Let’s be honest — Singapore has a reputation for being expensive. And while it’s true that some things (like luxury condos and imported wine) can hurt your wallet, day-to-day living can actually be pretty manageable — if you know what you’re doing.
So, how much does it really cost to live in the Lion City? Let’s break it down by category, including a few smart hacks to help you save.
Image sourced from Freepik.
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Rent: The Biggest Slice of the Budget
Singapore is divided into rental “zones.” Your rent cost depends heavily on location, type of housing, and whether you're sharing.
Estimated monthly rent (SGD):
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🏘️ HDB room (shared flat) in suburban areas: $700–1,200
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🏢 Entire HDB flat (2-3 rooms): $2,200–3,200
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🏙️ Private condo, city fringe: $3,500–6,000
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🛋️ Serviced apartment or central condo: $6,500+
Money-saving tips:
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Look for HDB units outside city centre (like Yishun, Tampines, Jurong)
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Share with flatmates to cut costs
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Use CoHomes to find verified listings without agent fees
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Food: Street Eats vs Sit-Down Splurges
Singapore is a foodie’s paradise — and it doesn’t have to be expensive.
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🍜 Hawker meals: $3–7
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🥡 Mid-range cafés/restaurants: $15–30 per meal
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🍷 High-end dining: $80+ per person
Many locals eat at hawker centres daily, with famous dishes like chicken rice, laksa, and satay being both affordable and satisfying.
Money-saving tip: Skip delivery apps and eat at your local kopitiam (neighbourhood coffee shop). The taste is better, and so is the price.
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Transport: The EZ-Link Advantage
Singapore’s public transport is one of the most efficient and affordable in the world.
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🚇 MRT or bus rides: $1.20–2.50 per trip (with EZ-Link card)
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🚕 Grab/taxi rides: $10–25 (short trips), more during peak hours
Monthly public transport cost:
Expect around $100–150 if you commute daily.
Money-saving tip:
Get an EZ-Link or SimplyGo card, and avoid taxis unless absolutely needed.
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School Fees (If You Have Kids)
Education in Singapore is excellent — but international schools come at a price.
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🏫 International schools: $20,000–40,000 per year
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🧒 Local schools (for PRs or special passes): Lower fees, but limited spots
Money-saving tip: If you're staying long-term, look into local-private hybrid schools or MOE-registered institutions with lower tuition.
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Healthcare & Insurance: World-Class, With a Cost
Singapore’s healthcare system is top-tier, but as a foreigner, you’ll need private insurance.
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🩺 GP visit (without insurance): $50–90
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🏥 Specialist consultation: $100–300
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💊 Basic health insurance (expat plans): $1,000–3,000/year
Money-saving tip:
Use polyclinics for affordable public healthcare and get a comprehensive insurance plan early — pre-existing conditions are rarely covered later.
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Final Thoughts
Yes, Singapore can be pricey — but it rewards smart living. With hawker meals, clean trains, and safe neighborhoods, you get real quality for your money. Whether you're staying for months or years, budgeting like a local means you can enjoy everything the city offers without overspending.
Looking for affordable, cozy homes in the best local neighborhoods? CoHomes connects you with trusted rentals, verified listings, and zero guesswork.
