Are you planning a MOVE to Singapore and are curious about the Cost Of Living In Singapore?
We will provide you with an overview of the Cost Of Living In Singapore and let you know much money you’ll need to live both comfortably and luxuriously, all while staying under a budget.
We’ll also discuss living expenses, food prices, and more.
Ready to start planning your dream trip to Singapore? Everything you need to know is in this guide!
We’ve been digital nomads for almost 4.5 years, so we’ll share our experiences with you!
Stick around to the end as we will share our top 10 budget tips for expats living in Singapore and provide answers to some of the most common questions expats ask!
Table of Contents
Our Personal Costs of Living in Singapore: Table of expenses Breakdown
This Is a table of expenses of what we personally spent to give you an idea of your costs before we dive deeper into the article. Sometimes we spent less depending on the month.
Our Monthly Costs in Singapore went as follows:
- Rent and accommodation in Singapore was $850 a month.
- Utilities in Singapore were around $100 a month for electricity, water, wifi, and phone data.
- Gym: Our Condo had a gym included and 2 pools on the premises, but we went to another gym as well for $30 a month and MMA and muay Thai and jiujitsu gym at Evolve MMA for $249 a month, so if you didn’t train MMA and jiujitsu then you wouldn’t spend that 300 but if you just went to the gym or used the condo’s gym then you wouldn’t spend anything or you would go to a local gym and just spend $30 a month.
- Food and Groceries cost in Singapore we spent around $300 to $500 a month.
- Transportation we rented a scooter, used grab taxi and used the MRT in Singapore, Our Transportation expenses were around $60 to $100 per month.
- Activities and things to do in Singapore was around $80 to $100 per month.
Here is a table of Expenses for what we personally spent in Singapore:
| Our Personal Average Monthly Expenses In Singapore | USD $ | Singaporean Dollar SGD USD/SGD |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rent and Accommodation in Singapore Per Month | $850 | Singaporean Dollar SGD 1,173 |
| Our monthly Utilities in Singapore such as water, electricity, Wifi | $120 | Singaporean Dollar SGD 165 |
| Our Monthly Singapore Gym and MMA, Jiu Jitsu, and Muay Thai expenses at Evolve MMA | $260 | Singaporean Dollar SGD 359 |
| Our Monthly Cost of Food and Groceries expenses In Singapore | $300 – $500 | Singaporean Dollar SGD 414 – Singaporean Dollar SGD 698 |
| Our Monthly Transportation Costs in Singapore | $60 – $100 | Singaporean Dollar SGD 83 – Singaporean Dollar SGD 138 |
| Our Monthly Activities and Things to do in Singapore expenses | $80 – $100 | Singaporean Dollar SGD 110 – Singaporean Dollar SGD 138 |
| Monthly Health Insurance (SafetyWing, World Nomads) In Singapore | $40 – $150 | Singaporean Dollar SGD 55 – Singaporean Dollar SGD 207 |
| Our personal Cost of Living In Singapore, Per Month Total Expenses | $1710 – $2,080 | Singaporean Dollar SGD 2,359 – Singaporean Dollar SGD 2870 |
Why You Should Move to Singapore?
From the beautiful weather to the delicious food and culture, there’s a lot to love about living in Singapore, the leading island nation.
The cost of living in Singapore may be high compared to other countries discussed in our blog, but it’s still a great place to live if you can afford it.
Cost Of Living In Singapore Summary Per Month $1,118 – $3,446
Before we go straight into moving to Singapore for 90 days (the allowed time for visitors to stay), we must understand the breakdown of the cost of living here.
Living here for $1200 a month is manageable for all expenses if you are on a tight budget, but if you want to live a more relaxed and luxurious life, it’ll cost you around $2000 to $3,000 a month to live in Singapore.
Cost of Living in Singapore Per Month: Table of Expenses in 2023
Below is a Table of a monthly budget for two people living in Singapore:
| Average Monthly Expenses In Singapore | USD $ | Singapore Dollar SGD |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (Homestay, Guesthouse vs Full Private Villa) In Singapore | $400 – $2000 | S$558 – 2,788 |
| Electricity (Including water) In Singapore | $100 | S$140 |
| Mobile Phone Data and Internet (WiFi) In Singapore | $18-38 | S$25 – S$53 |
| Food (groceries, dining out, partying, nightlife) In Singapore | $450 – $600 | S$628 – S$838 |
| Transportation (motorbike, fuel, renting, Taxi, Boat) In Singapore | $100 – $200 | S$150 – S$279 |
| Healthy Activities (Gym, MMA, Yoga, Massages, etc) In Singapore | $10 – $358 | S$14 – S$500 |
| Health Insurance (SafetyWing, World Nomads) | $40 – $150 | S$56 – S$209 |
| Cost of Living Per Month Total expenses In Singapore | $1,118 – $3,446 | S$1,561 – S$4,813 |
Food Tips In Singapore:
- Expect to spend $1200 to $3000 monthly for a single person or a family living in Singapore.
