Singapore is a beautiful, vibrant city-state located in Southeast Asia. It’s known for its bustling economy, picturesque skyline, and multicultural heritage.
But with all the perks of living in this city, there comes a cost. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the cost of living in Singapore, covering everything from rent to entertainment.
So, whether you’re an ex-pat, living in Singapore or considering moving there, this guide will give you an idea of what to expect.
Rent:
One of the most significant expenses when living in Singapore is rent. The city is known for its expensive housing market. Fortunately, Singapore offers a wide range of rental options to suit every budget and lifestyle. In Singapore, we have four primary types of rental options available: dormitories or hostels, HDBs (Housing and Development Board), condominiums, and landed houses or landed properties.
Dormitories or Hostels are a popular choice for students or those on a tight budget. These are shared living spaces with multiple occupants sharing a single room, usually with a communal kitchen and bathroom facilities. The cost of renting a dormitory varies, but you can rent dorms at as low as SGD 400 per month.
HDBs are another popular option, and these are government-built public housing flats. HDBs are typically located in residential areas and come in a range of sizes, from one to five bedrooms. The cost of HDBs varies depending on the location, size, and age of the apartment. On average, a one-bedroom HDB flat in the city centre costs around SGD 2,000 per month, while a three-bedroom HDB flat costs around SGD 2,500.
Condominiums are private apartments with shared facilities such as swimming pools, gyms, and clubhouses. These are popular among expats and those looking for a more luxurious living experience. The cost of renting a condominium varies based on the location, size, and age of the apartment. On average, a one-bedroom condominium in the city centre costs around SGD 2,500 per month, while a three-bedroom condominium costs around SGD 4,000.
Landed houses or landed properties are standalone houses with a garden or yard, usually located in residential areas. These are ideal for families or those looking for a more spacious living area. On average, a three-bedroom landed property in the city centre costs around SGD 10,000 per month, while a five-bedroom landed property costs around SGD 15,000.
The farther you move from the city centre, the lower the rent usually becomes. Some popular ex-pat areas to consider are Orchard, Holland Village, and Tanjong Pagar.
It’s important to note that everyone’s income and needs are different, so you must choose the rental option that is right for you. Be sure to consider your budget, lifestyle, and location preferences before making a decision. With the right rental option, you can enjoy all that Singapore has to offer while still keeping your living expenses manageable.
Reference: Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA)
Food, Markets and food related costs:
Singapore is a foodie’s paradise, with an endless variety of local and international cuisine available. From hawker centres to high-end restaurants, there’s something for everyone.
Cooking at home
When it comes to buying groceries, the cost of living in Singapore can be quite high, with prices being influenced by the high import taxes on goods.
There are several sources which you can get your groceries from. The wet market is the most affordable option for your daily grocery needs. You can find all sorts of fresh produce and meat there.
Small Indian and Chinese stores in your neighbourhood are also a good options for your essential needs
While budget supermarkets like FairPrice, Giant, and Sheng Siong offer a wider range of products at decent prices. Premium supermarkets like Cold Storage and MarketPlace offer a good mix of local and foreign imports but can be expensive. The biggest supermarket in Singapore is Mustafa Centre, which is open 24×7 and offers a variety of products at affordable prices.
A weekly grocery bill for a family of four can range from SGD 150-250. To save money, consider shopping at wet markets, where fresh produce is available at lower prices than in supermarkets.
Eating out
If you prefer eating out, there are three options: hawker centres, mid-range restaurants, and high-end restaurants.
Hawker Centres are the most affordable option and provide good quality food at cheap prices. A breakfast meal can cost you around SGD 2 to 3 per person, while a lunch or dinner meal can cost you around SGD 4 to 6 per person.
Mid-range restaurants can cost you around SGD 25 to 30 per person, while high-end restaurants can cost you a minimum of SGD 100 to 150 for two persons.
On average, the food expense for cooking at home for two persons would be around SGD 600 to 800 per month, and it can go up to SGD 1000 depending on the choice of groceries.
Eating out can get expensive, with an average meal costing around 12-20 Singapore dollars. To save money, consider cooking at home or eating at hawker centres.
Utilities:
Utilities can significantly impact our cost of living. In Singapore, the cost of utilities is based on consumption and varies from household to household. SP Services is the primary service provider for gas, water, and electricity, and they provide a common bill for all three services, making it convenient for consumers to pay all at once.
Gas is available in Singapore through two options: a gas pipeline or a gas cylinder. The latter option is priced at around SGD 35 for 12.7 kgs of gas. For a two-bedroom apartment, including gas, water, and electricity, the utility charges on average cost between SGD 150 to 250 per month.
In addition to these charges, air-conditioning cleaning is required once every three months, which costs around SGD 75 to 100 per service. It is important to note that this cost is not per month but per service.
Communication:
The cost of communication in Singapore is relatively low, with mobile plans starting from SGD 20 per month. Internet plans can cost around SGD 40-70 per month, depending on the speed and data allowance.
Singapore offers several options for mobile and internet services. Popular mobile service providers in Singapore include Singtel, StarHub, and M1. These providers offer two types of plans for mobile services: a contract plan and a sim-only plan. A sim-only plan typically costs around SGD 20 to 35 per month and includes some minutes and internet data.
