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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in EAST COAST 2024
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Cost of Living in EAST COAST

By Joshua Wood, LPC

AGS Worldwide Movers
AGS Worldwide Movers

Summary: If you're moving to EAST COAST, understanding the the cost of living in EAST COAST helps you know what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

Category Cost
Apartment Rentals For a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, the monthly rent is approximately SGD 2,500 to SGD 3,500. For the same outside the city center, it is around SGD 1,800 to SGD 2,500.
Apartment Purchases The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city center is around SGD 15,000 to SGD 20,000. Outside the city center, it is approximately SGD 8,000 to SGD 12,000.
Transportation A monthly pass for public transportation costs around SGD 120. Taxis start at SGD 3.20 and add SGD 0.55 per 1km. The cost of gasoline is approximately SGD 2.20 per liter.
Groceries The average monthly cost for groceries for a single person is around SGD 300 to SGD 400. This includes items like milk (SGD 3.00 per liter), bread (SGD 2.00 for 500g), rice (SGD 2.00 for 1kg), eggs (SGD 3.00 for 12), and chicken breasts (SGD 7.00 for 1kg).
Restaurants A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs around SGD 15. A three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant costs around SGD 70. A combo meal at a fast food restaurant is approximately SGD 8.
Utilities Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment, including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage, cost around SGD 150 to SGD 200 per month. Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL) costs around SGD 50 per month.
Private School Tuition For preschool, the annual tuition fee ranges from SGD 18,000 to SGD 30,000. For elementary school, it is around SGD 20,000 to SGD 35,000. For middle school and high school, it is approximately SGD 25,000 to SGD 40,000.
Please note that these are average costs and actual costs may vary depending on various factors. The cost of living in the East Coast of Singapore is generally high due to its prime location, high-quality amenities, and the high standard of living. It is a popular residential area for expatriates due to its proximity to the city center, international schools, and recreational facilities. The cost of housing, whether renting or buying, forms a significant part of the cost of living in this area. The cost of transportation is relatively affordable, especially if you use public transportation. Owning a car can be expensive due to the high cost of COE (Certificate of Entitlement), car prices, and gasoline. Groceries can be expensive or affordable depending on where you shop. Shopping at local markets or budget supermarkets can help reduce costs. Eating out can be expensive at high-end restaurants, but there are also many affordable options like hawker centers and food courts. Utilities are generally affordable, but the cost can increase if you use air conditioning frequently. The cost of private school tuition is high, but these schools often offer high-quality education and facilities.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in EAST COAST

"The cost of living in East Coast, Singapore is considered relatively high compared to other regions. This is due to the area's popularity, its proximity to the city center, and the high quality of life it offers. Housing is the most significant expense, with prices varying greatly depending on the type of accommodation. Renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can be quite expensive, while outside the city center, it is slightly less costly.In addition to housing, other significant expenses include groceries, transportation, and utilities. Groceries can be expensive, especially for imported goods. Local produce and goods are generally more affordable. Public transportation in Singapore is efficient and relatively inexpensive, but owning a car can be costly due to high import taxes and fees. Utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, and water are also a significant part of the monthly budget.Eating out in East Coast, Singapore can range from relatively inexpensive at local hawker centers to very expensive at high-end restaurants. The area is known for its food scene, offering a wide range of options. Healthcare in Singapore is excellent but can be expensive, especially for non-residents. It's advisable to have a good health insurance plan. Lastly, leisure activities such as gym memberships, cinema tickets, and other forms of entertainment can add to the cost of living but are comparable to prices in other major cities worldwide. In summary, while the cost of living in East Coast, Singapore can be high, it offers a high standard of living, excellent amenities, and a vibrant lifestyle," said one expat living in EAST COAST.