- Groups such as families, friends, and couples sharing rental and food costs will help you to save lots of money.
- Eating locally is your best option as it will cost you just $5 for a great deal of food at Hawker centres in Singapore.
- Eating at the local food places can also be healthier, where you will find more fresh and authentic dishes.
- Be sure to get groceries at the local markets and food trucks to save money and eat deliciously.
Cost Of Food In Singapore Explained: Food Table of Expenses 2023
Buy groceries in bulk and cook at home more often. By following these tips, you can easily save on your monthly food costs in Singapore!
As of now, no dish at Hawker centers comes to more than $10, so if you want to splurge on food in Singapore, then this is definitely the place you should do it!
Here are a few examples of what you can get along with prices at Hawker food center in Singapore:
- Chicken rice: S$3.5
- Fishball noodles: S$4.5
- Nasi Lemak: S$3.9
Just remember that dishes with meat will be more expensive than vegetarian meals, and Hawker centers don’t plan on raising their prices because of how price-sensitive consumers in Singapore are towards them.
So if you spend around $5 a meal at Hawker centers which is $15 a day, it comes out to $450 in food costs per month.
Ideally, you won’t eat at Hawker centers every day, but you can get away with eating locally every day with different options available to you, or if you cook some meals as well, you can say you’re looking at about $500 or a bit more in food costs per month.
If you like to cook your own meals, consider cooking, as grocery shopping can be cheap, too, as it is only S$1.90 for 200 grams of chicken!
Singapore has one of the lowest rates of obesity in the world. So, if you want to improve your health, living in Singapore is definitely worth it!
Here is a table of expenses for the Cost of Food in Singapore per month:
| Average Monthly Food Costs in Singapore | USD $ | Singapore Dollar SGD USD/SGD |
|---|---|---|
| Local Food Markets, Hawker center, Street food and Local Supermarkets Per month (Budget Food Costs) in Singapore | $310 – $600 | SGD 427 – SGD 828 |
| Eating out at Mid range restaurants and expensive restaurants per month (No Budget) In Singapore | $700 – $1000 + | SGD 966 – SGD 1380 |
The monthly cost of living for a couple in Singapore
Obviously, your expenses can be cut in half if you are going to Singapore with a partner.
So your expenses can be around $500 per person if you are on a tight budget and sharing the expenses or $1,000 per month if you are looking to live more luxuriously.
No matter where you decide to live in Singapore, consider negotiating your rent.
The longer you decide to stay, the lower your rate will be; it’s as simple as that.
We have done this many times ourselves, so this is our biggest advice to you.
Spending a night, a weekend, or an entire week can be more expensive than paying a whole month for the same accommodation.
You can see the range of prices in the map above and the difference between 1 double bed in a small apartment for $679 a month vs. a penthouse for only $1,423 a month.
So it’s really up to you but for an entire place to yourself with wifi, a kitchen, and air conditioning, take a look here.
You can see from the screenshot above that you can even access a student dorm room for only $400 a month.
Maybe you would only consider living in this micro-living space if you are staying alone, but you can consider staying in the spacious double bedroom, as shown above, for only $806 a month with a near 5-star rating.
So you are looking at around $600-$2,500 per month in rent in Singapore, depending on what you’re looking for in the apartment.
The ones I have shown in the screenshots all include a private room or an entire place, including utilities, air conditioning, a kitchen, a bathroom, and a bedroom.
For a single person, rent will obviously cost you more than if you are traveling as a couple or a friend, and you both can go half and half on the rent and save more money that way.
- Use online platforms to search for rental units in different city areas.
- Be sure to negotiate with landlords, as they may offer discounts on monthly stays.
- If you’re looking for an apartment in the city center, it can be challenging to find something that’s affordable.
The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is about SGD 1,300 per month.
Be sure to factor in currency exchange rates when calculating your expenses too!
Simple Tips for Living in Singapore on a Budget
Living comfortably on an annual budget of S$56K (the median income for couples with two children) in Singapore in 2023 requires monthly savings of 25%, which comes to a total of S$1,827.
This monthly cost of living includes food, transportation, and housing costs.
Singapore’s monthly cost of living will be S$2,927.
Here are simple money-saving tips for Singapore and just about anywhere:
- Start tracking your expenses( help you see where to cut back and save money each month)
- Plan your meals in advance and shop for groceries at bulk prices to save on costs.
