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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.

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 2011 Quality of Living Survey, Singapore topped the list for quality of life in Asia. A annual survey by human resources consultancy ECA International in 2010 comparing 254 international locations found that Asian expatriates ranked Singapore as their preferred city to live in.

What makes Singapore one of the most vibrant and liveable cities in the world? It has to be its quality of life, easy regional access, low crime rates, political stability, high standards of infrastructure and healthcare, as well as a cosmopolitan lifestyle.

Living Costs

The cost of living in Singapore is generally low. Accommodation and cars make up the bulk of 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 person                   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 our Cost of Living Calculator to get an estimate of your living expenses in Singapore.

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