Singapore ranks among the world’s most expensive cities, and understanding the cost of living in Singapore is essential for students, professionals, and families planning to move. In 2025, average monthly expenses range from SGD 1,200 to SGD 6,000, depending on lifestyle and household size. That’s roughly INR 74,000 to INR 3.72 lakhs.
Students typically spend SGD 1,200–1,800 (INR 74,000–1.1L) on shared housing, food, transport, and essentials.
Professionals may need SGD 2,500–4,000 (INR 1.55–2.5L) including private rent and utilities.
Families of 3–4 require SGD 4,500–6,000 (INR 2.8–3.7L) monthly for housing, childcare, groceries, and schooling.
With smart budgeting and use of public transport, Singapore can be manageable. This blog breaks down every major expense to help you plan better.
Singapore is a financial and tech hub, home to multinational companies like DBS Bank, Grab, and Shopee, and ranked among the top cities for quality of life (Singapore Department of Statistics, 2025). But how much does it actually cost to live here?
Estimated Monthly Budget by Lifestyle (2025)
Students (budget-conscious): SGD 1,500–3,000 (₹92K–₹1.8L) – Shared HDB flats, public transport, hawker food.
Rent is the biggest expense for most residents, and location matters. District 9 (Orchard, River Valley) and District 10 (Bukit Timah) are the most expensive, while Jurong (West), Woodlands (North), and Punggol (East) offer more affordable options.
Cost of Living in Singapore: Food and Grocery Prices
Singapore is a food paradise, but eating out daily can be expensive. While hawker centers like Maxwell Food Centre and Old Airport Road offer affordable meals, restaurants and cafés can drive up your budget. A typical meal at a hawker stall costs SGD 4–7 (₹240–₹420), while a casual restaurant meal starts from SGD 15–25 (₹900–₹1,500) (Singapore Department of Statistics, 2025).
Average Grocery Prices in Singapore (2025)
Grocery Item
Average Price (SGD)
Where to Buy
Milk (1L)
SGD 3.50–4.50 (₹210–₹270)
FairPrice, Cold Storage
Bread (500g loaf)
SGD 2.50–3.50 (₹150–₹210)
Giant, FairPrice
Eggs (12-pack)
SGD 3.80–5.50 (₹230–₹330)
Sheng Siong, FairPrice
Chicken (1kg)
SGD 7.00–10.00 (₹420–₹600)
FairPrice, Sheng Siong
Apples (1kg)
SGD 4.50–6.00 (₹270–₹360)
Cold Storage, FairPrice
Rice (5kg)
SGD 12.00–18.00 (₹720–₹1,080)
Sheng Siong, Giant
Coffee (200g)
SGD 6.50–10.00 (₹390–₹600)
Cold Storage, FairPrice
Beer (500ml can)
SGD 3.50–5.00 (₹210–₹300)
Giant, FairPrice
Tip: Buying in bulk at Sheng Siong or visiting local wet markets like Tekka Market or Chinatown Complex can save up to 20% on fresh produce.
Singapore has one of the most efficient public transport systems in the world, operated by SMRT, SBS Transit, and Tower Transit. The MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) and buses are the most affordable ways to get around, while taxis and private car ownership are costly due to high COE (Certificate of Entitlement) fees (Land Transport Authority, 2025).
Public Transport Costs in Singapore (2025)
Mode of Transport
Monthly Cost (SGD)
Additional Notes
MRT & Bus Pass
SGD 128 (₹7,800)
Unlimited travel (Land Transport Authority, 2025)
Single MRT Ride
SGD 1.00–2.50 (₹60–₹150)
Varies by distance
Taxi (per km)
SGD 1.10–1.30 (₹65–₹78)
ComfortDelGro, GrabTaxi
Ride-Hailing (Grab, Gojek, TADA)
SGD 15–30 (₹900–₹1,800) per ride
Surge pricing applies during peak hours
Cycling (Bike Rentals)
SGD 10–20/month (₹600–₹1,200)
SG Bike, Anywheel
Owning a Car (including COE, road tax, insurance)
SGD 2,000–3,500/month (₹1.2L–₹2.1L)
Expensive due to COE costs
Cost of Living in Singapore: Utility Bills and Internet Charges
Utilities in Singapore can be costly, especially with air-conditioning contributing to nearly 40% of electricity consumption in households (Singapore Energy Market Authority, 2025). A typical household spends between SGD 150–300 (₹9K–₹18K) per month on utilities, with costs varying based on usage and household size.
