Cost of Living in Singapore - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

Living costs for one person come to about $3,507 monthly including rent, or $1,296 excluding housing.

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $5,136 with rent, or $2,260 without housing.

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $6,764 including rent, or $3,223 for daily expenses alone.

Singapore sits 139–163% above the global median across household types. Within Asia, costs are 246% above average – among the most expensive in the region.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$10.77 SGD 13.90

$3.84 SGD 4.96

$23.08 SGD 29.79

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$78.1 SGD 101

$46.87 SGD 60.5

$137 SGD 176

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$7.58 SGD 9.78

$6.81 SGD 8.79

$9.09 SGD 11.73

Cappuccino

$4.84 SGD 6.25

$3.05 SGD 3.93

$6.09 SGD 7.86

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

$1.70 SGD 2.19

$1.18 SGD 1.53

$3.55 SGD 4.58

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.20 SGD 1.55

$0.77 SGD 1.00

$2.31 SGD 2.99

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$7.85 SGD 10.13

$4.70 SGD 6.07

$12.55 SGD 16.20

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$9.15 SGD 11.81

$6.09 SGD 7.86

$15.24 SGD 19.67

Milk (1 liter)

$3.07 SGD 3.96

$1.99 SGD 2.56

$4.77 SGD 6.15

White Bread (500g)

$2.38 SGD 3.07

$1.57 SGD 2.03

$5.50 SGD 7.10

Rice (white) (1kg)

$2.79 SGD 3.60

$1.52 SGD 1.96

$4.56 SGD 5.89

Eggs

$3.29 SGD 4.24

$2.49 SGD 3.22

$4.59 SGD 5.92

Local Cheese (1kg)

$19.19 SGD 24.78

$7.70 SGD 9.94

$38.49 SGD 49.69

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$11.42 SGD 14.74

$5.56 SGD 7.17

$31.77 SGD 41.01

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$22.61 SGD 29.18

$11.69 SGD 15.09

$38.97 SGD 50.3

Apples (1kg)

$4.56 SGD 5.88

$2.37 SGD 3.07

$7.93 SGD 10.23

Banana (1kg)

$2.98 SGD 3.85

$1.57 SGD 2.03

$6.61 SGD 8.53

Oranges (1kg)

$4.95 SGD 6.40

$1.97 SGD 2.54

$11.03 SGD 14.24

Tomato (1kg)

$2.74 SGD 3.53

$1.44 SGD 1.85

$5.60 SGD 7.23

Potato (1kg)

$2.52 SGD 3.25

$1.20 SGD 1.55

$3.99 SGD 5.16

Onion (1kg)

$2.17 SGD 2.80

$1.54 SGD 1.98

$3.84 SGD 4.96

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.95 SGD 2.52

$1.34 SGD 1.73

$3.05 SGD 3.93

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1.49 SGD 1.93

$0.76 SGD 0.98

$2.27 SGD 2.93

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$13.20 SGD 17.04

$12.42 SGD 16.04

$15.53 SGD 20.05

Wine (Bottle)

$23.04 SGD 29.74

$19.19 SGD 24.77

$38.39 SGD 49.56

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$4.17 SGD 5.38

$2.60 SGD 3.35

$5.77 SGD 7.45

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$5.16 SGD 6.66

$2.49 SGD 3.21

$7.77 SGD 10.04

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.59 SGD 2.06

$1.20 SGD 1.54

$2.39 SGD 3.09

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$94.0 SGD 121

$62.6 SGD 80.9

$117 SGD 152

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$3.68 SGD 4.75

$3.20 SGD 4.13

$4.80 SGD 6.20

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$0.72 SGD 0.94

$0.47 SGD 0.61

$1.45 SGD 1.87

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$16.54 SGD 21.35

$11.82 SGD 15.25

$23.63 SGD 30.51

Gasoline (1 liter)

$2.20 SGD 2.84

$1.93 SGD 2.50

$2.46 SGD 3.17

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

$142.5K SGD 183.9K

$118.7K SGD 153.3K

$158.3K SGD 204.4K

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

$127.5K SGD 164.6K

$115.6K SGD 149.3K

$146.5K SGD 189.1K

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

$156 SGD 201

$99.5 SGD 128

$271 SGD 350

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

$18.63 SGD 24.05

$7.87 SGD 10.17

$47.22 SGD 61.0

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$37.75 SGD 48.73

$23.86 SGD 30.80

$63.6 SGD 82.1

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$120 SGD 155

$79.3 SGD 102

$198 SGD 256

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$12.10 SGD 15.61

$7.70 SGD 9.94

$15.39 SGD 19.87

Cinema Ticket

$11.53 SGD 14.89

$10.00 SGD 12.91

$15.38 SGD 19.85

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

$1,190 SGD 1,536

$699 SGD 903

$2,176 SGD 2,808

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$29.1K SGD 37.6K

$20.0K SGD 25.8K

$36.9K SGD 47.7K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$83.5 SGD 108

$47.63 SGD 61.5

$119 SGD 154

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$42.55 SGD 54.9

$19.30 SGD 24.91

$76.4 SGD 98.7

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$108 SGD 139

$63.0 SGD 81.4

$158 SGD 203

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$128 SGD 166

$62.2 SGD 80.3

$194 SGD 251

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$3,209 SGD 4,142

$2,387 SGD 3,082

$3,979 SGD 5,136

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$2,299 SGD 2,968

$1,825 SGD 2,356

$3,015 SGD 3,893

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$6,127 SGD 7,909

$4,647 SGD 5,999

$7,745 SGD 9,998

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$3,793 SGD 4,896

$2,757 SGD 3,559

$5,515 SGD 7,119

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$23.3K SGD 30.0K

$18.6K SGD 24.0K

$29.6K SGD 38.2K

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$16.4K SGD 21.2K

$13.0K SGD 16.8K

$21.0K SGD 27.1K

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$3,969 SGD 5,124

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: July 14, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $3,209 for a central one-bedroom, or $2,299 outside the center. At 81% of the average salary ($3,969), housing is the biggest financial pressure.

Average take-home pay sits at $3,969, while typical expenses reach $3,507. This leaves some room for savings, though a comfortable buffer starts closer to $5,261.

Expect to spend about $450 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $78.0 for two – above the Asian average of $35.00.

Public transport is priced at around $94.0 per month – above the Asian average of $31.00.

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 $3,507 a month in Singapore if you're renting, or around $1,296 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 $3,507 including rent, or roughly $1,296 excluding it. Numbers shift a bit by season and neighborhood, but this range works well as a planning baseline.

At $3,969 take-home, most residents in Singapore can cover the $3,507 monthly cost of living. Those earning $5,261 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 $3,209; commute-friendly outer districts come in around $2,299. Overall, the market runs from $2,299 to $3,209 depending on size, location, and apartment condition.

A monthly transit pass in Singapore goes for roughly $94.0, 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 $1,190 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 $3,507 in typical monthly expenses, a $2,500 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 $3,507 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.