- Keep an eye on your electricity and water bills, as these can be expensive in Singapore.
- Know your insurance rates and shop around for the best deal.
The cost of living in Singapore continues to increase, so it’s essential to have a budget to prepare for unexpected expenses.
Cost Of Rent In Singapore Explained
The average cost of rent in Singapore is S$2,380 per month, which works out to S$128,000 per year.
You can do a few things to save on your monthly rent costs.
Negotiate with your landlord or find an affordable roommate option.
You can also look into moving to a cheaper area of town.
Happy living!
Additionally, research and decide on the right rental location before making an offer.
The monthly rent for a one-bedroom in Singapore will cost you S$1,515.
Monthly Cost Of Rent in Singapore: Table of Expenses in 2023
| Average Monthly Rent In Singapore | USD $ | Singapore Dollar |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (Central Region) Most Expensive to Live In Singapore | Studio Apartment ( $2,780) 3 Bedroom Apartment ($5,695) | S$3,900 S$8000 |
| Rent (North Region) Least Expensive to Live in Singapore | Studio Apartment ($1,284) 3 Bedroom Apartment ($2,634) | S$1,800 S$3,700 |
Best Flights To Singapore
Where you are coming from can be a big expense before you even reach Singapore. Some places are cheaper to fly from, so we put together a few countries it is cheap and also expensive to fly from so that you can keep this in mind before planning your trip.
From Bangkok to Singapore, the best flights range from $90-100, while other flights range from $100-$200.
Flying from one part of Asia to another will always be cheap and an intelligent thing to do.
If you are in Thailand, a round trip to Singapore is about $177 whether you fly from Chiang Mai or Bangkok, Thailand.
From New York to Singapore, prices range from $500-$900, so as I mentioned before, it’s best to visit Singapore if you are already in a nearby neighboring country to maximize your money while abroad.
From Paris to Singapore, it can be anywhere between $500 and $700.
To save money on flights, consider flying during off-peak times or booking early.
Cost Of Transportation In Singapore
When living in Singapore, it’s great to know that the country has one of the least expensive transportation systems in the world, with bus fares costing S$1.60 for a one-way fare.
This comes to around S$10 for a weekend out and S$150 for bus transportation in singapore costs per month.
Consider taking the MRT for short trips instead of driving.
Another thing you should know is that it is pretty cheap to take taxis in Singapore, costing only about S$3.00 to S$3.40 for the first mile and about S$0.22 for every 400 meters after that, all the way up to 10 km.
Similar to NYC, you can haul a cab on the road or book a car with a local taxi service, but it will cost you an extra fee of S$2.30 to S$3.30.
If you consider living in a Jurong West or Woodlands area, your monthly expenses may be lower!
Ride-sharing services like Uber can be a great way to economize on your transportation costs.
If you plan on being in Singapore for a long time, you can consider purchasing a car, although this will obviously be your most expensive option.
The government is strict when it comes to eliminating air pollution, so this is why they direct heavy taxes toward private car owners.
You will need a certificate to register and own your vehicle for up to 10 years in addition to a brand new car which can cost around S$150.000.
Additional car costs:
- Liter of petrol ( S$2.15 and S$2.52)
- Parking (S$2.00 per hour)
- Maintenance ( S$500-S$1000 a year)
- monthly car costs- petrol, tolls, and parking (S$600) a month
Rideshare apps like Uber and Grab offer convenient rides at low prices, while public transport remains affordable and reliable over time. It’s important to factor in cost and convenience when choosing a mode of transportation.
For example, public transport may be more cost-effective in the long run, but rideshare apps are the way to go if you’re looking for a quick ride.
It’s also important to note that not all rideshare apps are available in all parts of Singapore.
So it’s best to check before you head out!
Make the most of your commute by riding during off-peak hours and park your car for short periods of time.
Monthly Cost Of Transportation in Singapore: Table of Expenses in 2023
Transportation in Singapore is expensive, no matter where you are in the city. That’s why it’s essential to plan your budget carefully. The table below shows the monthly transportation expenses for different parts of the country.
If you work or live in a remote location, you’ll also need to budget for extra travel costs.
However, by knowing which areas of the city are most affordable, you can save money on your transportation tab each month. With this information, you can start planning your monthly living expenses in Singapore!
| Average Monthly Transportation Expenses In Singapore | USD $ | Singapore Dollar |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation (Limousine or Private Cars + Taxi) In Singapore | $713 | S$1,000 a month |
| Cost of Transportation (Public transportation + Taxi) expenses In Singapore | $85 – $285 | S$120-S$400 |
Top 10 Budget Tips For Expats Living In Singapore
Living in Singapore as an expat can be expensive, but there are ways to manage costs and enjoy life.
