Cost of Living in Singapore - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

Living costs for one person come to about $3,569 monthly including rent, or $1,166 excluding housing.

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $5,229 with rent, or $1,992 without housing.

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $6,889 including rent, or $2,819 for daily expenses alone.

Singapore sits 144–165% above the global median across household types. Within Asia, costs are 247% above average – among the most expensive in the region.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$10.72 SGD 13.62

$3.83 SGD 4.86

$22.98 SGD 29.18

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$78.5 SGD 99.7

$47.08 SGD 59.8

$137 SGD 174

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$7.73 SGD 9.82

$6.95 SGD 8.83

$9.28 SGD 11.78

Cappuccino

$5.06 SGD 6.43

$3.18 SGD 4.04

$6.37 SGD 8.09

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.71 SGD 2.17

$1.19 SGD 1.51

$3.58 SGD 4.54

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.23 SGD 1.56

$0.79 SGD 1.00

$2.37 SGD 3.01

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$7.89 SGD 10.02

$4.73 SGD 6.01

$12.62 SGD 16.03

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$9.27 SGD 11.78

$6.18 SGD 7.84

$15.45 SGD 19.62

Milk (1 liter)

$3.08 SGD 3.91

$2.00 SGD 2.53

$4.79 SGD 6.08

White Bread (500g)

$2.31 SGD 2.93

$1.53 SGD 1.94

$5.34 SGD 6.78

Rice (white) (1kg)

$2.82 SGD 3.58

$1.54 SGD 1.95

$4.61 SGD 5.85

Eggs

$3.30 SGD 4.19

$2.50 SGD 3.18

$4.61 SGD 5.86

Local Cheese (1kg)

$19.14 SGD 24.31

$7.68 SGD 9.76

$38.39 SGD 48.75

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$11.27 SGD 14.31

$5.48 SGD 6.96

$31.35 SGD 39.81

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$22.31 SGD 28.33

$11.54 SGD 14.65

$38.46 SGD 48.84

Apples (1kg)

$4.53 SGD 5.76

$2.36 SGD 3.00

$7.89 SGD 10.01

Banana (1kg)

$2.88 SGD 3.66

$1.52 SGD 1.93

$6.38 SGD 8.10

Oranges (1kg)

$4.84 SGD 6.15

$1.92 SGD 2.44

$10.78 SGD 13.69

Tomato (1kg)

$2.74 SGD 3.49

$1.44 SGD 1.83

$5.61 SGD 7.13

Potato (1kg)

$2.43 SGD 3.08

$1.16 SGD 1.47

$3.85 SGD 4.89

Onion (1kg)

$2.23 SGD 2.84

$1.58 SGD 2.01

$3.96 SGD 5.03

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.06 SGD 2.61

$1.41 SGD 1.79

$3.21 SGD 4.08

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1.57 SGD 1.99

$0.79 SGD 1.01

$2.38 SGD 3.02

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$13.11 SGD 16.65

$12.34 SGD 15.67

$15.42 SGD 19.58

Wine (Bottle)

$25.36 SGD 32.21

$15.61 SGD 19.82

$39.02 SGD 49.56

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$4.22 SGD 5.36

$2.63 SGD 3.34

$5.84 SGD 7.42

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$5.04 SGD 6.40

$2.43 SGD 3.09

$7.60 SGD 9.65

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.60 SGD 2.04

$1.20 SGD 1.53

$2.41 SGD 3.06

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$93.4 SGD 119

$62.3 SGD 79.1

$117 SGD 148

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$3.66 SGD 4.65

$3.18 SGD 4.04

$4.78 SGD 6.07

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$0.76 SGD 0.96

$0.49 SGD 0.62

$1.51 SGD 1.92

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$16.14 SGD 20.49

$11.53 SGD 14.64

$23.06 SGD 29.28

Gasoline (1 liter)

$2.18 SGD 2.76

$1.91 SGD 2.43

$2.43 SGD 3.09

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$140.6K SGD 178.6K

$117.2K SGD 148.8K

$156.3K SGD 198.5K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$129.5K SGD 164.5K

$117.5K SGD 149.2K

$148.8K SGD 189.0K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$159 SGD 202

$102 SGD 129

$277 SGD 351

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$18.22 SGD 23.13

$7.70 SGD 9.78

$46.16 SGD 58.6

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$37.77 SGD 47.97

$23.88 SGD 30.33

$63.7 SGD 80.9

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$120 SGD 153

$79.4 SGD 101

$199 SGD 252

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$12.06 SGD 15.32

$7.68 SGD 9.75

$15.34 SGD 19.49

Cinema Ticket

$11.78 SGD 14.96

$10.21 SGD 12.96

$15.70 SGD 19.94

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$1,206 SGD 1,531

$709 SGD 900

$2,204 SGD 2,800

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$29.5K SGD 37.5K

$20.3K SGD 25.7K

$37.4K SGD 47.5K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$81.4 SGD 103

