Cost of Living in Singapore

Written by Rebeka Meszaros Moderated by Oleksandra Dosii

Rebeka Meszaros

Rebeka is a professional content writer who specializes in marketing, business, travel, and expat tips. She enjoys sharing practical, down-to-earth advice, whether it's helping businesses better their marketing strategy or providing insights about living overseas. Rebeka adds a personal touch to her writing, ensuring that every piece connects with readers.

Oleksandra Dosii

Oleksandra is a dedicated marketer with a passion for growing HR-tech products. She believes content marketing is about delivering high-quality content that provides value—not just generating leads. Since 2016, Oleksandra has been involved in tech talent relocation.

Last update: September 25, 2024

Next update: Scheduled for February 1, 2025

A single person in Singapore usually spends about S$5,134 (roughly €3,560) each month, while a family of four can expect to pay around S$12,575 (around €8,700).

Let’s break down the cost of living in Singapore, covering essentials like food, transportation, utilities, leisure, and childcare, to help you plan your budget.

*All costs are in Singapore dollars (S$). S$1 is approximately €0.70 or US$0.78, based on current (September 2024) Wise exchange rates.

Is Singapore expensive?

Singapore ranks as the 4th most expensive country and the 18th most expensive city globally, with high living and rent costs. A family of four in Singapore spends around S$5,337 on monthly expenses, plus S$7,238 on rent, totaling S$12,575. For a single person, it’s S$1,485 for living expenses and S$3,649 for rent, adding up to S$5,134.

When comparing the total costs, the city-state of Singapore is not as pricey as London, for example. A family of four in London typically spends S$14,019 per month, while in Singapore, it’s S$12,575. For a single person, London’s total is S$5,497 compared to Singapore’s S$5,134. Meanwhile, Sydney, another popular relocation destination, is more affordable than Singapore, with a family of four totaling S$10,983 per month and a single person at S$4,408. This places the Singapore cost of living in the middle — more affordable than London but more expensive than Sydney (Source: Numbeo).

Rent per month

Here’s an indication of the average monthly rent in Singapore based on the size and location of the apartment (Source: Numbeo):

• Apartment (1 bedroom) in the city center: S$3,649
• Apartment (1 bedroom) outside of center: S$2,636
• Apartment (3 bedrooms) in the city center: S$7,238
• Apartment (3 bedrooms) outside of center: S$5,063

Singapore's rental market in 2024 presents a mixed picture. While overall demand is cooling, with the rental price index dropping by 13.5% in Q1, luxury properties are still in demand. Rents for four-bedroom units in prime areas like Marina, Orchard, and Bukit Timah have increased by 6.5% since late 2023. In contrast, more affordable areas such as Tampines, Punggol, and Pasir Ris offer lower rental rates. The market is expected to stay steady, with luxury rentals likely to continue growing (Source: Santa Fe).

Best areas to live in Singapore:

• Holland Village — Central, diverse, with restaurants, shops, and great schools.
• Tanglin — Quiet, affluent area with colonial architecture and greenery.
• Tiong Bahru — Trendy, laid-back, with cafes, boutiques, and Art Deco vibes.
• Tanjong Pagar — Central location, close to CBD with condos and shophouses.
• Serangoon — Family-friendly with international schools and a relaxed atmosphere.
• Sentosa — Resort-style living with oceanfront homes and beach access.
• East Coast — Spacious condos, family-friendly, with sea breezes and park activities.
• Woodlands — Suburban feel, near American School, with large houses.

Up-and-coming neighborhoods:

• Pasir Panjang — Colonial homes, near CBD, and nature parks.
• West Coast and Clementi — Value for money, family-friendly, with good amenities.
• Telok Blangah and HarbourFront — Close to CBD and Sentosa, diverse housing options.
• Hillview, Dairy Farm, Bukit Panjang — Quiet, green areas with improved MRT access.
• Serangoon Gardens, Hougang, Punggol — Growing expat community, better value, and international schools.
• Pasir Ris — Laid-back, accessible, with nature parks and suburban living.

Areas to avoid:

• Tampines — Higher car theft rates, though generally safe.
• Jurong West — Notable for outrage of modesty cases in recent years.
• Yishun North — Loan shark harassment cases, known as a crime hotspot.

How to find an apartment in Singapore

Renting can be challenging with the high cost of living in Singapore, especially in central areas like Orchard Road, where a two-bedroom condo can cost over S$5,500 monthly. To save on rent, consider neighborhoods further out, such as Bukit Batok or Pasir Ris, where rents are lower, and the public transport system makes commuting easy. Start your search on property websites like PropertyGuru and 99.co, and be ready to navigate Singapore's rental terms, including the Letter of Intent (LOI) and Tenancy Agreement (TA). Expect to pay a security deposit (usually one to two months' rent) and a stamp duty fee, which can add to the upfront costs.

