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Living in Singapore: Cost of Living, Healthcare and What to Know About Living in Singapore | Expat Exchange
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Marina Bay, Singapore

Living in Singapore

By Betsy Burlingame

Last updated on Jan 03, 2024

Summary: The approximate population of Singapore is 5.6 million people. The largest cities in Singapore are Singapore City, Jurong East, and Tampines. Expats love living in Singapore for its high quality of life, excellent infrastructure, and diverse culture. People describe life in Singapore as vibrant, modern, and safe. Popular foods in Singapore include Chinese, Indian, and Malay cuisines. Popular dishes include Hainanese chicken rice, laksa, and chili crab. The cons of living in Singapore include the high cost of living, the hot and humid climate, and the lack of personal space. The average cost of living for an expat is around $3,000 to $4,000 USD per month. This includes rent, utilities, transportation, food, and entertainment.

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What do I need to know about living in Singapore?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Singapore, they said:

"Enjoy! Singapore may have a reputation of being very stiff but I have had a great time here and would do it again in a heart beat. Make sure you negotiate any contracts so that you are on local taxes as they are amongst the lowest in the world," explained one expat living in Singapore, Singapore.

"Before retiring in Singapore, expats should be aware of the cost of living, which is generally higher than in many other countries. They should also research the different types of visas available and the requirements for obtaining them. Additionally, expats should familiarize themselves with the local culture and customs, as well as the language, to ensure a smooth transition. It is also important to understand the healthcare system and the availability of medical services in Singapore. Finally, expats should research the different types of retirement options available, such as private retirement accounts, to ensure they are making the most of their retirement," said one expat in Singapore.

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How do I meet people in Singapore?

When we asked people living in Singapore about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:

"Expats in Singapore often join clubs and activities such as sports teams, language classes, and cultural events. Expats can also meet people through networking events, online forums, and social media groups. Additionally, many expats find it helpful to join local churches, volunteer organizations, and professional associations. These activities provide a great way to meet people and build relationships with other expats and locals," wrote one member in Singapore.

"Singapore Hash House Harriers, Any of the rugby clubs (Singapore Cricket Club, Bucks, etc)," remarked one expat who made the move to Singapore.

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What is life like in Singapore?

When we asked people living in Singapore what life is like and how people spend their time, they said:

"Life for expats and digital nomads in Singapore is generally quite pleasant. The city is known for its excellent infrastructure, efficient public transportation, and modern amenities. Singapore is also a great place to live for those who enjoy a vibrant nightlife, diverse cultural attractions, and plenty of outdoor activities. The cost of living is relatively high, but the city offers a wide range of housing options to suit different budgets. Expats and digital nomads can also benefit from Singapore's excellent healthcare system and world-class educational institutions. Overall, Singapore is an attractive destination for those looking for a safe and comfortable place to live and work," remarked one expat who made the move to Singapore.

"Local's lives revolve around family, expats mix family and socialising. Sports are not very high on anyone's list here due to the weather and unless you like soccer you won't find great variety on cable," explained one expat living in Singapore, Singapore.

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Is there a lot of crime in Singapore?

We asked people if there is a lot of crime. They answered:

"Singapore is generally considered to be a safe country with low levels of crime. However, there are still some criminal activities that occur, such as theft, vandalism, and drug-related offences. The Singaporean government has implemented a number of measures to reduce crime, such as increasing police presence and introducing tougher laws. Additionally, the government has also implemented public education campaigns to raise awareness of the dangers of crime and to encourage citizens to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity," remarked one expat living in Singapore.

Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Singapore accepting of differences?

"The locals are fairly accepting of diversity although there is some underlying racism between some of the different racial groups that all locals will deny exists. The Chinese think the Malays are lazy and the Indians and Bangladeshies are theives. The Malays think the Chinese are tight and very non-generous. The Indians tend to keep to themselves and do not mix much with any other races. These are of course generalisations but the locals will all deny any of this exists. Overall all races are very accepting of expats, especially Australians, Kiwis and Brits," remarked one expat living in Singapore, Singapore.

"Singapore is a multi-cultural and multi-ethnic society, with a diverse population of Chinese, Malays, Indians, and other ethnicities. People in Singapore are generally accepting of differences and celebrate the diversity of cultures and backgrounds. Singapore is known for its racial and religious harmony, and the government has taken steps to ensure that all citizens are treated equally and with respect," wrote one member in Singapore.

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What are the schools in Singapore like?

"That it may be a harder program than they came out of in the US, and to encourage their child to take time to make friends. It doesn't happen overnight. But the teachers are great and helpful and go overboard to help," said one expat in Singapore with children at International Community School.

"This is a small school (about 400 students) without the extra bells and whistles (no swimming pool, no tennis court.) But the teachers are genuinely fantastic. I believe 95 percent of them are American. And they take the extra mile to get to know each of their students. It's a great place to plug in. You can't really get lost in the place. And I feel it's truly international. Kids here are kind. I see High Schoolers give high-5's to Elementary kids because they have a buddy system. Kids say hello when they pass by you. Teachers are friendly. It's a great culture to bring up kids with good character with a healthy balance of academic," remarked one parent with kids at International Community School in Clementi which is located in the West side of Singapore.

