The cost of living in Singapore for couples typically ranges from SGD 4,000 to SGD 9,000 per month, depending on lifestyle choices and housing preferences. As one of Asia’s most expensive cities, Singapore demands careful budgeting, with housing consuming 40-50% of monthly expenses, followed by food, transportation, and entertainment. Couples can expect to pay SGD 2,500-6,000 for rent, SGD 900-3,000 for food, and SGD 240-1,500 for transportation monthly. Understanding these costs helps couples plan their finances effectively while enjoying Singapore’s world-class amenities, safety, and multicultural environment.
For couples relocating to Singapore, realistic financial planning is essential to maintain a comfortable lifestyle without overspending. While housing and dining out can be expensive, strategic choices like using public transportation, eating at hawker centers, and living in suburban areas can significantly reduce monthly expenses. The city-state’s efficient infrastructure, excellent healthcare system, and zero capital gains tax make it financially attractive despite high living costs. Whether you’re young professionals, newlyweds, or expatriates, knowing the exact breakdown of expenses from SGD 3,500 rent to SGD 200 utilities and SGD 400 entertainment enables couples to budget wisely and thrive in this dynamic Lion City.
Housing: Your Biggest Monthly Expense
Housing will undoubtedly consume the largest portion of your monthly budget in Singapore. The city-state’s limited land area and high population density drive property prices skyward, making accommodation a significant consideration for any couple.
HDB Flats vs. Private Condominiums
Singapore offers two primary housing options: government-subsidized Housing Development Board (HDB) flats and private condominiums. For Singaporean citizen couples, HDB flats represent an affordable option with various subsidies and grants available. However, foreign couples typically need to explore the private rental market or purchase private property.
Rental prices vary dramatically based on location, property type, and amenities. Central areas like Orchard, Marina Bay, and the Central Business District command premium prices, while neighborhoods in the East or West offer more moderate options without sacrificing connectivity.
A typical one-bedroom condominium in a central location can cost between SGD 2,500 to SGD 4,000 monthly, while a two-bedroom unit ranges from SGD 3,500 to SGD 6,000. If you’re willing to live slightly further from the city center, you might find more spacious accommodations for SGD 2,000 to SGD 3,500 for a two-bedroom apartment.
Beyond rent, couples should budget for utilities (electricity, water, gas) averaging SGD 150 to SGD 250 monthly, internet and cable TV around SGD 50 to SGD 100, and property maintenance fees if renting a condominium, typically SGD 200 to SGD 400 monthly. If you’re trying to reduce rent while still living comfortably, this guide on room for rent in Singapore can help you understand realistic options couples use when they don’t want to overspend on housing
Food and Dining: From Hawker Centers to Fine Dining
Singapore’s food scene is legendary, offering everything from affordable local hawker fare to Michelin-starred restaurants. How much you spend on food largely depends on your dining preferences and lifestyle choices.
Cooking at Home
For couples who enjoy cooking, grocery shopping can be relatively affordable if you’re strategic. Local wet markets offer fresh produce, meat, and seafood at reasonable prices. Supermarket chains like FairPrice, Cold Storage, and Sheng Siong cater to different budget ranges. A couple cooking most meals at home can expect to spend SGD 400 to SGD 700 monthly on groceries.
Imported products, specialty ingredients, and Western brands carry premium prices due to import costs. Opting for local produce and Asian ingredients helps keep costs down while allowing you to explore the region’s rich culinary traditions.
Eating Out
Singapore’s hawker centers are national treasures, serving delicious local dishes like chicken rice, laksa, and char kway teow for SGD 4 to SGD 8 per meal. A couple dining at hawker centers regularly might spend SGD 15 to SGD 25 daily on food, totaling SGD 450 to SGD 750 monthly. A couple dining at hawker centres regularly might spend SGD 15 to SGD 25 daily on food, totaling SGD 450 to SGD 750 monthly. If you want to give budget-conscious couples exact options, this list of hawker foods under $5 fits perfectly.
Mid-range restaurants cost SGD 20 to SGD 40 per person, while fine dining experiences can easily exceed SGD 100 per person. Coffee culture is strong in Singapore, with artisanal cafés charging SGD 5 to SGD 8 for specialty drinks. A balanced approach mixing hawker meals, home cooking, and occasional restaurant dining allows couples to enjoy Singapore’s food scene while managing costs.
Transportation: Efficient and Affordable
One of Singapore’s greatest strengths is its public transportation system. The Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) and extensive bus network make car ownership unnecessary for most couples, resulting in significant savings.
