Last update: Oct 2026 Singapore ⭐ Capital 5.5M

Cost of Living in Singapore

For one person, living costs in Singapore are estimated at $3,500 a month, including rent and utilities, which take about two thirds of the total. Other living expenses average about $38 a day.

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Singapore

🇸🇬 Singapore

Monthly Cost of Living

How much you'll spend in Singapore

Real prices from locals and on-the-ground checks – rent, groceries, transit and the daily extras. Here's what a month in Singapore actually costs, broken down by who's living it.

Living costs for one person come to about $3,500 monthly including rent, or $1,158 excluding housing.

$3,500 /mo

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $5,265 with rent, or $1,986 without housing.

$5,265 /mo

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $7,030 including rent, or $2,815 for daily expenses alone.

$7,030 /mo

Singapore sits 149–159% above the global median across household types. Within Asia, costs are 230% above average – among the most expensive in the region.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$11.76 SGD 15.05

$5.49 SGD 7.03

$23.53 SGD 30.11

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$70.6 SGD 90.4

$39.23 SGD 50.2

$157 SGD 201

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$8.55 SGD 10.94

$7.77 SGD 9.94

$10.49 SGD 13.42

Cappuccino

$5.20 SGD 6.66

$3.20 SGD 4.09

$6.26 SGD 8.02

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

$1.77 SGD 2.27

$1.15 SGD 1.47

$3.82 SGD 4.89

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.23 SGD 1.58

$0.79 SGD 1.01

$2.37 SGD 3.03

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$8.26 SGD 10.58

$4.73 SGD 6.05

$14.17 SGD 18.13

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$10.17 SGD 13.01

$6.26 SGD 8.01

$14.08 SGD 18.02

Milk (1 liter)

$3.04 SGD 3.89

$1.63 SGD 2.08

$4.77 SGD 6.11

White Bread (500g)

$2.55 SGD 3.26

$1.58 SGD 2.02

$5.54 SGD 7.09

Rice (white) (1kg)

$2.86 SGD 3.66

$1.60 SGD 2.05

$4.81 SGD 6.15

Eggs

$3.53 SGD 4.51

$2.60 SGD 3.32

$7.29 SGD 9.33

Local Cheese (1kg)

$21.12 SGD 27.02

$9.33 SGD 11.94

$77.8 SGD 99.5

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$9.90 SGD 12.67

$6.58 SGD 8.42

$15.84 SGD 20.27

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$25.42 SGD 32.53

$15.53 SGD 19.87

$43.47 SGD 55.6

Apples (1kg)

$4.57 SGD 5.85

$2.38 SGD 3.04

$6.35 SGD 8.12

Banana (1kg)

$3.13 SGD 4.00

$2.39 SGD 3.06

$4.79 SGD 6.13

Oranges (1kg)

$4.72 SGD 6.04

$1.59 SGD 2.03

$9.53 SGD 12.19

Tomato (1kg)

$2.23 SGD 2.85

$1.18 SGD 1.51

$3.14 SGD 4.02

Potato (1kg)

$2.57 SGD 3.29

$1.06 SGD 1.36

$3.95 SGD 5.05

Onion (1kg)

$2.29 SGD 2.93

$1.51 SGD 1.94

$3.78 SGD 4.84

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.87 SGD 2.39

$1.45 SGD 1.85

$3.20 SGD 4.10

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1.44 SGD 1.84

$0.46 SGD 0.58

$2.43 SGD 3.10

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$13.97 SGD 17.88

$13.20 SGD 16.89

$21.73 SGD 27.81

Wine (Bottle)

$23.48 SGD 30.05

$19.56 SGD 25.04

$46.97 SGD 60.1

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$4.54 SGD 5.80

$2.78 SGD 3.56

$7.67 SGD 9.81

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$4.44 SGD 5.68

$2.31 SGD 2.96

$9.27 SGD 11.86

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.57 SGD 2.01

$0.95 SGD 1.21

$2.04 SGD 2.62

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$93.8 SGD 120

$154 SGD 197

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$3.64 SGD 4.66

$3.41 SGD 4.36

$4.75 SGD 6.08

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$0.76 SGD 0.97

$0.50 SGD 0.64

$1.14 SGD 1.46

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$16.14 SGD 20.66

$14.76 SGD 18.88

$27.67 SGD 35.41

Gasoline (1 liter)