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Is the cost of living in Singapore high?

We asked people how much they someone comfortably live on in Singapore, they wrote:

"The cost of living in Singapore is generally considered to be high, with prices for basic necessities such as food, housing, and transportation being significantly higher than in many other countries. Singapore is known for its high quality of life, but this comes at a cost, with the cost of living being one of the highest in the world. Renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre can cost upwards of $2,000 per month, while basic groceries can be quite expensive. Transportation is also costly, with public transport fares being among the highest in the world. Despite the high cost of living, Singapore remains an attractive destination for many due to its excellent infrastructure, safety, and quality of life," said one expat in Singapore.

"The cost of living in Singapore is generally high, with prices for goods and services being comparable to those in major cities in the United States. The most expensive areas in Singapore are the Central Business District and the Orchard Road shopping district, where prices for goods and services are significantly higher than in the rest of the country. The rental price for a nice 1 bedroom apartment in Singapore is around $2,500 USD per month, while a nice 2 bedroom apartment can cost up to $3,500 USD per month. Eating dinner at a moderately priced restaurant in Singapore can cost around $20 USD per person," mentioned one expat inSingapore.

What type of recreational facilities are in Singapore?

When we asked people living in Singapore about recreational activities, they mentioned:

"Residents of Singapore enjoy a wide variety of recreational facilities, ranging from parks and gardens to sports complexes and swimming pools. Singapore is home to many beautiful parks and gardens, such as the Singapore Botanic Gardens, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Gardens by the Bay, which features a variety of exotic plants and flowers. For those looking for a more active experience, there are numerous sports complexes and swimming pools, as well as a variety of outdoor activities, such as cycling, running, and hiking. Singapore also has a vibrant nightlife, with a variety of bars, clubs, and restaurants to choose from. Additionally, there are many cultural attractions, such as museums, galleries, and theatres, for those looking to explore the city's rich history and culture," said one expat living in Singapore.

What is the weather like in Singapore?

"Singapore typically has a hot and humid climate all year round, with temperatures ranging from 23 to 34 degrees Celsius. The city experiences two distinct monsoon seasons, with the Northeast Monsoon occurring from December to March and the Southwest Monsoon occurring from June to September. During the monsoon season, the city experiences heavy rainfall and thunderstorms," mentioned an expat living in Singapore.

Are there good restaurants in Singapore?

"One of Singapore's most popular restaurants is the Michelin-starred Restaurant Andre. Located in the heart of the city, this French-inspired restaurant offers a unique and exquisite dining experience. The menu features a variety of dishes, from classic French cuisine to modern interpretations of traditional dishes. The restaurant also offers a selection of wines and champagnes to complement the meal. Another popular restaurant in Singapore is the award-winning Imperial Treasure Super Peking Duck. This restaurant specializes in Peking duck, a traditional Chinese dish. The restaurant is known for its high-quality ingredients and its unique cooking techniques. The restaurant also offers a variety of other Chinese dishes, as well as a selection of wines and beers. For a more casual dining experience, diners can visit the popular hawker centers in Singapore. These centers offer a variety of local dishes, from noodles to seafood. The food is usually served in a communal setting, allowing diners to sample a variety of dishes. Finally, for a unique dining experience, diners can visit the Singapore Botanic Gardens. This restaurant offers a variety of dishes, from traditional Singaporean cuisine to international dishes. The restaurant also offers a selection of wines and beers, as well as a variety of desserts," mentioned one expat inSingapore.

Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Singapore?

"People living in Singapore typically buy groceries from supermarkets such as Cold Storage, NTUC FairPrice, and Sheng Siong. Other shopping can be done at malls such as VivoCity, Suntec City, and Orchard Road. There are also many local wet markets and hawker centres where people can buy fresh produce and other items," said an expat in Singapore.

What are the visa & residency requirements in Singapore?

"To apply for a visa to Singapore, applicants must submit a completed visa application form, a valid passport, a passport-sized photograph, and any other documents required by the Singapore Immigration and Checkpoints Authority. Depending on the type of visa, applicants may also need to provide proof of financial resources, a medical report, and a police clearance certificate. To apply for residency in Singapore, applicants must first obtain an Employment Pass, Personalised Employment Pass, EntrePass, or Dependent Pass. These passes are issued by the Ministry of Manpower and require applicants to submit a completed application form, a valid passport, a passport-sized photograph, and other documents such as proof of qualifications, proof of financial resources, and a medical report. Once the pass is approved, applicants can then apply for a Long Term Visit Pass or a Permanent Residence. The application process for these passes requires applicants to submit a completed application form, a valid passport, a passport-sized photograph, and other documents such as proof of qualifications, proof of financial resources, and a medical report," remarked one expat in Singapore.

Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Singapore?

"Healthcare and health insurance in Singapore can be expensive. The cost of medical services and treatments can be high, and the cost of health insurance premiums can also be significant. The cost of healthcare and health insurance can vary depending on the type of coverage and the provider. It is important to compare different plans and providers to find the best coverage and price," mentioned one expat inSingapore.

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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.

Marina Bay, Singapore

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