places for their children at international schools.

Source : Today - 25 Jul 2008