offer 150k+40k housing assistance

[zrtny]

I recently received an offer of 150K +40K package from a singapore firm. But right now I am making 110K USD in US. I was told the tax rate is only 18% so I should appreciate the actual raise by moving to Singapore. I don't really buy that. But I heard the avg salary is 50K in Singapore. So I don't know if it is a very good offer for expat? Is there a room (another 15%) to negotiate? Thank you.

[headspace]

Who cares what the average salary is in Singapore?

You're in the US, earning US dollars.

Unless you really want to come to Singapore, or are being laid off over there, I don't see why you'd want to peg your future salary to the much lower average of another country, and take a pay cut, to boot (though not a very big one, it seems).

But to answer your question, yes, $150k + housing is good by local standards, especially if you pay local tax.

You'd probably have more cash in pocket over here.

[headspace]

About negotiation, I have no idea.

Why not give it a shot - all they can do is say no.

What line of work are you in?

[unclesam]

If you are American you can't take advantage of the lower tax rates here.  Americans have to pay Sing and US taxes.  In theory your tax bill should work out to about the same as you currently pay in the US.

US$110k is about S$168k, so you are taking a pay cut.  I wouldn't do that if I were you unless there is some reason, other than $, that you want to come work in SG.

There are many costs involved in moving.  If the co. is moving you, they should pay your relocation costs both ways.

Extras would be car allowance; 1x/yr home leave; american club (not really necesary unless your wife is a yob), school fees (a must if you have kids).

[Ex-Calif]

OP if you email me I will send you my US vs. Singapore expat file that breaks down the lifestyle costs of living here.

Bottom line is a family of four making 100k in the US would need about $250-280 to live here.

Knock off 45k-60k if no kids.

As someone said - If you are a non-US citizen and not subject to US tax it gets better but if a US citizen you have to pay Uncle Sam.

If no US tax, no kids and motivated to see Asia I could see taking SIN190k for a couple of years.

As far as negotiations I would definitely go for tax prep fees and tax protection. i.e. a gross up in your salary to account for "dual" taxation. Figuring out international taxes is not fun...

[Vulcanl]

As an American living here on local terms - I would not be so dismissive of the idea of coming here even if it means a pay cut.

There are many structural problems in the US right now that will take years to work off.  We are only now at the beginning of the housing crash.

Asia in general and Singapore in particular are fundamentally sound from an economic standpoint.  The USD has weakened considerably and will continue to weaken.

Finally, re: taxes there is an exemption for income tax that maxes out at USD 82K.  At current FX rates what that means is that there is no Federal tax due if Singapore income is around 125K or less.  You are of course liable for SGD tax to the govt here.

Cost of living here is so much less than the States.

I say if OP has an opportunity to come here for a few years and wait out the US economic downturn to come, the notion is not so far-fetched

[zrtny]

Thank you very much for all of you.
I will keep on pushing for more and alter my strategy a little bit.

Cheers

[sigh]

"Cost of living here is so much less than the States."

This is not necessarily true, depending on your lifestyle and where in the US you are coming from.  

It is most definitely not true if you have kids, send them to public school in the US and are now paying international school fees.  

It is also not true if you live in a reasonably priced area of the US and are used to a large house and yard.....

[sigh]

I just realized Vulcanl is from NY, NY.   That explains the comment!!!

Compared to NY and most of California, yes, Singapore is cheaper.  If you're coming from anywhere else, probably not.