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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Clementi 2024
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Cost of Living in Clementi

By Betsy Burlingame

Cigna Global Health
Cigna Global Health

Summary: Understanding the the cost of living in Clementi helps a newcomer what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

Category Cost
Apartment Rentals
  • 1-bedroom apartment in city center: S$2,000 - S$2,500 per month
  • 1-bedroom apartment outside city center: S$1,500 - S$2,000 per month
  • 3-bedroom apartment in city center: S$3,500 - S$4,500 per month
  • 3-bedroom apartment outside city center: S$2,500 - S$3,500 per month
Apartment Purchases
  • Price per square meter in city center: S$10,000 - S$15,000
  • Price per square meter outside city center: S$7,000 - S$10,000
Transportation
  • One-way ticket on local transport: S$1.40
  • Monthly public transport pass: S$120
  • Taxi starting tariff: S$3.20
  • Taxi 1km tariff: S$0.55
  • Gasoline (1 liter): S$2.20
Groceries
  • Milk (1 liter): S$2.80
  • Bread (500g): S$2.00
  • Rice (1kg): S$2.50
  • Eggs (12): S$2.50
  • Chicken breast (1kg): S$7.50
  • Beef round (1kg): S$15.00
  • Apples (1kg): S$4.00
  • Oranges (1kg): S$4.00
  • Tomato (1kg): S$3.00
  • Potato (1kg): S$2.50
  • Water (1.5-liter bottle): S$1.50
Restaurants
  • Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: S$10 - S$15
  • Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: S$50 - S$80
  • Combo meal at a fast-food restaurant: S$8
  • Cappuccino: S$5
  • Beer (0.5-liter draught): S$8
  • Soft drink (0.33-liter bottle): S$1.50
  • Water (0.33-liter bottle): S$1.20
Utilities
  • Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for an 85m2 apartment: S$150 - S$250 per month
  • Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL): S$40 - S$60 per month
Private School Tuition
  • Preschool: S$1,000 - S$1,500 per month
  • Elementary School: S$15,000 - S$25,000 per year
  • Middle School: S$20,000 - S$30,000 per year
  • High School: S$25,000 - S$35,000 per year
The cost of living in Clementi, varies depending on the individual's lifestyle and preferences. The table above provides an overview of the average costs for apartment rentals and purchases, transportation, groceries, restaurants, utilities, and private school tuition in the area. It is important to note that these costs are subject to change and may vary depending on factors such as location, quality, and personal preferences.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Clementi

"The cost of living in Clementi, is considered relatively high, similar to the rest of the city-state. Housing is one of the most significant expenses, with the cost varying depending on the type and size of the property. Renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can be quite expensive, while the cost can decrease significantly in the outskirts. Utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, and water are also a considerable part of the monthly budget. Internet and mobile services are relatively affordable compared to other developed countries. Groceries in Clementi can be costly, especially for imported goods. However, local produce and products are generally more affordable. Eating out in Clementi varies greatly, with the cost depending on the type of restaurant. Local food courts and hawker centers offer affordable meals, while dining in mid-range to high-end restaurants can be quite expensive. Transportation costs in Clementi are reasonable, with an efficient public transportation system that includes buses, trains, and taxis. Owning a car in Singapore is costly due to high taxes and fees. Healthcare in Clementi, like the rest of Singapore, is of high quality but can be expensive, especially for non-residents. Lastly, leisure activities such as gym memberships, cinema tickets, and other forms of entertainment also add to the cost of living in Clementi. Despite the high cost of living, Clementi offers a high standard of living with its safe environment, cleanliness, and access to various amenities," said one expat living in Clementi.

Can I live in Clementi on $1,500 a month?

