What is the Cost of Living in Singapore in 2025?

Singapore, the Lion City, is one of the top cities in the world. This city is known for its rich traditions, culture, and job opportunities. Due to this, Singapore attracts expats and students searching for foreign education and jobs from across the world.

Although the cost of living in Singapore is comparatively higher than the other top cities worldwide, if you manage your expenses wisely, it will not be a burden to your pockets.

How Much Does 1 SGD Cost in INR?

As of 5th August 2024, 1 SGD equals ₹63.45. However, it is subject to change as per currency exchange rates.

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Average Cost of Living in London
Factors Determining the Cost of Living
Tips on Reducing the Cost of Living
Important Things to Know
Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Average Cost of Living in Singapore?

In this section, we will examine the cost of living in Singapore for students, bachelors, couples, and families of four. The table below illustrates the approximate monthly expenses in Singapore:

Area of Expense	Cost
Rent	S$2,000 - S$4,000 per month
Entertainment	S$10 - S$100
Groceries	S$800 - S$1,200
Transport	S$1,000 - S$1,500 per month
Utilities	S$150 - S$250 per month
Schooling of children	S$1,000 - S$3,000 per month

Cost of Living in Singapore for Bachelors

The average price of living for a bachelor in Singapore typically comprises rent, utilities, groceries, entertainment, transportation, and more based on factors like location, lifestyle choices, and spending habits. The following table showcases some of the key expenses:

Area of Expense	Price Range
Accommodation	S$2,700- S$3,000
Groceries	S$257 to S$404 per month
Transport	S$100 to S$150
Utilities	S$117 to S$146 per month
Entertainment and Shopping	S$2,500 to S$4,000 per month
Housemaid	S$75 per month
Wi-Fi	S$45.90 per month
Bus Pass/Metro Pass	S$128
Miscellaneous	S$200 to S$400

Cost of Living in Singapore for Students

The following table highlights some of the key expenses associated with the cost of living in Singapore for students:

Area of Expense	Price Range
Rent (shared apartment)	S$500 to S$2,000 per month
Rent (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 Pass/Metro Pass	S$55

Cost of Living in Singapore for a Family

Singapore offers diverse accommodation choices, from apartments to cottages and villas. The table below shows some of the key expenses associated with the cost of living in Singapore for families:

Area of Expense	Price Range
Accommodation	S$3,000 to S$6,000 per month
Groceries & Food	S$800 to S$1,500 per month
Transport	S$1,000 to S$2,000 per month
Utilities	S$204.46
Entertainment & Shopping	S$150
Education & Daycare	S$6,000 to S$10,000 per year
Housemaid	S$1,000 to S$3, 000
Wi-Fi	S$30 to S$50
Miscellaneous	S$500 to S$1,500 per month

Cost of Living in Singapore for Couples

The cost of living for couples in Singapore comprises expenditures for housing, utilities, foodstuffs, transportation, leisure activities, etc. Learn more about it from the tabular representation below:

Area of Expense	Price Range
1 BHK apartment for rent	S$1,800 - S$2,500 per month
2 BHK apartments for 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 to S$1,000 per month
Meal for two	S$60 - S$100 per month
Housemaid	S$15 - S$20 per month
Miscellaneous	S$300 to S$500 per month

Factors That Determine the Cost of Living in Singapore

The factors that affect the cost of living in Singapore include the following:

1. Accommodation

For people moving into Singapore, paying the rent or purchasing a decent living space will be the biggest expense. Individuals should expect around 942 SGD – 4709 SGD per month to pay for rent and 2018 SGD – 8072 SGD per month if someone is eligible to buy a property in Singapore.

Rental Accommodations
Classification of Accommodation	Approximate Cost
HBD flat (shared) or condo apartment	9450 SGD – 3,000 SGD
Studio apartment	2,018 SGD – 6,054 SGD

Buying a Property
Property Type	Approximate Cost
Resale property	8,75,000 SGD – 40,40,000 SGD
Private property	18,50,000 SGD and above

2. Groceries

Singapore's groceries are costlier than those in other countries because most of the products on the market are imported. Milk, non-Asian products, and non-tropical fruits tend to be more expensive.

