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If you're planning to study in Singapore, it's important to understand the cost of living. Singapore is a popular destination for Indian students due to its high-quality education and job opportunities. However, you’ll need to budget for accommodation, transportation, food, and other daily expenses.
On average, a family of four spends around INR 351,040.9 (5,468.2 S$) per month, excluding rent, while a single person’s costs are INR 97,176.3 (1,513.7 S$). Singapore is 252.0% more expensive than Bangalore, with rent being much higher, making it crucial to plan your finances carefully.
By the end of this blog, you will know
- The key factors influencing Singapore's cost of living include housing, groceries, transportation, and utilities.
- How to estimate monthly expenses for different groups, such as bachelors, students, couples, and families.
- The typical cost of living in various categories, from dining out to entertainment, and how they vary depending on lifestyle and location.
What is the Cost of Living in Singapore?
Singapore is known for its high standard of living, but this comes with relatively high expenses. Understanding the cost of living in Singapore is crucial for effective financial planning.
Below are the cost of living in Singapore, including the factors such as housing, transportation, food, and more.
|
Restaurants |
Cost |
|
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant |
14.00 S$ |
|
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course |
100.00 S$ |
|
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) |
10.00 S$ |
|
Domestic Beer (0.5 litre draught) |
10.00 S$ |
|
Imported Beer (0.33 litre bottle) |
10.00 S$ |
|
Cappuccino (regular) |
6.30 S$ |
|
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 litre bottle) |
2.17 S$ |
|
Water (0.33 litre bottle) |
1.59 S$ |
|
Markets |
|
|
Milk (regular), (1 litre) |
3.75 S$ |
|
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) |
2.98 S$ |
|
Rice (white), (1kg) |
3.70 S$ |
|
Eggs (regular) (12) |
4.32 S$ |
|
Local Cheese (1kg) |
21.36 S$ |
|
Chicken Fillets (1kg) |
14.79 S$ |
|
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) |
27.72 S$ |
|
Apples (1kg) |
5.59 S$ |
|
Banana (1kg) |
3.93 S$ |
|
Oranges (1kg) |
5.52 S$ |
|
Tomato (1kg) |
3.77 S$ |
|
Potato (1kg) |
2.96 S$ |
|
Onion (1kg) |
2.93 S$ |
|
Lettuce (1 head) |
2.32 S$ |
|
Water (1.5 litre bottle) |
1.91 S$ |
|
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) |
31.00 S$ |
|
Domestic Beer (0.5 litre bottle) |
5.24 S$ |
|
Imported Beer (0.33 litre bottle) |
6.44 S$ |
|
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) |
17.00 S$ |
|
Transportation |
|
|
One-way Ticket (Local Transport) |
2.00 S$ |
|
Monthly Pass (Regular Price) |
120.00 S$ |
|
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) |
4.60 S$ |
|
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff) |
1.00 S$ |
|
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) |
20.90 S$ |
|
Gasoline (1 litre) |
2.91 S$ |
|
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) |
180,000.00 S$ |
|
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) |
163,039.88 S$ |
|
Utilities (Monthly) |
|
|
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment |
215.01 S$ |
|
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data |
22.52 S$ |
|
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) |
46.83 S$ |
|
Sports And Leisure |
|
|
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult |
151.39 S$ |
|
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) |
15.79 S$ |
|
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat |
15.00 S$ |
|
Childcare |
|
|
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child |
1,470.21 S$ |
|
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child |
36,257.78 S$ |
|
Clothing And Shoes |
|
|
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) |
91.14 S$ |
|
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...) |
55.78 S$ |
|
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) |
130.10 S$ |
|
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes |
147.89 S$ |
|
Average Rent in Singapore Per Month |
|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre |
3,689.74 S$ |
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre |
2,711.63 S$ |
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre |
7,735.90 S$ |
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre |
5,013.27 S$ |
|
Buy Apartment Price |
|
|
The Price per Square Meter to an Buy Apartment in the City Centre |
29,200.99 S$ |
|
The Price per Square Meter to Buy an Apartment Outside of the Centre |
19,247.40 S$ |
|
Salaries And Financing |
|
|
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) |
5,525.12 S$ |
|
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate |
3.3 |
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Average Cost of Living in Singapore
The living expenses in Singapore can be quite high, especially for housing, dining, and transportation. However, costs vary depending on lifestyle choices and location. This section will explore the typical monthly expenses for different groups, including students, bachelors, couples, and families of four.
