EIU’s “Singapore’s Most Expensive” Survey: Wah lao, this survey is for who one?

The problem lies not with the EIU or with its methodology. It is fit for its purpose, which is specifically to provide guidelines for bosses deciding how to compensate employees being transferred abroad. But reading newspaper headlines suggests that it is a bargain to live in Mumbai or Karachi, the lowest-ranking cities on the list. This may be true for somebody on an expat benefits package with a lavish housing allowance thrown in, but for everyone else, it makes little sense.

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To qualify as an EIU EXPAT, one would need to consume on a regular basis, “superior table wine”, “filet mignon” and “entrecote”. One is also required to be shielded from rain by “Burberry-type raincoats” whenever they head out to watch a film only at the “four best seats in a theatre”.

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