Cost of Living in Singapore: Housing, Food, Transport & Monthly Budget Guide
Singapore is often described as a city of contrasts: a global financial hub with futuristic infrastructure, yet also a place where everyday living costs can surprise newcomers. While salaries are competitive and the quality of life is exceptional, expenses in housing, dining, and transportation make Singapore one of the priciest cities worldwide.
This guide offers a clear, updated, and easy‑to‑understand breakdown of living costs, helping professionals, families, and students plan their budgets before moving or settling in Singapore.
Average Monthly Living Costs in Singapore
Monthly expenses vary depending on lifestyle, housing type, and location.
| Category | Single (SGD) | Couple (SGD) | Family of 4 (SGD) |
| Rent | 2,200 – 4,800 | 3,200 – 6,800 | 4,500 – 9,200 |
| Food | 420 – 850 | 740 – 1,500 | 1,350 – 2,250 |
| Transport | 130 – 260 | 220 – 420 | 320 – 520 |
| Utilities | 160 – 320 | 260 – 420 | 320 – 520 |
| Internet & Mobile | 65 – 110 | 95 – 160 | 110 – 220 |
| Healthcare | 120 – 320 | 220 – 520 | 350 – 850 |
| Entertainment | 180 – 420 | 320 – 720 | 450 – 1,050 |
Estimated Monthly Totals:
- Single: SGD 2,600 – 4,200+
- Couple: SGD 4,200 – 6,800+
- Family: SGD 7,000 – 10,500+
Housing & Rent
Accommodation is the single largest expense in Singapore.
- HDB Flats (Public Housing): Affordable option for residents, limited for expats.
- Condominiums: Popular among professionals offers like gyms, pools, and security.
- Landed Property: Premium choice, suitable for high‑income families.
Average Rent:
| Property Type | City Centre (SGD) | Suburban Areas (SGD) |
| 1‑Bedroom | 3,200 – 5,200 | 2,200 – 3,600 |
| 2‑Bedroom | 4,200 – 6,800 | 3,000 – 4,800 |
| 3‑Bedroom | 5,800 – 9,200 | 4,000 – 6,800 |
💡 Tip: Sharing apartments or living outside the central districts can cut rent by up to 40%.
Food & Groceries
Singapore’s food scene ranges from budget hawker stalls to Michelin‑starred restaurants.
Dining Costs:
- Hawker Centres: SGD 4 – 9 per meal
- Food Courts: SGD 7 – 13 per meal
- Mid‑Range Restaurants: SGD 20 – 40 per meal
- Fine Dining: SGD 60+ per meal
Monthly Grocery Costs:
- Single: SGD 120 – 320
- Couple: SGD 280 – 520
- Family: SGD 450 – 850
Transportation
Public transport is efficient, affordable, and widely used.
- MRT/Bus: SGD 1.40 – 2.60 per trip; monthly pass ~ SGD 130 – 160
- Taxi/Ride‑Hailing: Base fare SGD 3 – 5; 5 km ride ~ SGD 13 – 22
- Car Ownership: Considered a luxury due to COE (Certificate of Entitlement) and taxes.
- COE: SGD 100,000+
- Monthly running cost: SGD 2,600 – 3,600
Utilities & Internet
- Electricity & Water: SGD 130 – 260
- Gas: SGD 25 – 55
- Internet: SGD 35 – 65
- Mobile Plan: SGD 25 – 55
⚡ Heavy use of air conditioning can double electricity bills.
Healthcare
Singapore’s healthcare system is world‑class but costly for non‑residents.
- Public Clinic Visit: SGD 25 – 55
- Private Clinic: SGD 90 – 160
- Specialist Consultation: SGD 160 – 320
- Health Insurance: SGD 120 – 320 per month
Education
- Public Schools: Affordable for citizens and PRs.
- International Schools:
- Primary: SGD 16,000 – 26,000 per year
- Secondary: SGD 21,000 – 36,000 per year
- IB/Premium: SGD 32,000 – 46,000 per year
- Universities (International Students): SGD 21,000 – 52,000 per year
Lifestyle & Entertainment
- Gym Membership: SGD 90 – 210
- Movie Ticket: SGD 13 – 21
- Coffee: SGD 5 – 9
- Weekend Outing: SGD 55 – 160
Cost of Living for Students
| Expense | Monthly Cost (SGD) |
| Accommodation | 550 – 1,600 |
| Food | 320 – 650 |
| Transport | 90 – 160 |
| Utilities | 60 – 160 |
| Personal | 160 – 320 |
Total: SGD 1,600 – 2,600 per month
Is Singapore Worth the Expense?
Advantages:
✔ High salaries and strong job market
✔ Safe, clean, and efficient city
✔ Excellent healthcare and education
✔ Reliable public transport
Challenges:
❌ High rental costs
❌ Expensive car ownership
❌ Imported goods priced higher
Smart Money‑Saving Tips
- Choose suburban housing or shared apartments
- Use MRT and buses instead of taxis
- Eat at hawker centres for affordable meals
- Take advantage of free parks and public spaces
- Compare mobile/internet plans for best deals
Final Thoughts
Singapore offers unmatched safety, career opportunities, and lifestyle perks, but living here requires careful budgeting. By understanding expenses and making smart choices, expats, families, and students can enjoy the city without financial stress.
Explore more at Bhulekh India.
FAQs
Yes, mainly due to housing and car ownership.
Single: SGD 4,200+ per month
Family: SGD 7,200+ per month
Local hawker food is cheap, but international dining is costly.
Yes, with shared housing and hawker meals, students can manage within SGD 1,600–2,000 per month.
Explore Categories:
