Singapore is one of the most expensive cities in Asia, but knowing exactly how much money you need can help you plan smartly. For a single person, the minimum money needed in Singapore is around SGD 2,500–3,500 per month for a basic lifestyle, covering rent, food, and transport. Those seeking a comfortable lifestyle should budget at least SGD 4,500–6,500/month, while families with children in international schools may need SGD 15,000–20,000/month or more. The biggest cost by far is housing, which alone can consume 40–60% of your monthly budget.
While Singapore’s reputation for high costs is well earned, smart spending can stretch your dollar further than you’d expect. Eating at hawker centres (meals from SGD 3–6), using the MRT public transport system (from SGD 0.92 per ride), and renting in suburban areas like Jurong or Tampines instead of the city centre can dramatically reduce your monthly expenses. Whether you’re an expat, student, or remote worker, understanding the money needed in Singapore upfront is the key to living well without financial stress in this world class city.
The Big Picture: Singapore’s Cost of Living at a Glance
Singapore consistently ranks among the top five most expensive cities in the world, alongside Zurich, Hong Kong, and New York. However, the actual amount you need depends heavily on your lifestyle, housing preferences, and whether you’re single, a couple, or a family.
As a general rule of thumb:
- Single person (budget lifestyle): SGD 2,500 – 3,500/month
- Single person (comfortable lifestyle): SGD 4,500 – 6,500/month
- Couple (comfortable lifestyle): SGD 7,000 – 10,000/month
- Family of four: SGD 12,000 – 18,000+/month
These numbers may look steep, but Singapore also offers world-class healthcare, excellent public transportation, near-zero crime, and some of the best street food on the planet often at unbeatable prices.
1. Housing: Your Biggest Expense
Housing in Singapore is, without question, the most significant chunk of any monthly budget. The type of accommodation you choose public HDB flat, private condo, or landed property can make or break your finances.
Types of Housing:
- HDB Flats (Public Housing): These are government-built apartments available to Singapore citizens and permanent residents for purchase, or to anyone for rent. Renting an HDB room can cost as little as SGD 700–1,200/month for a single room, while a whole flat runs SGD 2,000–3,500/month depending on the area.
- Private Condominiums: The most popular option for expats. A one-bedroom condo in a central area like Orchard or Tanjong Pagar typically starts at SGD 3,000–5,000/month. In suburban areas, expect SGD 2,000–3,500/month.
- Landed Property (Bungalows/Terraces): These are premium-tier homes and can easily run SGD 8,000–20,000+/month in rent.
Key Tip: Living in the Outside Central Region (OCR) areas like Jurong West, Woodlands, or Tampines can save you 30–40% on rent compared to the Central Business District (CBD) or Orchard Road area. If you’re considering renting a room first, our detailed guide on room for rent in Singapore explains current pricing and what to expect in different neighbourhoods.
2. Food: Hawker Heaven or Restaurant Prices
Food in Singapore spans an enormous price range. This is one area where you can genuinely live well on a tight budget if you know where to eat.
Budget Eating (Hawker Centres & Kopitiam):
- A full meal at a hawker centre: SGD 3–6
- Kopi (local coffee): SGD 1–1.50
- Chicken rice, laksa, nasi lemak, roti prata: SGD 3–5
Mid-Range Dining (Food Courts & Casual Restaurants):
- Meal at a local restaurant: SGD 15–30 per person
- Western fast food combo: SGD 8–12
- Starbucks coffee: SGD 7–9
Fine Dining & Western Restaurants:
- Dinner at a mid-to-upscale restaurant: SGD 60–150+ per person
- Michelin-starred meal: SGD 150–400+ per person
Most locals and even well-paid expats eat at hawker centres regularly. Singapore has over 100 hawker centres islandwide, making affordable food genuinely accessible everywhere.
3. Transportation: Efficient and Affordable
Singapore’s public transport system comprising the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) and buses is world-class and extremely affordable. Most residents use EZ-Link cards or the Singapore Standard Ticketing system.
- MRT ride: SGD 0.92 – 2.50 (distance-based)
- Monthly transport pass (unlimited rides): SGD 128
- Taxi/Grab ride (short trip): SGD 8–15
- Grab ride (longer, cross-island): SGD 25–45
Owning a Car in Singapore: This is where costs skyrocket. Due to the Certificate of Entitlement (COE) system a government quota mechanism to control car population owning a car is extremely expensive. A small Toyota Corolla can cost over SGD 150,000 after taxes. Monthly car ownership costs including loan, insurance, petrol, and parking can exceed SGD 2,000–3,000/month. Most residents skip car ownership entirely.
Monthly Budget Breakdown: Three Lifestyles
Here’s a detailed look at how monthly costs stack up across three typical lifestyle scenarios in Singapore:
| Expense Category | Budget Lifestyle (SGD) | Comfortable Lifestyle (SGD) | Expat/Family Lifestyle (SGD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR HDB/Condo) | 1,200 – 1,800 | 2,500 – 3,500 | 4,500 – 7,000 |
| Food & Groceries | 400 – 600 | 800 – 1,200 | 1,500 – 2,500 |
| Transportation | 100 – 130 | 150 – 300 | 400 – 800 (with car) |
| Utilities & Internet | 100 – 150 | 150 – 250 | 250 – 400 |
| Healthcare | 50 – 100 | 100 – 200 | 200 – 500 |
| Entertainment & Leisure | 100 – 200 | 300 – 600 | 800 – 2,000 |
| Clothing & Personal Care | 100 – 200 | 200 – 400 | 400 – 1,000 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | SGD 2,050 – 3,180 | SGD 4,200 – 6,450 | SGD 8,050 – 14,200 |
Note: All figures are approximate and based on a single person unless otherwise stated. Family budgets will be significantly higher, especially with children’s schooling.