Breakdown of Average Monthly Utility Costs in Singapore (2025)
Singapore has one of the best healthcare systems in the world, but costs can be high for those without insurance. MediShield Life, a government-backed insurance scheme, covers basic hospitalization and some outpatient treatments for citizens and PRs, but expats and international students must purchase private insurance (Ministry of Health Singapore, 2025).
Cost of Living in Singapore: Schools and Universities (2025)
Singapore is a top study destination known for institutions like National University of Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU), which rank among the best in Asia. While public universities offer lower tuition fees for Singaporeans, international students generally pay higher rates, especially for professional degrees like medicine and business.
Annual Tuition Fees for International Students in Singapore (2025)
Education Type
Annual Cost (SGD)
Notes
Public Universities (NUS, NTU, SMU, SUTD)
SGD 18,000–40,000 (₹10.8L–₹24L)
Business, engineering, and law courses cost more
Private Universities (SIM, Kaplan, MDIS)
SGD 25,000–55,000 (₹15L–₹33L)
Tuition varies by degree type
Polytechnics (SP, NP, RP, TP, NYP)
SGD 9,000–16,000 (₹5.4L–₹9.6L)
Popular for diploma programs
International Schools (Primary & Secondary)
SGD 20,000–40,000 (₹12L–₹24L)
British, IB, and American curriculums available
Public Schools (for Expats, PRs)
SGD 8,000–15,000 (₹4.8L–₹9L)
Lower fees for PRs than international students
Cost of Living in Singapore: Entertainment and Leisure
Singapore offers world-class entertainment, from Michelin-starred restaurants to budget-friendly hawker centers. While nightlife and concerts can be expensive, many free or low-cost activities—like exploring Sentosa beaches and Marina Bay Sands light shows—make it possible to enjoy the city affordably.
Entertainment & Leisure Costs in Singapore (2025)
Activity
Average Cost (SGD)
Notes
Hawker Center Meal (Maxwell, Newton, Lau Pa Sat)
SGD 5–12 (₹300–₹720)
Budget-friendly dining
Mid-range Restaurant (Casual Dining, Malls)
SGD 20–50 (₹1.2K–₹3K)
Western, Korean, and Japanese restaurants cost more
Fine Dining (Michelin-Starred, Marina Bay Sands)
SGD 100+ (₹6K+)
High-end experience
Cinema Ticket (Golden Village, Shaw, Cathay)
SGD 12–15 (₹720–₹900)
IMAX and 3D tickets cost more
Gym Membership (Fitness First, Virgin Active, Pure Fitness)
SGD 80–180/month (₹4.8K–₹10.8K)
Premium gyms have better facilities
Nightclub Entry (Clarke Quay, Zouk, Marquee)
SGD 30–50 (₹1.8K–₹3K)
Drinks not included
Theme Parks (Universal Studios, Adventure Cove, Zoo)
SGD 40–85 (₹2.4K–₹5.1K)
Online bookings offer discounts
Concert Tickets (Indoor Stadium, National Stadium)
SGD 80–300+ (₹4.8K–₹18K+)
VIP seating costs more
What is the Average Income in Singapore? (2025)
Singapore is one of the highest-paying cities in Asia, attracting professionals in finance, tech, healthcare, and engineering. According to the Ministry of Manpower Singapore (MOM, 2025), the median monthly income is SGD 5,197 (₹3.2L) before tax, but actual earnings vary by industry and experience.
Average Monthly Salaries in Singapore (2025)
Job Type
Average Monthly Salary (SGD)
After-Tax Income (SGD)
Software Engineer (Google, Shopee, Grab, GovTech)
SGD 7,500 (₹4.6L)
SGD 6,000 (₹3.7L)
Banking & Finance (DBS, UOB, OCBC, Citibank)
SGD 8,500 (₹5.2L)
SGD 6,800 (₹4.2L)
Marketing Manager (Lazada, TikTok, Unilever, P&G)
SGD 6,500 (₹4L)
SGD 5,200 (₹3.2L)
Teacher (International Schools, Public Sector)
SGD 4,500 (₹2.8L)
SGD 3,600 (₹2.3L)
Nurse (SGH, Mount Elizabeth, Parkway, Raffles Hospital)
How Does the Cost of Living in Singapore Compare to Other Asian Cities? (2025)
Singapore ranks among the most expensive cities in Asia, alongside Hong Kong, Tokyo, and Dubai (Mercer Cost of Living Index, 2025). While housing and car ownership are costly, food, public transport, and healthcare are more affordable than in cities like Seoul and Hong Kong.
