The Cost Of Living In Singapore

The Cost Of Living In Singapore One of the first things you may hear about Singapore is that it’s a super expensive city to visit/live in, and to some extent this is true. Singapore actually swung back into the top 20 list of the most expensive cities in the world for Expats, however, Singapore doesn’t have to be painfully expensive, if you know where to spend your money. Here are a few examples of the cost of living in Singapore, as well as some alternative wallet-friendly choices you can make!

Read my blog about things I wish I knew before moving to Singapore.

Rent

Probably one of the most significant expenses while living in Singapore is rent. When it comes to renting, it depends on what kind of accommodation you're looking for and how you want to live. If you're going to live frugally like the majority of locals, you can rent an HDB apartment.

Public Transport

The cost of public transport as compared to the cost of food, rent and alcohol in Singapore is surprisingly affordable. The most convenient way to get around on public transport is to top up and travel with either an EZ-link card, Nets or FlashPay. I usually top up my EZ-link card on average between S$10 to S$20 per week depending on if I have a busy week of travel.

In comparison to the UK, taxis are incredibly cheap here in Singapore. I use the Grab app to book my taxis, or you can hail a cab the old fashioned way. It’s really easy to get in the habit of getting a cab everywhere, but remember that public transport is always a cheaper option!

Food

Again, to reduce costs, you can enjoy incredible local Hawker Center food for S$3-S$4 for a delicious meal. When it comes to dining out, you should budget yourself S$20+ for cafés and S$30-S$50+ for fine dining per person.

Gym Membership

If you’re living in a Condominium that already has gym facilities, then there’s generally no need to get a gym membership elsewhere. Gym memberships in Singapore are often quite expensive and can typically cost around S$100 to S$150 per month. Fitness classes generally cost from $30 per session, but bundle deals are usually available for purchase.

Alcohol

Booze comes at a price in Singapore so expect to pay between S$12-S$20 for a drink at a bar or restaurant. Buying alcohol at supermarkets or liquor stores are generally cheaper options, or you can buy beer from Hawker Centers for around $3.50-$5. Do note that you can’t buy alcohol in stores or drink in public after 10:30 pm.

Groceries

When estimating the cost of living SIngapore, or for that matter in any part of the world, we cannot skip groceries- an inevitable expense in day-to-day life. In Singapore, as for supermarkets, the prices at Cold Storage are higher compared to those at FairPrice or Giant, which have more reasonably priced products and is where we go to do our weekly grocery shopping. However, you’ll be more likely to find your western home comfort foods in Cold Storage, just expect to pay around double the usual price. For bargain hunters, wet markets are also an excellent choice for fresh produce, meat and poultry, as well as herbs and spices. Going to a wet market is more fun than going to the supermarket, and certainly, a must-see tourist attraction for a real cultural experience!

Internet & VPN

We pay around $50 per month for our internet subscription, and one thing to take note of is the internet speed in Singapore is super fast! Another monthly expense of ours is a VPN, which I highly recommend as an Expat essential. A VPN has been a game-changer for us and allows you to browse the internet privately in a public space, as well as view websites that may be blocked outside of your home country. The majority of our favourite UK TV shows aren't accessible outside of the UK, so a VPN allows us to keep up to date with shows and news from back home. Get 20% off your 12-month HMA VPN plan with code 'GEORGIA20'.

Attractions

There are so many free attractions and things to do in Singapore, which means you don't necessarily have to fork out for entertainment!

Free activities in Singapore include:

Gardens by the Bay, East Coast Park, Macritchie Treetop Walk Marina Bay Light & Water show, Singapore Botanic Gardens.

Read my blog about some of the most instagrammable places in Singapore.

Read my blog on Pros and Cons of living in Singapore as an Expat. For more insider tips and advice about Singapore, check out the Ebook guide that I wish I had before moving to Singapore, The ‘S’ word!

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