$2.45 SGD 3.14

$2.11 SGD 2.70

$2.92 SGD 3.74

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

$155.2K SGD 198.5K

$138.3K SGD 177.0K

$155.2K SGD 198.5K

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

$148.5K SGD 190.0K

$134.4K SGD 171.9K

$166.0K SGD 212.4K

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

$172 SGD 220

$109 SGD 140

$249 SGD 319

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

$12.39 SGD 15.86

$6.94 SGD 8.88

$23.46 SGD 30.02

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$26.21 SGD 33.54

$19.18 SGD 24.55

$38.38 SGD 49.11

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$108 SGD 138

$68.9 SGD 88.2

$184 SGD 235

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$12.31 SGD 15.75

$7.47 SGD 9.56

$15.73 SGD 20.13

Cinema Ticket

$11.64 SGD 14.90

$10.09 SGD 12.91

$15.53 SGD 19.87

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

$1,481 SGD 1,895

$1,065 SGD 1,363

$2,119 SGD 2,711

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$28.3K SGD 36.3K

$19.5K SGD 24.9K

$39.0K SGD 49.9K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$80.6 SGD 103

$39.01 SGD 49.92

$125 SGD 160

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$50.1 SGD 64.1

$15.37 SGD 19.66

$69.1 SGD 88.5

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$112 SGD 143

$63.3 SGD 81.0

$158 SGD 203

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$129 SGD 165

$79.0 SGD 101

$158 SGD 202

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$3,015 SGD 3,858

$1,981 SGD 2,535

$4,755 SGD 6,084

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$2,171 SGD 2,778

$1,590 SGD 2,034

$2,782 SGD 3,560

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$5,842 SGD 7,475

$3,962 SGD 5,070

$7,925 SGD 10.1K

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$4,044 SGD 5,174

$3,025 SGD 3,871

$5,573 SGD 7,131

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$23.8K SGD 30.4K

$18.8K SGD 24.1K

$28.5K SGD 36.5K

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$16.8K SGD 21.4K

$13.0K SGD 16.7K

$21.0K SGD 26.9K

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$4,385 SGD 5,611

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

2.44

1.5

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

Last update: October 13, 2026

Monthly budget structure

Share of the monthly basket for one person, rent included.

Singapore $3,500

Accommodation & Living

$2.2K 62%

Groceries & Markets

$458 13.1%

Eating Out

$256 7.3%

Monthly Utilities & Internet

$210 6%

Clothing & Footwear

$167 4.8%

Sport & Entertainment

$131 3.8%

Getting Around

$107 3.1%

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $3,015 for a central one-bedroom, or $2,171 outside the center. At 69% of the average salary ($4,385), housing is the biggest financial pressure.

Average take-home pay sits at $4,385, while typical expenses reach $3,500. This leaves some room for savings, though a comfortable buffer starts closer to $5,251.

Expect to spend about $458 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $71.0 for two – above the Asian average of $36.00.

Public transport is priced at around $93.8 per month – above the Asian average of $33.00.

Cost Highlights

Singapore has the most expensive 3-bedroom apartment, city center in Asia

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

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

Good to know

🕒 Local time

02:34 2:34 AM

🌤 Weather

👥 Population

5,535,002 Capital

💱 Currency

Singapore Dollar SGD $

📈 Exchange rate

1 SGD = 0.781 USD

1 SGD = 0.695 EUR

Exchange rates and currency converter

On the map

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Singapore Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Mbps

Fixed Broadband

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

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

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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 $3,500 a month in Singapore if you're renting, or around $1,158 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 $3,500 including rent, or roughly $1,158 excluding it. Numbers shift a bit by season and neighborhood, but this range works well as a planning baseline.

At $4,385 take-home, most residents in Singapore can cover the $3,500 monthly cost of living. Those earning $5,251 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 $3,015; commute-friendly outer districts come in around $2,171. Overall, the market runs from $2,171 to $3,015 depending on size, location, and apartment condition.

A monthly transit pass in Singapore goes for roughly $93.8, 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 $1,481 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 $3,500 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 $3,500 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.