Grocery Items	Approximate Cost
Milk (1 litre)	4.5 SGD
White bread (1 loaf)	2.5 SGD
White rice (1 kilogram)	3 SGD
Eggs (1 dozen)	3.5 SGD
Cheese (200 grams)	26 SGD
Chicken breast (1 kilogram)	10.7 SGD
Apples (1 kilogram)	4.8 SGD
Bananas (1 kilogram)	3 SGD
Oranges (1 kilogram)	5 SGD
Tomatoes (1 kilogram)	3 SGD
Potatoes (1 kilogram)	4.39 SGD
Onions (1 kilogram)	1.84 SGD
Lettuce (1 kilogram)	2.48 SGD

3. Transportation

An individual’s transportation cost varies widely based on the travel distance and the transportation mode used. However, you can save a lot of money if you live close to your workspace or educational institute.

Fuel Cost/Transportation Service	Approximate Cost
One-way ticket (public transport)	1.9 SGD
Monthly pass (public transport)	125 SGD
Taxi 1 km normal tariff	2 SGD
Price of gasoline (as of July 2024)	3.2 SGD per litre
Cabs (minimum cost)	4 SGD

4. Utilities

The cost of utilities is a significant factor in Singapore's cost of living. These include the money spent on electricity bills, mobile tariff, gas supply, etc. The table mentioned below highlights the approximate amount spent on the basic utilities

Utilities	Approximate Cost
Electricity, cooling, heating, water, garbage	168 SGD
Local prepaid mobile tariff (1 min)	0.2 SGD
Unlimited internet package	45 SGD

5. Entertainment and Leisure

Singapore offers its residents many ways to chill and relax after a long day of work or studies. This can be anything like dining at a fine restaurant, attending your regular fitness club, a night at the pub, or watching the latest movie.

Area of Expense	Approximate Cost
1-month gym membership	155 SGD - 195 SGD
1-hour rent for a tennis court	13 SGD
1 seat in a cinema hall	13 SGD
A meal in an affordable restaurant (1 person)	25 SGD
Three-course meal in a mid-range restaurant	120 SGD
McMeal at McDonald's	8 SGD

6. Childcare and Schooling

Most expats who have kids in Singapore prefer international schools. This might be because of their cultural background or the future they want for their kids. The monthly tuition fees for schooling and childcare play an important role in calculating a family's cost of living in Singapore.

Schools and Childcare	Approximate Cost
Preschool, private, full-day for 1 child	1,290 SGD
International primary school for 1 child	29,000 SGD

Tips on Reducing the Cost of Living in Singapore

Following are the tips to reduce the cost of living in Singapore:

Accommodation: Consider places that stay in less central areas or give sharing accommodations. This helps save quite a lot on rent, dramatically reducing your housing cost.
Transportation: One can use public transportation rather than owning a car. An individual monthly pass for buses or trains can be a saving option compared with the huge expenses that come with driving a vehicle.
Food: Avoid eating outside food as much as possible. Fresh ingredients are usually relatively cheap and can be bought in most supermarkets and markets.
Utilities: Pay attention to your electric/water consumption. Small habits like turning off the lights and shutting off the appliances whenever they are not needed could bring your monthly bills down significantly.
Recreation: Use public spaces, including parks, museums, and local community functions, at minimal or free costs. There are various ways and outlets to have inexpensive fun in Singapore.

Important Things to Know Before Moving to Singapore

Here are the crucial things to remember before moving to Singapore:

VISA Requirements: If you decide to move to Singapore, check the requirements of your nationality so you may know in advance whether you would need a work pass or residence permit.
Housing: Rentals are at different prices, depending on the various parts of the island. Research the different types of neighbourhoods and the associated costs before deciding on your place of stay.
Healthcare: Singapore is generally fantastic when it comes to health facilities, but it can be truly very, very expensive if you don't have insurance to cover medical expenses. Do consider getting health insurance.
Culture: Singapore is a multi-cultural society of various races and cultures. To be well accepted by the community, you must respect local practices and laws.
Cost: Plan your budget regarding housing, transport, food, utilities, and other expenses. Singapore may be a fairly expensive city, so good money management skills are required.

FAQs about the Cost of Living in Singapore

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What is the approximate cost of living in Singapore for a bachelor?

