Cost of Living in Singapore for Students in 2025

Singapore is one of Asia’s most trusted education hubs, ranking #1 in Asia for university reputation (QS 2025) and among the top 5 safest countries globally. With NUS ranked #8 and NTU #15 in the world (QS 2025), the country hosts 6,000+ Indian students annually, drawn by its academic excellence, 90%+ graduate employability rate, and direct exposure to global industries. 

However, planning finances is just as important as choosing the right university. From rising rental costs to daily essentials, understanding the real cost of student life in Singapore can help avoid financial stress. 

This 2025 guide gives Indian students a clear estimate of monthly expenses in SGD and INR, plus budgeting advice and smart saving tips to make studying in Singapore affordable and manageable. 

Also Read: How to Study in Singapore on a Scholarship in 2025? 

Average Monthly Cost of Living in Singapore for Indian Students 

Understanding your overall monthly living budget is the first step to financial planning. 

On average, you’ll spend between SGD 1,200 – 2,500 (₹73,000 – ₹1.53 lakh) each month, depending on your housing choice, meal preferences, and lifestyle. 

Before diving deep, here’s a quick overview of how much you can expect to spend every month as an Indian student in Singapore. 

Advisory tip: Budget for the first 2–3 months in advance to cover initial costs like deposits, visa fees, and local transport cards. 

Also read about: PhD in Singapore 

Accommodation Costs in Singapore 

Housing takes up the largest share of a student’s monthly expenses. Singapore offers several accommodation types ranging from affordable dormitories to private studios. 

Here’s a breakdown of typical rent options available for students: 

Advisory tip: Shared apartments in Woodlands, Jurong West, and Clementi offer lower rent with good public transport connectivity. 

Cheapest Student Areas in Singapore 

Choosing the right neighbourhood can significantly lower your living cost. 

Living in suburban zones can save up to SGD 400 (₹24,600) monthly compared to central Singapore. 

Check out: Accommodation in Singapore: Dormitories, Rentals, and Budget Options 

Food and Groceries Expenses 

Singapore’s food culture blends Asian and international cuisines. For Indian students, food costs depend largely on whether you cook or dine out. 

Below is the typical monthly food budget you should plan for: 

Advisory tip: Cook half your meals at home and shop at Mustafa Centre or Tekka Market for affordable Indian ingredients. 

Want to know which programs are popular? Here’s a list of Best Courses in Singapore for Indian Students. 

How Indian Students Can Save on Food 

To balance nutrition and budget, follow these quick food-saving hacks: 

• Buy in bulk from FairPrice or Sheng Siong. 
• Use campus cafeterias for subsidized meals. 
• Pack lunches to avoid expensive takeaways. 
• Split grocery bills with roommates. 

Transport Costs in Singapore 

Public transport is reliable, safe, and student-friendly. Getting around mainly involves MRT trains and buses. 

Here’s what average monthly commuting costs look like: 

Advisory tip: Apply for a student concession card for unlimited rides at reduced fares and choose housing near your university to cut travel time. 

Utilities, Internet & Mobile Expenses 

Your monthly utilities include electricity, water, gas, Wi-Fi, and phone bills. Costs vary with apartment size and usage. 

The table below shows average monthly utility expenses: 

Advisory tip: Split bills among roommates and pick student plans from Singtel or StarHub to reduce mobile data costs. 

See why many students prefer global degrees in Advantages of Studying Abroad. 

Education & Miscellaneous Costs 

Besides rent and food, remember to budget for tuition, books, health insurance, and personal spending. 

Here’s a quick overview of academic-related yearly costs: 

Advisory tip: Apply early for university or government scholarships, many cover tuition and part of your living expenses. 

Scholarships and Financial Aid to Reduce Living Costs in Singapore 

Studying in Singapore can be expensive, but the good news is that the country offers strong financial support options for international students. From government-backed schemes to university-funded aid, these scholarships can significantly reduce tuition fees and even help cover living costs, making Singapore a more affordable choice for Indian students who plan strategically. 

Advisory Note: Most scholarships are merit-based, and applying early increases your chances of approval, especially for high-demand universities like NUS, NTU, and SMU. 

Top Scholarships Indian Students Can Apply For 

The table below highlights the most popular scholarships that reduce the cost of studying in Singapore and, in some cases, offer stipends to support living expenses. 

Why it matters: These scholarships reduce financial pressure and can lower your monthly expense burden by covering major academic costs. 

Estimated Financial Support You Can Receive 

Many scholarships help with tuition while some also offer stipends that can directly support your monthly budget. 

Below is an approximate idea of funding support based on common scholarship payouts. 

Advisory Tip: Even a partial scholarship combined with smart budgeting can cut your total cost by up to 50%. 

Also Read: Fully Funded Scholarships in Singapore for International Students 2025 

Saving Tips for Indian Students in Singapore 

A strategic approach to spending can help you cut monthly expenses by 20–30%, making student life in Singapore financially smoother without compromising comfort or essentials. 

Here are 10 practical, student-friendly saving tips: 

1. Choose shared housing or on-campus hostels to split rent and utility bills. 
2. Cook meals at home and rely less on restaurants or food delivery apps. 
3. Use student concession passes for cheaper MRT and bus rides. 
4. Buy second-hand books or e-versions instead of new copies. 
5. Track spending using budgeting apps like Wallet, Spendee, or Money Lover. 
6. Avoid premium subscriptions or luxury memberships unless essential. 
7. Work part-time (within student visa guidelines) to support daily expenses. 
8. Shop during sales or student discount seasons across fashion, tech, and food brands. 
9. Join student communities to borrow, share, or swap items like cookware, textbooks, and furniture. 
10. Buy groceries from budget markets like FairPrice, Sheng Siong, or Mustafa Centre for lower prices. 

Conclusion 

Studying in Singapore offers Indian students world-class education and a safe, multicultural environment. With smart planning, you can comfortably manage your monthly living expenses between SGD 1,200 – 2,000 (₹73,000 – ₹1.22 lakh).  

Choose affordable housing, cook your meals, and make the most of student benefits to live well within budget. 

Thinking of studying in Singapore? Book a free 1:1 counselling session with upGrad experts today!