Singapore Cost of Living Guide for Expatriates
Singapore Cost of Living Guide for Expatriates
Introduction
Understanding the cost of living in Singapore is essential for expatriates planning their relocation. While Singapore consistently ranks among the world’s most expensive cities, careful planning and budgeting can help you manage your finances effectively while enjoying all this dynamic city-state has to offer.
This comprehensive guide provides realistic cost estimates across various expense categories, helping you prepare financially for your move to Singapore. We’ve included both budget-friendly options and premium alternatives to accommodate different lifestyle preferences and financial situations.
Housing Costs
Housing typically represents the largest expense for expatriates in Singapore.
Rental Prices by Area and Property Type
Condominiums (Monthly Rent)
| Area |
Studio/1-Bedroom |
2-Bedroom |
3-Bedroom |
| Central (Districts 1, 2, 6, 9, 10) |
S$3,500-5,500 |
S$5,000-8,000 |
S$7,000-12,000+ |
| City Fringe (Districts 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15) |
S$2,500-4,000 |
S$3,500-5,500 |
S$4,500-7,000 |
| Outside Central Region (Districts 16-28) |
S$1,800-3,000 |
S$2,500-4,000 |
S$3,500-5,500 |
HDB Flats (Public Housing – Monthly Rent)
| Type |
Monthly Rent |
| 3-Room (2-Bedroom) |
S$1,800-2,800 |
| 4-Room (3-Bedroom) |
S$2,200-3,500 |
| 5-Room (3-Bedroom + Study) |
S$2,500-4,000 |
Co-Living Spaces (Monthly Rent)
| Type |
Monthly Rent |
| Standard Room (Shared Facilities) |
S$1,200-2,000 |
| Premium Room (Ensuite) |
S$1,800-3,000 |
| Studio Unit |
S$2,500-4,000 |
Additional Housing Costs
| Expense |
Typical Cost |
| Security Deposit |
1-2 months’ rent |
| Agent Fee (if applicable) |
1 month’s rent |
| Utilities (for 2-bedroom condo) |
S$200-300/month |
| Internet |
S$40-100/month |
| Cable TV/Streaming |
S$20-80/month |
| Condominium Facilities Fee |
Usually included in rent |
Cost-Saving Housing Tips
- Consider co-living options like d’Habitat, which include utilities and internet in the monthly fee
- Look at properties near MRT stations but not in prime districts
- Explore HDB rentals for more affordable options
- Negotiate longer lease terms for better rates
- Share accommodations with roommates to split costs
Transportation
Singapore’s excellent public transportation system offers affordable mobility options.
Public Transportation
| Type |
Cost |
| MRT/Bus Fare (with EZ-Link card) |
S$0.92-2.08 per trip |
| Monthly Concession Pass (Adult) |
S$120 (unlimited bus and train rides) |
| EZ-Link Card Initial Purchase |
S$12 (includes S$7 stored value) |
Private Transportation
| Type |
Cost |
| Taxi Flag-Down Rate |
S$3.20-3.90 |
| Taxi Per Kilometer |
S$0.22-0.33 |
| Grab/Gojek Ride (5km) |
S$10-15 (varies with demand) |
| Car Purchase (Toyota Corolla Altis) |
S$110,000-130,000 (including COE) |
| Car Rental (Monthly) |
S$1,500-2,500 |
| Car Rental (Daily) |
S$80-150 |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
S$800-1,500 |
| Parking (Monthly) |
S$100-300 (residential), S$300-600 (CBD) |
| Fuel (Per Liter) |
S$2.30-2.80 |
Cost-Saving Transportation Tips
- Use public transportation for most journeys
- Consider monthly concession passes if you commute daily
- Use ride-sharing apps during off-peak hours
- Try car-sharing services like BlueSG or GetGo for occasional car use
- Cycle for short distances using bike-sharing services
Food and Dining
Singapore is a food paradise with options for every budget.
Everyday Dining
| Type |
Cost per Meal |
| Hawker Center/Food Court |
S$3.50-6.00 |
| Fast Food |
S$7-12 |
| Mid-Range Restaurant |
S$15-30 |
| High-End Restaurant |
S$50-150+ |
| Coffee Shop Breakfast |
S$3-5 |
| Café Brunch |
S$15-25 |
Grocery Costs (Weekly for 1-2 People)
| Type |
Weekly Cost |
| Budget Grocery Shopping |
S$60-100 |
| Mid-Range Grocery Shopping |
S$100-200 |
| Premium/Organic Grocery Shopping |
S$200-300+ |
Sample Grocery Item Prices
| Item |
Cost |
| Milk (1 liter) |
S$3.00-4.50 |
| Bread (Standard Loaf) |
S$2.00-4.00 |
| Rice (1kg) |
S$2.50-5.00 |
| Chicken (1kg) |
S$7.00-12.00 |
| Eggs (12) |
S$2.80-4.50 |
| Apples (1kg) |
S$4.00-7.00 |
| Local Vegetables (1kg) |
S$2.00-4.00 |
| Imported Vegetables (1kg) |
S$4.00-8.00 |
| Local Beer (330ml, 6-pack) |
S$15.00-20.00 |
| Wine (Mid-range Bottle) |
S$25.00-45.00 |
Cost-Saving Food Tips
- Eat at hawker centers for affordable, delicious local food
- Cook at home for most meals
- Shop at wet markets for fresh produce at lower prices
- Look for lunch specials at restaurants
- Use food delivery apps with promotional codes
Healthcare
Singapore offers world-class healthcare, but costs can be significant without insurance.
