International secondary school, yearly: SGD 20,000 - 40, Monthly Budget for Retirees in Bukit Timah
"Bukit Timah is considered one of the most expensive areas to live in the country. The cost of living is significantly higher than the national average due to the high-end nature of the district. Housing is the biggest expense, with prices for both rentals and purchases being quite steep. The cost of food and groceries is also higher than in other parts of Singapore, especially if you prefer dining out or buying imported goods. Transportation costs can also add up, especially if you own a car, as the cost of vehicle ownership in Singapore is high. However, public transportation is efficient and more affordable. Other expenses such as utilities, healthcare, and education are also on the higher end, reflecting the overall high standard of living in the area. Despite the high cost, many residents feel that the quality of life, safety, and amenities in Bukit Timah make it worth the expense," said one expat living in Bukit Timah.
Can I live in Bukit Timah on $1,500 a month?
"I've been living in Singapore for a few years now, and I can tell you that living comfortably on $1,500 a month in Bukit Timah might be a bit of a challenge, especially if you're used to modern amenities. Bukit Timah is known for being one of the more upscale neighborhoods in Singapore, so the cost of living there is generally higher than in other parts of the city. However, it's not impossible to make it work if you're willing to make some sacrifices.Firstly, you'll need to find affordable housing. You might have to consider living in an HDB flat (public housing) instead of a private condo or apartment. HDB flats in Bukit Timah are generally more affordable, but they might not have all the modern amenities you're used to. Alternatively, you could look for a room to rent in a shared apartment, which could help you save on rent.Next, you'll need to be mindful of your transportation costs. Owning a car in Singapore is very expensive, so you'll likely need to rely on public transportation. Fortunately, the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) system is quite efficient and affordable. You can also save money by walking or cycling whenever possible.When it comes to food, eating out at restaurants can be quite pricey in Bukit Timah. To save money, you can try eating at hawker centers or food courts, which offer a wide variety of affordable and delicious local dishes. Additionally, cooking at home and shopping at local markets can help you save on your grocery bills.As for entertainment and leisure activities, you might have to cut back on some of the more expensive options, such as going to high-end bars or clubs. Instead, you can explore the many free or low-cost attractions that Singapore has to offer, such as parks, museums, and cultural events.In terms of neighborhoods, you might want to avoid the more expensive areas like District 10, which includes Bukit Timah, Holland Village, and Tanglin. Instead, you could consider more affordable neighborhoods like District 21 (Clementi, Upper Bukit Timah) or District 23 (Bukit Batok, Choa Chu Kang), which are still relatively close to Bukit Timah and offer more budget-friendly housing options.Overall, living comfortably on $1,500 a month in Bukit Timah might require some adjustments and sacrifices, but it's not impossible if you're willing to be flexible and resourceful," commented an expat living in Bukit Timah.
Can I live in Bukit Timah on $3,500 a month?
"I've been living in Singapore for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month in Bukit Timah, but you'll have to make some sacrifices. First, you'll need to find a more affordable place to live. Bukit Timah is known for its upscale neighborhoods and high-end properties, so you might want to consider looking for a place in a nearby area like Clementi or Jurong East, which are more budget-friendly. You can find a decent HDB flat or a small condo unit in these areas for around $1,500 to $2,000 a month.Next, you'll need to be mindful of your transportation costs. Owning a car in Singapore is quite expensive due to the high taxes and fees, so it's best to rely on public transportation. The MRT and bus systems are efficient and affordable, and you can get a monthly pass for around $120. If you need to take a taxi or use ride-hailing services occasionally, just make sure to budget for it.Eating out in Singapore can be pricey, especially in the more upscale restaurants. However, you can still enjoy delicious local food at hawker centers and food courts, where meals typically cost around $3 to $6. If you cook at home, you can save even more on your food expenses. Just be prepared to spend a bit more on groceries compared to what you're used to, as some items can be more expensive in Singapore.As for entertainment and leisure activities, there are plenty of free or low-cost options to enjoy in Singapore. You can visit parks, gardens, and nature reserves, or take advantage of free events and festivals throughout the year. If you're into sports and fitness, you can find affordable gym memberships or join community sports clubs.In summary, living comfortably on $3,000 a month in Bukit Timah is possible, but you'll need to be mindful of your housing, transportation, food, and entertainment expenses. By making some sacrifices and being strategic with your spending, you can enjoy a good quality of life in this beautiful part of Singapore," said one expat living in Bukit Timah.
Can I live in Bukit Timah on $5,000 a month?
"I've been living in Singapore for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month in Bukit Timah, but you'll need to make some adjustments to your lifestyle. First, you'll need to find a more affordable place to live. Bukit Timah is known for its upscale neighborhoods and high-end properties, so you might want to consider looking for a place in a nearby area like Clementi or Jurong East, which are more budget-friendly. You can find a decent HDB flat or a small condo unit in these areas for around $2,000 to $3,000 a month.Next, you'll need to be mindful of your transportation costs. Owning a car in Singapore is quite expensive due to the high taxes and fees, so it's best to rely on public transportation like the MRT and buses. You can get a monthly travel pass for around $120, which will give you unlimited access to the MRT and buses. If you need to take a taxi or use ride-hailing services occasionally, just make sure to budget for it.When it comes to dining out, Singapore has a wide range of options, from hawker centers to high-end restaurants. To save money, try to eat at hawker centers and food courts more often, where you can get a delicious meal for around $5 to $10. Of course, you can still treat yourself to a nice restaurant once in a while, but just be mindful of your budget.For groceries, you can shop at local markets or supermarkets like FairPrice, Giant, or Cold Storage. Prices can vary, so it's a good idea to compare and find the best deals. You can also save money by cooking at home more often instead of eating out.Finally, when it comes to entertainment and leisure activities, there are plenty of free or low-cost options in Singapore. You can visit parks, gardens, and nature reserves, or take advantage of free events and festivals throughout the year. For more expensive activities like going to the movies or visiting attractions like Universal Studios, just make sure to budget for them and plan accordingly.In conclusion, living comfortably on $5,000 a month in Bukit Timah is possible, but you'll need to make some adjustments to your lifestyle and be mindful of your spending. By finding a more affordable place to live, relying on public transportation, eating at hawker centers, and taking advantage of free or low-cost activities, you can make it work," commented an expat living in Bukit Timah.
Contribute
Help others in Singapore by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Singapore.
Bukit Timah, Singapore
