Quality & Cost of Living
Singapore is one of the best places to live in, with our high standard of living.
Our living costs are still relatively affordable compared to other developed countries. This allows you a wider range of lifestyle choices, so you can decide whether to live it up or keep things simple and in which areas of your life.
Quality of Life
You would be hard pressed to find a better city to live in, in this part of the world. 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. An annual survey by human resources consultancy ECA International comparing 254 international locations found that Asian expatriates ranked Singapore as their preferred city to live in, citing the high standards of infrastructure and healthcare, as well as low crime rates.
The city’s modern facilities for education, dining, shopping and recreation have much to offer. In fact, the Global Country Brand Index ranked Singapore 2nd in the world for its shopping, nightlife and dining.
Living Costs
The cost of living in Singapore is generally low. Accommodation and cars make up the bulk of the household expenses, understandably so due to our limited land space. Most expatriates find that they can live comfortably in Singapore and enjoy the good things in life.
Here are some estimated costs:
| Item |
Details |
Cost (SGD) |
| Accommodation (rental) |
3-bedroom condominium
Public housing apartment |
4,000 – 7,000 a month
800 - 1,500 a month |
| Transportation |
Low to mid range car
Taxis
MRT |
Anything from 50,000 upwards
8 – 24 per trip
1.20 – 2.00 per trip |
| Utilities |
Varying based on usage |
80 – 400 a month |
| Meals |
Mid to high end restaurants
Low to mid end restaurants
Hawker centres/food courts |
50 upwards per head, a meal
25 upwards per head, a meal
5 upwards per head, a meal |
| Groceries |
For 1 |
200 a month |
| Communications |
Mobile phone plans
Broadband |
19.95 - 200 a month
19.95 - 208 a month |
| Entertainment |
Cable tv |
30 a month upwards |
Check out this website for a more elaborate discussion on living costs for expatriates.