Is moving out at 20 in Singapore with around 6k savings realistic?
I’m 20 and thinking about moving out/running away around July/August due to personal/family reasons. Right now I have around 5k+ saved and I’m trying to figure out what amount is realistically “safe enough” before moving. (i am saying "running away" because im not allowed to move out)
This is not an impulsive decision, i’ve actually been thinking about and planning this for years. I’ve been saving money for some time and trying to plan things as realistically as possible before making any decisions.
My family environment is extremely difficult for me. They are very religious and traditional while I don’t share the same beliefs or values, and there is a lot of pressure to conform to expectations that don’t align with me. Dating is not allowed and there is strong expectation of arranged marriage in the near future. I also don’t feel like I have much freedom to live independently or make personal life choices.
Another issue is that my family is pressuring me heavily into university even though I don’t want to go right now and I’m not allowed to take a gap year. They already made me apply for university, and university is expected to start around July, which is part of why I feel pressured to figure things out soon. Staying longer in this environment is seriously affecting my mental health and making me feel trapped. I want to move out before any university-related financial commitments begin.
The place I may move into would be around $700/month rent, and I estimate my total monthly living expenses would be around 1.5k/month.
For people in Singapore who moved out young:
- how much savings did you have before moving?
- was around 6k enough?
- what unexpected costs should I prepare for?
- what should I prioritise financially before leaving?
- are there any legal issues/restrictions for moving out at 20 in Singapore or any other legal things i need to be worried about?
- can parents legally stop you from moving out if you’re already 20?
- anything you wish you knew before moving out?
I’d appreciate realistic advice from people with experience.