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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Marine Parade 2024
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Cost of Living in Marine Parade

By Joshua Wood, LPC

Universal Tax Professionals
Universal Tax Professionals

Summary: Understanding the the cost of living in Marine Parade 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$2,500 - S$3,500 per month
  • 1-bedroom apartment outside city center: S$1,800 - S$2,500 per month
  • 3-bedroom apartment in city center: S$4,500 - S$7,000 per month
  • 3-bedroom apartment outside city center: S$3,000 - S$4,500 per month
Apartment Purchases
  • Price per square meter in city center: S$15,000 - S$20,000
  • Price per square meter outside city center: S$10,000 - S$15,000
Transportation
  • One-way ticket on public transport: S$1.50 - S$2.50
  • Monthly public transport pass: S$120 - S$150
  • Taxi starting tariff: S$3.50 - S$5.00
  • Taxi 1km tariff: S$0.50 - S$0.70
  • Gasoline (1 liter): S$2.00 - S$2.50
Groceries
  • Milk (1 liter): S$2.50 - S$3.50
  • Bread (500g): S$2.00 - S$3.00
  • Rice (1kg): S$2.00 - S$3.00
  • Eggs (12): S$2.50 - S$3.50
  • Chicken breast (1kg): S$7.00 - S$10.00
  • Beef round (1kg): S$15.00 - S$20.00
  • Apples (1kg): S$3.00 - S$5.00
  • Oranges (1kg): S$3.00 - S$5.00
  • Tomato (1kg): S$2.00 - S$3.00
  • Potato (1kg): S$2.00 - S$3.00
  • Water (1.5-liter bottle): S$1.00 - S$2.00
Restaurants
  • Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: S$10.00 - S$15.00
  • Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: S$50.00 - S$80.00
  • Combo meal at a fast-food restaurant: S$7.00 - S$10.00
  • Cappuccino: S$4.00 - S$6.00
  • Beer (0.5-liter draught): S$8.00 - S$12.00
  • Soft drink (0.33-liter bottle): S$1.50 - S$2.50
Utilities
  • Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for an 85m2 apartment: S$150.00 - S$250.00 per month
  • Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL): S$40.00 - S$60.00 per month
Private School Tuition
  • Preschool: S$1,000 - S$2,000 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

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Marine Parade

"The cost of living in Marine Parade, is considered relatively high compared to other areas in the country. This is due to its prime location near the city center and its proximity to the beach, making it a desirable place to live. Housing is the most significant expense, with both rental and purchase prices being above the national average. The cost of food and groceries in Marine Parade is also slightly higher than in other parts of Singapore, due to the area's upscale nature. Dining out, especially at local restaurants and cafes, can be quite expensive. Transportation costs are relatively standard, with public transport being an affordable option. However, owning a car can be costly due to high purchase prices, maintenance costs, and parking fees. Healthcare is another significant expense, with both public and private healthcare services being costly. However, the quality of healthcare is high. Education, particularly international schooling, can be quite expensive. However, public schools are more affordable. Utilities such as electricity, water, and internet are also a significant part of the monthly budget. The cost of these services is relatively high due to the high standard of living in the area. Despite the high cost of living, Marine Parade offers a high quality of life with its clean environment, modern amenities, and proximity to the beach and city center," said one expat living in Marine Parade.

Can I live in Marine Parade 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 Marine Parade is going to be quite a challenge, especially if you're used to modern amenities. Marine Parade is a pretty upscale area, so rents can be quite high. You might have to consider sharing an apartment with roommates to cut down on rent costs. In terms of sacrifices, you'll probably have to cut back on dining out and entertainment expenses. Eating at hawker centers and food courts will be your best bet for affordable meals, as opposed to restaurants. You might also have to limit your shopping and leisure activities, as these can add up quickly in Singapore.If you're looking for more affordable neighborhoods, you might want to consider areas like Bedok, Tampines, or Pasir Ris. These are further away from the city center, but they have more reasonably priced housing options and are still well-connected by public transport. On the other hand, you should probably avoid neighborhoods like Orchard, River Valley, and Holland Village, as these are known to be more expensive.Overall, it's not impossible to live on $1,500 a month in Singapore, but you'll definitely have to make some adjustments to your lifestyle and be mindful of your spending," commented an expat living in Marine Parade.

Can I live in Marine Parade 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 Marine Parade, but you'll have to make some sacrifices. First, you'll need to find a more affordable place to live. Marine Parade is a pretty expensive neighborhood, so you might want to consider looking for a place in the nearby areas like Bedok or Geylang, 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, so I'd recommend using public transportation like buses and MRT, which are quite efficient and affordable. You can also use Grab or Gojek for occasional rides, but try not to rely on them too much as they can add up quickly.When it comes to food, you can save a lot by eating at hawker centers and food courts instead of dining at restaurants. The food is delicious and affordable, with meals costing around $3 to $5. You can also cook at home and buy groceries from local markets or supermarkets like FairPrice or Giant, which offer a good variety of products at reasonable prices.For entertainment and leisure, you can take advantage of the many free or low-cost activities available in Singapore. There are plenty of parks, gardens, and nature reserves to explore, as well as free events and festivals throughout the year. You can also find affordable gym memberships or join sports clubs to stay active and socialize.In terms of shopping, you'll need to be more conscious of your spending habits. Stick to shopping at local markets, budget stores, and sales events to save money on clothes, electronics, and other items. You can also find great deals online on platforms like Shopee, Lazada, or Carousell.Overall, living on $3,000 a month in Marine Parade or nearby areas is doable, but you'll need to be disciplined with your spending and make some lifestyle adjustments. It's all about finding the right balance between comfort and affordability," said one expat living in Marine Parade.

Can I live in Marine Parade 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 Marine Parade, especially if you're used to modern amenities. However, you might have to make some sacrifices to make it work. For instance, you might have to opt for a smaller apartment or share a flat with someone else to save on rent. Marine Parade is a pretty nice area, but it can be a bit pricey compared to other neighborhoods.If you're looking for more affordable options, you might want to consider areas like Bedok or Tampines. They're not too far from Marine Parade and have a good mix of modern amenities and local culture. Plus, the cost of living is generally lower in these neighborhoods, so you'll be able to stretch your budget further.On the other hand, if you're considering more expensive neighborhoods like Orchard or Tanglin, you might find it challenging to live comfortably on $5,000 a month. These areas are known for their upscale shopping malls, luxury condos, and high-end restaurants, which can quickly eat into your budget.In terms of transportation, you can save money by using public transport like buses and the MRT, which are quite efficient and affordable. Owning a car in Singapore can be very expensive due to the high cost of COE (Certificate of Entitlement) and other related expenses.When it comes to dining out, you can save money by eating at local hawker centers and food courts, which offer a wide variety of delicious and affordable meals. Of course, you can still treat yourself to a fancy meal at a restaurant once in a while, but it's best to keep that to a minimum if you're trying to stick to your budget.Overall, living comfortably on $5,000 a month in Marine Parade is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, using public transport, and eating at local food joints, you'll be able to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without breaking the bank," commented an expat living in Marine Parade.

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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