Cost of Living in Novena

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 (local transport): SGD 1.50 Monthly pass (regular price): SGD 120 Taxi start (normal tariff): SGD 3.50 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 12.00 Meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant (three-course): SGD 60.00 McMeal at McDonald's (or equivalent combo meal): SGD 8.00 Domestic beer (0.5-liter draught): SGD 8.00 Imported beer (0.33-liter bottle): SGD 9.00 Cappuccino (regular): SGD 5.50
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 50 - 70 per month
Private School Tuition	Preschool (or Kindergarten) - full day: SGD 1,000 - 1,800 per month Elementary School: SGD 15,000 - 25,000 per year Middle School: SGD 20,000 - 30,000 per year High School: SGD 25,000 - 35,000 per year

Please note that these costs are approximate and can vary depending on individual preferences and lifestyle. It is always recommended to research and compare prices before making any decisions.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Novena

"Novena is considered one of the more upscale neighborhoods in the city-state, and as such, the cost of living is relatively high. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can be quite expensive, while outside the city center, it is slightly less costly. The cost of utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, and water is also relatively high, as is the cost of internet services. Groceries in Novena can be expensive, with items such as bread, milk, and eggs costing more than in other parts of Singapore. Eating out in Novena can also be quite costly, especially if dining in mid-range to high-end restaurants. However, there are also hawker centers and food courts where meals are more affordable. Public transportation in Novena is efficient and relatively affordable, but owning a car can be very expensive due to high costs of vehicle ownership, including the Certificate of Entitlement, insurance, and petrol. Healthcare in Novena, like the rest of Singapore, is of high quality but can be expensive, especially for non-residents. Overall, while the cost of living in Novena is high, it offers a high standard of living with access to excellent amenities, healthcare, and education," said one expat living in Novena.

Can I live in Novena 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 Novena is possible, but you'll have to make some sacrifices. First, you'll need to find a place to live that's within your budget. You might have to consider sharing an apartment with roommates or renting a room in someone's home. The more affordable neighborhoods in Novena include Balestier and Whampoa, while the more expensive areas are Newton and Bukit Timah. Next, you'll need to be mindful of your transportation costs. Public transportation in Singapore is quite efficient and affordable, so you can save money by taking the MRT or buses instead of taxis or Grab. If you're working in the Central Business District, you can expect to spend around $100 to $150 a month on transportation.Eating out in Singapore can be expensive, especially in restaurants and cafes. However, you can save money by eating at hawker centers and food courts, where you can find delicious and affordable local dishes. You can expect to spend around $300 to $400 a month on food if you eat at these places most of the time.For entertainment and leisure, you'll need to be selective about the activities you choose. Going to the movies, bars, and clubs can be expensive, so you might want to look for free or low-cost events and activities around the city. There are plenty of parks, museums, and cultural events that you can enjoy without breaking the bank.Lastly, you'll need to be mindful of your utility bills and other miscellaneous expenses. Try to conserve electricity and water, and be careful with your mobile phone and internet usage to avoid high bills. You might also need to cut back on shopping and travel to stay within your budget.In conclusion, living on $1,500 a month in Novena is possible, but you'll need to be disciplined with your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing affordable housing, using public transportation, eating at hawker centers, and being selective about your leisure activities, you can make it work," commented an expat living in Novena.

Can I live in Novena 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 Novena, but you'll have to make some adjustments to your lifestyle. First, you'll need to find a more affordable place to live. Novena is a relatively expensive neighborhood, so you might want to consider looking for a room in a shared apartment or a smaller studio apartment. You can also explore nearby neighborhoods like Balestier or Toa Payoh, which are more budget-friendly.When it comes to transportation, you'll want to rely on public transport like buses and the MRT, as owning a car in Singapore is very expensive. The good news is that the public transport system here is excellent and very convenient. You can also use Grab or Gojek for occasional rides, but try to limit those to save money.Eating out can be quite expensive in Singapore, especially in more upscale restaurants. However, you can still enjoy delicious and affordable meals at hawker centers and food courts. Cooking at home is also a great way to save money, and you can find fresh produce and groceries at local markets or supermarkets like FairPrice and Cold Storage.For entertainment and leisure, you might have to cut back on expensive activities like going to bars and clubs, as alcohol is heavily taxed in Singapore. Instead, you can explore the many free or low-cost attractions and events around the city, like visiting parks, museums, and cultural performances.In terms of shopping, you'll want to avoid high-end malls and stick to more affordable options like Mustafa Centre, Bugis Street, and local markets. You can also take advantage of sales and discounts at various stores throughout the year.Overall, living on $3,000 a month in Novena is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some lifestyle adjustments. By finding a more affordable place to live, relying on public transport, eating at hawker centers, and enjoying low-cost entertainment options, you can make it work and still enjoy your time in Singapore," said one expat living in Novena.

Can I live in Novena 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 Novena, especially if you're used to modern amenities. However, you might have to make some sacrifices in terms of housing and lifestyle choices.Firstly, you'll need to find a place to live that fits within your budget. Novena is a pretty nice area, but it can be a bit pricey. You might want to consider looking for a smaller apartment or a room in a shared flat to save on rent. Some more affordable neighborhoods nearby include Balestier, Toa Payoh, and Whampoa. These areas are still relatively close to Novena and have a good mix of local and expat residents.When it comes to transportation, you'll find that public transport in Singapore is quite efficient and affordable. You can save money by taking the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) or buses instead of relying on taxis or private cars. Plus, Novena has its own MRT station, so getting around should be pretty convenient.Eating out can be quite expensive in Singapore, especially if you're used to Western-style restaurants and bars. However, there are plenty of hawker centers and food courts where you can find delicious and affordable local food. You might need to adjust your palate a bit, but it's a great way to experience the local culture and save some money at the same time.As for entertainment and leisure activities, there are plenty of free or low-cost options available. You can visit parks, museums, and cultural sites, or take advantage of the many public events and festivals that take place throughout the year. If you're into sports and fitness, there are public gyms and sports facilities that offer affordable memberships.In terms of sacrifices, you might have to give up some of the luxuries you're used to, like having a large living space, a private car, or frequent dining at high-end restaurants. But overall, I think you'll find that living in Novena on a $5,000 a month budget is quite manageable, and you'll still be able to enjoy a comfortable and fulfilling lifestyle," commented an expat living in Novena.