💵Cost of Living in Singapore: A Guide

6 minute read
Cost of Living in Singapore

Hi! I’m Astronaut Alex 👨‍🚀🚀, and today, we’re talking about the cost of living in Singapore. Do you know about the living expenses in Singapore? Well, it can be expensive to study abroad but with the right knowledge of managing the expenses, you will be able to stay comfortably. 

Shifting abroad can be a great experience as it brings a new life and new surroundings. However, it can be expensive to move to another country and start a life there. Keep reading this blog if you are planning to move to Singapore and want to learn about its living expenses beforehand. Singapore is considered to be a destination that offers a mixture of cultures and traditions, world-class amenities and many new opportunities. Singapore has a lot to offer when it comes to academics, job opportunities, and great living conditions. In this blog, we will be discussing the cost of living in Singapore in complete detail.

Hope you have a gist of living in Singapore. This is just the beginning! Join me as I take you on a journey on the breakup of the cost of living in Singapore. Let’s go!🚀

💰Cost of Living in Singapore

It is important to manage the funds in such a way that it does not put a lot of load on you monthly and all your needs are met. Here are the approximate costs of living, excluding rent, that are needed to sustain: 

Living expenses in Singapore (excluding rent)Cost
Single person, per month1,100 – 1,400 SGD
(60,000 – 78,000 INR)
University student, per month700- 730 SGD
(38,000- 41,000 INR)

💵Currency of Singapore 

1 Singapore dollar (SDG) = INR 56

If you’re going to Singapore as a student or because of a job with a fixed income, some simple lifestyle changes can help to reduce the cost significantly and make the most of your money. Shopping and eating like a local person from Singapore can help you cut costs and have a more authentic experience.

Also Read: Singapore Student Visa

🏠Housing & Accommodation Costs in Singapore

Another factor contributing to the cost of living in Singapore is accommodation. It is important to determine where you choose to live. The prices for housing and accommodation are fairly high. But it can be solved. If you choose to move a bit to the outskirts of the city, it can help you to rent a flat for a lesser amount. You can always visit the city with the help of public transport. Singapore has a very well-developed rental sector, though it can be a little steep in your pocket. 

Rent in SingaporeAverage Monthly Cost
One-bedroom apartment (outside of city)2,700- 3,000 SGD1,50,000- 1,65,000 INR
One bedroom apartment (outside of city)1,900- 2,200 SGD1,04,000- 1,21,000 INR

Cleaning Services in Singapore

A cost of $20 to $35 per hour will be charged by the cleaning firm. For a four-room HDB flat, it will take about 3-4 hours of regular weekly cleaning, which amounts to about the average house cleaning cost of S$320 to S$560 per month for four sessions monthly

🍎Groceries Cost in Singapore

The average monthly cost of Groceries in Singapore is $ 257 to  $ 404/ month

🚰Utility Cost in Singapore

The average monthly cost of utilities is $ 117 to  $ 146/ month

💻Mobile Bill/Wi-Fi Cost in Singapore

Singtel’s 1Gbps Broadband Plan includes a router and costs $45.90 per month. $45.90/month for a StarHub 1Gbps Broadband Plan with Router. ViewQwest’s 2Gbps Broadband Plan, which includes a router, is $44.90 per month. $51.99/month for MyRepublic’s 2 x 1Gbps Broadband Plan.

5 Affordable Accommodation in Singapore for International Students

✅Healthcare & Insurance in Singapore

Healthcare in Singapore is very strong. People who have permanent residency in Singapore may be eligible for state-backed health insurance, which helps with some of the costs of medical care. The person living in Singapore should take private health insurance to make sure that they are covered for all eventualities. A checkup can cost around 50 SGD. 

  • Health Card

To apply, go to your local City Office or Ward Office’s Residential Affairs Division. The premium is calculated using your age and prior year’s earnings.

  • The Essential Benefit Plan

There’s also a plan in place for low-wage employees and unemployed people. The Essential Benefits Plan (EBP) is the bare minimum of health insurance coverage required of all Singapore residents. It provides essential services at an affordable price.