Be aware of some difficulties: leases are typically for two years, and although a diplomatic clause allows for early termination after 12 months, this can still be restrictive. Many properties are unfurnished, so you may need to rent furniture through services like Expat Furniture Rental. Landlords can be inflexible, especially if you try negotiating rent during peak times like July and August. If you have pets, check with the landlord, as pet policies vary.

If you need assistance finding a place to rent in Singapore, we're here to help. We can provide a personalized quote or connect you with trusted local partners who have successfully helped others find rentals in the city. Let us make your search easier and stress-free.

Property prices

The average price per square meter to buy an apartment in Singapore is around (Source: Numbeo):

• City center: S$28,070/sqm
• Outside of the city center: S$18,340/sqm

If you're an expat looking to buy property in Singapore, what you can purchase depends on whether you have Singapore citizenship, a visa, or permanent residency. Non-permanent residents can buy private condos, Executive Condominiums (ECs) that are over ten years old, and landed properties on Sentosa. Permanent Residents (PRs) can also buy resale HDB (public rental for low-income people) flats under certain conditions. You can check the Singapore Land Authority's guide for details. Foreigners have to pay a Buyer's Stamp Duty (BSD) and an Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD). For PRs, ABSD is 5% on the first property and 15% for any additional properties. Non-PR foreigners pay 20%. U.S. citizens and nationals from Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein are exempt from ABSD. To get an estimate of these taxes, use the IRAS Stamp Duty Calculator.

When it comes to financing, expats can apply for Singapore bank loans, which usually cover up to 75% of the property's value, with a 5-10% cash downpayment required. The loan-to-value ratio can be stricter if it's not your first property. To make the process easier, it's a good idea to work with a property agent who can help with paperwork, tax, and pricing. Agents typically charge a 1% fee. You can find experienced agents on platforms like PropertyGuru. Also, make sure to consider your long-term plans like obtaining permanent residency, as this can affect your property options and taxes.

Utilities

A considerable part of the Singapore cost of living is the monthly utilities (Source: Numbeo):

• Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for an 85m² apartment: S$219
• Mobile phone monthly plan with calls and 10GB+ Data: S$22
• Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL): S$47

Try to cut down on these to help with the cost of living in Singapore with these tips:

• Compare and switch utility providers: Use the Open Electricity Market to compare electricity rates from different providers in Singapore. Switching to a provider with better rates or special promotions can lower your monthly bills.
• Bundle internet and phone services: Singtel, StarHub, and M1 offer bundle deals for internet, mobile, and TV. Bundling can save you money compared to paying for these services separately.
• Save on mobile plans: Check out SIM-only plans from GOMO by Singtel, Circles.Life, and M1. These often offer more data and flexibility for a lower price than standard contracts.
• Compare broadband options: Before you sign up for broadband, look at MyRepublic, ViewQwest, and WhizComms. They often have promotions that give you higher speeds at lower prices.
• Use cashback and deals: Shopback and Fave offer cashback and discounts on utilities, mobile plans, and internet services.
• Monitor your usage: Use Speedtest to check your internet speed to ensure you're getting what you pay for. For electricity, use apps from providers to track usage and find ways to cut down on costs.

Public transport

The public transport is super easy to use and budget-friendly, which helps with the cost of living in Singapore. The MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) is the quickest way to get around, and with six lines, it covers most of the city. Use the SMRT Journey Planner to map out your route. Buses are also a great option — check routes on Google Maps or the MyTransport.sg app. Grab an EZ-Link Card at any MRT station or 7-Eleven, or use SimplyGo with your contactless card for quick payments. Avoid rush hour (7-9 AM and 6-8 PM) if you can, and always remember to tap in and out with your card to get charged the correct fare.

Singapore travel ticket (Source: PTC):

• Bus fares (Standard services): Card: Up to 3.2 km - 48 cents; Cash: Up to 7.2 km - 95 cents.
• Feeder (transfer) bus services: Card - 48 cents, Cash - 95 cents.
• Express bus services (Card only): Up to 3.2 km - 78 cents, 3.3 km - 4.2 km - 83 cents, Over 7.2 km - 100 cents.
• MRT and LRT train fares: Card: Up to 3.2 km - 48 cents, 3.3 km - 4.2 km - 53 cents, Over 7.2 km - 70 cents.