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

"I've been living in Singapore for a few years now and I can tell you that living on $1,500 a month on the East Coast is possible, but it will require some sacrifices and smart budgeting. Rent is the biggest expense you'll have to consider. The East Coast is a popular area, so rents can be quite high. If you're willing to share an apartment, you can find a room in a shared flat for around $700 to $1,000 a month. If you want your own place, a studio or one-bedroom apartment can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $2,500 a month, which is obviously out of your budget. Neighborhoods like Bedok, Tampines, and Pasir Ris are more affordable and still offer a good quality of life. They have plenty of hawker centers where you can get a meal for under $5, and public transportation is efficient and affordable. On the other hand, neighborhoods like Marine Parade and Siglap are more upscale and expensive, so you might want to avoid those. Groceries can be quite expensive in Singapore, especially if you're buying imported goods. Shopping at local markets and buying local produce can help you save money. Eating out can also be affordable if you stick to hawker centers and local food courts, where meals typically cost between $3 and $6. Transportation is another area where you can save. Public transportation in Singapore is excellent and very affordable. A monthly pass for unlimited travel on buses and trains costs around $120. If you're planning to use a car, keep in mind that owning and maintaining a car in Singapore is very expensive due to high taxes and fees. Other expenses to consider are utilities, which can cost around $100 a month, and internet and mobile phone plans, which can cost around $50 a month. Health insurance is also important, and the cost will depend on your age and health condition. In terms of entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities in Singapore, like visiting the many parks and gardens, going to the beach, or exploring the city's cultural and historical sites. However, if you're into dining out at fancy restaurants, going to bars, or attending concerts and other events, these can quickly eat into your budget. In conclusion, living on $1,500 a month in Singapore is doable, but it requires careful budgeting and some sacrifices. You'll need to live in a more affordable neighborhood, possibly share an apartment, eat at local food courts, use public transportation, and limit your entertainment expenses. But despite these sacrifices, you can still enjoy a good quality of life in one of the most vibrant and diverse cities in the world," commented an expat living in EAST COAST.

Can I live in EAST COAST on $3,500 a month?

"I've been living in Singapore for a few years now, and I can tell you that living on $3,000 a month on the East Coast is doable, but it will require some budgeting and sacrifices. The East Coast is a beautiful area, with a mix of local culture and modern amenities, but it's also one of the more expensive parts of Singapore. Rent will be your biggest expense. For a one-bedroom apartment in a decent neighborhood, you're looking at around $2,000 to $2,500 a month. That doesn't leave much for other expenses. If you're willing to share an apartment or live in a less trendy neighborhood, you could bring that down to around $1,500. Areas like Bedok or Tampines are a bit more affordable and still have good access to public transportation and amenities. Eating out in Singapore can be quite cheap if you stick to hawker centers and local food, but if you're used to dining at restaurants, that can quickly eat into your budget. Groceries are also more expensive than in the US or Europe, especially for Western products. You'll also need to factor in utilities, which can be quite high due to the need for air conditioning, and transportation. While public transportation is efficient and affordable, owning a car is prohibitively expensive due to high taxes and fees. On the plus side, healthcare in Singapore is excellent and relatively affordable, especially compared to the US. In terms of lifestyle, you might have to cut back on things like travel, expensive hobbies, or nights out. But there's plenty to do in Singapore that's low-cost or free, from exploring the many parks and nature reserves to taking advantage of the city's vibrant cultural scene. So while it's not exactly a life of luxury, I've found that with some careful planning and budgeting, it's possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month in East Coast, Singapore," said one expat living in EAST COAST.

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

"I've been living in Singapore for a few years now, and I can tell you that living on $5,000 a month on the East Coast is definitely possible, but it does require some careful budgeting and lifestyle adjustments. The East Coast is a beautiful area, with a mix of local and expat communities, and it's close to the beach, which is a big plus. The biggest expense you'll have is housing. If you're looking to live alone, a decent one-bedroom apartment in a condominium can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $3,000 a month. If you're okay with sharing, you can find a room in a shared apartment or house for around $1,000 to $1,500. Areas like Bedok, Tampines, and Pasir Ris are more affordable, while still being well-connected and having good amenities. On the other hand, neighborhoods like Katong, Siglap, and Marine Parade are more upscale and expensive, so you might want to avoid those if you're on a tighter budget.Food can be quite affordable if you eat at local hawker centers, where a meal can cost as little as $3 to $5. But if you prefer dining at restaurants, it can quickly add up, with a meal easily costing $20 to $30. Groceries can also be expensive, especially if you buy imported goods. Transportation is relatively affordable. Public transport is excellent and a monthly pass costs around $120. Taxis and Grab (the local equivalent of Uber) are also reasonably priced, especially if you're used to Western prices. Other expenses to consider are utilities, which can be around $100 to $200 a month, depending on your usage, and mobile and internet plans, which can be around $50 to $100 a month. As for entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to do, like visiting the many parks and beaches, or the numerous free events that are often held around the city. But if you like going out to bars and clubs, or going on regular shopping sprees, that can quickly eat into your budget. In terms of sacrifices, you might have to give up some of the luxuries you're used to, like having a large apartment, eating out at fancy restaurants regularly, or having a car (which is extremely expensive in Singapore). But in return, you get to live in a vibrant, diverse city with a high quality of life, and plenty of opportunities for travel and adventure," commented an expat living in EAST COAST.

About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.


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