🚗Commuting & Transportation Costs in Singapore

Public transport is great in Singapore. There are parts where the city is congested, so using public transportation is great for a daily commute. 

  • Car Ownership

A sedan will set you back S$106,000, a modest SUV/crossover would set you back S$107,000, while a luxury automobile will set you back S$183,000. Then there’s the Certificate of Entitlement (COE), which gives you the legal right to buy and keep an automobile.

  • Public Transportation
Transportation in SingaporeAverage Cost
Monthly bus/transport pass100- 120 SGD5,500- 6,600 INR
Taxi tariff, 8km/5mile journey12-15 SGD650- 850 INR

👩‍🎓Leisure/Entertainment Costs in Singapore

2 tickets to the moviesSGD 77
1 month of gym membership in the business districtSGD 88
SGD 27SGD 22
Cappuccino in the expat area of the citySGD 22
Dinner for two at an Italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessertSGD 142
1 cocktail drink in the downtown clubSGD 142

📖Cost of Studying in Singapore

🎓Public School

Singapore’s Ministry of Education announced an increase in school fees for the academic years 2018-2020 last year. In Singapore, public elementary school costs are $180 per month, while public secondary school tuition is $320 per month.

🎓International/Private Schools

Fees per year: Tuition ranges from 16,500 SGD (part-time nursery) to 40,900 SGD (full-time kindergarten) (Grades 11 and 12). Fees that are paid just once: 2,500 SGD application fee

🎓Higher Education

University Fees for Permanent Residents of Singapore (Subsidised) A Singapore PR should anticipate paying between $46,000 and $75,000 for a university degree, with an average of $60,500, which is around 59.8% more than a Singapore citizen.

💸Average Cost of Living in Singapore

How much does it cost to live in Singapore every month? Without rent, the monthly cost of living in Singapore is around S$1100-1400 or INR 60,000-75,000 (approximately). For a family of four, this may add up to almost S$4,400 each month, or around INR 2.46 lakh.

✅Key Tips to Reduce Overall Living Costs in Singapore

Overall, the cost of living in Singapore is moderate but not cheap, particularly for students from countries with low exchange rates. Here are some helpful hints for lowering your total cost of living in Singapore:

  • Students pursuing a graduate degree or a PhD from one of Singapore’s prominent institutions might consider living in the relevant institution’s dormitory to save money.
  • Students can utilise public transportation and share trips with other students instead of paying for private transportation. It will undoubtedly assist international students in lowering their living costs in Singapore.
  • Certainly, eating at upscale restaurants or cafés regularly may be costly. As a result, you must seek a cost-effective choice. The university cafeteria and street food are both substantially less expensive options. Furthermore, certain bars and restaurants have higher drink/dinner costs. Takeout is a preferable alternative if at all feasible.
  • When Living in Singapore, students can usually work part-time for roughly 20 hours per week. Students are hired as interns and freelancers by a variety of workplaces and businesses. As a consequence, you’ll be able to support yourself comfortably and cover your living expenses in Singapore.

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Mr. Astronaut👨‍🚀🚀- “ Kiddos, I have answered all your queries with the utmost precision that I was capable of. Now, I will be taking my leave, but if you think that I might have missed something do check out the FAQ section or drop a comment. I always respond!”

FAQs

What is required to study in Singapore?

To be eligible for undergraduate admissions in Singapore, students must typically have 10th and 12th grade point averages, as well as IELTS and TOEFL scores of 6.5-7 or 90-100 to demonstrate English proficiency.

How much money a student can earn in Singapore?

Students might earn between $1000 and $2500 each month. There is a list of occupations and earnings available to international students in Singapore.

Is education free in Singapore?

Singaporeans are entitled to free basic education. The cost of secondary schooling is around $5 per month. While there are other educational fees, they do not surpass $30 per month in any scenario (primary or secondary education). As a result, education remains affordable to all Singaporeans.

This was all about the cost of living in Singapore. Many Indian students dream of pursuing education in foreign nations due to the exposure and career growth they offer. Consider joining a free counselling session with Leverage Edu if you plan to study abroad.

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