How much does the average living cost in Singapore? This might be the question you are wondering once you decide to move to this Lion City. Singapore consistently ranks as the most expensive country to live in within the ASEAN region, so knowing the living costs is essential.
So, how much exactly is the budget you need to prepare to live in Singapore?
Roughly, the average cost of living in Singapore ranges from S$1,500 to S$12,000 per month. It can be less or more depending on the lifestyle, family size, and preferences. A student or a single professional may spend much less than a family with children or someone opting for luxury living.
Among all expenses, rent and other accommodation are usually the biggest costs. To give you a clearer picture, below is a detailed breakdown of the monthly average cost of living in Singapore across different aspects of life.
Accommodation, Rent, and Utilities
Average cost:
- Apartment rent (city center): S$4,000–S$5,000/month
- Apartment rent (the outskirts): S$3,000–S$8,000/month
- Apartment in city center (per m2): S$30,000
- Apartment in the outskirts (per m2): S$20,000
- HDB flat (shared or family): S$800–S$2,200/month
- Utilities: S$150–S$300/month
As the largest monthly expense, accommodation is something you must plan for carefully when moving to Singapore. The closer to the city center or business districts, the higher the rental costs. Proximity to MRT stations, schools, tourist destinations, or shopping centers can also influence pricing.
The most expensive areas include Orchard Road, River Valley, Marina Bay, and Ardmore Park. In short, Districts 9 and 10 are widely known for the highest housing prices.
If you need to cut costs, consider living in more affordable neighborhoods—such as Jurong, Woodlands, Sembawang, Punggol, or Choa Chu Kang—and share a flat with roommates.
For permanent residents, there’s an additional housing option—HDB flats, which are subsidized by the government and more budget-friendly.
You are also expected to spend about S$150–S$300 per month for utilities like electricity, water, gas, and internet. However, costs can vary depending on the type of housing and how much you use it. As additional information, a major contributor to utility bills is air-conditioning, so you need to use it wisely.
Transportation
Average Costs:
- MRT/Bus fares: S$1–S$3 per trip
- Monthly EZ-Link top-up (commuters): S$80–S$120/month
- Taxi/Grab: S$50–S$150/month
- Car ownership (including COE, insurance, fuel): S$1,500+/month
If you are the type of person who puts convenience first, taxis and Grab are widely available, but a higher price tag is the consequence. Owning a car in Singapore is also possible, but it’s also one of the most expensive options due to the costs for Certificate of Entitlement (COE), insurance, maintenance, and fuel.
But if you’re looking to save money, the MRT and buses are your best options for getting around. You might be expected to make your own EZ-Link card to pay for public transportation.
Thanks to an avant-garde network of sheltered walkways, you can comfortably walk from bus stops to HDB flats or workplaces without worrying about the sun or rain. This can be a smart strategy when you choose to live close to work, walking or cycling is both healthy and cost-effective.
Restaurant, Food, and Groceries
Average cost:
- Hawker center meal: S$2.50–S$7 per dish
- Casual restaurant meal: S$15–S$25
- Fine dining: S$50–S$100+
- Monthly grocery bill (single): S$200–S$400
- Monthly grocery bill (family): S$500–S$800
When it comes to food, Singapore is truly a culinary paradise. Singapore’s rich and diverse food culture even earned a spot on UNESCO’s list for intangible cultural heritage, thanks to its world-famous hawker centers. Even though Hawker Centers, like Maxwell Food Centre and Old Airport Road, offer affordable meals, it’s wise to limit dining out frequently, as it can take a toll on your budget.
For daily meals, cooking at home is another effective way to save money. Popular supermarkets, such as NTUC FairPrice, Sheng Siong, and Cold Storage, might become your go-to stores to hunt for competitive prices and promos.
Education
Average cost:
- Public primary/secondary schools: S$13–S$600/month
- International schools: S$1,000–S$4,000/month
- University tuition: S$20,000–S$50,000/year
- School-related costs: S$100–S$300/month
For permanent residents (PRs) and foreigners, public primary and secondary school fees range from S$13 to S$600 per month. While international schools, which offer curricula like the IB or British systems, come at higher fees.
For university education, tuition fees vary depending on the course, institution, and program. Top-ranked universities such as the National University of Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU) are globally recognized for their academic quality. For international students, professional programs such as business and medicine usually require higher fees, ranging from S$20,000 to S$50,000 per year.
Leisure
Average Cost:
- Leisure/entertainment: S$100–S$400/month
For fun and leisure, Singapore offers world-class entertainment and iconic attractions. Enjoying premium experiences like rooftop bars, concerts, or amusement parks might be fine occasionally, but doing so regularly could strain your budget.
Why do you have to spend on all of them when you have the option to enjoy free or low-cost leisure? You can relax at Gardens by the Bay (outdoor areas), explore museums spread across the island, or catch the stunning light shows at Marina Bay. Not only offer a great break from work or study, but they also let you experience the city’s beauty on a budget.
Living in Singapore requires smart budgeting and thoughtful lifestyle choices. Whether you're living alone or with a family, the monthly expenses can vary based on personal preferences, housing choices, and daily habits.
Here’s a clearer look at the estimated monthly average cost of living in Singapore by individual type:
- Students: S$1,500–S$3,000 (shared housing, public transport, hawker meals/self-made meals, and basic expenses)
- Single Professionals: S$2,500–S$4,000 (private rent, utilities, transport, food and groceries, and leisure)
- Couples: S$4,000–S$7,000 (Moderate lifestyle)
- Families (3–4 people): S$6,000–S$10,000+ (private housing, childcare, groceries, transport, and education)
- High-end Families: S$6,500–S$12,000 (private healthcare, international schools, dining out, and larger homes)
If we look at the monthly average cost of living in Singapore, it is undeniably considered high. However, Singapore offers world-class infrastructure, public services, a rich culinary scene, and a thriving economy that make this city a top destination for professionals, students, and families alike to start their work, educational, or even life journey.
