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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Serangoon Gardens 2024
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Cost of Living in Serangoon Gardens

By Joshua Wood, LPC

SJB Global
SJB Global

Summary: Understanding the the cost of living in Serangoon Gardens 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: SGD 2,000 - 2,500 per month
  • 1-bedroom apartment outside city center: SGD 1,500 - 2,000 per month
  • 3-bedroom apartment in city center: SGD 3,500 - 5,000 per month
  • 3-bedroom apartment outside city center: SGD 2,500 - 3,500 per month
Apartment Purchases
  • Price per square meter in city center: SGD 10,000 - 15,000
  • Price per square meter outside city center: SGD 6,000 - 10,000
Transportation
  • One-way ticket (local transport): SGD 1.50
  • Monthly pass (regular price): SGD 120
  • Taxi start (normal tariff): SGD 3.20
  • Taxi 1km (normal tariff): SGD 0.55
  • Gasoline (1 liter): SGD 2.10
Groceries
  • Milk (1 liter): SGD 2.80
  • Bread (500g): SGD 2.50
  • Rice (1kg): SGD 2.50
  • Eggs (12): SGD 3.00
  • Chicken breasts (1kg): SGD 8.00
  • Apples (1kg): SGD 4.50
  • Tomatoes (1kg): SGD 3.50
  • Water (1.5-liter bottle): SGD 1.50
Restaurants
  • Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: SGD 10 - 15
  • Meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant: SGD 50 - 80
  • McMeal at McDonald's (or equivalent): SGD 8
  • Domestic beer (0.5-liter draught): SGD 8 - 10
  • Imported beer (0.33-liter bottle): SGD 8 - 12
  • Cappuccino (regular): SGD 5 - 6
Utilities
  • Basic (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for 85m2 apartment: SGD 150 - 250 per month
  • 1 minute of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans): SGD 0.16
  • Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL): SGD 40 - 60 per month
Private School Tuition
  • Preschool (or Kindergarten) - Full day: SGD 1,000 - 1,800 per month
  • Elementary School - International School: SGD 20,000 - 35,000 per year
  • Middle School - International School: SGD 25,000 - 40,000 per year
  • High School - International School: SGD 30,000 - 45,000 per year
Please note that these costs are approximate and can vary depending on individual preferences and lifestyle choices. It is always recommended to research and compare prices before making any decisions.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Serangoon Gardens

"The cost of living in Serangoon Gardens, is considered relatively high compared to other areas in the country. This is due to its status as a prime residential area, with a mix of landed properties and private condominiums. The cost of housing is significantly higher than the national average, with rental prices for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center being quite steep. In terms of everyday expenses, the cost of groceries, dining, and transportation is also above average. Groceries can be expensive, especially for imported goods. Dining out in restaurants in this area can also be costly, although there are cheaper options available at local hawker centers. Public transportation is widely used and is relatively affordable, but owning a private vehicle can be expensive due to the high cost of vehicle ownership in Singapore. Overall, while the cost of living in Serangoon Gardens is high, it offers a high standard of living with access to good schools, recreational facilities, and other amenities," said one expat living in Serangoon Gardens.

Can I live in Serangoon Gardens 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 in Serangoon Gardens is possible, but it will require some sacrifices and adjustments. Serangoon Gardens is a lovely neighborhood, but it's not the most affordable area in Singapore. You might want to consider looking for a place in more budget-friendly neighborhoods like Yishun, Woodlands, or Jurong West.To make it work on $1,500 a month, you'll need to be mindful of your housing costs. You'll likely have to share an apartment or rent a room in a shared flat, as renting a whole apartment in Serangoon Gardens can be quite expensive. You can find rooms for rent in the range of $600 to $900 per month, depending on the size and location.Another significant expense in Singapore is transportation. If you're used to having a car, you'll have to give that up, as owning a car in Singapore is very expensive due to high taxes and fees. Instead, you'll need to rely on public transportation, which is quite efficient and affordable. A monthly pass for unlimited travel on buses and trains costs around $120.Eating out can also be expensive in Singapore, especially in more upscale restaurants. However, you can save money by eating at hawker centers and food courts, where you can find delicious and affordable meals for around $3 to $5. Cooking at home can also help you save money, but groceries can be a bit pricey, so you'll need to shop smart and look for deals.You'll also need to be mindful of your entertainment and leisure expenses. Going out for drinks or to clubs can be quite costly, so you might want to limit those activities. Instead, you can take advantage of the many free or low-cost attractions and events in Singapore, like visiting parks, museums, and cultural events.In conclusion, living on $1,500 a month in Serangoon Gardens is possible, but it will require some sacrifices and adjustments. You'll need to be mindful of your housing, transportation, food, and entertainment expenses and consider more affordable neighborhoods if necessary," commented an expat living in Serangoon Gardens.