Public Transportation
A monthly transport pass costs around SGD 120 to SGD 150 per person, covering unlimited travel on MRT and buses. For couples using public transport daily, budgeting SGD 240 to SGD 300 monthly is reasonable. Taxis and ride-hailing services like Grab are readily available, with typical rides across the island costing SGD 15 to SGD 30.
Car Ownership
Owning a car in Singapore is extraordinarily expensive due to the Certificate of Entitlement (COE) system, designed to control vehicle population. A mid-range car can cost SGD 100,000 to SGD 150,000 upfront, with monthly expenses including:
- Road tax: SGD 100 to SGD 200
- Insurance: SGD 100 to SGD 200
- Parking: SGD 150 to SGD 300
- Fuel: SGD 200 to SGD 300
- Maintenance: SGD 100 to SGD 200
Monthly car ownership costs easily reach SGD 800 to SGD 1,200, making it a luxury rather than a necessity for most couples.
Healthcare: World Class but Variable Costs
Singapore boasts one of the world’s best healthcare systems, combining public and private options. The cost depends significantly on whether you choose public polyclinics and hospitals or private healthcare facilities.
Health Insurance
Most employers provide health insurance coverage, but couples should verify what’s included and consider supplementary insurance for comprehensive coverage. Private health insurance for couples ranges from SGD 200 to SGD 500 monthly, depending on coverage levels, age, and pre-existing conditions.
Out of Pocket Costs
Public polyclinics charge SGD 15 to SGD 30 for consultations, while private general practitioners cost SGD 50 to SGD 100. Dental care, not always covered by insurance, requires separate budgeting. Routine dental checkups cost SGD 80 to SGD 150, while more extensive treatments can reach thousands of dollars.
Prescription medications from public healthcare providers are subsidized, while private pharmacies charge higher rates. Budgeting SGD 100 to SGD 200 monthly for health-related expenses provides a reasonable cushion for a healthy couple.
Entertainment and Lifestyle
Singapore offers abundant entertainment options, from world-class shopping to cultural attractions, nightlife, and outdoor activities.
Leisure Activities
Movie tickets cost SGD 12 to SGD 18, while gym memberships range from SGD 100 to SGD 200 monthly per person. Many condominiums include gym facilities, offering savings for fitness-conscious couples. Cultural attractions like museums charge SGD 15 to SGD 30 for entry, while events and concerts vary widely in price.
Singapore’s tropical climate makes beach clubs, rooftop bars, and outdoor venues popular social spaces. An evening out might cost SGD 80 to SGD 150 per couple for drinks and appetizers at a trendy venue. If you are adding a free things to do angle for couples, this internal guide on free family activities in Singapore works well here too, because many of those activities also suit couples who want to spend less without staying indoors.
Shopping and Personal Care
Shopping costs vary dramatically based on personal preferences. Singapore excels in both affordable Asian fashion and luxury brands. Personal care services like haircuts range from SGD 15 at neighborhood salons to SGD 80 at upscale establishments.
Budgeting SGD 300 to SGD 600 monthly for entertainment, hobbies, and personal care allows couples to enjoy Singapore’s offerings without overspending.
Comparison Tables
Monthly Housing Costs by Area
| Location Type | 1-Bedroom Condo | 2-Bedroom Condo | 3-Bedroom Condo | Additional Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Central (CBD, Orchard, Marina Bay) | SGD 2,800 – 4,500 | SGD 4,000 – 7,000 | SGD 6,000 – 10,000 | Utilities: SGD 200-300 Internet: SGD 50-100 Maintenance: SGD 300-500 |
| Near-Central (Tiong Bahru, River Valley) | SGD 2,300 – 3,800 | SGD 3,200 – 5,500 | SGD 4,500 – 7,500 | Utilities: SGD 180-250 Internet: SGD 50-100 Maintenance: SGD 250-400 |
| Suburban (East, West, North regions) | SGD 1,800 – 3,000 | SGD 2,500 – 4,200 | SGD 3,500 – 6,000 | Utilities: SGD 150-220 Internet: SGD 50-100 Maintenance: SGD 200-350 |
Monthly Food Budget Scenarios
| Dining Style | Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner | Groceries | Monthly Total (Couple) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget-Conscious (Hawker-Heavy) | Hawker/Home: SGD 5-8 | Hawker: SGD 6-10 | Home-cooked: SGD 8-12 | SGD 400-500 | SGD 900-1,200 |
| Moderate (Mixed Dining) | Café/Home: SGD 8-12 | Hawker/Food court: SGD 8-15 | Restaurant 2-3x/week: SGD 15-30 | SGD 500-700 | SGD 1,400-1,900 |