Medical Costs
| Service |
Cost Without Insurance |
| GP Consultation |
S$20-50 (polyclinic), S$50-120 (private) |
| Specialist Consultation |
S$125-300+ |
| Emergency Room Visit |
S$120-200 (public), S$200-400+ (private) |
| Hospital Stay (Per Day) |
S$350-550 (public, ward B1), S$600-1,200+ (private) |
| Basic Health Screening |
S$80-500 |
| Dental Cleaning |
S$75-200 |
| Filling |
S$80-250 |
Health Insurance
| Type |
Annual Premium Range |
| Basic Local Plan |
S$1,000-2,000 |
| Comprehensive Local Plan |
S$2,000-4,000 |
| International Health Insurance |
S$3,000-10,000+ |
Cost-Saving Healthcare Tips
- Ensure comprehensive health insurance coverage
- Use polyclinics for routine care (more affordable than private GPs)
- Ask for generic medications when possible
- Compare prices between healthcare providers
- Take advantage of employer health benefits
Education
For expatriates with children, education costs can be substantial.
International Schools
| Type |
Annual Fees |
| International School (Primary) |
S$15,000-35,000 |
| International School (Secondary) |
S$20,000-40,000 |
| Application Fee |
S$200-500 |
| Registration Fee |
S$1,500-3,500 |
| Development Levy |
S$500-2,500 |
Local Schools
| Type |
Annual Fees for Foreigners |
| Primary School |
S$6,000-9,000 |
| Secondary School |
S$9,000-13,000 |
| Junior College |
S$12,000-16,000 |
Preschool and Childcare
| Type |
Monthly Fees |
| Local Preschool |
S$300-1,500 |
| International Preschool |
S$1,500-3,000+ |
| Full-Day Childcare |
S$1,000-2,500 |
Cost-Saving Education Tips
- Consider local schools for significant savings
- Apply for the AEIS (Admissions Exercise for International Students) for local school placement
- Research scholarship opportunities at international schools
- Look into schools with lower fees outside central areas
- Plan ahead for education costs in your overall budget
Domestic Help
Many expatriate families employ domestic helpers.
Foreign Domestic Worker Costs
| Expense |
Cost |
| Monthly Salary |
S$600-1,000+ |
| Levy |
S$300-450 per month |
| Insurance (Annual) |
S$250-400 |
| Placement Fee |
S$1,000-2,000 |
| Medical Examination (Bi-annual) |
S$80-120 |
| Work Permit Application/Renewal |
S$30-60 |
Part-Time Help
| Service |
Cost |
| Cleaning Service (3-4 hours) |
S$80-150 |
| Babysitting (Hourly) |
S$15-25 |
| Laundry Service (Per kg) |
S$4-8 |
Telecommunications
Staying connected is affordable in Singapore.
Mobile Plans
| Type |
Monthly Cost |
| Budget SIM-Only Plan (20-30GB data) |
S$10-20 |
| Mid-Range Plan (50-100GB data) |
S$20-40 |
| Premium Plan (Unlimited data) |
S$40-80 |
Home Internet
| Type |
Monthly Cost |
| Fiber Broadband (1Gbps) |
S$40-60 |
| Fiber Broadband (2Gbps) |
S$60-100 |
| Fiber Broadband with TV Bundle |
S$80-150 |
Entertainment and Leisure
Singapore offers diverse entertainment options.
