The average cost of living in Singapore ranges between SGD 1,200 (INR 73,000) and SGD 2,000 (INR 1.22 lakh) per month, depending on lifestyle, location, and personal needs.
Here is a summary of the cost of living in Singapore in 2025:
The estimated monthly cost for a family of four is around SGD 4,500 (~INR 2.75L), excluding rent.
The estimated monthly cost for a single person is about SGD 1,200 (~INR 73,000), excluding rent.
Overall, the cost of living in Singapore is approximately 85% higher than in India.
Rent in Singapore is roughly 120% higher compared to similar accommodations in India.
In this blog, you’ll find a detailed breakdown of monthly living expenses in Singapore, covering housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare, and education costs, along with tips to save and plan your budget effectively.
What is the Average Cost of Living in Singapore?
Understanding your overall monthly living budget is the first step to financial planning.
On average, Singapore living expenses per month range between SGD 1,200–2,500 (₹73,000–₹1.53 lakh), 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.
Expense Category
Average Monthly Cost (SGD)
Average Monthly cost in INR
Accommodation
600 – 1,500
₹37,000 – ₹92,000
Food & Groceries
300 – 600
₹18,500 – ₹37,000
Transport
80 – 150
₹5,000 – ₹9,200
Utilities & Internet
150 – 250
₹9,200 – ₹15,400
Personal Expenses
200 – 400
₹12,300 – ₹24,600
It is ideal to budget for the first 2–3 months in advance to cover initial costs like deposits, visa fees, and local transport cards.
This section provides a clear comparison of monthly living expenses across Singapore’s key areas, helping students and expats make informed choices based on budget and lifestyle.
City
Approximate Monthly Expenses (SGD)
Approximate Monthly Expenses (INR)
Central Area
1,800 – 2,500
₹1.06L – ₹1.47L
Orchard
2,000 – 2,700
₹1.18L – ₹1.59L
Jurong
1,200 – 1,700
₹71,000 – ₹1L
Woodlands
1,000 – 1,400
₹59,000 – ₹83,000
Tampines
1,300 – 1,800
₹76,000 – ₹1.06L
These figures include rent, food, transport, and utilities, providing a realistic snapshot of living costs in popular areas for students and expats.
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:
Type
Monthly Rent (SGD)
Approx. in INR
University Hostel
400 – 800
₹24,600 – ₹49,200
Shared Apartment
700 – 1,200
₹43,000 – ₹73,800
Private Studio (1 BHK)
1,500 – 3,000
₹92,000 – ₹1.84 lakh
Advisory tip: Shared apartments in suburbs like Woodlands, Jurong West, and Clementi offer lower rent with good public transport connectivity.
Cheapest Student Areas in Singapore
Choosing the right neighborhood can significantly lower your living cost.
Area
Key Features
Rent Range (SGD)
Yishun
Budget-friendly, close to MRT
500 – 900
Bukit Panjang
Calm, residential zone
550 – 950
Woodlands
Student-popular, near amenities
600 – 1,000
Living in suburban zones like Woodlands, Holland Village can save up to SGD 400 (₹24,600) monthly compared to central Singapore.
This table compares key living expenses between Singapore and India to help expats and students understand budgeting needs.
Expense Category
Average Cost Range (SGD)
Average Cost Range (INR)
Rent (1-bedroom)
1,800 – 2,500
₹1.06L – ₹1.47L
Food & Groceries
400 – 700
₹24,000 – ₹42,000
Transport
100 – 150
₹6,000 – ₹9,000
Education
20,000 – 80,000 (tuition)
₹12L – ₹48L
The cost of living in Singapore is generally higher than in India, especially for rent and education, making careful budgeting essential for newcomers.
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:
Item
Monthly Cost (SGD)
Approx. in INR
Electricity & Water
100 – 150
₹6,100 – ₹9,200
Internet
40 – 60
₹2,400 – ₹3,700
Mobile Plan
30 – 40
₹1,800 – ₹2,400
Advisory tip: Split bills among roommates and pick student plans from Singtel or StarHub to reduce mobile data costs.
Budgeting Tips for Expats and Students in Singapore
A strategic approach to managing your finances can help reduce monthly expenses by 20–30%, making life in Singapore more affordable for both expats and students without compromising comfort or essentials.
Here are 10 practical budgeting tips suitable for anyone living in Singapore:
Choose shared housing, serviced apartments, or on-campus hostels to save on rent and utilities.
Cook meals at home more often and limit dining out or food delivery expenses.
Use concession passes or monthly travel cards for discounted MRT and bus rides.
Opt for second-hand or digital books and resources instead of buying new ones.
Track your spending with budgeting apps like Wallet, Spendee, or Money Lover.
Avoid unnecessary premium subscriptions or memberships unless truly needed.
Consider part-time or freelance work within your visa regulations to supplement income.
Take advantage of sales and discounts available for fashion, electronics, and groceries.
Join local communities or online groups to borrow, share, or exchange items such as furniture or kitchenware.
Purchase groceries at budget-friendly stores like FairPrice, Sheng Siong, or Mustafa Centre to save money.
Conclusion
Singapore remains a popular destination for Indian students and expats due to its world-class education, safety, and vibrant multicultural lifestyle. The monthly cost of living in Singapore ranges from SGD 1,200 to SGD 2,000 (INR 73,000 to INR 1.22 lakh), depending on your lifestyle and accommodation choices.