Below is an overview of the expected costs:
|
Expense Category |
Estimated Monthly Cost |
|
Accommodation |
Between S$2,000 and S$4,000 |
|
Leisure and Entertainment |
Ranges from S$10 to S$100 |
|
Food and Groceries |
Typically S$800 to S$1,200 |
|
Transportation |
Around S$1,000 to S$1,500 |
|
Utility Bills |
Between S$150 and S$250 |
|
Children’s Education |
Generally between S$1,000 and S$3,000 |
Cost of Living in Singapore for Bachelors
For bachelors living in Singapore, the average monthly cost of living includes various expenses such as rent, utilities, groceries, entertainment, and transportation. These costs can vary depending on the area of residence, personal lifestyle, and spending habits. Below is a breakdown of typical expenses for bachelors:
|
Expense Category |
Price Range |
|
Accommodation |
S$2,700 - S$3,000 |
|
Groceries |
S$257 - S$404 per month |
|
Transportation |
S$100 - S$150 |
|
Utilities |
S$117 - S$146 per month |
|
Entertainment & Shopping |
S$2,500 - S$4,000 per month |
|
Housemaid |
S$75 per month |
|
Wi-Fi |
S$45.90 per month |
|
Bus/Metro Pass |
S$128 |
|
Miscellaneous |
S$200 - S$400 |
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Cost of Living in Singapore for Students
For students living in Singapore, the cost of living can vary depending on accommodation choices, lifestyle, and spending habits. Below is an overview of some of the primary expenses that students typically incur each month:
|
Expense Category |
Price Range |
|
Average Rent in Singapore (Shared Apartment) |
S$500 to S$2,000 per month |
|
Average Rent in Singapore (Single Room PG) |
S$2,500 to S$4,500 per month |
|
Food (Monthly) |
S$500 to S$2,000 per month |
|
Transportation (Monthly) |
S$90 to S$120 per month |
|
Utilities (Monthly) |
S$100 to S$200 per month |
|
Wi-Fi |
S$50 to S$300 per month |
|
Miscellaneous |
S$100 to S$300 |
|
Bus/Metro Pass |
S$55 |
Cost of Living in Singapore for a Family
Living in Singapore as a family offers a range of accommodation options, from apartments to villas, each with different associated costs. The table below highlights the typical monthly and annual expenses for families residing in Singapore:
|
Expense Category |
Price Range |
|
Accommodation |
S$3,000 to S$6,000 per month |
|
Groceries & Food |
S$800 to S$1,500 per month |
|
Transportation |
S$1,000 to S$2,000 per month |
|
Utilities |
S$204.46 per month |
|
Entertainment & Shopping |
S$150 per month |
|
Education & Daycare |
S$6,000 to S$10,000 per year |
|
Housemaid |
S$1,000 to S$3,000 per month |
|
Wi-Fi |
S$30 to S$50 per month |
|
Miscellaneous |
S$500 to S$1,500 per month |
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Cost of Living in Singapore for Couples
For couples living in Singapore, the cost of living includes various expenses such as housing, utilities, food, transportation, and leisure activities. Below is a detailed breakdown of the typical monthly expenses for couples:
|
Expense Category |
Price Range |
|
1 BHK Apartment (Rent) |
S$1,800 - S$2,500 per month |
|
2 BHK Apartment (Rent) |
S$3,000 - S$4,500 per month |
|
Electricity Bill |
S$100 - S$150 per month |
|
Bus Pass |
S$100 - S$120 per person |
|
Wi-Fi |
S$40 - S$60 per month |
|
Groceries |
S$500 - S$1,000 per month |
|
Meal for Two |
S$60 - S$100 per month |
|
Housemaid |
S$15 - S$20 per month |
|
Miscellaneous |
S$300 - S$500 per month |
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Factors That Determine the Cost of Living in Singapore
The cost of living in Singapore is influenced by several key factors, including accommodation, groceries, transportation, utilities, entertainment, and childcare.
Below is a detail of each factor:
1. Accommodation
For most people moving to Singapore, housing will be their largest expense. Whether renting or purchasing property, accommodation costs can vary significantly depending on the type and location.