Can I live in Serangoon Gardens on $3,500 a month?

"I've been living in Serangoon Gardens for a while now, and I can tell you that it's possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, but you'll have to make some sacrifices. First, you'll need to find a more affordable place to live. Serangoon Gardens is a nice neighborhood, but it can be a bit pricey. You might want to consider looking for a room in a shared apartment or a smaller studio apartment to save on rent. Some more affordable neighborhoods nearby include Hougang, Ang Mo Kio, and Bishan. These areas still have good access to public transportation and amenities, but the cost of living is generally lower.Next, you'll need to be mindful of your spending on food and entertainment. Eating out at restaurants can be expensive in Singapore, so you'll want to cook at home more often or look for more affordable food options like hawker centers and food courts. You can also save money by taking advantage of free or low-cost activities and attractions around the city, like visiting parks, museums, and cultural events.Transportation can also be a significant expense, so you'll want to use public transportation like buses and the MRT instead of relying on taxis or private cars. If you need a car occasionally, consider using a car-sharing service like BlueSG or Tribecar.Finally, be prepared to cut back on some of the luxuries you might be used to, like gym memberships, spa treatments, and high-end shopping. There are plenty of more affordable alternatives available, like community centers for fitness and local markets for shopping.Overall, living on $3,000 a month in Serangoon Gardens is doable, but you'll need to be disciplined with your spending and be willing to make some sacrifices. It's essential to prioritize what's most important to you and find ways to save on the things that matter less," said one expat living in Serangoon Gardens.

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

"I've been living in Serangoon Gardens 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 to make it work. For example, you might need to choose a smaller apartment or a place that's a bit further from the city center. In terms of affordable neighborhoods, I'd recommend looking into areas like Hougang, Sengkang, or Punggol. These areas are a bit further from the city center, but they're still well-connected by public transport and have plenty of amenities nearby. Plus, the cost of living is generally lower in these areas compared to more central locations.On the other hand, you might want to avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Orchard, River Valley, or Bukit Timah. These areas are known for their high-end shopping malls, restaurants, and luxury condos, which can drive up the cost of living significantly. If you're trying to stick to a $5,000 a month budget, you might find it difficult to make ends meet in these areas.In terms of sacrifices, you might need to cut back on dining out at fancy restaurants or going out for drinks every weekend. Instead, you could try cooking at home more often or exploring the many hawker centers and food courts that Singapore has to offer. These places offer delicious and affordable meals, so you won't feel like you're missing out on the local cuisine.Another thing to consider is transportation. Owning a car in Singapore can be quite expensive due to the high cost of COE (Certificate of Entitlement) and other fees. Instead, you could rely on public transport, which is efficient and relatively affordable. This might mean a longer commute, but it's a sacrifice that could help you stay within your budget.Overall, living comfortably on $5,000 a month in Serangoon Gardens is possible, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices in terms of housing, dining, and transportation. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood and cutting back on certain luxuries, you can still enjoy a comfortable lifestyle while staying within your budget," commented an expat living in Serangoon Gardens.

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.


SJB Global
SJB Global

SJB Global
SJB Global

SJB Global
SJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
Learn More

SJB GlobalSJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
Learn More

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