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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Holland Village 2024
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Cost of Living in Holland Village

By Joshua Wood, LPC

Cigna Global Health
Cigna Global Health

Summary: If you're moving to Holland Village, understanding the the cost of living in Holland Village 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
  • 1-bedroom apartment in city center: SGD 2,500 - 3,500 per month
  • 1-bedroom apartment outside city center: SGD 1,800 - 2,500 per month
  • 3-bedroom apartment in city center: SGD 4,500 - 6,500 per month
  • 3-bedroom apartment outside city center: SGD 3,000 - 4,500 per month
Apartment Purchases
  • Price per square meter in city center: SGD 15,000 - 20,000
  • Price per square meter outside city center: SGD 8,000 - 12,000
Transportation
  • One-way ticket on local transport: SGD 1.50
  • Monthly transport pass: SGD 120
  • Taxi starting tariff: SGD 3.50
  • Taxi 1km tariff: SGD 0.55
  • Gasoline (1 liter): SGD 2.20
Groceries
  • Milk (1 liter): SGD 2.80
  • Bread (500g): SGD 2.50
  • Rice (1kg): SGD 2.50
  • Eggs (12): SGD 3.00
  • Chicken breast (1kg): SGD 8.00
  • Beef round (1kg): SGD 18.00
  • Apples (1kg): SGD 4.50
  • Oranges (1kg): SGD 4.00
  • Tomato (1kg): SGD 3.50
  • Potato (1kg): SGD 3.00
  • Water (1.5-liter bottle): SGD 1.50
  • Bottle of wine (mid-range): SGD 25.00
  • Domestic beer (0.5-liter bottle): SGD 4.00
  • Imported beer (0.33-liter bottle): SGD 5.00
Restaurants
  • Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: SGD 12.00
  • Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: SGD 60.00
  • Combo meal at a fast-food restaurant: SGD 8.00
  • Cappuccino: SGD 5.50
  • Soft drink (0.33-liter bottle): SGD 1.80
  • Domestic beer (0.5-liter draught): SGD 10.00
  • Imported beer (0.33-liter bottle): SGD 10.00
Utilities
  • Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for 85m2 apartment: SGD 150 - 250 per month
  • Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL): SGD 50 - 70 per month
Private School Tuition
  • Preschool (or Kindergarten) tuition: SGD 1,000 - 2,000 per month
  • Elementary school tuition: SGD 15,000 - 25,000 per year
  • Middle school tuition: SGD 20,000 - 30,000 per year
  • High school tuition: SGD 25,000 - 35,000 per year
Please note that the costs provided are approximate and may vary depending on the specific location within Holland Village. It is always a good idea to research and compare prices before making any decisions.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Holland Village

"Holland Village in Singapore is known for its high cost of living. The area is popular among expatriates and affluent locals, which drives up the prices of goods and services. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can be quite expensive. Eating out in restaurants, especially Western-style establishments, can also be costly. Groceries tend to be more expensive than in other parts of Singapore due to the high-end supermarkets in the area. Public transportation is relatively affordable, but owning a car can be costly due to high vehicle taxes and parking fees. Despite the high cost of living, many people are drawn to Holland Village for its vibrant nightlife, variety of dining options, and its convenient location near the city center," said one expat living in Holland Village.

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

"I've been living in Singapore for a while now, and I can tell you that living comfortably on $1,500 a month in Holland Village might be a bit of a stretch, especially if you're used to modern amenities. However, it's not impossible if you're willing to make some sacrifices.Firstly, you'll need to find a more affordable place to live. Holland Village is a trendy and popular area, which means rents can be quite high. You might want to consider looking for a room in a shared apartment or a smaller studio apartment to keep your housing costs down. Some more affordable neighborhoods nearby include Queenstown, Clementi, and Buona Vista. These areas are still relatively close to Holland Village and have good public transport connections, so you won't feel too isolated.Next, you'll need to be mindful of your spending on food and entertainment. Eating out in Singapore can be quite expensive, especially in popular areas like Holland Village. To save money, try eating at local hawker centers and food courts, where you can find delicious and affordable meals. You can also save by cooking at home and shopping at local markets for fresh produce.When it comes to entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy in Singapore. Instead of going to expensive bars and clubs, consider exploring the many parks, gardens, and cultural attractions around the city. You can also take advantage of free events and festivals that take place throughout the year.Transportation costs can also add up, so try to use public transport as much as possible. Singapore has an excellent public transport system, including buses and the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) train system. You can save money by purchasing a monthly travel pass, which gives you unlimited travel on buses and trains.Finally, be prepared to cut back on some of the modern amenities you might be used to. For example, you might need to live without a car, as owning a vehicle in Singapore is very expensive due to high taxes and fees. You may also need to forgo luxuries like gym memberships, regular spa treatments, or frequent shopping trips.In conclusion, living comfortably on $1,500 a month in Holland Village, is possible if you're willing to make some sacrifices and be mindful of your spending. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, being smart about food and entertainment costs, and cutting back on some modern amenities, you can make it work," commented an expat living in Holland Village.

