Cost Of Living In Singapore: A 2025 Guide For Expats And International Students

For people wondering, is Singapore expensive? This blog will give you a detailed analysis of the cost of living in Singapore. Around 37% of the population of Singapore generally comes from other countries, making Singapore one of the most famous abroad destinations for an expatriate or a student looking for work or education.

Singapore, in many aspects, is the land of opportunities; there is no doubt about that. But there is a cost that one must pay to avail of such opportunities, and that is the cost of living in Singapore. For a decade now, Singapore has beaten the United Kingdom in terms of the cost of living expenses, not only the UK for that matter; the city-state has surpassed almost every other nation and claimed the top spot.

Managing the cost of living in Singapore for Indian students is an important factor in their study abroad dream since it is an expensive country to live in. As a student who is hoping to move to Singapore for overseas study, you must keep around SGD 10,000 (around INR 6.50 lakhs) with you as a backup for the first trimester, since managing the expenses at the start is quite challenging.

Overview Of Life In Singapore In Brief

The high living cost in Singapore makes living in Singapore a challenging task. You need to be calculative while managing your overall expenses in Singapore. The Singapore average rent per month is around SGD 18,000-SGD 4,800, which is around INR 1.50-3.0 lakhs. The students, however, can rent university halls where the rent is on the lower side, around SGD 485 (INR 30,000).

The recent global events, such as The COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war, have further made life in Singapore challenging, significantly affecting the lives of locals, expatriates and students. According to the Economist Intelligence Unit's last update on November 2023, for the ninth time out of the last eleven years, Singapore has been named as the most expensive city, alongside Zurich (Switzerland).

Even in these tough conditions, if you're an individual with a good serviceable job in Singapore, in that case the average cost of living in Singapore should not concern you so much. Around 70% of working individuals are employed in Small-scale/medium-scale industries. According to Glassdoor 2024, the average salary in Singapore per month is likely SGD 4,000-SGD 4,500, excluding all the other forms of cash bonuses, which is enough to continue living a high quality life in Singapore.

Figure 1: Tax Rates In Singapore (2023-24)

Figure 1 above depicts the tax rates in Singapore in 2023-24. As you can see, the tax rates are very lenient in Singapore, which means that as a citizen, you get to keep a higher portion of your money with yourself as compared to other countries.

What Is Average Rent In Singapore? Singapore Cost Of Living In Various Apartments

Some of the most populous, popular and best place to live in Singapore, like Serangoon, Thomson, River Valley and Orchard Road, are quite expensive. The living cost in Singapore with rent in these areas can range up to SGD 13,000 to SGD 65,000 depending on your taste and way of living.

As a result, having a stable job is a must for someone who is thinking about studying/living in Singapore. As a student, you can't afford to stay at a luxurious place; you will have to cut down your expenses or be financially strong enough so that the high cost of lifestyle in Singapore doesn't bother you.

Comparison OF Average Cost of Living In Singapore For Various Set-ups

One must understand that the cost of living in Singapore is not only expensive or on the higher side just for an international student or an expatriate; it is expensive for everybody living in Singapore. The cost may vary, but it is high. For instance, the Singapore living cost for a single person/bachelor is different as compared to the Singapore living cost for students, the cost of living in Singapore for 2 persons, and the cost of living in Singapore for a family.

Life in Singapore for Indian students depends on the overall budget that they can spare. It becomes very important to be very decisive regarding what is necessary for a student and what living expenses in Singapore can be avoided. If, as a student, you are looking for "cheap things to buy in Singapore than India," it is for sure that you're not going to find anything that is cheaper in Singapore.

However, the monthly expenses in Singapore for bachelors, life is Singapore for 2 people and a family regarding basic utilities, are marginally different as compared to the Singapore living expenses for students. The living Singapore accommodation cost usually depends on personal choices and financial stability.

Listed below is a comparison of the cost of living in Singapore list, which The Student Helpline has devised for your better understanding. Make note that these figures can vary from individual to individual, so this is just a piece of general information.

Figure 2: Most expensive and cheapest areas to live in Singapore

Major Factors That Influence The Cost Of Living In Singapore

Certain major factors can influence your Singapore living cost per month and Singapore lifestyle. There are in general three monthly expenses in Singapore categories: one-time mandatory expenses, daily needs expenses, and monthly entertainment and extracurricular activity expenses.

The one-time mandatory monthly expenses in Singapore comprise the accommodation Singapore living cost (SGD 3,000-SGD 9,000), unlimited internet packages (SGD 45-SGD 70), mobile plans (SGD 20-SGD 60), and electricity bills (SGD 160-SGD 180) in general. If someone is interested in buying a resale (SGD 8,00,000-SGD 42,00,000) or a private (SGD 16,50,000-SGD 20,00,000) property in Singapore? Then that cost is also considered a one-time mandatory monthly living in Singapore expense.

