S$3,500
1BR Rent (Central)
S$150K+
Car (COE + Vehicle)
Overview: Expensive but Livable
Singapore consistently ranks among the world's most expensive cities. However, costs are highly variable—you can live affordably or lavishly depending on your choices.
What Makes Singapore Expensive
- Housing: The biggest expense. Rents are high, especially in central areas
- Cars: Certificate of Entitlement (COE) makes owning a car extremely expensive
- International schools: S$30,000-50,000 per year per child
- Imported goods: Many Western products cost more than in the US
What's Affordable
- Food: Hawker centers offer excellent, cheap meals (S$3-8)
- Public transport: MRT and buses are excellent and cheap
- Healthcare: Public healthcare at non-subsidized rates is still reasonable
- No car needed: Eliminates the biggest discretionary expense
Compared to San Francisco/NYC: Singapore is similar or slightly cheaper for housing, but you don't need a car, income tax is much lower, and everyday expenses can be lower if you eat locally.
Housing Costs (The Big One)
Housing will likely be your largest expense. Foreigners on work passes can rent private condos or HDB flats (with restrictions).
Monthly Rent by Area and Type
| Type |
Central (Orchard, CBD) |
City Fringe |
Suburbs |
| Studio/1BR Condo |
S$3,000-4,500 |
S$2,200-3,200 |
S$1,800-2,500 |
| 2BR Condo |
S$4,500-7,000 |
S$3,500-5,000 |
S$2,500-3,800 |
| 3BR Condo |
S$6,000-12,000 |
S$4,500-7,000 |
S$3,500-5,500 |
| HDB Room (shared) |
N/A |
S$800-1,200 |
S$600-1,000 |
| Entire HDB Flat |
N/A |
S$2,000-3,000 |
S$1,500-2,500 |
Agent Fees
Expect to pay 1 month rent as agent fee (split between tenant and landlord agents). Security deposit is typically 1-2 months.
Popular Expat Areas
- Holland Village: Expat-friendly, dining scene, near international schools
- Tanglin/Orchard: Central, upscale, embassy area
- East Coast: Beach access, relaxed vibe, good value
- Bukit Timah: Near international schools, green spaces
- Tiong Bahru: Trendy, cafes, heritage feel
Transportation
Public Transport (Recommended)
| Mode |
Cost |
| MRT (single trip) |
S$0.99-2.20 |
| Bus (single trip) |
S$0.99-2.20 |
| Monthly transport budget |
S$100-150 |
Cars: Extremely Expensive
| Item |
Cost |
| Certificate of Entitlement (COE) |
S$90,000-110,000 (2024) |
| Toyota Camry (total cost) |
S$180,000-220,000 |
| Road tax (annual) |
S$500-2,000 |
| Parking (CBD monthly) |
S$300-500 |
| Petrol |
S$3.00/liter (~S$11/gallon) |
Skip the Car: Most expats don't own cars. Between MRT, buses, and Grab, you can get anywhere easily and cheaply. A car is a luxury, not a necessity.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
- Grab: Most popular ride-hailing app
- Gojek: Alternative to Grab
- Comfort/CityCab: Traditional taxis
- Typical fare: S$10-25 for most trips
Food & Dining
Eating Options
| Type |
Cost per Meal |
| Hawker Center |
S$4-8 |
| Food Court |
S$6-12 |
| Casual Restaurant |
S$15-30 |
| Mid-range Restaurant |
S$30-60 |
| Fine Dining |
S$100-300+ |
Groceries
| Store Type |
Price Level |
| Wet Markets |
Cheapest for fresh produce |
| NTUC FairPrice |
Budget supermarket |
| Sheng Siong |
Budget supermarket |
| Cold Storage |
Mid-range, more imported goods |
| Marketplace by Jasons |
Premium, Western products |
Monthly grocery budget: S$400-800 depending on preferences
Hawker Culture: Many Singaporeans eat most meals at hawker centers. It's cheap, delicious, and a key part of local life. Don't feel you need to cook—eating out can be cheaper.
Education (For Families)
International School Fees (Annual)
| School |
Annual Fees |
| Singapore American School |
S$45,000-55,000 |
| United World College (UWCSEA) |
S$40,000-50,000 |
| Tanglin Trust School |
S$35,000-45,000 |
| Australian International School |
S$30,000-40,000 |
| Local International Schools |
S$15,000-25,000 |
Waitlists
Top international schools have long waitlists. Apply as early as possible—ideally before you arrive. Some schools have enrollment fees of S$3,000-10,000.
Sample Monthly Budgets
Single Professional (Comfortable)
| 1BR Condo (City Fringe) | S$2,800 |
| Utilities | S$150 |
| Transport (MRT + occasional Grab) | S$200 |
| Food (mixed hawker/restaurant) | S$800 |
| Phone/Internet | S$80 |
| Entertainment/Social | S$500 |
| Gym/Fitness | S$150 |
| Miscellaneous | S$300 |
Total: ~S$5,000/month
Couple (No Car, Comfortable)
| 2BR Condo (City Fringe) | S$4,000 |
| Utilities | S$200 |
| Transport | S$300 |
| Food | S$1,200 |
| Phone/Internet | S$120 |
| Entertainment | S$800 |
| Health Insurance (supplemental) | S$300 |
| Miscellaneous | S$500 |
Total: ~S$7,500/month
Family (2 Kids, International School)
| 3BR Condo (near schools) | S$6,000 |
| Utilities | S$300 |
| Transport (Grab/taxi) | S$500 |
| Food | S$2,000 |
| School Fees (2 kids) | S$7,000 |
| Helper (domestic) | S$800 |
| Health Insurance | S$600 |
| Entertainment/Activities | S$1,000 |
| Miscellaneous | S$800 |
Total: ~S$19,000/month
Saving Money Tips
- Skip the car: Saves S$1,500-3,000/month easily
- Embrace hawker food: Delicious and 1/4 the cost of restaurants
- Live outside the CBD: Rents drop 20-40% outside central areas
- Consider HDB: Legal for foreigners in some cases, much cheaper
- Local schools: Some accept foreigners at fraction of international school cost
- Shop at wet markets: Fresh produce at half supermarket prices
← Back to Singapore Hub