Why is Singapore the World’s Best City to Live in?

As someone who is born and bred in Singapore, my opinion on Singapore, being the world’s best city to live in, might be seen as a biased one. However, I have travelled a lot over the past decade, have lived in Germany for 6 months, and have even toyed with the idea of living abroad in another country. Eventually, I still stuck with making my home town my base for work.

When comparing the quality of life of Singapore with other countries, factors relating to accessibility of transportation, availability of goods, economic strength, education, entertainment, healthcare, housing, low level of crime and political stability have been taken into consideration. These factors contributed to me forming the opinion that Singapore is the world’s best city to live in. Check out my detailed explanations for 7 of the factors mentioned above.

#1 – Accessibility of Transportation

Singapore has an efficient public transportation system that’s affordable, easy to use and convenient. The MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) is probably the fastest way to zip around the city. Buses, taxis and grab-cars are available as well. Although I have a driving license and am allowed to drive my parents’ car, I prefer using the MRT, especially when I’m heading into town during peak hours.

#2 – Availability of Goods

There are hypermarkets that offer all kinds of goods under one roof scattered across Singapore. You can also find specialised supermarkets that offer products from a particular country around the city. Some of the hypermarkets and specialised supermarkets are open 24 hours daily. Moreover, as a developed nation with citizens who are great consumers, it’s no surprise that major retailers set up shops in Singapore. Needless to say, it’s easy to find what you need in this city.

Ps. Sometimes, I get a random urge to bake in the middle of the night, and I can simply head to the nearest 24-hour hypermarket to get the baking ingredients.

#3 – Clean and Green City

Singapore has been globally known as the “garden city” since our first prime minister, Lee Kuan Yew, introduced this concept back in the 1960s. There have been more than 1 million trees planted ever since. Some of the buildings, especially the newer ones, are covered in greenery while our streets and expressways are lined with rain trees and tembusu trees, with a pop of vibrant colours from bougainvillea.

Thanks to the cleaners’ daily efforts, our streets are exceptionally clean and pleasant as compared to many other countries. Singapore citizens also play a part in keeping our country clean. Well, this might be due to the fact that all of us try to avoid littering in order not to incur hefty fines.

#4 – Education

Singapore’s government takes great efforts to equip its population with valuable skills and knowledge crucial for surviving in today’s highly competitive society. To ensure that everyone has a chance to be educated, national institutions provide financial support for students from low-income families. Apart from this, both local and international students can apply for the tuition grant in order to decrease educational costs. Do note that such a grant oblige foreign students to work for a specific period of time in Singapore-based companies or institutions. When I have my own children in future, I’ll definitely want them to study in Singapore.

#5 – Healthcare

With a solid network of inpatient hospitals, outpatient polyclinics, emergency services, and private healthcare facilities embracing all niches of medicine, healthcare is easily accessible. Singapore is medically advanced and very well equipped with state-of-the-art equipment. Our healthcare system trains us to be financially independent and not rely on the government’s expenditure.

We have a national healthcare insurance program called Medisave. Mandatory monthly deductions from the salary are made by every employed individual and his/her employer. These funds are accumulated on the individual’s personal account and can be used for healthcare needs throughout the individual’s working life and, thereafter, for a decent retirement.

Many Singaporeans, like me, also rely on private healthcare insurances and we usually opt for private hospitals.

#6 – Safe Environment

If you’re an expatriate considering living in Singapore or a foreigner visiting this city, don’t be taken aback by our local strict bans and enforcements. The positive impacts of these laws are low crime rates and security in Singapore. You’ll seldom come across issues on serial killing, terrorism, or unrests.

I used to hang out late with my friends back when we were still schooling. At that point of time, I was between 13 and 16 years old. I walked home around 3am since the public transportation had ended, and I felt very safe. My parents weren’t too worried about me hanging out late. That being said, I’m not encouraging you to do this. Please do not take our safe environment for granted too.

#7 – Strong Economy

With its business-friendly policies, effective laws, low taxes, high-end infrastructure and open trade practice, the investment world loves Singapore. There are many favourable conditions created for foreign businesses which resulted in the city becoming a powerful startup hub.

No city is 100% perfect and Singapore is found to be one of the most, if not the most, expensive city in the world. The high cost of living can make certain things such as cars out of reach. For me, owning a car is more of a want than a need. I can still live without a car and manage my finances well. It’s always about how you manage and balance out your life. I still believe that Singapore is the world’s best city to live in.