Cost of Living in Singapore 2025: How Much Do You REALLY Need?

Summary

This video breaks down the cost of living in Singapore, emphasizing key expenses like rent, transportation, food, healthcare, and entertainment. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center ranges from 4,000 to 6,000 SGD, while public transport is affordable at around 2 SGD per ride. Owning a car is costly due to the high price of permits and taxes. Local meals are inexpensive, but dining at upscale restaurants and buying luxury items can quickly add up. The video also highlights the importance of health insurance, the cost of utilities, and entertainment options, offering a realistic picture of living in Singapore.

Takeaways

• 😀 Rent in Singapore can be expensive, with a one-bedroom apartment in the city center costing $4,000 to $6,000 SGD per month.
• 😀 Living outside the city center can reduce rent costs to around $2,500 to $4,000 SGD, depending on the location.
• 😀 Larger apartments (2-3 bedrooms) in prime areas like Orchard Road or Marina Bay can easily exceed $7,000 SGD per month.
• 😀 Public transportation in Singapore is efficient, with MRT and buses costing around $2 per ride and a monthly pass costing about $130 SGD.
• 😀 Owning a car in Singapore is costly, with a Certificate of Entitlement (COE) alone costing about $90,000 SGD, bringing the total to around $150,000 SGD or more for a regular car.
• 😀 Most foreigners prefer public transport, taxis, or ride-hailing apps like Grab due to the high costs of car ownership.
• 😀 Local food is affordable, with meals at Hawker Centers costing between $5 to $8 SGD, while restaurant meals can range from $20 to $40 SGD per person.
• 😀 Dining at fine restaurants can be expensive, with costs ranging from $100 to $300 SGD per person.
• 😀 Alcohol in Singapore is costly, with a beer at a bar priced at around $15 SGD and cocktails at rooftop bars costing $25 SGD or more.
• 😀 Utilities for an apartment (electricity, water, gas) range between $50 to $300 SGD per month, but heavy use of air conditioning can increase costs significantly.
• 😀 Health insurance is highly recommended in Singapore, as medical costs can be steep, with private clinic visits costing $50 to $150 SGD, and hospital stays exceeding $1,000 SGD per night without insurance.

Q & A

What is the biggest expense when moving to Singapore?

The biggest expense when moving to Singapore is rent. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center can cost between 4,000 to 6,000 Singapore dollars per month.

How does the cost of rent vary based on location in Singapore?

Rent in central areas like Orchard Road or Marina Bay can exceed 7,000 Singapore dollars per month for a 2-3 bedroom apartment. If you're willing to live outside the city center, rent drops to around 2,500 to 4,000 Singapore dollars.

What are some alternatives to renting an apartment alone in Singapore?

To save on rent, you can consider co-living spaces or sharing a rental with roommates.

How much does a typical MRT ride cost in Singapore?

A single ride on the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) costs around 2 Singapore dollars.

What are the costs associated with owning a car in Singapore?

Owning a car in Singapore is very expensive due to the Certificate of Entitlement (COE), which costs around 90,000 Singapore dollars in 2025. Including the cost of the car, taxes, and insurance, the total price can exceed 150,000 Singapore dollars.

What are some of the cost-effective dining options in Singapore?

If you love local food, you can find affordable meals at Hawker Centers for as low as 5 to 8 Singapore dollars. Meals at food courts in shopping malls range from 8 to 15 Singapore dollars.

How much would a fine dining experience cost in Singapore?

A fine dining experience at a high-end restaurant in Singapore can cost between 100 to 300 Singapore dollars per person.

What are the typical costs of utilities like electricity and water in Singapore?

Utilities like electricity, water, and gas for an apartment typically cost between 50 to 300 Singapore dollars per month. However, if you use air conditioning all day, the bill can go up to 400 Singapore dollars or more.

What is the cost of healthcare in Singapore for foreigners without insurance?

Healthcare can be expensive in Singapore without insurance. A basic visit to a private clinic can cost between 50 and 150 Singapore dollars, while seeing a specialist could cost 200 to 500 Singapore dollars. Hospital stays can exceed 1,000 Singapore dollars per night.

What are some typical entertainment costs in Singapore?

Going to the movies costs between 13 to 15 Singapore dollars per ticket. Gym memberships range from 100 to 200 Singapore dollars per month.