24/01/2026
This video reminds me of a blog post we wrote on the shocking truths of living in Britain when we first moved. (Link at the bottom)
It is so easy to watch a simplistic video like that and come to really simplistic conclusions. Truth is, such videos are meant to stir up emotions but do very little to provide enough to form a coherent perspective. Just thought we'd share a little more...
Singapore looks really good on most statistics and boasts lower income tax, one of the highest GDP per capita and gross household disposable income. It really is attractive if you are a high net worth individual because the rich get richer when they pay little income tax relative to their income and nothing on capital gains. They pass on the wealth to their children tax free. But that also means income inequality in Singapore is one of the highest in the world.
What 1 min 24 seconds of fun content donât tell you about Singapore is how falling ill means youâll pay 9% GST on your medical bills (Class B1 and above). Youâll pay out of pocket even after paying for an insurance. If are lucky enough to die, youâll have the privilege of paying 9% GST on your burial and cremation. 9% tax on everything you buy on your grocery shop. What the video doesnât show is how GST in Singapore disproportionately burdens regular folk.
Yes, VAT is 20% on many things in the UK. But the video OMITS key facts about UKâs VAT system.
VAT is 5% on your homeâs utilities.
VAT is 0% on:
MOST OF HUMAN FOOD ITEMS IN THE SUPERMARKET.
Medical treatment
Medical prescription,
Equipment for blind and disabled
University fees
Sewage and water,
Most printed publications
Baby diaper,
Womenâs sanitary products
Baby formula
Childrenâs clothing and footwear
Burial and cremation
Yes, ZERO PERCENT.
Life has become so devoid of hope that it is actually financially rational not to have children. And that explains why Singapore ranks top 5 for the lowest birthrates on the planet. Lower taxes doesnât mean lower cost of living.
My British friends are almost incredulous when I tell them about the cost of living in Singapore.A basic 99 year leasehold (you own only the right to live there not the property) 3 bed rooms + 1 living room flat costs ÂŁ361,000 ($627,000) on average. A similar home in the UK is 1/3 the price.
You want your own garden? 99 year lease hold landed properties start at ÂŁ1.44 million ($2.5 million). You can get 4-5 freehold landed homes with a garden with that money in the UK.
Want to drive in Singapore? The cheapest car (Suzuki Swift) in Singapore costs ÂŁ86,300 ($150,000). A Volkswagen Golf costs ÂŁ114,500 ($198,900). Youâll get 5 or 6 identical cars in the UK.
UK Income tax, inheritance tax, capital gains taxes in the UK takes more from those who have more. Taxes fund free state education, free healthcare through NHS, unemployment benefits (jobseekers allowance), 39 weeks of statutory maternity pay, disability benefits, pension credits and child benefits.
Taxes may be higher but people have a more comprehensive safety net. Taxes may be higher but fairer. Taxes may be higher but cost of living is significantly lower in the UK.
You can read a little bit more about our experience here:
https://www.hirojack.com/blog/the-shocking-truths-about-life-in-britain #/
What are your thoughts?
