Quality & Cost of Living
Many find that Singapore is one of the best places to live in.
It’s clean, convenient, safe and the standard of living is high.
Quality of Life
Don’t just listen to us, hear it from the experts! According to the Mercer Quality of Living global city rankings 2009, Singapore topped the list for quality of life in Asia as well as for city infrastructure in the world. Human resources consultancy ECA International compared 254 international locations in an annual survey and found that Asian expatriates ranked Singapore as their preferred city to live in. The reason? High standards of infrastructure and healthcare, as well as low crime rates.
The city’s modern facilities for education, dining, shopping and recreation can’t be beat. In fact, the Global Country Brand Index ranked Singapore 2nd in the world for its shopping, nightlife and dining.
Living Costs
Living costs in Singapore are generally low. Accommodation make up the bulk of the household expenses, which is understandable due to our limited land space. You will find that you can live comfortably in Singapore and enjoy the good things in life.
Here are some estimated costs:
| Item |
Details |
Cost (SGD) |
| Accommodation (rental) |
Public housing apartment
Room |
1,500 – 3,000 a month
400 - 1,000 a month |
| Transportation |
Taxis
MRT/Buses |
8 – 24 per trip
0.71 – 2.80 per trip |
| Utilities |
Varying based on usage |
80 – 400 a month |
| Meals |
Low end restaurants
Hawker centres/food courts/fast food |
15 upwards per head, a meal
5 upwards per head, a meal |
| Groceries |
For 1 |
150 a month |
| Entertainment |
Clubbing and drinks
Cable TV |
35 upwards
30 a month upwards |
| Communications |
Mobile phone plans
Broadband |
19.95 - 200 a month
19.95 - 208 a month |
Check out this website for a more elaborate discussion on living costs for expatriates.