4. Healthcare: Excellent but Not Free
Singapore’s healthcare system is ranked among the best in Asia. Public hospitals are subsidised, and the government’s Medisave and MediShield Life schemes help offset costs for citizens and PRs.
For foreigners and expats on Employment Passes:
- GP (General Practitioner) visit: SGD 25–60
- Specialist consultation (public hospital): SGD 50–150 (subsidised for PRs/citizens)
- Specialist consultation (private): SGD 150–400+
- Health insurance (basic expat plan): SGD 100–300/month
Most employers in Singapore are required to provide medical benefits, and many provide comprehensive insurance packages. However, if you’re self-employed or a freelancer, budgeting for private health insurance is essential.
5. Education: A Major Cost for Families
If you’re moving to Singapore with children, education costs can be one of the most significant budget items especially if you opt for international schools.
| School Type | Annual Fees (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Singapore Government School (PR/Citizen) | SGD 200 – 500/year |
| Singapore Government School (Foreigner) | SGD 8,000 – 12,000/year |
| International School (Primary Level) | SGD 20,000 – 35,000/year |
| International School (Secondary Level) | SGD 25,000 – 45,000/year |
| University (Local Public) | SGD 8,000 – 17,000/year |
Key Insight: International schools are the single largest wildcard in an expat family’s budget. Many expat packages from employers include school fee allowances always negotiate this if relocating with children.
6. Entertainment, Leisure & Lifestyle
Singapore may be expensive, but it offers a tremendous variety of activities, from free park connector trails and beach clubs to world-class concerts and casino resorts. For special occasions, you can explore guides like best Singapore restaurants for local food but these are typically weekend luxuries rather than everyday expenses.
Free or Low-Cost Activities:
- Gardens by the Bay (free outdoor areas)
- MacRitchie Reservoir hiking trails
- East Coast Park cycling and beach
- Sentosa Island beaches (free entry, pay for activities)
- Esplanade outdoor performances
Paid Leisure:
- Cinema ticket: SGD 13–18
- Gym membership: SGD 80–200/month
- A round of golf: SGD 150–300+
- Night Safari / Zoo: SGD 40–50 per adult entry
- Club entry/bar drinks: SGD 20–60+ per night
7. Salary Benchmarks: Are You Earning Enough
Understanding costs is one side of the equation. The other is whether your income in Singapore is sufficient. Here’s a general salary benchmark by profession:
| Profession | Typical Monthly Salary (SGD) |
|---|---|
| Fresh Graduate (General) | 3,000 – 4,000 |
| Software Engineer (Mid-Level) | 6,000 – 10,000 |
| Finance Professional (Mid-Level) | 7,000 – 12,000 |
| Doctor (Specialist) | 15,000 – 30,000+ |
| Senior Executive/Director | 12,000 – 25,000+ |
| Freelancer/Remote Worker | Varies widely |
For a comfortable single life in Singapore, most financial advisors suggest a minimum take-home pay of SGD 4,500–5,500/month. For a family with children, SGD 10,000–15,000/month is considered a reasonable benchmark for a comfortable (not luxurious) standard of living.
Tips to Save Money While Living in Singapore
Living well in Singapore doesn’t require a massive salary if you’re smart about your spending. Here are some practical ways to cut costs without sacrificing quality of life:
- Eat at hawker centres for at least one or two meals daily the food is excellent and incredibly affordable.
- Use public transport instead of taxis or rideshare apps for your daily commute; it’s reliable, air-conditioned, and cheap.
- Live outside the central area — suburbs like Jurong East, Tampines, and Woodlands offer great amenities at significantly lower rents.
- Shop at NTUC FairPrice or Sheng Siong for groceries instead of Cold Storage or specialty supermarkets.
- Use Carousell (Singapore’s top second-hand marketplace) for furniture, electronics, and clothing.
- Take advantage of free outdoor spaces — Singapore has exceptional parks, beaches, and green corridors that are completely free to access.
- Join community centre (CC) classes for fitness, arts, and enrichment these are government-subsidised and extremely affordable.
- Cook at home even two to three times a week to significantly cut your monthly food bill.
Final Verdict: What’s the Magic Number
There’s no universal answer, but here’s a practical summary to guide your planning:
If you’re a single professional moving to Singapore, aim for a monthly income of at least SGD 4,500–5,500 to live comfortably without constantly pinching pennies. On a budget, you can get by on SGD 2,500–3,000, but you’ll need to be disciplined about housing and food choices.
If you’re a couple without children, a combined income of SGD 8,000–12,000/month allows for a comfortable lifestyle with some savings.
If you’re a family with children in international school, budget at minimum SGD 15,000–20,000/month for a genuinely comfortable lifestyle and more if you want a private condo, a car, and regular travel.
Singapore rewards those who plan well. The city’s infrastructure, safety, food scene, and career opportunities are second to none in Asia. With the right budget in hand, you’ll find that Singapore despite its reputation can absolutely be worth every dollar.