Taxi (Source: Numbeo):

• Taxi start (normal tariff): S$4.60
• Taxi 1 km: S$1
• Taxi 1 hour waiting: S$20.40
• From the Airport to the city center: S$20-S$30

Food

Grocery shopping in Singapore has plenty of options to suit any budget. For everyday essentials, NTUC FairPrice and Giant offer affordable items, while Sheng Siong is known for its low prices and wet market sections. If you're after international or gourmet foods, check out Cold Storage, Don Don Donki, and Meidi-Ya. For discounts, shop in the evenings at stores like Cold Storage or visit local wet markets for fresh produce. If you want to shop online try Zairyo and MoguShop. Planning meals and making a list can help you avoid overspending and help with the high Singapore cost of living.

Depending on shopping and dietary habits, groceries in Singapore tend to cost around (Source: Reddit):

• For a single person: S$200-S$250
• For a couple: S$300-S$500
• For a family of four: S$800-S$1,200

Here are some typical grocery items to give you an idea of prices (Source: Numbeo):

• Milk (1 liter): S$3.70
• Loaf of fresh white bread (500g): S$2.80
• Rice (1kg): S$3.80
• Eggs (12): $4.40
• Chicken fillets (1kg): S$12.60
• Domestic beer (0.5 liter bottle): S$5.60

If you prefer to eat out, expect the following average prices (Source: Numbeo):

• Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: S$15
• Meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant (three-course): S$95
• McMeal at McDonald's (or equivalent combo meal): S$10
• Domestic beer (0.5 liter draught): S$9.90
• Cappuccino (regular): S$6.37
• Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle): S$2.07
• Water (0.33 liter bottle): S$1.52

Mobile phone plan

Getting a mobile plan in Singapore is straightforward, and coverage is solid island-wide. You can choose from prepaid SIM cards or flexible SIM-only plans that don't lock you into a contract.

Main providers:

• Singtel: Offers plenty of data plans. The SIM Only Plus Plan comes with 200GB for S$55/month, including free caller ID.
• StarHub: Known for competitive prices. The Star Plan L offers 200GB for S$32/month and 1,500 minutes of talk time.
• M1: Budget-friendly with no contract. The 150GB Forever Plan costs S$14.95/month, with unlimited weekend data.

Affordable options:

• VIVIFI: Great for light users, offering the Lite Plan with 3GB for S$9/month and free caller ID.
• giga! (StarHub): Offers 20GB for S$10.19/month, with data rollover and free incoming calls.

eSIMs:

• Providers like Singtel, StarHub, and M1 also offer eSIMs for supported phones, with activation fees of around S$4.50.

Childcare

Choosing childcare in Singapore depends on your schedule, budget, and your child's needs. If you are a Singapore citizen, use the ECDA subsidy calculator to see what you qualify for. Before choosing, make sure any childcare option is licensed by the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) to ensure quality standards.

Types and prices of childcare in Singapore (Source: Income Insurance Singapore):

• Domestic helper: S$779.90-S$899.90/month. Includes salary, living expenses, and levy.
• Part-time babysitter: S$300-S$500/month. Around S$15-S$35/hour for 20 hours/week.
• Full-time babysitter: S$600-S$1,400/month. Around S$15-S$35/hour for 40 hours/week.
• Premium childcare centers: S$1,000-S$2,500+/month. Specialized programs and more attention.
• Anchor operators: Up to S$720/month (childcare) or S$1,275/month (infant care). Available at My First Skool and MY World Preschool.
• Partner operators: Up to S$800/month (childcare) or S$1,400/month (infant care). Provide quality care at a capped fee.
• Preschool (or kindergarten), full day, private, monthly for 1 child: S$1,508 (around €1,050)

International yearly school fees (Source: International Schools Database):

1. Stamford International American School: S$29,700-S$53,440
2. Canadian International School: S$28,080-S$49,610
3. One World International School: S$21,034-S$24,183
4. Global Indian International School Singapore: S$14,919-S$31,338
5. St Joseph’s Institution International: S$36,070-S$46,716
6. International primary school, yearly for 1 child: S$36,671 (roughly €25,500)

Gym

In Singapore, most gyms require a long-term commitment, often 6 to 12 months, so it's worth checking contract flexibility before signing up. Some gyms are affordable and government-subsidized, and many offer off-peak discounts. It's common to find 24-hour access gyms like Anytime Fitness for those with unpredictable schedules. Make sure to inquire about hidden fees like registration and cancellation charges before committing to a membership

Major gym brands and their monthly prices:

• 24/7 Fitness: from S$98
• Anytime Fitness: from S$80-S$100
• Amore Fitness: from S$100-S$165
• True Fitness: from S$105
• Fitness First: fromS$89
• Pure Fitness: from S$155 (for limited visits)
• Virgin Active: S$133 - S$320/month depending on the plan
• Fitness club, monthly fee for 1 adult (average): S$136