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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in River Valley 2024
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Cost of Living in River Valley

By Betsy Burlingame

Cigna Global Health
Cigna Global Health

Summary: If you're moving to River Valley, understanding the the cost of living in River Valley 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: 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$25,000
  • Price per square meter outside city center: S$8,000 - S$15,000
Transportation
  • One-way ticket on local transport: S$1.40 - S$2.50
  • Monthly transport pass: S$120 - S$200
  • Taxi starting tariff: S$3.20 - S$3.90
  • Taxi 1km tariff: S$0.55 - S$0.80
  • Gasoline (1 liter): S$2.00 - S$2.50
Groceries
  • Milk (1 liter): S$2.50 - S$3.50
  • Bread (500g): S$1.50 - S$3.00
  • Rice (1kg): S$2.00 - S$3.50
  • Eggs (12): S$2.50 - S$4.00
  • Chicken breast (1kg): S$7.00 - S$12.00
  • Beef round (1kg): S$15.00 - S$25.00
  • Apples (1kg): S$3.00 - S$6.00
  • Oranges (1kg): S$3.00 - S$6.00
  • Tomato (1kg): S$2.00 - S$4.00
  • Potato (1kg): S$2.00 - S$4.00
  • Water (1.5-liter bottle): S$0.80 - S$2.00
Restaurants
  • Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: S$10.00 - S$20.00
  • Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: S$50.00 - S$100.00
  • Combo meal at a fast-food restaurant: S$7.00 - S$10.00
  • Domestic beer (0.5-liter draught): S$8.00 - S$12.00
  • Imported beer (0.33-liter bottle): S$8.00 - S$12.00
  • Cappuccino: S$4.00 - S$7.00
  • Coke/Pepsi (0.33-liter bottle): S$1.50 - S$2.50
  • Water (0.33-liter bottle): S$1.00 - S$2.00
Utilities
  • Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for an 85m2 apartment: S$150.00 - S$300.00 per month
  • Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL): S$40.00 - S$70.00 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 River Valley

"Living in River Valley is considered to be quite expensive. The cost of housing is high, with both rental and purchase prices for apartments and condominiums being significantly above average. The cost of utilities such as electricity, water, and internet is also relatively high. Food and groceries in River Valley can be expensive as well, especially if one opts for dining out or purchasing imported goods. However, local markets and hawker centres offer more affordable options. Transportation costs can vary. While owning a car in Singapore is costly due to high taxes and fees, public transportation like buses and MRT are relatively affordable and efficient. Healthcare in Singapore is of high quality, but it comes with a high price tag, especially for non-residents. However, the government provides subsidies for citizens and permanent residents. Education, particularly international schooling, can be a significant expense for families living in River Valley. Despite the high cost of living, many residents feel that the high quality of life, safety, cleanliness, and the vibrant mix of cultures in River Valley, Singapore make it worth the cost," said one expat living in River Valley.

Can I live in River Valley 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 River Valley might be a bit challenging, 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 affordable accommodation. River Valley is a pretty upscale neighborhood, so you might want to consider looking for a room in a shared apartment or a small studio. You can also explore nearby neighborhoods like Tiong Bahru or Redhill, which are slightly more affordable but still well-connected to the city center.Next, you'll need to be mindful of your transportation costs. Public transport in Singapore is quite efficient and affordable, so try to rely on buses and MRT trains instead of taxis or private cars. If you're working in the Central Business District, you can also consider cycling or walking to work to save on transportation costs.Eating out in Singapore can be expensive, especially in trendy areas like River Valley. To save money, try to cook at home as much as possible and explore local hawker centers and food courts for affordable meals. You can find a wide variety of delicious and cheap local dishes at these places.When it comes to entertainment and leisure activities, you might need to cut back on expensive hobbies and outings. Instead, take advantage of the many free or low-cost activities that Singapore has to offer, such as visiting parks, attending free events, or exploring the city's numerous cultural and historical sites.In conclusion, living comfortably on $1,500 a month in River Valley, is possible if you're willing to make some sacrifices and be mindful of your spending. By finding affordable accommodation, relying on public transport, cooking at home, and enjoying low-cost leisure activities, you can make the most of your budget while still enjoying life in this vibrant city," commented an expat living in River Valley.

Can I live in River Valley on $3,500 a month?

"I've been living in Singapore for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month in River Valley, but you'll have to make some sacrifices. First, you'll need to find a more affordable place to live. River Valley is a pretty expensive neighborhood, so you might want to consider looking for a place in a nearby area like Tiong Bahru or Redhill. These neighborhoods are still close to the city center and have a good mix of local and expat residents, but the rents are generally more affordable.Next, you'll need to be mindful of your spending on food and entertainment. Eating out at restaurants can be quite expensive in Singapore, especially in the more upscale areas like River Valley. To save money, try eating at local hawker centers or 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.As for entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy in Singapore. You can visit parks, gardens, and nature reserves, or take advantage of free events and festivals throughout the year. If you're into sports, there are public sports facilities where you can play for a small fee or even for free.Transportation is another area where you can save money. Singapore has an excellent public transportation system, so you can easily get around without a car. Monthly passes for buses and trains are quite affordable, and you can also use ride-sharing apps like Grab for occasional trips.Finally, be prepared to cut back on some of the luxuries you might be used to. For example, you might need to give up having a gym membership or going for regular spa treatments. But with some creativity and flexibility, you can still enjoy a comfortable lifestyle in Singapore on a $3,000 a month budget," said one expat living in River Valley.

Can I live in River Valley 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 River Valley, 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. River Valley is a popular and central area, so rents can be quite high. You might want to consider sharing an apartment with roommates to save on rent. Alternatively, you could look for a smaller apartment or a studio. If you're willing to live a bit further out, you could find more affordable options in neighborhoods like Tiong Bahru or Redhill, which are still relatively close to River Valley.When it comes to dining out, Singapore has a wide range of options, from cheap hawker centers to high-end restaurants. To stick to your budget, you might want to limit your visits to expensive restaurants and opt for more affordable local food at hawker centers or food courts. You can also save money by cooking at home and shopping for groceries at local markets or supermarkets.Transportation in Singapore is quite affordable, especially if you use public transport like buses and the MRT. Taxis and ride-hailing services like Grab can be more expensive, so try to limit your use of these options if you're on a tight budget.As for entertainment and leisure activities, there are plenty of free or low-cost options in Singapore, such as visiting parks, museums, and cultural events. However, you might have to cut back on more expensive activities like frequent visits to bars and clubs, or attending concerts and sports events.In general, living on $5,000 a month in River Valley is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices in terms of housing and lifestyle choices. By finding a more affordable place to live, eating at local food centers, and taking advantage of free or low-cost activities, you can still enjoy a comfortable life in Singapore," commented an expat living in River Valley.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.


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