The daily needs living in Singapore expense usually comprises of all the daily needs grocery shopping items, such as fruits (SGD 3-SGD 5/per item), vegetables (SGD 2-SGD 4/per item), dairy products (SGD 3-SGD 26/per item) and more. It is one of the most important factors that influence your monthly budget. Lastly, all the other related entertainment & extra-curricular activity life in Singapore expenses include 1 month-gym membership (SGD 150-SGD 250), watching a movie (SGD 12-SGD 20), clothes shopping (SGD 20-SGD 150) and more.

Figure 3: Percentage Distribution Of Monthly Expenses In Singapore Categories

How To Stay On Budget While Living In Singapore?

Is Singapore a good place to live? Yes, if one knows how to manage their expenses. Managing your Singapore living expenses becomes an important part of your monthly schedule while living in Singapore. Singapore is one of the most expensive cities in the world, so not managing your expenses properly might be troublesome for some people.

Lifestyle in Singapore depends on the choices and the convenience of an individual since the facilities are infinite and accommodations are luxurious. It is ultimately your choice, whether you wish to live in a luxurious sea-facing mansion or simply cut off your overhead charges and live in a studio.

If you are someone who is aiming at living in Singapore, The Student Helpline consultants have listed below some of the key pointers that you must keep in mind while moving to your favourite destination:

• As evidenced in Figure 1, the income tax rates for any individual are capped at 22%. Since the cost of deduction is not variable but rather fixed, it will be helpful for you to know where you stand and what exact amount you are going to take home with yourself. This will help you manage your living expenses in Singapore. Since you don't have to pay high taxes, you're already doing well as compared to other countries.
• If it is not necessary, try to look for accommodations in the least central areas. Also, since the living cost in Singapore for students is very high, look for cheaper accommodations if this is your first time in Singapore.
• Students can also apply for scholarships to study at the Singapore University. This will make life in Singapore easy, since many scholarships also cover cost of living in Singapore expenses as well.
• In addition, students can reduce their cost of living in Singapore expenses by working part-time for a maximum of 16 hours per week and for full-time during scheduled holidays, provided studies are not being taken for granted.
• Know in advance how much rent you will be paying and what amount will be left for you afterwards. This will help you settle your finances and adhere to a strict budget.
• Living expenses in Singapore, such as your phone and internet bills, grocery bills, utility bills, and transportation expenses, are high in Singapore. Make sure you calculate everything and follow a strict budget that will enable you to do both, have meals in fancy restaurants and pay your electricity bill on time.
• Aim for one month at a time in the beginning. Know your delicacies, and know where the food is most expensive and least expensive. Know everything and then try to find the right balance.
• Things like using public transportation and paying attention to things like your lights, fans and all the other appliances being turned off when they are not needed will help you reduce your monthly bills.

Cost Of Living In Singapore: Education Cost For International Students?

The average education cost of living in Singapore for international students is also on the higher side. Thus, it is advisable for students to apply for suitable scholarships beforehand, since many scholarship programs cover full tuition fee. This will not only reduce their educational financial burden but also make their life in Singapore easier. The Student Helpline consultants will help you discover the best scholarship that suits your profile.

Listed below are some of the most reputed universities of Singapore with their average cost of education for 1^st year:

Cost Of Living In Singapore Comparison With Other Countries (UK, US and India)

The cost of living in Singapore, being on the expensive side, has beaten the cost of living in India, the UK, and the US, but one must know how much. There are certain cost of living factors that might be cheaper in Singapore. In this section, we will compare the city-state's living expenses with those of other nations.

The cost of living in India vs. the cost of living in Singapore:

• The one-time mandatory monthly expenses in Singapore, such as house rents and buying a property, are almost 1000% more expensive than in India.
• The daily needs monthly expenses in Singapore are more than 200% higher than in India.
• The monthly expenses in Singapore for entertainment and extra-curricular activities are around 200–500% higher than in India.

The cost of living in the UK vs. the cost of living in Singapore:

• The one-time mandatory monthly expenses in Singapore, such as house rents and buying a property, are 100–200% more expensive than in the United Kingdom, but basic electricity and internet bills are on the lower side in Singapore.
• The daily needs living in Singapore expenses are 30–150% higher than in the UK, whereas the transportation expenses in Singapore except the rate of gasoline are on the lower side.
• The monthly expenses in Singapore for entertainment and extra-curricular activities such as gym membership are 120% higher than in the UK, whereas as other shopping expenses are simply marginally higher.

The cost of living in the US vs. The cost of living in Singapore:

• The one-time mandatory monthly expenses in Singapore such as house rents (>50%) and buying a property (>500%) are higher than in the US. The other monthly expenses in Singapore like electricity and internet bills, are 60% on the lower side as compared to the US.
• The daily needs monthly expenses in Singapore, including groceries, are around 2.5% higher than in the US. This is the average figure since some commodities are expensive and some are cheaper. For instance, certain fruits and vegetables are cheaper in Singapore, while the gasoline rates there are higher.
• The monthly expenses in Singapore for entertainment and extracurricular activities such as dining at restaurants are around 20% cheaper in Singapore as compared to the US, whereas gym memberships and other shopping expenses are simply marginally expensive in Singapore.

