Yes, the cost of living for expatriates in Singapore is generally considered high compared to many other cities. However, it can vary significantly based on lifestyle choices, housing arrangements, and spending habits. Here’s a breakdown of the key factors influencing the cost of living:

1. Housing

  • Cost: Housing is one of the largest expenses for expatriates in Singapore.
    • Renting a condo in the city center: SGD 4,000–10,000/month (or more, depending on size and location).
    • Renting in suburban areas: SGD 2,500–6,000/month.
    • HDB flats (public housing): More affordable, but availability for foreigners can be limited.
  • Consideration: Many expatriates receive housing allowances, which can significantly offset costs.

2. Food and Dining

  • Cost: Dining out ranges from affordable to very expensive.
    • Hawker centers: SGD 3–10/meal.
    • Mid-range restaurants: SGD 20–50/person.
    • Fine dining: SGD 100+/person.
  • Grocery shopping: Imported goods can be pricey, while local produce and brands are more affordable.

3. Transportation

  • Public transport: Affordable and efficient.
    • MRT/bus rides: SGD 0.92–2.00/trip.
    • Monthly transport pass: SGD 120.
  • Owning a car: Extremely expensive due to taxes and the Certificate of Entitlement (COE).
    • Average car price: SGD 100,000–200,000 (or more, depending on model).
    • Parking and petrol costs add significantly to expenses.

4. Healthcare

  • Cost: High-quality healthcare is available but can be expensive without insurance.
    • Consultation with a general practitioner: SGD 50–150.
    • Private hospital stay: SGD 1,000–3,000+/day.
  • Insurance: Most expatriates rely on employer-provided or private insurance to offset costs.

5. Education

  • Cost: International schools are the preferred option for expatriates, but they are costly.
    • Tuition fees: SGD 20,000–50,000/year, depending on the school and level.
    • Local schools are more affordable but have limited availability for expatriates.

6. Entertainment and Leisure

  • Cost: Entertainment options can be pricey.
    • Gym memberships: SGD 100–200/month.
    • Movie tickets: SGD 13–20/ticket.
    • Drinks at bars: SGD 12–25/drink.
  • Free or low-cost activities include exploring parks, beaches, and cultural sites.

7. Utilities and Internet

  • Cost: Utilities depend on the size of the home and air-conditioning usage.
    • Utilities (electricity, water, gas): SGD 150–400/month.
    • Internet: SGD 50–100/month.

8. Taxes

  • Cost: Singapore has a relatively low personal income tax rate.
    • Rates range from 0–22% for residents, and 15–22% for non-residents, depending on income.

Ways to Manage Costs

  1. Opt for Suburban Living: Rent is more affordable outside the city center.
  2. Use Public Transport: Avoid the high costs of car ownership.
  3. Shop Locally: Choose local brands and produce to save on groceries.
  4. Leverage Employer Benefits: Many employers provide housing, transportation, or schooling allowances.

Overall, while Singapore’s cost of living is high, its strong infrastructure, safety, and quality of life often justify the expenses for many expatriates.

 

If you are a foreigner looking to relocate to Singapore, you can reach out to the Raffles Corporate Services relocation team at [email protected].

 

Yours sincerely,

The editorial team at Raffles Corporate Services