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Singapore · Cost of Living 2026
City Guide · Singapore · Asia

Cost of Living in Singapore, Singapore
2026 Expat Guide

comparable to NYC 9% above the global city average (CoL 87.7)

Life in Singapore, Singapore is moderately expensive with a cost-of-living index of 95.5 (NYC = 100). Expect to pay around ~$985/month for central housing and ~$20 for a basic meal out.

With a population of 5.6 million, Singapore is one of Asia's most densely populated city-states.

Monthly Budget: $921–$1,621/month  ·  CoL Index: 95.5 (NYC = 100, global avg 87.7)
🇸🇬 Singapore Pop. 5.6M Capital Updated April 2026
CoL Index
95.5
NYC = 100
Rent Index
115.3
NYC = 100
1-BR Centre
$985*
monthly rent
Avg. Salary
$10,516*
net/month
Cheap Meal
~$20*
restaurant
Groceries
$420*
monthly basket

Key Cost of Living Data

Singapore 2026 · NYC baseline = 100

Cost of Living
95.5
Rent Index
115.3
Cheap Meal USD
~$20*
Monthly Groceries
$420*
Monthly Transport
~$125*
CategoryValueNotesSource
CoL Index95.5NYC baseline = 100 · global avg 87.7GlobalCostData 2026
Rent Index115.3Avg rent vs NYCGlobalCostData 2026
1-BR City Centre$985*Monthly rent, USDGlobalCostData 2026
1-BR Outside Centre$685*Monthly rent, USDGlobalCostData 2026
Cheap Restaurant Meal~$20*Per person, USDGlobalCostData 2026
Monthly Groceries$420*Single person, USDGlobalCostData 2026
Monthly Transport~$125*Transit pass, USDGlobalCostData 2026

* country-level average used as proxy (per-city sample not yet collected) · * estimated from Cost of Living Index (NYC=100). Verify with local sources

Singapore's cost of living index of 95.5 places it 4% below New York City's baseline, and 103% above the global average (approx. index 47).

Affordability snapshot

Rent / Salary ratio
9%

Share of average net salary absorbed by 1-bed city-centre rent. Lower = more disposable income.

Country context · Singapore

Avg net salary
$10,516
Food basket /mo
$3,139
Avg rent /mo
$856
Internet speed
70 Mbps
Safety index
9.8
HDI
0.949
Life expectancy
79.3 yrs
Purchasing power
88.5

Housing & Rent

USD per month · 2026

TypeUSD / monthNotes
1-bed, city centre$985*Capital city avg.
1-bed, outside centre$685*Suburbs avg.
Country avg rent$856Singapore (national)

* country-level average used as proxy (per-city sample not yet collected) · * estimated from Cost of Living Index (NYC=100). Verify with local sources

Food & Dining

Per-item prices in USD

ItemPrice (USD)Notes
Cheap restaurant meal~$20*Per person
Mid-range restaurant (2p)~$75*3-course
Monthly groceries (single)$420*Single person estimate
Country food basket$420Singapore (national avg)

* country-level average used as proxy (per-city sample not yet collected) · * estimated from Cost of Living Index (NYC=100). Verify with local sources

Transport

Monthly costs in USD

TypePrice (USD)Notes
Monthly transit pass~$125*Public transport avg.

City Insight

In Singapore, a 1-bedroom city-centre apartment ($985/mo) absorbs approximately 9% of the average net salary ($10,516/mo). This leaves solid disposable income.

Country profile
Full cost of living guide for Singapore
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Related · TaxRatesByCountry.com
Tax Rates in Singapore for Expats 2026
Income tax, corporate rates, capital gains & special regimes
Read guide →

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Monthly Budget Estimates

Singapore · 2026 · Single person

LifestyleMonthly Budget (USD)Notes
Frugal$921Shared room, basic lifestyle
Comfortable$1,6211-bed apt, normal expat lifestyle
Western expat$2,752Private apt, regular travel

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Frequently Asked Questions

Singapore cost of living

Is Singapore worth the high cost of living?
Singapore's CoL Index of 95.5 puts it in the expensive tier, but many residents find the trade-offs worthwhile. World-class infrastructure, career opportunities, and quality of life often justify the premium — particularly for professionals in finance, tech, or consulting who earn local market rates.
How can I save money living in Singapore?
In a high-cost city like Singapore, the biggest lever is housing: living outside the city centre can cut rent costs by 25–40%. Other strategies include cooking at home, using public transport, and taking advantage of employer benefits like housing allowances or meal subsidies. Specifically, a 1-bedroom outside the centre averages $685/month vs $985/month centrally.
What salary do I need to live comfortably in Singapore?
A comfortable single-person lifestyle in Singapore requires approximately $1,621/month after tax, covering rent, food, transport, and leisure. For a Western expat standard (private apartment, regular socialising, travel), budget $2,752+/month. Expat packages often include housing allowances that significantly offset costs.
Is Singapore expensive compared to other Asian cities?
Yes, Singapore consistently ranks as one of the most expensive cities in Asia, with a CoL index of ~95 (NYC=100). It is significantly more expensive than Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, or Ho Chi Minh City, but comparable to Tokyo and Hong Kong.
What is the average salary in Singapore?
The average net monthly salary in Singapore is approximately $10,516, equivalent to around $126,190/year after taxes. Technology, finance, and international companies typically pay above average. Expat packages often include housing allowances on top of the base salary.

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Sources: World Bank Open Data 2026 · GlobalCostData Research 2026. Data verified April 2026. Not financial or legal advice.
Disclaimer: Prices are indicative and vary by neighbourhood and individual lifestyle. Verify with local sources before relocating.