Singaporean actor, comedian, and director Hossan Leong has spent decades living, working, and performing across Asia and Australia. In a candid conversation with The Financial Coconut, he shared his honest take on what life is really like in Singapore, Johor Bahru (JB), and Sydney—from housing and groceries to retirement plans and everyday lifestyle.
Hossan rated each city across key lifestyle metrics:
| Category | Singapore | Johor Bahru (JB) | Sydney |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Groceries | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Eating Out | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Monthly Cost (No Rent) | S$8,000 | RM6,000 | A$8,000 |
| Public Transport | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Car Ownership | ⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Friendliness | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Fun / Leisure | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Retirement Potential | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Category | Singapore | Johor Bahru (JB) | Sydney |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing (2BR) | S$3,500–4,000 | RM2,000–2,800 | A$3,200 |
| Groceries | S$500 | RM300 (S$90) | S$500 |
| Eating Out | S$1,200–1,500 | RM2,000 | A$2,000 |
| Monthly (No Rent) | S$8,000 | RM6,000 | A$8,000 |
Housing
In JB, Hossan lives in a spacious double-storey terrace house at a steal of RM2,000, thanks to a long-time landlord. He admits newer properties cost more, but they still offer incredible value compared to Singapore’s shoebox-style condos. Sydney, where he owns an apartment by the harbour, offers stunning views but tiny space.
Groceries
"We like to eat well," he says. Whether in Singapore or Sydney, Hossan shops for high-quality items—think antioxidant-rich berries. JB is cheaper, but he still spends more than locals by shopping online and importing from Singapore when needed.
Eating Out
In all three cities, Hossan enjoys a mix of hawker food and splurging at trendy restaurants. In JB, he often seeks out the newest Japanese or Italian joints. Sydney's brunch culture is pricey, but he loves the lifestyle.
Monthly Cost (Excl. Housing)
"To live comfortably in Singapore, I think a couple needs about $8,000 a month." In JB, he pegs this at RM6,000; in Sydney, about A$8,000—not including rent. These figures reflect a middle to upper-middle class lifestyle with the occasional indulgence.
"Please plan. I know I’m impulsive—I’ve said yes to adventures that could’ve gone very wrong—but I always tell people: do your research. Whether you're starting a business, relocating for work, or chasing a dream, make sure you know the city, the culture, and what you're walking into. Living abroad expands your mind, but it also throws curveballs. Be adaptable, stay curious, and don’t just stay in your comfort bubble. That curiosity, that openness—it’s what keeps life rich and exciting."
Hossan Leong built his career in Singapore, spent years living just over the Causeway in JB, and holds Australian PR with a home overlooking Sydney Harbour. His take? Each city offers its own rhythm, cost, and charm—but with planning and curiosity, any of them can be home.
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