- Eat out less often and cook your meals at home!
- Switch off electronics when not in use (unplug chargers from the wall when not in use)
- Purchase food in bulk and store it in the fridge or pantry.
- Alcohol and a place to stay will be your highest costs, so choose where you will stay wisely and consider a night in instead of a night out)
- Consider getting a Singapore Tourist Pass to maximize your trips while lowering your transportation costs. Daily tickets for the MRT can quickly add up!
- Singapore is filled with beautiful destinations, and not all have an entrance fee (free concerts, the beach), so do your research and consider visiting some free places in your area!
- Plan your trip ahead by packing essentials like clothes, medications, and passports in case of any delays or cancellations! -Make sure to research all your options before making a travel decision and book through an online travel agency like Viator. – The best time to visit Singapore is during the dry season (August – December).
- Drink tap water when you can (yes, it’s safe)
- Consider shopping at local street markets to shop for more authentic items for less!
- When dining out, eat at food halls to save money. Shop at wholesale stores or farmers’ markets.
As the cost of living in Singapore continues to rise, many people are looking for ways to save money.
Food prices are expected to be higher this year.
It’s also important to remember that renting can be cheaper in the long run, especially if you’re looking for an urban environment.
Some landlords are offering discounts of up to 30% off this year, so it’s essential to compare quotes and get a sense of what’s fair.
Healthcare Costs in Singapore
Medical Tourism is massive in Singapore. You can get the same care in Singapore, as you would back in the United States at 1/10th of the price back home. Many hospitals and clinics throughout Singapore provide high-quality care at reasonable prices. With many doctors that studied in the USA, UK, and Australia. I recommend researching the best hospitals for expats in Singapore.
We recommend The best travel health Insurance available by SafetyWing We always have travel insurance monthly for international trips and living abroad. It covers any health or medical procedure done.
We suggest you also have it, especially if you live as an expat and digital nomad in Singapore. We always use SafetyWing for international travel insurance and medical concerns. They start at $42 a month! It’s incredible and always reliable!
Cost Of Living in Singapore FAQS Section:
What are the average costs of living in Singapore during 2023?
The Average Cost of Living in Singapore Is $1200 – $3000 per month.
What are the average prices for groceries in Singapore?
The average monthly expenditure of a Singaporean household on food is $300 to $500 per month.
How much should I budget for rent and utilities each month?
There is no single answer to this question as the cost of living can vary greatly depending on the city or town you live in and your specific needs.
Here are some general guidelines to get you started:
A monthly budget of $1,200 for rent and utilities is typically enough for a single person.
For a family of four, expect to budget around $2,400 per month.
If you have a high-end apartment or condo rental, you may have to budget even more than this.
However, be aware that luxury apartments and condos often come with higher rent prices and more expensive utility bills.
Should I rent or buy a property in Singapore?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the cost of living in Singapore can be significantly different depending on the location you choose to live in.
However, suppose you are considering renting a property in Singapore.
In that case, it is worth checking out Housing and Development Board’s (HDB) rental index to get an idea of average rental prices in various areas of Singapore.
Alternatively, you can use online calculators such as rent.com.sg to see whether buying or renting would be more cost-effective.
How much does it cost to commute in Singapore?
The commuting cost in Singapore can vary depending on the mode of transport chosen.
The average price of public transport is $2.59 per trip.
Cost of Living in Singapore Conclusion
If you’re considering moving to Singapore in the next few years, you’re in for a treat!
Not only is the country booming with economic growth, but the cost of living is also very reasonable.
In this post, we have summarized the cost of living in Singapore by category and provided a monthly chart on living expenses in Singapore.
In addition, we have included the top 10 budget tips and top 10 things to do in Singapore to help you get started. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. also below is some great travel resources you should checkout like the Singapore tourism board and more!
Travel Resources and Reliable Sources For Singapore
- Travel Insurance: We always have travel insurance monthly for international trips and living abroad. We STRONGLY suggest that you also have it, just in case other digital nomads live abroad, and we always use SafetyWing for international travel insurance and medical concerns. SafetyWing is one of the few policies covering Covid-19, and they start at $42 a month! It’s incredible and always reliable! SafetyWing is perfect for Digital Nomads and long-term travelers!
- Heath and Safety: We use the travel guides on the CDC website to research recommended precautions.
- Singapore Tourism Board Government Site
- Official Singapore Tourism Board Tourist Friendly Site
If you want to keep up with our travels, go ahead and follow us on our travel page on Instagram @onelifepassport! Comment below what else you would like to know/see about our experiences traveling the world! Also, check out our YouTube Channel!
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