The flight pay is per planned hour, not per hour flown. If you find a short cut, you still get the same money - taxi with 30kts is allowed.
Appartements for 2000-3000 for 3 bedrooms are at the lower end. But they are of good quality already. You don't need a car in SIN, if you want one, you also get it used for 50 000 S$, that's 500$/month for the loan.
Dani