Cost of Living in Singapore - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

Living costs for one person come to about $3,476 monthly including rent, or $1,164 excluding housing.

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $5,218 with rent, or $1,995 without housing.

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $6,959 including rent, or $2,826 for daily expenses alone.

Singapore sits 137–153% above the global median across household types. Within Asia, costs are 218% above average – among the most expensive in the region.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$11.77 SGD 14.91

$6.28 SGD 7.95

$19.63 SGD 24.86

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$67.3 SGD 85.3

$39.60 SGD 50.2

$158 SGD 201

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$8.59 SGD 10.89

$7.82 SGD 9.90

$11.72 SGD 14.85

Cappuccino

$5.19 SGD 6.58

$3.19 SGD 4.04

$6.27 SGD 7.94

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

$1.84 SGD 2.33

$1.21 SGD 1.53

$4.02 SGD 5.09

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.17 SGD 1.48

$0.77 SGD 0.98

$1.93 SGD 2.45

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$8.24 SGD 10.44

$4.71 SGD 5.96

$11.77 SGD 14.91

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$10.04 SGD 12.71

$7.41 SGD 9.38

$13.89 SGD 17.60

Milk (1 liter)

$3.05 SGD 3.86

$1.58 SGD 2.00

$4.74 SGD 6.00

White Bread (500g)

$2.50 SGD 3.16

$1.59 SGD 2.01

$5.57 SGD 7.06

Rice (white) (1kg)

$2.72 SGD 3.44

$1.54 SGD 1.95

$3.86 SGD 4.89

Eggs

$3.74 SGD 4.73

$2.42 SGD 3.07

$6.46 SGD 8.18

Local Cheese (1kg)

$21.17 SGD 26.82

$9.63 SGD 12.20

$80.2 SGD 102

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$9.85 SGD 12.48

$6.56 SGD 8.30

$15.77 SGD 19.97

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$25.51 SGD 32.31

$15.94 SGD 20.19

$44.64 SGD 56.6

Apples (1kg)

$4.50 SGD 5.71

$2.35 SGD 2.97

$6.25 SGD 7.92

Banana (1kg)

$3.02 SGD 3.82

$2.31 SGD 2.93

$4.62 SGD 5.86

Oranges (1kg)

$4.83 SGD 6.12

$1.59 SGD 2.01

$9.56 SGD 12.11

Tomato (1kg)

$2.27 SGD 2.88

$1.20 SGD 1.52

$3.21 SGD 4.07

Potato (1kg)

$2.54 SGD 3.21

$1.05 SGD 1.32

$3.88 SGD 4.91

Onion (1kg)

$2.37 SGD 3.01

$1.61 SGD 2.04

$4.04 SGD 5.12

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.78 SGD 2.25

$1.38 SGD 1.75

$3.06 SGD 3.88

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1.42 SGD 1.80

$0.48 SGD 0.61

$2.59 SGD 3.28

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$14.34 SGD 18.16

$13.54 SGD 17.15

$22.31 SGD 28.25

Wine (Bottle)

$23.77 SGD 30.11

$19.81 SGD 25.10

$47.54 SGD 60.2

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$4.55 SGD 5.76

$2.78 SGD 3.52

$7.68 SGD 9.73

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$4.45 SGD 5.64

$2.33 SGD 2.95

$9.30 SGD 11.78

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.58 SGD 2.00

$0.95 SGD 1.20

$2.22 SGD 2.81

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$99.0 SGD 125

$94.3 SGD 119

$155 SGD 196

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$3.53 SGD 4.48

$3.30 SGD 4.18

$4.61 SGD 5.84

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$0.81 SGD 1.02

$0.52 SGD 0.66

$1.21 SGD 1.53

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$16.62 SGD 21.06

$14.84 SGD 18.80

$27.84 SGD 35.27

Gasoline (1 liter)

$2.47 SGD 3.13

$1.96 SGD 2.48

$3.13 SGD 3.96

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

$156.1K SGD 197.8K

$139.2K SGD 176.3K

$156.1K SGD 197.8K

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

$145.8K SGD 184.7K

$130.8K SGD 165.7K

$164.5K SGD 208.4K

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

$162 SGD 206

$86.7 SGD 110

$253 SGD 320

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

$12.73 SGD 16.13

$6.32 SGD 8.00

$23.70 SGD 30.02

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$27.15 SGD 34.39

$22.66 SGD 28.71

$39.08 SGD 49.50

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$108 SGD 137

$69.8 SGD 88.4

$186 SGD 236

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$11.17 SGD 14.14

$3.96 SGD 5.02

$15.85 SGD 20.08

Cinema Ticket

$11.79 SGD 14.93

$10.22 SGD 12.94

$15.71 SGD 19.90

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

$1,491 SGD 1,889

$1,067 SGD 1,352

$2,124 SGD 2,690

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$29.5K SGD 37.4K

$20.0K SGD 25.3K

$40.0K SGD 50.7K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$78.8 SGD 99.8

$31.44 SGD 39.82

$126 SGD 159

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$51.6 SGD 65.4

$15.54 SGD 19.68

$77.7 SGD 98.4

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$111 SGD 140

$63.1 SGD 79.9

$158 SGD 200

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$130 SGD 164

$79.5 SGD 101

$159 SGD 201

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$2,949 SGD 3,736

$1,930 SGD 2,445

$3,860 SGD 4,889

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$2,156 SGD 2,731

$1,560 SGD 1,976

$2,730 SGD 3,458

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$6,006 SGD 7,608

$3,988 SGD 5,051

$8,773 SGD 11.1K

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$3,893 SGD 4,931

$2,997 SGD 3,796

$5,126 SGD 6,494

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$23.6K SGD 29.9K

$18.9K SGD 24.0K

$28.7K SGD 36.3K

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$16.7K SGD 21.1K

$13.0K SGD 16.4K

$20.9K SGD 26.5K

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$4,122 SGD 5,222

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

2.43

1.5

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

Last update: September 1, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $2,949 for a central one-bedroom, or $2,156 outside the center. At 72% of the average salary ($4,122), housing is the biggest financial pressure.

Average take-home pay sits at $4,122, while typical expenses reach $3,476. This leaves some room for savings, though a comfortable buffer starts closer to $5,214.

Expect to spend about $458 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $67.0 for two – above the Asian average of $36.00.

Public transport is priced at around $99.0 per month – above the Asian average of $34.00.

Cost Highlights

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

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

Singapore has the most expensive 3-bedroom apartment, 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 $3,476 a month in Singapore if you're renting, or around $1,164 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 $3,476 including rent, or roughly $1,164 excluding it. Numbers shift a bit by season and neighborhood, but this range works well as a planning baseline.

At $4,122 take-home, most residents in Singapore can cover the $3,476 monthly cost of living. Those earning $5,214 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 $2,949; commute-friendly outer districts come in around $2,156. Overall, the market runs from $2,156 to $2,949 depending on size, location, and apartment condition.

A monthly transit pass in Singapore goes for roughly $99.0, 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 $1,491 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 $3,476 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 $3,476 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.