Can I live in Holland Village 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 Holland Village, but you'll need to make some adjustments to your lifestyle. First, you'll need to find a more affordable place to live. Holland Village is a popular and trendy area, so rents can be quite high. You might want to consider looking for a room in a shared apartment or a smaller studio apartment to keep your housing costs down. Alternatively, you could look for housing in nearby neighborhoods like Queenstown, Clementi, or Bukit Timah, which are generally more affordable.Next, you'll need to be mindful of your spending on food and entertainment. Eating out at restaurants in Holland Village can be quite expensive, so you might want to cook more at home or explore the many hawker centers and food courts in the area for cheaper meal options. For groceries, you can shop at local markets or supermarkets like Cold Storage or NTUC FairPrice, which offer a good selection of products at reasonable prices.When it comes to transportation, using public transport like the MRT and buses is a cost-effective way to get around Singapore. If you need a car, consider using car-sharing services like BlueSG or renting a car only when necessary, as owning a car in Singapore can be very expensive due to high taxes and fees.For entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy in Singapore, such as visiting parks, attending free events, or exploring the many cultural and heritage sites around the island. You might need to cut back on more expensive activities like frequent visits to bars and clubs, as alcohol can be quite pricey in Singapore.In terms of healthcare, Singapore has a high-quality public healthcare system, and you can visit public clinics and hospitals for more affordable medical care. However, you might want to consider getting health insurance to cover any unexpected medical expenses.Overall, living on $3,000 a month in Holland Village is doable, but you'll need to be more budget-conscious and make some lifestyle adjustments. By finding more affordable housing, being mindful of your spending on food and entertainment, and utilizing public transportation, you can enjoy a comfortable life in this vibrant neighborhood," said one expat living in Holland Village.

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

"I've been living in Holland Village for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, but you'll need to make some adjustments to your lifestyle. Holland Village is a popular expat area, so the cost of living can be a bit higher compared to other neighborhoods. However, there are still affordable options available if you're willing to make some sacrifices.Firstly, you'll need to find a more budget-friendly apartment. The more upscale condos in Holland Village can be quite expensive, so you might want to consider looking for a smaller HDB flat or a room in a shared apartment. You can find these in nearby neighborhoods like Ghim Moh, Buona Vista, or Queenstown. These areas are still close to Holland Village and have good public transport connections, so you won't feel too isolated.When it comes to dining out, Holland Village has a mix of high-end restaurants and more affordable local eateries. To save money, you'll want to eat at the local hawker centers and food courts more often, where you can find delicious and cheap meals. You can also save by cooking at home and shopping at the local wet markets and supermarkets for groceries.For entertainment, you might need to cut back on expensive activities like going to the cinema or attending concerts. Instead, you can take advantage of the many free or low-cost events and attractions in Singapore, like visiting parks, museums, and cultural events.In terms of transportation, using public transport like the MRT and buses is much more affordable than taking taxis or owning a car. Singapore has an excellent public transport system, so you should have no problem getting around the city.Overall, living comfortably on $5,000 a month in Holland Village is possible, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some adjustments to your lifestyle. By choosing a more affordable apartment, eating at local eateries, and taking advantage of free or low-cost activities, you can make it work," commented an expat living in Holland Village.

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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Cigna Global Health

Cigna Global Health
Cigna Global Health

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Cigna Global Health

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