Whether you are a student, working professional, or relocating with family, understanding these living expenses will help you plan your budget effectively and avoid financial surprises. With smart spending, such as choosing affordable housing, cooking at home, and utilizing student discounts, you can enjoy a comfortable and enriching experience in Singapore.
Choose affordable housing, cook your meals, and make the most of student benefits to live well within budget.
Is Singapore expensive for middle-class Indian students?
Yes, but manageable. The average cost of living in Singapore for Indian students is SGD 1,100–1,400 monthly (INR 67,000–85,000). Shared housing, home cooking, and student discounts help reduce expenses, making the cost of living in Singapore affordable compared to other countries like Australia and Canada.
Can I cook Indian food easily in Singapore?
Yes. Indian grocery stores in Little India and Serangoon make it simple to cook. Many student hostels and shared flats allow cooking, which cuts food costs and lowers the cost of living in Singapore for Indian students, while helping maintain a familiar and healthy Indian diet.
Is tap water safe to drink in Singapore?
Yes, Singapore’s tap water meets WHO standards. This reduces bottled water expenses by SGD 30–40 monthly (INR 1,850–2,470). Safe drinking water helps students manage daily expenses better, making the average cost of living in Singapore more affordable without compromising on quality or convenience.
What are the cheapest areas to live near top universities?
Affordable student-friendly areas include Jurong West, Bukit Batok, and Aljunied. Rent here ranges from SGD 600–850 (INR 37,000–52,000). These neighborhoods help reduce the cost of living in Singapore for a single person or student, while offering good MRT connectivity to universities like NUS and NTU.
How much money should I carry initially from India?
Carry SGD 2,000–2,500 (INR 1.2–1.5 lakhs) for deposits, SIM setup, groceries, and transport. This upfront budget helps students adjust smoothly while understanding the cost of living in Singapore vs India, especially during the first month before setting up local accounts and housing.
Can I open a bank account in Singapore as a student?
Yes. Indian students can open accounts with DBS, OCBC, or UOB. These banks provide low-fee student accounts, making it easier to budget, manage daily expenses, and control the cost of living in Singapore for Indian students without the hassle of carrying excess cash.
How much does a SIM card cost in Singapore?
Prepaid SIM cards cost SGD 12–28 per month (INR 740–1,720). Providers like Singtel, StarHub, and GOMO offer student-friendly packages. Keeping mobile costs low helps manage the cost of living in Singapore for Indian students, making communication affordable and budget-friendly while studying abroad.
Are there Indian mess services or tiffin options?
Yes. Indian messes and tiffin services in Little India and Jurong cost around SGD 150–200 (INR 9,200–12,300) monthly. These are cheaper than daily dining out, helping reduce the average cost of living in Singapore while still providing familiar and convenient meal options for Indian students.
How much does health insurance cost in Singapore?
Health insurance ranges from SGD 30–60 (INR 1,850–3,700) monthly, often included in tuition fees by universities. It covers medical care and emergencies, ensuring peace of mind while balancing the cost of living in Singapore for Indian students, and avoiding unexpected financial burdens.
Do I need to pay a security deposit for student housing?
Yes. Most student rentals or dorms require a refundable deposit of 1–2 months’ rent. For instance, if rent is SGD 700 (INR 43,000), deposits can be SGD 700–1,400. This upfront cost significantly impacts the cost of living in Singapore for a single person.
Is second-hand furniture available for students?
Yes. Students often buy affordable furniture through Carousell or Facebook Marketplace. Items like desks, chairs, or microwaves cost SGD 20–50 (INR 1,200–3,000). Choosing used items lowers expenses and helps reduce the cost of living in Singapore for Indian students during their initial settlement phase.
Do I need to pay tax if I work part-time in Singapore?
Yes. Part-time jobs for students are taxed at 15% for non-residents. However, refunds or relief apply for lower earnings. Students earning modestly still keep most income, balancing work and study while managing what is the cost of living in Singapore effectively.
What’s the average annual cost including tuition and living?
The total cost typically ranges between SGD 25,000–40,000 (₹15–₹24 lakh) annually, depending on your course, lifestyle, and whether you secure scholarships or student housing.
Is Singapore worth the cost for Indian students?
Yes. With world-ranked universities, strong job prospects, industry exposure, and a safe environment, Singapore offers excellent career outcomes and long-term value for students investing in quality education.
What is the average monthly cost of living in Singapore for a single person?
The average monthly cost of living in Singapore for a single person ranges from SGD 1,200 to SGD 2,000 (INR 73,000 to ₹1.22 lakh), depending on lifestyle and accommodation choices. Major expenses include rent, food, transport, and utilities.
How much should expats budget for monthly cost of living in Singapore?
Expats in Singapore typically budget around SGD 3,000 to SGD 4,500 (INR 1.8L to ₹2.75 lakh) per month to cover rent, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and entertainment. Costs vary based on city area and personal lifestyle preferences.
Ireland( study abroad expert) |54 articles published
Honey Gupta is a leading consultant with over 10 years of experience in helping students navigate the complexities of studying overseas, with a specialized focus on Ireland. Honey brings a wealth of a...
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