In Singapore, owning a car involves significant financial commitment due to the high costs associated with car ownership, including the COE, road tax, insurance, and maintenance. Here’s my feedback on each of the points:
1. Suitable Income Level for Car Ownership
To comfortably own a car in Singapore, many people suggest that your annual income should be at least 1.5 to 2 times the total cost of car ownership. This includes the cost of the car, the COE, and ongoing expenses like maintenance, fuel, insurance, and road tax. For a middle-range car, this could mean an annual income of at least SGD 80,000 to SGD 120,000, depending on the car model and COE price. However, the higher your income, the more comfortable you'll be with the costs.