Singapore Cost of Living Calculator

Cost of Living Scenarios

Singapore Cost of Living Overview

• Global Ranking: One of the most expensive cities worldwide
• Housing: Largest expense category (30-50% of income)
• Food: Wide range from hawker centers to fine dining
• Transport: Efficient and affordable public transport
• Healthcare: High quality with subsidized options

Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

• HDB 1-Room: $1,000-$1,500
• HDB 3-Room: $1,800-$2,800
• HDB 5-Room: $2,500-$4,000
• Condo 1-Bedroom: $2,500-$4,500
• Condo 3-Bedroom: $4,000-$8,000
• Landed Property: $6,000-$20,000+

Food and Dining Costs

• Hawker Centers: $3-$8 per meal
• Food Courts: $5-$12 per meal
• Casual Dining: $15-$30 per meal
• Fine Dining: $50-$200+ per meal
• Groceries: $300-$800 per month (single person)

Transportation Costs

• Public Transport: $100-$150 per month
• Taxi/Grab: $8-$25 per trip
• Car Ownership: $1,500-$3,000+ per month
• Motorcycle: $300-$800 per month
• Bicycle: Free after purchase

Utilities and Services

• Electricity: $80-$200 per month
• Water: $20-$50 per month
• Internet: $40-$80 per month
• Mobile Phone: $20-$100 per month
• Cable TV: $30-$80 per month

Healthcare Costs

• GP Consultation: $30-$80
• Specialist Consultation: $100-$300
• Health Insurance: $100-$500 per month
• Dental Cleaning: $80-$150
• Prescription Drugs: $10-$100+

Education Costs

• Local Schools: $5-$25 per month
• International Schools: $1,500-$4,000 per month
• Childcare: $600-$1,500 per month
• Tuition: $200-$800 per month
• University: $8,000-$60,000 per year

Entertainment and Lifestyle

• Movie Tickets: $10-$25
• Gym Membership: $80-$200 per month
• Dining Out: $200-$1,000 per month
• Weekend Activities: $50-$300
• Annual Vacation: $2,000-$10,000

Shopping and Personal Care

• Clothing: $100-$500 per month
• Personal Care: $50-$200 per month
• Household Items: $100-$300 per month
• Electronics: $50-$500 per month
• Books/Magazines: $20-$100 per month

Domestic Help

• Full-time Maid: $650-$800 per month
• Part-time Cleaner: $80-$200 per month
• Foreign Worker Levy: $265-$300 per month
• Agency Fees: $1,000-$3,000 one-time
• Insurance: $200-$400 per year

Lifestyle Comparison by Income Level

• $3,000-$5,000: Basic lifestyle, HDB, public transport
• $5,000-$8,000: Comfortable lifestyle, some dining out
• $8,000-$15,000: Premium lifestyle, condo, car optional
• $15,000+: Luxury lifestyle, landed property, full amenities
• Expat Packages: $10,000-$25,000+ with allowances

Regional Cost Variations

• Central Area: 20-30% higher costs
• Mature Estates: Moderate pricing
• New Towns: 10-20% lower costs
• Sentosa: Premium pricing
• Proximity to MRT: 10-15% premium

Expat vs Local Costs

• Housing Allowance: $3,000-$8,000 per month
• International Schools: $20,000-$40,000 per year
• Home Leave: $5,000-$15,000 per year
• Club Memberships: $200-$1,000 per month
• Imported Goods: 20-50% premium

Student Living Costs

• University Hostel: $300-$800 per month
• Shared Apartment: $600-$1,200 per month
• Meal Plans: $300-$500 per month
• Textbooks: $200-$500 per semester
• Student Activities: $100-$300 per month

Retirement Living Costs

• Basic Retirement: $1,500-$2,500 per month
• Comfortable Retirement: $3,000-$5,000 per month
• Healthcare Needs: $200-$800 per month
• Senior Activities: $100-$400 per month
• Long-term Care: $1,500-$4,000 per month

Money-Saving Tips

• Hawker Centers: Affordable local food options
• Public Transport: Much cheaper than car ownership
• Local Markets: Fresh produce at lower prices
• Government Subsidies: Healthcare, education, utilities
• Free Activities: Parks, beaches, community events

Budget Planning Guidelines

• Housing: 30-40% of gross income
• Food: 15-25% of gross income
• Transport: 10-15% of gross income
• Savings: 20-30% of gross income
• Emergency Fund: 6-12 months expenses