Rental Accommodations
|
Classification of Accommodation |
Approximate Cost |
|
HDB flat (shared) or condo apartment |
S$945 - S$3,000 per month |
|
Studio apartment |
S$2,018 - S$6,054 per month |
Buying Property
|
Property Type |
Approximate Cost |
|
Resale property |
S$875,000 - S$4,040,000 |
|
Private property |
S$1,850,000 and abov |
2. Groceries
Grocery prices in Singapore are higher than in many other countries due to the high proportion of imported goods. Items such as milk, non-Asian products, and tropical fruits tend to be more expensive.
|
Grocery Item |
Approximate Cost |
|
Milk (1 litre) |
S$4.5 |
|
White bread (1 loaf) |
S$2.5 |
|
White rice (1 kilogram) |
S$3 |
|
Eggs (1 dozen) |
S$3.5 |
|
Cheese (200 grams) |
S$26 |
|
Chicken breast (1 kilogram) |
S$10.7 |
|
Apples (1 kilogram) |
S$4.8 |
|
Bananas (1 kilogram) |
S$3 |
|
Oranges (1 kilogram) |
S$5 |
|
Tomatoes (1 kilogram) |
S$3 |
|
Potatoes (1 kilogram) |
S$4.39 |
|
Onions (1 kilogram) |
S$1.84 |
|
Lettuce (1 kilogram) |
S$2.48 |
3. Transportation
Transportation costs can vary depending on the distance travelled and the mode of transportation. Living close to work or school can significantly reduce transportation expenses.
|
Fuel/Transportation Service |
Approximate Cost |
|
One-way ticket (public transport) |
S$1.9 |
|
Monthly pass (public transport) |
S$125 |
|
Taxi (1 km normal tariff) |
S$2 |
|
Gasoline (per litre) |
S$3.2 |
|
Cabs (minimum cost) |
S$4 |
4. Utilities
Utility costs, including electricity, water, and gas, are a significant aspect of the cost of living in Singapore.
|
Utility |
Approximate Cost |
|
Electricity, cooling, heating, water, garbage |
S$168 |
|
Local prepaid mobile tariff (1 min) |
S$0.2 |
|
Unlimited internet package |
S$45 |
5. Entertainment and Leisure
Singapore offers a variety of entertainment options, from fitness memberships to dining out and attending events. Below are some common leisure expenses:
|
Area of Expense |
Approximate Cost |
|
1-month gym membership |
S$155 - S$195 |
|
1-hour rent for a tennis court |
S$13 |
|
1 seat in a cinema hall |
S$13 |
|
A meal in an affordable restaurant (1 person) |
S$25 |
|
Three-course meal in a mid-range restaurant |
S$120 |
|
McMeal at McDonald's |
S$8 |
6. Childcare and Schooling
For expats with children, international schools are often the preferred choice, significantly impacting a family's cost of living in Singapore.
Below are typical tuition fees for schooling and childcare.
|
Schools and Childcare |
Approximate Cost |
|
Preschool, private, full-day for 1 child |
S$1,290 per month |
|
International primary school for 1 child |
S$29,000 per year |
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Other Costs That Contribute to the Cost of Living in Singapore
Apart from the basic living expenses such as rent, groceries, and transportation, there are several additional costs that can add up when living in Singapore. These costs vary depending on personal preferences and lifestyle choices.
Below is an overview of the common additional expenses you may encounter while living in Singapore:
Cost of Living in Singapore: Internet and Utilities
|
Expense Type |
Average Cost (SGD) |
|
Internet usage (8mbps speed) |
S$46 per month |
|
Utility bills for one person (Studio Apartment 480 sq. ft.) |
S$207 per month |
|
Utility bills for two people (900 sq. ft. apartment) |
S$158 per month (S$79 per person |
Cost of Living in Singapore: Medical and Healthcare Expenses
|
Expense Type |
Average Cost (SGD) |
|
Single visit to a public polyclinic |
S$15 - S$30 per visit |
|
Short visit to a private doctor |
S$80 per visit |
|
Cold medicines (six-day supply) |
S$11 |
|
12 doses of antibiotics |
S$13 |
Cost of Living in Singapore: Dining and Meals
|
Expense Type |
Average Cost (SGD) |
|
Meal for two at an average restaurant |
S$54 - S$100 per meal |
|
Street food or meal for one at a fast-food restaurant |
S$4 - S$8 per meal |
Cost of Living in Singapore: Entertainment and Leisure
|
Expense Type |
Average Cost (SGD) |
|
Gym membership (per month) |
S$156 |
|
2 tickets to the movies |
S$26 per trip |
Cost of Living in Singapore: Miscellaneous Expenses
|
Expense Type |
Average Cost (SGD) |
|
Cost of books & stationery (annually) |
S$384 |
|
Hourly rate for house help (house cleaning) |
S$20 per hour |
|
Taxi trip (5 miles) |
S$13 |
These additional expenses should be considered when planning your overall cost of living in Singapore. Depending on your lifestyle and preferences, you may incur more or less in these categories.
