How Expensive Is Life in Singapore in 2025? A Complete Cost-of-Living Breakdown

Is Singapore Really Expensive in 2025?

When people think of Singapore, what often comes to mind are gleaming skyscrapers, world-class infrastructure, safety, and cleanliness. But equally common is the reputation that it is one of the most expensive cities in the world. In fact, Singapore consistently ranks near the top of global cost-of-living surveys. But is life in Singapore in 2025 really unaffordable, or does the answer depend on how you choose to live?

At a glance, Singapore can indeed be expensive, but “expensive” is relative. Your experience depends heavily on your housing choices, lifestyle, and income level. For example, a single person excluding rent might spend around S$1,500 per month, while a full budget including rent often ranges from S$3,500 to S$6,000. Families of four typically need between S$6,000 and S$12,000 per month. Clearly, the cost of living can vary significantly depending on circumstances.

Housing: The Biggest Expense

Housing is by far the largest cost for most residents and expats. Renting in Singapore can be costly, especially in central locations. A one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre may cost between S$1,800 and S$3,000, while similar units in prime districts often exceed S$5,000. Families looking for three-bedroom condominiums can expect rents ranging from S$3,000 in suburban areas to over S$10,000 downtown.

Public housing flats, known as HDBs, are more affordable but are generally reserved for citizens and permanent residents. Expatriates usually rent private apartments, which makes housing a major monthly expense. On top of rent, utilities such as electricity, water, and gas add between S$150 and S$300 per month, while internet and mobile plans cost another S$30 to S$90.

Food and Dining: Affordable to Premium

Food in Singapore offers both budget-friendly and high-end options. On the affordable end, hawker centres and food courts serve local meals for just S$3 to S$6. This makes everyday dining much cheaper than in many developed cities.

Restaurant dining, however, can be pricey. A mid-range restaurant meal usually costs S$20 to S$40 per person, while fine dining often exceeds S$100. Even fast-food meals average around S$10. Groceries are also relatively expensive because Singapore imports most of its food. Shopping at local markets can help, but buying imported goods or shopping at international supermarkets quickly inflates grocery bills.

Transport: Public Transit vs Owning a Car

Transportation costs in Singapore depend heavily on your choices. The public transit system is excellent — clean, safe, and reliable. MRT and bus fares are typically under S$2.50 per ride, and an adult monthly pass costs around S$128. For most residents and expats, this is the most practical option.

Owning a car, on the other hand, is extremely expensive. Due to the Certificate of Entitlement (COE) system, the right to own a car can cost more than S$100,000 before you even buy the vehicle. Fuel, insurance, and parking add to the cost. As a result, most people rely on public transport and use taxis or ride-hailing apps like Grab only occasionally.

Healthcare: World-Class but Costly

Singapore’s healthcare system is world-class, but for expatriates, it comes at a higher cost. A routine visit to a private clinic may cost between S$50 and S$200, while specialist visits and hospital stays are far more expensive.

Locals and permanent residents benefit from subsidies through schemes such as MediSave, but expats do not qualify. This makes private health insurance essential, which can cost about S$200 per month or more. While the quality of care is excellent, the bills can quickly add up without coverage.

Education and Childcare: A Major Cost for Families

Families moving to Singapore should plan carefully for education and childcare expenses. Childcare centres often charge over S$2,000 per month, while hiring a domestic helper costs around S$800 monthly.

School fees vary depending on the type of institution. Public schools are heavily subsidized for citizens but more expensive for permanent residents and international students. Many expatriates choose international schools, where annual fees range from S$17,000 to more than S$40,000 per child. At the university level, international students can expect tuition fees of S$26,000 to S$30,000 per year.

Lifestyle and Leisure: It Depends on You

Lifestyle costs depend heavily on personal habits. A gym membership at a commercial chain costs around S$100 to S$150 per month, though community gyms and ActiveSG centres are more affordable. Movie tickets range from S$8.50 on weekdays to about S$16 on weekends. Clothing costs vary depending on whether you shop at affordable retailers or premium international brands.

Dining out frequently, travelling often, or enjoying nightlife in the city will quickly raise monthly spending. On the other hand, taking advantage of Singapore’s many free parks, public facilities, and affordable hawker food helps keep costs down.

What Do Monthly Budgets Look Like?

To give you a clearer idea, a single person living modestly in a suburban apartment, eating mostly at hawker centres, and using public transport may spend around S$3,400 per month. A more comfortable lifestyle in a condo with regular restaurant dining could easily push monthly expenses past S$5,200.

Couples typically spend between S$5,500 and S$7,000, while families of four may need S$9,000 or more, especially if they include international school fees in their budget. These ranges align with broader estimates that put costs for singles at S$3,500 to S$6,000 and families at S$6,000 to over S$12,000.

Why Singapore Feels Expensive

There are several reasons Singapore ranks as one of the priciest cities in the world. Land scarcity drives up housing prices. Reliance on imports makes food and goods more expensive. The Singapore dollar is strong, and the city maintains very high standards of infrastructure and safety.

Yet, it’s worth noting the positives. Personal income tax rates are relatively low compared to many developed countries. Median salaries, especially for skilled professionals, are competitive. And many of the public services — transport, healthcare quality, and safety — reduce hidden costs that might exist in other countries.

Tips to Keep Costs Under Control

Living in Singapore doesn’t have to break the bank. There are smart ways to manage costs:

• Live slightly outside the city centre or in older condominiums.

• Use public transport instead of owning a car.

• Eat regularly at hawker centres and cook at home.

• Shop at local wet markets rather than international supermarkets.

• Research schools carefully, and check if your employer offers allowances.

• Take advantage of affordable public gyms, community events, and free parks.