Cost of Living in Singapore
💸 Monthly Budget Estimates
Individual / Single Expat
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Essentials (excl. rent): ~ S$1,549 (US$1,205) per month
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All‑in (with rent): Between S$2,500 – S$4,000 monthly
Couples
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Approx. S$4,000 – S$7,000 including rent, utilities, food, transport, entertainment
Families (2 adults + 2 kids)
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Around S$6,000 – S$10,000+ per month
🏠 Housing & Rent
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Private condos:
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1‑bedroom: ~US$2,558 (S$3,350)
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2‑bedroom: ~US$3,488 (S$4,570)
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3‑bedroom: ~US$4,651 (S$6,100)
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High-end districts (CCR): S$4,500–6,500 for condos
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Expensive core districts: Up to ~S$9,225 monthly for a 3-bed at Marina Bay
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HDB Flats (public): ~S$3,900 for 1‑bed; S$7,500 for 3‑bed apartments
🛒 Essentials: Food & Groceries
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Average monthly grocery spend: S$100–300 per person; ~8.4% of total household spending
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Item prices:
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Chicken (1 kg): S$8–15
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Rice (1 kg): S$2–5
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Bread loaf: S$2–4
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Milk (1 L): S$3–5
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Food inflation: +1.4% YoY (April 2025)
🚇 Public Transport
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Single-journey fares: S$0.99–2.26
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Monthly pass: S$128
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Car ownership: extremely expensive, due to COE and vehicle taxes
🏥 Healthcare, Utilities & Other Costs
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Utilities (electricity, water, gas): included in 300–400 range
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Healthcare: MediSave/CPF contributions mandatory; public-private mix lowers out-of-pocket
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GST is rolled out at 9%, with vouchers and rebates to help residents
🌟 Government Support to Ease Burden
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Budget 2025/election budget: S$600–800 handouts (households, seniors, families), utility bill support, grocery vouchers
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MAS forecasts easing inflation (~0.9%) and GDP slowing (~1.7%)
Final Thoughts
Living in Singapore offers urban convenience, excellent public services, and high living standards—but it demands a strong financial base. For singles, you're looking at S$2.5k–4k/month, and for families, S$6k+. That said, robust government support and smart budgeting can make life here both comfortable and sustainable.