Part-Time Job Opportunities For Students To Reduce Cost Of Living In Singapore

The students studying and living in Singapore are allowed to work part-time while working in Singapore. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) Singapore has specified some guidelines regarding the same. According to these guidelines, studies are not to be taken for granted in any manner; as a result, students are allowed to work 16 hours per week, part-time and full-time, during holidays.

This way students can manage their cost of living in Singapore and work alongside their studies. This way they can manage the monthly expenses in Singapore. Many job portals provide deeper insights regarding the available job openings, such as LinkedIn, Indeed, JobsDB, JobStreet and MyCareersFuture.

The Final Verdict On The Singapore Cost Of Living

"Is Singapore expensive?" According to The Student Helpline consultants, Singapore is one of the most expensive city-states in the world. It is simply difficult and challenging to survive simply on your will in this part of the world.

Although lower tax rates and an above average salary in Singapore per month enable any individual to live stress-free, it is still advisable to manage your budget accordingly since Singapore is under the influence of a growing economic crisis. Managing your monthly expenses in Singapore is very important to survive in the city state.

For any further query regarding the cost of living in Singapore/living cost in Singapore with rent, The Student Helpline consultants will provide you the best guidance on how to manage your income in Singapore and assist you in finding a budget-friendly accommodation facility as per your convenience.

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Cost Of Living In Singapore

Is Singapore Expensive?

Yes, in general, the cost of living in Singapore is on the expensive side. Singapore has been rated eleven times as one of the most expensive countries, alongside New York. To know more about the average cost of living in Singapore for Indian students, contact The Student Helpline consultants.

What Is a Good Salary in Singapore?

The average salary in Singapore per month for a middle-manager job profile is around SGD 120,000 or more. Living in Singapore becomes easy if you are earning a decent salary. One can manage the accommodations, utilities, food & groceries, and all the other luxurious choices of lifestyle in Singapore, provided you have a good salary. Want to learn more about the average salary in Singapore per month? Contact The Student Helpline consultants.

How Expensive in Singapore?

Singapore is an expensive country. Singapore living expenses as compared to the other study-abroad nations can be considered expensive and quite luxurious. Post COVID-19 and Russia-Ukraine war, the average cost of living in Singapore has increased. Want to move to Singapore? The Student Helpline consultants will enlighten you about the living cost in Singapore.

What Is the Ideal Cost of Living in Singapore?

Singapore's cost of living without rent could range from SGD 4,000-SGD 6,500 for Indian students or expatriates. You need around INR 6,00,000 to maintain your lifestyle in Singapore. If you want to figure out the various Singapore accommodation cost, contact The Student Helpline consultants

Is Singapore a Good Place to Live?

Yes, Singapore is a good place to live. Despite the higher cost of living in Singapore, the city offers the best living experience for outsiders. The malls, museums, national parks, world-class institutions, and research centres are some of the main highlights of the city. To learn more about lifestyle in Singapore, contact The Student Helpline consultants.

What Is the Cost of Living in Singapore for International Students?

SGD 500-SGD 4,500 is the average cost of living in Singapore for international students. This amount can vary depending on your choices and way of living in Singapore. For students, there are plenty of low-cost choices available, such as living in a shared studio or on-campus facilities. To know more about which university provides on-campus living facilities, contact The Student Helpline.

How Much Are the Monthly Expenses in Singapore for Indian Students?

SGD 1,400 to SGD 6,500 are the monthly living expenses for Indian students, including Singapore average rent per month. This amount is a variable amount, it may change according to the individual's lifestyle choices. To know more about the average rent in Singapore, contact The Student Helpline consultants.

Is Living in Singapore Safe?

Living in Singapore is relatively safer since the city has low crime rates as compared to the other countries. Hence, Singapore is a safe and peaceful city, often warm and welcoming towards international students and expatriates. To know more about Singapore lifestyle, contact The Student Helpline.

What Is the Standard Budget for Monthly Living Expenses in Singapore?

SGD 1,800-SGD 5,000 or more. According to The Student Helpline, the rough estimate regarding the monthly budget in Singapore might change from person to person. Monthly living expenses in Singapore are usually very high and constantly vary according to the lifestyle and choices of people.

How Much Is the Cost of Living in Singapore?

SGD 500-SGD 4,500 for an international student is an ideal cost of living in Singapore budget. And for expatriates and other people moving to Singapore for job purposes, SGD 1800-SGD 5000 is an ideal monthly expense in Singapore. The living cost in Singapore may vary from one individual to another. To learn more about the average salary in Singapore for Indian students/expatriates, contact The Student Helpline.