$46.40 SGD 58.9

$116 SGD 147

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$43.54 SGD 55.3

$19.74 SGD 25.07

$78.2 SGD 99.3

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$106 SGD 134

$61.9 SGD 78.6

$155 SGD 197

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$131 SGD 167

$63.6 SGD 80.8

$199 SGD 253

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$3,189 SGD 4,050

$2,373 SGD 3,014

$3,955 SGD 5,023

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$2,288 SGD 2,906

$1,816 SGD 2,306

$3,000 SGD 3,810

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$6,085 SGD 7,728

$4,615 SGD 5,861

$7,692 SGD 9,769

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$3,740 SGD 4,750

$2,719 SGD 3,453

$5,438 SGD 6,907

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$23.4K SGD 29.7K

$19.0K SGD 24.1K

$29.3K SGD 37.2K

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$16.5K SGD 21.0K

$13.3K SGD 16.9K

$19.9K SGD 25.3K

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$4,293 SGD 5,452

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

3.19

2.5

4.65

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: April 12, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $3,189 for a central one-bedroom, or $2,288 outside the center. At around 74% of the average salary ($4,293), rent noticeably above the typical 30% rent-to-income guideline.

Average take-home pay sits at $4,293, while typical expenses reach $3,569. This leaves some room for savings, though a comfortable buffer starts closer to $5,353.

Expect to spend about $453 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $78 for two – above the Asian average of $35.

Public transport is priced at around $93 per month – above the Asian average of $31.

Cost Highlights

3-bedroom apartment, city center is among the 20 most expensive worldwide (out of 7,259 cities)

Singapore has the most expensive overall monthly cost (including rent) in Asia

Singapore has the most expensive 1-bedroom apartment, outside city center in Asia

Singapore Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Mbps

Fixed Broadband

Mbps

The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

⛩️ Asia

Cost of Living in Singapore - Frequently Asked Questions

Singapore tends to rank high on global affordability, especially for housing and dining, but value shows up when you tailor your lifestyle. Cost of Living in Singapore, Singapore can guide your planning: central districts offer convenience and services, while neighborhoods farther from the core can provide more space and relative value. Hawker centers and local markets offer meals that feel premium yet affordable, and a modern, reliable transit system keeps daily costs predictable. For nomads, coworking options vary by area, with shorter leases and flexible terms easing transitions. Tip: map your must-haves and compare neighborhoods by transit access and green spaces.

Daily life in Singapore revolves around smart planning and plenty of choice. For a grounded sense of Singapore, Singapore living cost, expect housing to vary by district and lease type, from compact studios to larger flats near transit hubs. Hawker centers and food courts deliver diverse, affordable options that suit long workdays. Public transport is fast and extensive, so a bike or a card for buses is often enough – car ownership is optional. For work and creativity, many neighborhoods host coworking spaces with flexible terms and community events. Shopping, errands, and healthcare are convenient, and safety feels consistent across towns. Tip: choose a base with easy MRT access and regular grocery options nearby.

Quality of life in Singapore blends efficiency, safety, and easy access to nature with a tropical climate. A practical budgeting framework keeps you on track: separate essentials, flexible wants, and some savings, then adjust as you settle in. Neighborhood fit matters, so consider proximity to MRT lines, parks, and local dining; the vibe changes from dense city centers to quieter coastal pockets. Seasonality affects outdoor plans more than prices, with heavier rain at times, yet evenings tend to stay comfortable. Tip: trial short-term stays in a couple of areas to feel the rhythm before you lock in a long lease.

Plan for roughly $3,569 a month in Singapore if you're renting, or around $1,166 for non-housing expenses. That covers one person's basics: food, bills, getting around, and a modest social life. Couples and families will need more, especially for housing and childcare.

As of 2026, monthly living costs in Singapore come to around $3,569 including rent, or roughly $1,166 excluding it. Numbers shift a bit by season and neighborhood, but this range works well as a planning baseline.

At $4,293 take-home, most residents in Singapore can cover the $3,569 monthly cost of living. Those earning $5,353 or more have room to save; below-average earners will find things noticeably tighter.

Where you live in Singapore makes all the difference. Central one-bedrooms cost about $3,189; commute-friendly outer districts come in around $2,288. Overall, the market runs from $2,288 to $3,189 depending on size, location, and apartment condition.

A monthly transit pass in Singapore goes for roughly $93.4, which is one of the lighter items on a monthly budget. Coverage across residential and business areas is solid, and most residents without a car rely on it daily.

Childcare averages $1,206 monthly at a private kindergarten in Singapore. For many families, this single cost rivals rent, so it's essential to factor in before making a move.

At $3,569 in typical monthly expenses, a $2,000 budget barely covers Singapore. You'd need a shared flat in an outer area, home-cooked meals, and serious discipline with discretionary spending to make it work.

Singapore draws remote workers with fast internet, low crime rates, vibrant nightlife, and at around $3,569 per month all-in, the price-to-lifestyle ratio is hard to beat. A growing international community makes networking and social life easy for newcomers.