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Cost of Living in Singapore | Expat Exchange
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Marina Bay, Singapore

Cost of Living in Singapore

By Betsy Burlingame

Last updated on Aug 06, 2023

Summary: The cost of living in Singapore is generally high, especially for expats. A nice 1 bedroom apartment in Singapore can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $3,500 per month, while a nice 2 bedroom apartment can cost from $3,000 to $5,000 per month. The cost of dinner at a moderately priced restaurant in Singapore is usually around $20 to $30 per person.

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SJB Global
SJB Global
SJB Global

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," wrote a person living in Singapore.

Will I save money living in Singapore?

"Living in Singapore can be more cost-effective than living in the United States in some areas. Singapore has a lower cost of living than the United States, with lower prices for basic necessities such as food, transportation, and housing. Additionally, Singapore has no income tax, which can help to reduce overall living costs. However, Singapore does have higher costs for luxury items such as cars, electronics, and entertainment," explained one expat.

What is the average cost of housing in Singapore?

If you are thinking about moving to Singapore, cost of living in probably a key consideration. Expats commented about the cost of housing:

"Housing costs tend to be higher here than in Holland. Average cost of housing in Singapore is hard to say, but generally you won't find anything decent below S$1500,-," remarked one expat in Singapore.

"The cost of housing in Singapore is generally quite high, with the average cost of a home in the city-state being significantly higher than in many other countries. The cost of renting a home in Singapore is also quite expensive, with the average monthly rent for a two-bedroom apartment in the city-state being among the highest in the world," explained one expat living in Singapore.

What are typical rental prices for expats in Singapore?

"The rental price for a nice 1 bedroom apartment in Singapore can range from around $2,000 to $3,500 per month, while a nice 2 bedroom apartment can range from around $3,500 to $5,500 per month," commented one expat living in Singapore.

What appliances are typically included in a rental?

We asked foreigners in Singapore what appliances are typically included in a rental, and, if there is anything else included or not included that a newcomer would not expect. Replies included:

"Rental properties in Singapore typically include a refrigerator, washing machine, oven, and stove. Depending on the property, air conditioning units may also be included. Additionally, some properties may include a dishwasher and/or a microwave," wrote one expat.

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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