While Singapore has the world’s strongest passport and is a thriving financial hub, it still falls short in some of the everyday factors that contribute to an overall top-notch quality of life. This is according to the latest Global Passport Index ranking and one metric in the rankings that has sparked plenty of discussion.

Compiled by Global Citizen Solutions, the Global Passport Index ranks passports based on more than just how many countries one can travel to without a visa. Rather than just focusing on travel mobility, it also looks at how attractive a country is for living and investment. It considers factors such as healthcare, safety, taxes, economic strength, innovation, climate, and overall quality of life.

Singapore ranked 10th on the list, and while we came in first for both the enhanced mobility and investment categories, we placed 115th on the Quality of Life index.

Singaporeans were quick to weigh in on the results on Reddit, and perhaps somewhat uncharacteristically, most were actually in agreement with the Quality of Life ranking.

Several netizens pointed to the cost of living here, which is, without a doubt, high. Most pointed out expensive housing, pricey cars, and the rising cost of petrol as major contributors.

“Eye-wateringly expensive if you want a good quality of life. No car, no pet, small house if you can’t afford it. Limited options for nature lovers. Entertainment is all about spending money,” lamented one commenter. 

Another suggested the ranking may have turned out the way it is because “Singapore ranks lower on climate, work-life balance, housing prices, cost of living, and lack of natural landscape”, all part of factors taken into account when the index measures quality of life. 

They argued that local parks are not comparable to national parks in other countries, alongside the country’s high average housing costs.

Which brings us to the next point raised by a few: housing. While those living in European countries often have the option to retire to the countryside or move to less urban areas, Singapore is, well, essentially a city on its own. That means there’s little choice but to buy homes at “city” prices, where we often pay more for less space.

Unlike many other countries, there are also no rural areas here where things are cheaper, so the average cost of living ends up being higher than in many other places.

Another point commenters agreed on is work-life balance, with many saying long working hours leave little time for personal life, especially when salaries are often just enough to cover high living costs.

“I would argue that on a S$2K a month salary in Bali, you could live the same quality of life you can get here with a S$7K salary,” opined one netizen. 

Another asserted: “The effort to reward ratio sucks [and that’s why] the quality is low. You have to grind your way to the top 15 per cent to enjoy life here.”

One tourist also provided a more objective view on the topic. 

They praised Singapore for its cleanliness, safety, efficiency, strong public transport, and overall order from what they've seen as a visitor. However, they also believe living here would be very different, with high housing costs, limited space and privacy, and a study and work culture that feels very competitive and career-focused, with people seeming less relaxed. 

They also brought up one point we can probably all agree on, which is that the hot, humid weather makes day-to-day life less comfortable, adding: “I don’t know how the hawker stall and construction workers do not pass out working in the heat and humidity.”

All in all, while they feel Singapore is one of the best countries they’ve visited,  they do think it may be harder to live in long-term compared to places like Australia or the UK.

All in all, some may find it hard to disagree with the points mentioned, which also reflect some of the complaints shared by other Singaporeans. 

Do you agree with the ranking?

Photos: Reddit, globalcitizensolutions.com