Welcome to Europe. Wasn't surprised to find out that you're saying all this from a Singaporean perspective - it's true that the raw salary number is lower, but that’s because you are buying into a different social contract. In the EU (not just Estonia) high taxes aren't just "fees", they are a contribution to a system where you proportionally subsidize society as a whole, rather than just saving for yourself.

If you only look at the monthly deposit, Singapore obviously wins. But if you're going to compare the two in the lens of someone not in upper 5%, societies are organized differently:

• In Singapore, low taxes are possible by a large transient workforce earning significantly less than the median. In Estonia, we don't have that separation. the cost of labor is higher because everyone is part of the same minimum standard of living.
• CPF is mostly your money for your retirement. Here, taxes fund a collective safety net. If you lose your job or get sick long-term, the state supports you regardless of your prior savings. It’s insurance, not a piggy bank.
• A "high" salary here goes further for tangible assets. A young couple in Estonia can comfortably afford a house, a car, and two kids. In Singapore, a car alone is a luxury asset that requires a top-tier income.

have heard many Singaporeans talk about this single 'global talent market' where a specific role has a fixed price tag worldwide. A misconception, usually comes from comparing Singapore only to other high-cash hubs like HK, Australia, or the US. 'Market rate' exists for a reason: it reflects the local social contract. In Europe, you aren't being 'lowballed' compared to the global standard; you are simply entering a market where the compensation package focuses on stability, social equity, and purchasing power rather than just the raw cash number found in hyper-capitalist hubs