It is worth noting that incoming calls are charged for pre-paid sim cards. Therefore, it is important to choose a package that offers free incoming calls to avoid unnecessary charges.
Additionally, broadband internet is a popular option for households in Singapore, and there are two options: a contract plan or a monthly plan. On average, a contract plan costs around SGD 30 to 50 per month, while a monthly plan is more expensive.
If you wish to subscribe to TV channels along with your broadband internet, there are several combo packages available, ranging from SGD 75 to over 100 per month, depending on the subscription type you choose.
Ultimately, choosing the right communication and utility plans for your needs can help you save money and manage your expenses better in Singapore.
Transportation:
Singapore has an efficient public transportation system that includes buses, trains, and taxis. The cost of transportation can vary depending on the distance travelled and the mode of transportation. A one-way ticket on the MRT (train system) costs around SGD 1-3, while a taxi ride starts from SGD 3.20.
In Singapore, cars are extremely expensive, so owning a car is not an option for many.
This leaves two types of transportation options: public transportation and taxis.
Public transportation in Singapore consists of buses and the MRT, which is the train network. The cost of using the MRT varies depending on the distance travelled. For a one-way trip, it can cost around SGD 1 to 3 per person, and for a monthly pass, it can range from SGD 30 to 90 per person depending on the distance travelled. If you are travelling every day, the cost can add up to around SGD 60 to 180 for a two-way trip.
Another affordable option is bike sharing, which is especially convenient for shorter distances. There are apps like “SG Bike” that allow you to rent bikes from designated parking areas. To use this service, you need to open the app and locate the nearest available bike. You can unlock the bike by scanning the QR code on the bike, and your card will be tagged to the app. Once you’re done with your ride, you need to park the bike at the nearest designated parking area and lock it by pressing the lock button on the app screen. Charges for bike sharing are calculated based on the time and distance you have travelled, and they can be as low as a few cents.
Use this fare calculator to find the exact fare from a location to the destination, for both buses and trains.
Education:
If you’re planning to move to Singapore with children, education expenses can be significant.
The cost of international schools can range from SGD 20,000-50,000 per year, depending on the school and the level of education.
Public schools are available for Singaporean citizens and permanent residents and are subsidized by the government.
Parents must research and compare different schools and curriculums to find the most suitable and affordable option for their children.
For infants, who are up to 18 months old, infant care services can cost an average of SGD 1500 to SGD 3000 per month. Although it may seem costly, it is an excellent option for working mothers.
Moving to child care, which is for children aged 18 months to 36 months, the cost is approximately between SGD 800 to SGD 2200 per month.
Healthcare:
Singapore has a world-class healthcare system, but the cost of medical services can be quite high, especially for non-residents who do not have insurance coverage from their employers.
A visit to a general practitioner (GP) can cost between SGD 50 to SGD 100.
However, if a specialist’s consultation is required, the cost can be much higher. A referral from a GP to a specialist can cost on average between SGD 250 to SGD 500, depending on the type of specialist and the complexity of the medical condition.
The cost of medical procedures and surgeries can also be quite expensive in Singapore. For example, a routine dental check-up can cost around SGD 60 to SGD 80, while a simple filling can cost around SGD 100 to SGD 200.
To save money, it is recommended that foreigners obtain comprehensive health insurance coverage. Some employers may provide health insurance as part of their employee benefits package, while others may require employees to purchase their own insurance.
Gyms and fitness centres:
Staying fit is essential, and Singapore has no shortage of gyms and fitness centres. The cost of a gym membership can range from SGD 100-200 per month, depending on the facilities and location.
Some gyms might also offer discounted rates if you opt for a yearly membership plan.
Many gyms in Singapore also offer additional facilities such as swimming pools, saunas, and steam rooms, which might be included in the membership fee or available for an additional cost. The availability of these facilities may also affect the cost of the membership.
Investing in a personal trainer can be a great decision you make for your fitness journey. The benefits of having a dedicated coach to guide and motivate you towards your goals are immeasurable. The cost may be a little on the higher end, but don’t let that hold you back from achieving the results and confidence you deserve.
It is important to note that some gyms in Singapore may charge additional fees such as registration fees, joining fees, or administrative fees, which may or may not be refundable. Therefore, it is advisable to read the terms and conditions of the membership contract before signing up for a gym membership.
Nightlife:
The nightlife scene in Singapore offers a wide variety of options ranging from bars, clubs, and lounges to music festivals and concerts. The cover charges for these places can vary depending on the location and the day of the week. On average, the entry fee or cover charge for a nightclub or a bar can cost you around SGD 50 to 80. However, for some high-end clubs or bars, the cover charge can be as high as SGD 200.
It is important to note that these charges may or may not include drinks, and if they do, the drinks may not be unlimited. Moreover, it is important to keep in mind that alcohol is extremely expensive in Singapore, and a single drink can cost you anywhere between SGD 15 to 30, depending on the place and the type of drink.
Therefore, it is recommended to check the prices of drinks and entry fees before visiting any place and plan accordingly to avoid overspending.
Wassup Singapore! 
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