The approximate cost of living in Singapore for a bachelor is 1,336 SGD per month.

Is living in Singapore costly?

According to the EIU Cost of Living 2021 survey, Singapore is the second-most expensive city in the world.

How much is 1 SGD in INR?

One SGD (Singapore Dollar) is INR ₹63.45 as of 5th August 2024

How much are the monthly expenses in Singapore?

Monthly expenses in Singapore vary greatly depending on various factors, such as lifestyle and accommodation. Compared with other major countries in Asia, they lie towards the middle to high end of the scale.

What is the cost of living in Singapore for an Indian family?

For an Indian family, the projected cost of living in Singapore, excluding rent, has increased a bit in 2024, ranging from SGD4,700 and SGD 6,000.

What is the minimum wage to survive in Singapore?

On average, the minimum wage required to survive on the island of Singapore ranges from SGD 1200 to SGD 1400. The minimum wage requirement is based on personal lifestyle decisions.

Is Singapore safe enough?

Singapore has a relatively low crime rate as compared to other countries. Hence, Singapore is safe, providing peace of mind and security for any person living in the city-state.

What are some of the affordable areas in Singapore?

The affordable areas in Singapore would be peripheral areas such as Choa Chu Kang, Bukit Panjang, Punggol, Woodlands, Sembawang, etc. These areas will have relatively more affordable housing.

Is Singapore a good city to be a student in?

Singapore is also a famous country worldwide with its vibrancy culture and many learning opportunities in many different categories, the reason students have shifted their choices towards it. As most local speakers understand and speak English, Singapore has become very friendly to students.

Why is Singapore the place to be?

Singapore has the best place to live having a high standard of living, efficient infrastructure, low level of crime, quality healthcare and education systems, and rich cultural scenes.

What is the best way to commute in Singapore?

Getting around in Singapore is relatively easy through public transport, which is effective, wide-reaching, and consists of buses and an MRT spanning the city. Either is convenient and not too expensive.

What is the standard budget for monthly expenses in Singapore?

Monthly expenses in Singapore are high and vary considerably on the nature of the lifestyle one wants to maintain and one’s housing choices. A rough estimate for one person in Singapore regarding the monthly budget will cost around SGD 2,000 - SGD 5,000 or more.

Are there taxes on income in Singapore?

Yes, Singapore has a progressive income tax system. The rates are relatively low compared with those of many countries, and higher earners pay higher rates.

What are the typical costs of childcare and schooling in Singapore?

Childcare prices vary with different facilities and types of care required. There are various international schools, though at times expensive—or at least some school fees go from SGD 20,000 to more than SGD 40,000 per year.

What are the average costs of getting a domestic maid/servant in Singapore?

The price for maintaining a domestic servant/maid is supposedly high in Singapore, as it includes expenses for a monthly salary, levies, and an agency fee, all adding up to SGD 600-800 or more.

What are the set-up costs of starting a business in Singapore?

Many types of costs are involved in starting a business in Singapore, including registration, rental, salaries, and tax.

How does Singapore compare to Hong Kong or Tokyo in cost of living?

The overall impression is that Singapore is slightly more affordable than Hong Kong or Tokyo, except for housing and daily sustenance, which are trickle-down and very costly.

Are there any subsidies or benefits from the government that may lighten the high cost of living in Singapore?

Yes, Singapore provides help in the form of subsidies for healthcare, housing, education, and public transportation that allow residents to cope with the costs of living.

How much are cultural events and concerts in Singapore?

Again, the price of tickets for cultural events and concerts depends upon the venue and artiste. It can range from SGD 20 to hundreds of dollars.

What is the standard of living which you experienced in Singapore compared to India?

You would need around 625,772.0₹ (10,135.0S$) in Singapore to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with 140,000.0₹ in Delhi.

Is it cost-effective to have travel insurance for short-term assignments in cities like Singapore?

For short-term assignments in expensive cities, even a minor disruption can turn into a costly affair. While not always essential, a travel insurance plan that covers basics like delayed flights, lost baggage, or medical emergencies can offer great value, especially when the trip is work-related and time-sensitive. It adds a layer of financial predictability in an otherwise high-cost environment.