Recreation
| Activity |
Cost |
| Movie Ticket |
S$10-15 (weekday), S$13-18 (weekend) |
| Gym Membership |
S$80-250 per month |
| Swimming Pool Entry (Public) |
S$1-2 |
| Yoga Class |
S$25-35 per session |
| Tennis Court Rental |
S$3-10 per hour (public), S$20-40 (private) |
Attractions
| Attraction |
Cost per Adult |
| Gardens by the Bay (Conservatories) |
S$28 |
| Singapore Zoo |
S$41 |
| Universal Studios Singapore |
S$81 |
| ArtScience Museum |
S$18-21 |
| Singapore Flyer |
S$33 |
Nightlife
| Activity |
Cost |
| Beer at Hawker Center |
S$6-8 |
| Beer at Bar/Club |
S$12-18 |
| Cocktail at Bar |
S$18-28 |
| Wine (Glass) at Restaurant |
S$12-20 |
| Club Entry |
S$20-40 (includes one drink) |
Cost-Saving Entertainment Tips
- Look for free public events and attractions
- Use entertainment apps for discounts and promotions
- Visit museums on free admission days
- Explore Singapore’s parks and nature reserves
- Take advantage of happy hour specials
Clothing and Personal Care
| Item |
Cost |
| Business Shirt |
S$40-100 |
| Business Suit |
S$300-1,000+ |
| Casual Outfit |
S$50-150 |
| Haircut |
S$15-40 (heartland), S$40-80+ (central) |
| Manicure |
S$20-60 |
| Massage (1 hour) |
S$60-120 |
Sample Monthly Budget
Budget Lifestyle (Single Person)
| Expense Category |
Monthly Cost (S$) |
| Accommodation (Room in co-living space) |
1,500 |
| Utilities & Internet |
Included |
| Food (Mix of hawker and home cooking) |
800 |
| Transportation (Public) |
150 |
| Mobile Phone |
20 |
| Healthcare Insurance |
150 |
| Entertainment & Leisure |
300 |
| Personal Care |
100 |
| Miscellaneous |
200 |
| Total |
S$3,220 |
Moderate Lifestyle (Single Person)
| Expense Category |
Monthly Cost (S$) |
| Accommodation (1-bedroom condo, city fringe) |
3,000 |
| Utilities & Internet |
250 |
| Food (Mix of restaurants and home cooking) |
1,200 |
| Transportation (Mix of public and Grab) |
300 |
| Mobile Phone |
40 |
| Healthcare Insurance |
250 |
| Entertainment & Leisure |
600 |
| Personal Care |
200 |
| Miscellaneous |
300 |
| Total |
S$6,140 |
Family Lifestyle (Couple with One Child)
| Expense Category |
Monthly Cost (S$) |
| Accommodation (3-bedroom condo, city fringe) |
5,000 |
| Utilities & Internet |
350 |
| Food |
2,000 |
| Transportation |
500 |
| Mobile Phone & Internet |
150 |
| Healthcare Insurance |
600 |
| Education (International School) |
2,500 |
| Domestic Helper |
1,000 |
| Entertainment & Leisure |
800 |
| Personal Care |
400 |
| Miscellaneous |
500 |
| Total |
S$13,800 |
Tax Considerations
Singapore’s personal income tax rates are relatively low compared to many Western countries.
Resident Tax Rates (After Deductions)
| Chargeable Income (S$) |
Tax Rate (%) |
| First 20,000 |
0 |
| Next 10,000 |
2 |
| Next 10,000 |
3.5 |
| Next 40,000 |
7 |
| Next 40,000 |
11.5 |
| Next 40,000 |
15 |
| Next 40,000 |
18 |
| Next 40,000 |
19 |
| Next 40,000 |
19.5 |
| Next 40,000 |
20 |
| Above 320,000 |
22 |
Non-Resident Tax Rates
Non-residents are taxed at either:
- Flat rate of 15% on employment income, or
- Resident rates (whichever results in higher tax)
Money-Saving Tips for Expatriates
- Housing Strategy
- Consider locations outside the central region
- Explore co-living options like d’Habitat
- Negotiate rent for longer lease terms
- Transportation Efficiency
- Use public transportation for daily commuting
- Consider car-sharing instead of car ownership
- Live near MRT stations to reduce transportation costs
- Food Budget Management
- Explore hawker centers for affordable, delicious meals
- Cook at home regularly
- Use food delivery subscription services for discounts
- Smart Shopping
- Shop at neighborhood markets instead of premium supermarkets
- Wait for Great Singapore Sale and other major sales events
- Use price comparison apps for best deals
- Entertainment Alternatives
- Take advantage of Singapore’s free attractions and parks
- Look for early-bird specials at restaurants
- Use entertainment discount apps
- Financial Planning
- Open a local bank account to avoid foreign transaction fees
- Consider multi-currency accounts if you receive income in foreign currencies
- Take advantage of tax benefits and deductions
Conclusion
While Singapore’s cost of living is high by global standards, the city-state offers excellent value in terms of safety, efficiency, healthcare, and quality of life. With careful planning and budgeting, expatriates can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle while managing expenses effectively.
At d’Habitat Co-Living, we understand the financial considerations of relocating to Singapore. Our all-inclusive co-living spaces offer expatriates a cost-effective housing solution that includes utilities, internet, and community amenities—helping you manage your budget while enjoying all that Singapore has to offer.
This cost of living guide is provided by d’Habitat Co-Living as a resource for expatriates relocating to Singapore. For more information about our cost-effective co-living spaces designed for international professionals, please contact us.