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Comparing the Cost of Living in Singapore with Global Cities
In 2024, Singapore ranked 12th on the Human Development Index, showcasing its robust healthcare, education, and income levels. The World Bank also places Singapore at the top of its Ease of Doing Business Index, thanks to its efficient infrastructure and governance.
However, when it comes to the cost of living, Singapore ranks among the most expensive cities globally. According to Mercer’s 2024 Cost of Living Index, Singapore is ranked 5th, making it more costly than cities like London and Sydney but still cheaper than Hong Kong and New York.
Here’s how Singapore’s cost of living compares to other major cities as of January 2025:
|
City |
Cost Comparison to Singapore |
|
New York (US) |
40.2% cheaper than Singapore |
|
London (UK) |
15.8% cheaper than Singapore |
|
Amsterdam (Netherlands) |
12.3% cheaper than Singapore |
|
Delhi (India) |
201.9% cheaper than Singapore |
|
Shanghai (China) |
22.5% cheaper than Singapore |
|
Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) |
52.8% cheaper than Singapore |
|
Jakarta (Indonesia) |
98.3% cheaper than Singapore |
Cost of Studying in Singapore
The cost of studying in Singapore varies depending on the university, location, reputation, program, and level of study. Tuition fees tend to change over time, so students are advised to check the official university websites for the latest updates.
Tuition Fees for Different Study Levels in Singapore
|
Level of Study |
Estimated Tuition Fees (Per Annum in SGD) |
Remarks |
|
Undergraduate (UG) Courses |
S$20,000 - S$45,000 |
Fees are higher for fields like Medicine, Engineering, and Business. |
|
Postgraduate (PG) Courses |
S$25,000 - S$50,000 |
Fees vary based on specialisation and university ranking. |
|
PhD or Doctoral Courses |
S$15,000 - S$30,000 |
Generally lower than PG courses; funding options may be available. |
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Financial Support for Living Costs in Singapore
Financial aid options for expats in Singapore are somewhat limited, as most government social security programs are primarily reserved for citizens and permanent residents. However, expats married to Singaporean citizens may be eligible for certain benefits indirectly through their spouse. For those who do not fall into these categories, managing living costs typically relies on personal savings or employer-provided benefits.
In contrast, Singaporean citizens have access to several government-supported initiatives to help ease the cost of living. These include:
1. HDB Loans
Facilitating homeownership by offering affordable financing options.
2. Baby Bonuses
Financial assistance to help offset child-rearing costs.
3. Migrant Domestic Worker Concessions
Providing support for families hiring domestic workers.
4. Workfare Income Supplement
A scheme to supplement the income of low-wage workers.
Permanent residents may also be eligible for some of these benefits, depending on their specific situation.
Tips to Reduce the Cost of Living in Singapore
Managing expenses in Singapore can be challenging, but with smart planning, you can significantly cut costs. Here are some practical tips to help reduce your overall living expenses:
1. Accommodation
Opt for housing in less central areas or consider shared accommodations. Renting an HDB flat or co-living spaces can save a substantial amount on rent.
2. Transportation
Use public transport instead of owning a car to avoid high costs related to fuel, parking, and maintenance. Purchase a monthly bus or train pass, which is much more cost-effective than daily tickets.
3. Food
Cook meals at home using fresh ingredients from local supermarkets and wet markets. Limit dining out at expensive restaurants and explore affordable hawker centers for budget-friendly meals.
4. Utilities
Be mindful of electricity and water usage by turning off appliances when not in use. Choose energy-efficient appliances to lower monthly utility bills.
5. Recreation & Entertainment
Take advantage of free public spaces like parks, libraries, and museums. Attend community events and festivals, which offer entertainment at little to no cost.
The cost of living in Singapore can be high, but it offers various options based on your lifestyle and location. Living in the city center or outskirts, planning your expenses helps you make smart financial choices. With proper budgeting, you can enjoy the benefits of living in this dynamic city without financial strain.
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