| Comfortable (Regular Dining Out) | Café: SGD 10-15 | Restaurant/Café: SGD 15-25 | Restaurant 4-5x/week: SGD 25-50 | SGD 600-800 | SGD 2,200-3,000 |
| Premium (Frequent Fine Dining) | Brunch spots: SGD 15-25 | Restaurants: SGD 20-40 | Fine dining 2-3x/week: SGD 50-100 | SGD 800-1,000 | SGD 3,500-5,000 |
Complete Monthly Budget Breakdown for Couples
| Expense Category | Budget Range | Mid-Range | Comfortable Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | |||
| Rent | SGD 2,000 – 3,000 | SGD 3,500 – 4,500 | SGD 5,000 – 7,000 |
| Utilities | SGD 150 – 200 | SGD 200 – 250 | SGD 250 – 350 |
| Internet/Cable | SGD 50 – 80 | SGD 80 – 100 | SGD 100 – 150 |
| Food | SGD 900 – 1,200 | SGD 1,400 – 1,900 | SGD 2,200 – 3,000 |
| Transportation | SGD 240 – 300 | SGD 400 – 600 | SGD 800 – 1,500 |
| Healthcare/Insurance | SGD 200 – 300 | SGD 300 – 500 | SGD 500 – 800 |
| Entertainment | SGD 200 – 400 | SGD 400 – 600 | SGD 600 – 1,000 |
| Personal Care | SGD 100 – 200 | SGD 200 – 300 | SGD 300 – 500 |
| Miscellaneous | SGD 200 – 300 | SGD 300 – 500 | SGD 500 – 800 |
| TOTAL | SGD 4,040 – 5,980 | SGD 6,780 – 9,250 | SGD 10,250 – 15,100 |
Additional Considerations
Savings and Retirement
Financial planning experts recommend saving at least 20% of combined income. Singapore’s Central Provident Fund (CPF) system requires mandatory contributions from citizens and permanent residents but doesn’t apply to most expatriates, making independent retirement planning essential.
Taxes
Singapore’s progressive tax system is relatively favorable compared to many developed nations. Tax rates range from 0% on the first SGD 20,000 to 24% on income exceeding SGD 1,000,000. Most couples find their effective tax rate significantly lower than in their home countries, providing additional disposable income.
Children and Education
For couples planning to start families, childcare and education represent substantial future costs. International school fees range from SGD 20,000 to SGD 40,000 annually, while local schools offer more affordable options with different admission requirements.
Money Saving Tips for Couples
Embrace Local Living
Shopping at wet markets, eating at hawker centers, and using public transportation significantly reduce expenses while providing authentic Singaporean experiences.
Take Advantage of Promotions
Singapore regularly offers dining, entertainment, and shopping promotions. Credit cards provide cashback and rebates on specific spending categories, while e-voucher schemes and government initiatives offer periodic benefits.
Explore Free Activities
Singapore’s parks, beaches, museums on free-entry days, and community events provide entertainment without costs. Gardens by the Bay’s outdoor gardens, East Coast Park, and Southern Ridges trail offer beautiful environments for couple activities.
Share Subscriptions
Streaming services, gym memberships, and other subscriptions can often accommodate multiple users, allowing couples to share costs rather than maintaining separate accounts.
Conclusion
Living in Singapore as a couple requires careful financial planning but offers tremendous rewards. The city-state’s safety, cleanliness, efficiency, and cosmopolitan atmosphere create an exceptional quality of life. While housing costs are significant, strategic choices regarding location, dining, and transportation allow couples to manage expenses effectively.
A couple can live comfortably in Singapore on SGD 6,000 to SGD 9,000 monthly, enjoying a good balance between local and expatriate lifestyles. Those willing to embrace more local living can manage on SGD 4,000 to SGD 6,000, while luxury-oriented couples might spend SGD 10,000 to SGD 15,000 or more.
The key to thriving financially in Singapore lies in understanding your priorities, making informed choices, and finding the right balance between enjoying this vibrant city and maintaining financial health. With proper planning and smart spending habits, couples can build fulfilling lives in one of Asia’s most dynamic cities while achieving their financial goals.
Singapore’s unique blend of Eastern and Western cultures, coupled with its position as a global hub for business, technology, and innovation, makes it an exciting place for couples to call home. The investment in living here often pays dividends through career opportunities, personal growth, and unforgettable experiences in one of the world’s most remarkable cities.
