Cost of Living in Singapore (2025): A Complete Breakdown
Updated on 30 June, 2025
Honey
Ireland( study abroad expert)
)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.
Kickstart your global career and explore upGrad programs in Singapore today!
Table of Contents
- Cost of Living in Singapore in 2025: An Overview
- Cost of Living in Singapore: Rent
- Cost of Living in Singapore: Food and Grocery Prices
- Cost of Living in Singapore: Transportation
- Cost of Living in Singapore: Utility Bills and Internet Charges
- Cost of Living in Singapore: Healthcare
- Cost of Living in Singapore: Schools and Universities (2025)
- Cost of Living in Singapore: Entertainment and Leisure
- What is the Average Income in Singapore? (2025)
- How Does the Cost of Living in Singapore Compare to Other Asian Cities? (2025)
- Check Out upGrad Abroad’s Expense Calculator
Cost of Living in Singapore in 2025: An Overview
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.
- Young Professionals: SGD 4,000–7,500 (₹2.4L–₹4.6L) – Private condos, dining out, entertainment.
- Families: SGD 6,500–12,000 (₹3.9L–₹7.3L) – International schools, private healthcare, larger homes.
Cost of Living in Singapore: Average Monthly Expenses (2025)
| Expense Category | Average Monthly Cost (SGD) | Notes |
| Rent (HDB/Condo/Landed) | SGD 2,500–6,000 (₹1.5L–₹3.6L) | Central areas are pricier |
| Utilities (Electricity, Water, Gas, Internet) | SGD 150–300 (₹9K–₹18K) | Air conditioning adds costs |
| Groceries | SGD 400–800 (₹24K–₹49K) | NTUC FairPrice, Cold Storage, Giant |
| Public Transport (MRT & Bus Pass) | SGD 128 (₹7.8K) | Unlimited travel (LTA, 2025) |
| Dining Out & Entertainment | SGD 300–1,000 (₹18K–₹61K) | Hawker meals vs fine dining |
| Healthcare (Insurance, GP visits) | SGD 100–500 (₹6K–₹30K) | Public hospitals are cheaper |
| Childcare & Education | SGD 800–3,500 (₹49K–₹2.1L) | International schools are costly |
| Miscellaneous (Gym, Mobile, Leisure) | SGD 200–500 (₹12K–₹30K) | Depends on lifestyle |
Want to compare costs? Check out Cost of Living in Malaysia.
Cost of Living in Singapore: Rent
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.
Average Monthly Rent in Singapore (2025)
| Accommodation Type | Average Monthly Rent (SGD) | Location |
| Room in Shared HDB Flat | SGD 600–1,200 (₹36K–₹73K) | Woodlands, Punggol, Sengkang |
| 1-Bedroom HDB Flat | SGD 1,800–2,500 (₹1.1L–₹1.5L) | Queenstown, Toa Payoh, Tampines |
| 1-Bedroom Condo | SGD 2,500–4,000 (₹1.5L–₹2.4L) | Bukit Timah, Holland Village, Tanjong Pagar |
| 3-Bedroom HDB Flat | SGD 3,000–4,500 (₹1.8L–₹2.7L) | Ang Mo Kio, Kallang, Clementi |
| 3-Bedroom Condo | SGD 5,000–8,000 (₹3L–₹4.9L) | Sentosa, Marina Bay, Orchard |
| Landed House (Terrace/Bungalow) | SGD 8,000+ (₹4.9L+) | Bukit Timah, East Coast, Sentosa |
For more comparisons, check out Cost of Living in UAE.
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.
Planning to study in Singapore? Download the Singapore Study Guide.
Cost of Living in Singapore: Transportation
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)
| Utility Type | Average Monthly Cost (SGD) | Provider Examples |
| Electricity | SGD 90–180 (₹5.4K–₹10.8K) | Singapore Power (SP Group), Keppel Electric |
| Water & Sewage | SGD 30–60 (₹1.8K–₹3.6K) | PUB Singapore |
| Gas (for cooking) | SGD 15–30 (₹900–₹1.8K) | City Gas, Union Gas |
| Air-conditioning (Extra Cost) | SGD 50–120 (₹3K–₹7.2K) | Higher for heavy users |
| Internet (Wi-Fi) | SGD 40–70 (₹2.4K–₹4.2K) | StarHub, MyRepublic, Singtel, M1 |
| Mobile Plan | SGD 20–50 (₹1.2K–₹3K) | GOMO, Circles.Life, Singtel, StarHub |
Want to compare European living costs? Check out the Cost of Living in Europe.
Cost of Living in Singapore: Healthcare
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).
Healthcare Costs in Singapore (2025)
| Healthcare Service | Cost (SGD) | Notes |
| General Practitioner (GP) Visit | SGD 40–80 (₹2.4K–₹4.8K) | Private clinics cost more |
| Public Polyclinic Consultation | SGD 15–30 (₹900–₹1.8K) | Subsidized for locals |
| Specialist Consultation (Private) | SGD 120–300 (₹7.2K–₹18K) | Mount Elizabeth, Raffles Medical |
| Prescription Medication | SGD 20–100 (₹1.2K–₹6K) | Depends on condition |
| Dental Check-up | SGD 80–150 (₹4.8K–₹9K) | Public hospitals are cheaper |
| Health Insurance (Private) | SGD 80–250/month (₹4.8K–₹15K) | AIA, Prudential, NTUC Income |
| Hospitalization (Public) | SGD 800–3,000/day (₹48K–₹1.8L) | Based on ward type |
| Hospitalization (Private) | SGD 3,500–8,000/day (₹2L–₹4.8L) | Higher for private hospitals |
Planning to study in Singapore? Find out how to apply with the Singapore Study Application Guide.
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) | SGD 4,000 (₹2.4L) | SGD 3,200 (₹2L) |
| Retail & Hospitality (Hotel, F&B, Sales, Admin roles) | SGD 2,800 (₹1.7L) | SGD 2,300 (₹1.4L) |
| Part-Time Student Job (Cafés, Retail, Admin Work) | SGD 1,000–1,500 (₹60K–₹90K) | No tax below income threshold |
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:
- Cost of Living in Australia
- Cost of Living in France
- Cost of Living in Finland
- Cost of Living in Germany
Check Out upGrad Abroad’s Expense Calculator
The upGrad Abroad Expense Calculator helps students estimate their monthly costs based on tuition, rent, food, transport, and more—so you know exactly what to expect before moving.
How It Helps:
- Customized Budgeting – Adjust costs based on your study location and lifestyle.
- Compare Multiple Countries – See how living expenses vary across different study destinations.
- Breakdown of Expenses – Get a detailed report on tuition fees, housing, groceries, and entertainment.
- Plan Smartly – Avoid financial surprises and make informed decisions.
Ready to Work or Study in Singapore?
Download upGrad’s FREE Singapore Guide to explore career opportunities, salary insights, visa tips, and more – your all-in-one resource for a smooth transition!
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.
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