Cost of Living in Singapore, Singapore
Singapore · Asia
$3,500
Monthly Cost
avg/person
88
Cost Index
NYC=100
95
Rent Index
NYC=100
84
Quality of Life
Excellent
90
Safety Index
Excellent
5.9M
Population
SGD
Quality Indices
Currency
Data collected from contributors and public sources.
Updated Monthly
Prices are indicative.
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Meal (inexpensive) | $8 |
| Meal for 2 (mid-range) | $50 |
| McMeal at McDonald's | $7 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | $8 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | $9 |
| Cappuccino | $5 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33L) | $2 |
| Water (0.33L) | $1.2 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | $2 |
| Bread (500g) | $2.5 |
| Rice (1kg) | $2 |
| Eggs (12) | $3 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $9 |
| Beef (1kg) | $18 |
| Apples (1kg) | $4 |
| Banana (1kg) | $2 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $3.5 |
| Potato (1kg) | $2.5 |
| Onion (1kg) | $2 |
| Water (1.5L) | $1.5 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $1.5 |
| Monthly Pass | $110 |
| Taxi 1km | $2.5 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $2.2 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $100000 |
| Toyota Corolla | $90000 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $200 |
| Mobile Plan | $30 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $35 |
| Fitness Club/month | $90 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $2,500/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $1,600/mo |
| 3BR Center | $5,500/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $3,200/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $22,000/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $12,000/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $4200 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 3.8% |
View Cost of Living in Singapore
Cost of Living in Singapore — Complete Guide (2026)
Monthly Budget Overview
The average cost of living in Singapore, Singapore is approximately $3,500 per month for a single person. This includes rent, groceries, local transport, and utilities. Compared to New York City (index 100), Singapore has a cost index of 88, making it around 12% more affordable.
Rent and Housing
Renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center in Singapore costs around $1,600/month, while a one-bedroom in the center is approximately $2,500/month. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $5,500/month. The rent index is 95 compared to New York City.
Quality of Life and Safety
Singapore scores 84/100 on the quality of life index and 90/100 on safety. Healthcare is rated 88/100. The climate index is 58/100. These scores are based on factors including infrastructure, pollution levels, healthcare access, and crime rates reported by residents and contributors.
Salaries and Purchasing Power
The average net salary in Singapore is approximately $4,200/month. With a purchasing power index of 88/100, residents can cover basic expenses and save modestly. The local currency is SGD, though all prices on this page are displayed in USD for easy international comparison.
Cost of Living vs Salary in Singapore
The average monthly salary in Singapore is approximately $4,200. Compared with the average monthly living cost of $3,500, residents generally enjoy a purchasing power score of 88/100.
Healthcare Costs in Singapore
Healthcare quality in Singapore is rated 88/100. Medical expenses vary depending on insurance coverage and healthcare providers, but overall healthcare access remains an important factor when evaluating the total cost of living.
Quality of Life in Singapore
Singapore has a quality of life score of 84/100, supported by factors such as healthcare, safety, climate, purchasing power, infrastructure, and public services.
Cost of Living for Students in Singapore
Students living in Singapore should budget for accommodation, food, transportation, internet, and study-related expenses. Shared housing and student discounts can significantly reduce monthly costs.
Cost of Living for Expats in Singapore
Expats moving to Singapore often consider rent, healthcare, transportation, taxation, and lifestyle costs. Worldlivingcost data helps compare living expenses with other cities worldwide before relocation.
Quick Answer
The average cost of living in Singapore, Singapore is approximately $3,500 per month for a single person including rent, groceries, transportation, utilities and healthcare. The city's cost index is 88 compared with New York City (100).
Living in Singapore
Living in Singapore offers a balance between housing costs, transportation expenses, healthcare access and overall quality of life. The city has a cost of living index of 88 and a quality of life score of 84/100. Residents spend most of their monthly budget on housing, groceries and transportation, while local salaries average $4,200 per month. For expats, students, remote workers and families, Singapore provides a useful benchmark when comparing living costs with other cities in Singapore and around the world.
Key Facts About Singapore
- Average Monthly Cost: $3,500
- Cost Index: 88
- Rent Index: 95
- Average Salary: $4,200
- Quality of Life: 84/100
- Safety Score: 90/100
- Country: Singapore
- Currency: SGD
Is Singapore Expensive?
Singapore has a cost index of 88 compared with New York City's benchmark score of 100. This means it is more affordable than many major international cities.
How does Singapore compare to other cities?
Singapore is located in Asia with a population of approximately 5.9M. At a cost index of 88 (NYC = 100), it is a mid-range city in terms of global cost of living. Use the free comparison tool to see how Singapore stacks up against any other city worldwide across rent, groceries, transport, and salaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Singapore?
The average cost of living in Singapore, Singapore is approximately $3,500 per month for a single person, including rent, food, transportation, and utilities. The cost index is 88 relative to New York City (NYC = 100).
How much does rent cost in Singapore?
Rent in Singapore varies by neighborhood and apartment size. The rent index is 95 (NYC=100). Use Worldlivingcost's city comparison tool to see detailed rent prices for Singapore alongside other cities worldwide.
Is Singapore expensive to live in?
Singapore has a cost index of 88 compared to New York City (100). At 88, Singapore is on the more expensive side globally. The average monthly budget for a single person is around $3,500.
What is the quality of life in Singapore?
Singapore has a quality of life index of 84/100 and a safety index of 90/100. The city is located in Asia and offers a excellent quality of life rating based on factors including safety, healthcare, climate, and infrastructure.
How does the cost of living in Singapore compare to other cities?
Use Worldlivingcost's free comparison tool to compare Singapore with any city worldwide. Singapore's cost index is 88 (NYC=100), making it cheaper than New York. Compare rent, groceries, transport, healthcare, and salaries side by side.
Can you live comfortably in Singapore?
Many residents live comfortably in Singapore with a monthly budget of around $3,500 depending on lifestyle and housing choices.
Is Singapore good for expats?
Singapore is popular among expats due to its job opportunities, quality of life, and infrastructure.
What salary is needed in Singapore?
A salary above the average monthly living cost of $3,500 is generally sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle in Singapore.
Is Singapore cheaper than New York?
Yes, Singapore has a cost index of 88 compared with New York City's benchmark index of 100.
What are the biggest expenses in Singapore?
Housing, rent, groceries, transportation, and healthcare are typically the largest monthly expenses in Singapore.
Best Time & Tips to Save Money in Singapore
Cheapest Ways to Live in Singapore
Newcomers looking to reduce their monthly budget in Singapore typically save the most on housing by choosing accommodation outside the city center, where rent runs close to $1,600/month compared to $2,500/month in the center. Cooking at home instead of dining out, using public transport instead of taxis, and sharing an apartment with roommates are the most effective ways to cut living expenses in Singapore, Singapore.
Is Singapore Worth Moving To?
With a purchasing power index of 88/100 and a quality of life score of 84/100, Singapore is considered a highly desirable relocation destination with strong infrastructure and services. Combined with a cost index of 88 relative to New York City, Singapore remains a popular search term among people comparing the cost of living Singapore has to offer against other destinations in Asia.
Singapore Cost of Living FAQ Summary
People searching for "cost of living in Singapore", "Singapore monthly expenses 2026", and "is Singapore affordable" can use this page as a complete reference. With an average monthly cost of $3,500, a safety score of 90/100, and healthcare rated 88/100, Singapore offers a data-backed answer for expats, digital nomads, students, and families planning a move to Singapore.
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Last reviewed: 7/15/2026