Singapore vs Other Major Asian Cities (2025)
City
Average Monthly Cost (SGD)
Key Differences
Singapore
SGD 3,500–6,000 (₹2L–₹3.6L)
High rent, no wealth tax, efficient transport
Hong Kong
SGD 4,500–7,000 (₹2.7L–₹4.2L)
More expensive rent, smaller apartments
Tokyo
SGD 2,800–5,000 (₹1.7L–₹3L)
Lower rent, but higher food costs
Seoul
SGD 2,500–4,800 (₹1.5L–₹2.9L)
Healthcare is cheaper, but public transport is pricier
Dubai
SGD 4,000–7,500 (₹2.4L–₹4.5L)
No income tax, high transport & leisure costs
Kuala Lumpur
SGD 1,500–3,000 (₹90K–₹1.8L)
Lower rent, cheaper transport, but lower salaries
Looking for a budget-friendly study destination? Check out:
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Breakdown of Expenses – Get a detailed report on tuition fees, housing, groceries, and entertainment.
Plan Smartly – Avoid financial surprises and make informed decisions.
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FAQs
How much money is needed to live comfortably in Singapore?
To live comfortably in Singapore, a single person may need around SGD 3,000–3,500 (INR 1.87L–2.18L) per month. Families may need SGD 6,000+ (INR 3.75L+) monthly depending on location, rent, and lifestyle choices.
Is living in Singapore expensive?
Yes, Singapore is among the world’s most expensive cities. Essentials like public transport are affordable, but rent, schooling, and healthcare are costly. Budget-conscious living is possible, but luxuries add up quickly.
Is 3,000 SGD enough in Singapore?
SGD 3,000 (~INR 1.87 lakhs) is usually enough for a single person with a moderate lifestyle. Sharing accommodation and cooking at home helps. It may not be sufficient if supporting family or living alone in central areas.
Is 25,000 SGD a good salary in Singapore?
SGD 25,000 annually (≈INR 15.6 lakhs) is considered low in Singapore. It may suffice for students or interns but is not ideal for professionals or families due to high rent and living expenses.
What is the cost of living in Singapore for Indians?
Indians in Singapore typically spend on Indian groceries, community events, and frequent calls home. The cost of living doesn’t differ much by nationality but cultural habits can slightly affect food and lifestyle expenses.
How much does it cost to live in Singapore per month?
Living expenses range from SGD 1,200–6,000 (INR 75K–3.75L) depending on lifestyle, housing, and family size. Students live on lower budgets while professionals and families need more for rent and daily needs.
How does the cost of living in Singapore compare to India?
Singapore is significantly costlier than India. Rent alone can be 5–10 times higher. For example, a basic flat in Singapore may cost SGD 2,000+ (INR 1.25L+), while in India it could be INR 15K–30K.
What is the cost of living in Singapore for two people?
A couple typically spends SGD 3,500–5,500 (INR 2.18L–3.43L) monthly. This includes a 1BHK apartment, utilities, food, transport, and occasional entertainment. Living centrally or in condos can increase costs.
How much do Indian students spend in Singapore?
Indian students generally spend SGD 1,200–1,800 (INR 75K–1.12L) per month, including shared housing, food, travel, and books. Government universities and student housing help reduce expenses significantly.
What is the living cost in Singapore with rent included?
For a single person, monthly living cost including rent is about SGD 2,500–3,500 (INR 1.56L–2.18L). Families may spend upwards of SGD 6,000 (INR 3.75L) depending on size and location of the home.
How much does it cost for an international student to live in Singapore?
International students spend around SGD 1,200–2,000 (INR 75K–1.25L) per month. University hostels, student passes, and campus facilities help reduce extra living expenses like travel and internet.
What is the living cost in Singapore for a single person?
A single working professional in Singapore spends about SGD 2,800–3,500 (INR 1.75L–2.18L) monthly. This includes private/shared rent, utilities, groceries, and minimal entertainment. Costs increase with location and 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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