"I've been living in Singapore for a while now, and I can tell you that living on $1,500 a month in Clementi is possible, but you'll have to make some sacrifices. First, you'll need to find a more affordable place to live. HDB flats are the most budget-friendly option, and you can find a room in a shared flat for around $600-$800 per month. You might want to avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Holland Village or Bukit Timah, as rents there can be much higher.Next, you'll need to be mindful of your transportation costs. Public transport in Singapore is quite efficient and affordable, so you can save money by taking the MRT or buses instead of taxis or Grab. A monthly transport pass will cost you around $120.When it comes to food, eating out at hawker centers and food courts is the most affordable option. You can find a decent meal for around $3-$5. If you prefer to cook at home, you'll need to be strategic about your grocery shopping, as some supermarkets can be quite pricey. Try shopping at local wet markets or budget-friendly supermarkets like Sheng Siong or FairPrice.For entertainment, you'll need to be selective about your activities. There are plenty of free or low-cost events and attractions in Singapore, like visiting parks, museums, or attending community events. However, you'll need to limit more expensive activities like dining at fancy restaurants, going to bars or clubs, or attending concerts and theater performances.Lastly, you'll need to be mindful of your utility bills and other miscellaneous expenses. Try to conserve electricity and water usage, and be cautious about your mobile phone and internet plans. It's also a good idea to have a budget for unexpected expenses, like medical bills or repairs.In conclusion, living on $1,500 a month in Clementi is doable, but you'll need to be disciplined about your spending and make some sacrifices in terms of your lifestyle. It's all about finding the right balance between your needs and wants, and being resourceful in finding affordable options," commented an expat living in Clementi.

Can I live in Clementi on $3,500 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 $3,000 a month in Clementi, but you'll have to make some adjustments to your lifestyle. First, you'll need to find a more affordable place to live. Clementi is a relatively affordable neighborhood compared to more expensive areas like Orchard Road or Marina Bay. You can find a decent HDB flat or a small condo for around $1,500 to $2,000 a month, which should leave you with enough money for other expenses.When it comes to transportation, you might want to consider using public transport instead of owning a car. Cars are quite expensive in Singapore due to the high taxes and COE prices. The MRT and buses are very efficient and affordable, so you can easily get around the city without a car.Eating out can be quite expensive in Singapore, especially if you're used to dining at fancy restaurants. However, there are plenty of hawker centers and food courts where you can find delicious and affordable meals. Clementi has a great hawker center where you can get a meal for around $3 to $5. You can also save money by cooking at home and shopping at local markets for fresh produce.Entertainment and leisure activities can also be quite costly in Singapore, but there are plenty of free or low-cost options available. You can visit parks, go for hikes, or explore the many cultural and heritage sites around the city. There are also free events and festivals throughout the year that you can attend.In terms of healthcare, Singapore has a world-class healthcare system, but it can be expensive for expats without insurance. Make sure you have a good health insurance plan to cover any medical expenses that may arise.Overall, living on $3,000 a month in Clementi is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some adjustments to your lifestyle. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, using public transport, eating at local food courts, and enjoying free or low-cost leisure activities, you can live comfortably in Singapore without breaking the bank," said one expat living in Clementi.

Can I live in Clementi on $5,000 a month?

"I've been living in Clementi for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. However, you might have to make some sacrifices in terms of housing and entertainment choices. Clementi is a relatively affordable neighborhood compared to some of the more upscale areas like Orchard Road or Marina Bay, so you'll be able to find a decent apartment or condo within your budget. You might have to settle for a smaller space or a slightly older building, but you'll still have access to modern amenities like air conditioning, internet, and cable TV.When it comes to transportation, the public transport system in Singapore is excellent, so you won't need to worry about owning a car. The MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) and buses are affordable and efficient, making it easy to get around the city. If you prefer to use taxis or ride-sharing services like Grab, they're also available, but they can add up if you use them frequently.Eating out in Singapore can be quite affordable if you stick to local hawker centers and food courts, where you can find delicious meals for just a few dollars. However, if you prefer dining at restaurants or cafes, the costs can add up quickly. To save money, you might want to consider cooking at home more often and limiting your dining out experiences to special occasions.Entertainment and leisure activities can also be a bit pricey in Singapore, especially if you're into nightlife or frequenting bars and clubs. To make your budget work, you might have to cut back on these activities or look for more affordable alternatives like free events, parks, or exploring the many cultural attractions that Singapore has to offer.In terms of shopping, you'll find a mix of affordable and high-end options in Singapore. Clementi itself has a shopping mall with a variety of stores, but if you're looking for more upscale shopping experiences, you might have to venture to other parts of the city. To stay within your budget, you'll need to be mindful of your spending habits and prioritize your needs over wants.Overall, living comfortably on $5,000 a month in Clementi, Singapore is achievable, but it will require some adjustments and sacrifices in terms of housing, dining, and entertainment choices. By being mindful of your spending and taking advantage of the more affordable options available, you'll be able to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle while staying within your budget," commented an expat living in Clementi.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.


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