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Cost of living in Singapore
Rent, everyday prices and the gross salary you may need to cover living costs in Singapore.
One person, a month
SGD 1,487
Living costs excluding rent
Family of four, a month
SGD 5,386
Living costs excluding rent
One-bedroom rent, centre
SGD 3,419
A month
Gross salary, one person
SGD 64,000
to cover living costs in Singapore
Singapore's cost of living at a glance
Singapore is the only city with an available cost estimate in Singapore and the most expensive city in Asia. The estimated monthly costs for a single person in Singapore are SGD 1,487, excluding rent. Living costs for a family of four are SGD 5,386 a month, excluding rent.
A single person in Singapore may need a gross salary of at least SGD 64,000 a year to cover estimated living costs, renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the centre and saving nothing.
One person's monthly costs
Numbeo household estimate in SGD, with the rent of a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre
Source: Numbeo, 1 June 2026.
How Singapore compares
One person's monthly costs in Singapore, excluding rent, are 29.1% higher than in the typical city worldwide.
Where Singapore ranks
In Asia
1st of 407
Cities in Asia with a Numbeo estimate, most expensive first.
Worldwide
97th percentile
Costs the same as or more than 97% of 1,942 cities: one of the most expensive cities.
Monthly costs against the typical city
- Singapore
- Typical city worldwide
Tap a line or a table row to read its two amounts.
| Monthly cost | Singapore | Typical city worldwide |
|---|---|---|
| Rent | SGD 3,419 | SGD 949 +260.4% |
| Groceries | SGD 542 | SGD 359 +51.1% |
| Eating out | SGD 224 | SGD 202 +10.7% |
| Transport | SGD 128 | SGD 51.10 +150.9% |
| Utilities | SGD 180 | SGD 223 −19.5% |
| Leisure | SGD 143 | SGD 79.17 +80.4% |
| Total excluding rent | SGD 1,487 | SGD 1,152 +29.1% |
| Total including rent | SGD 4,906 | SGD 2,138 +129.5% |
Typical = the median of 1,942 cities worldwide.
Find another city
Search 897 cities in 21 countries.
Explore prices in Singapore
The average price for each item, and the range from the lowest to the highest price people have reported.
Renting in Singapore
A one-bedroom apartment in the city centre typically costs SGD 3,419 a month.
Outside the centre, a one-bedroom apartment typically costs SGD 2,624 a month.
A one-bedroom apartment in the centre is around 30% more expensive to rent than one outside the centre.
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment in the city centre Monthly rent | SGD 3,419 | SGD 2,300– |
| 1-bed apartment outside the centre Monthly rent | SGD 2,624 | SGD 1,803– |
| 3-bed apartment in the city centre Monthly rent | SGD 7,025 | SGD 5,008– |
| 3-bed apartment outside the centre Monthly rent | SGD 4,772 | SGD 3,506– |
| Price per m² in the city centre | SGD 30,648 | SGD 24,456– |
| Price per m² outside the centre | SGD 20,993 | SGD 16,696– |
Cost of everyday items in Singapore
A litre of milk typically costs SGD 3.79.
A 500g loaf of fresh white bread typically costs SGD 3.04.
A pack of 20 cigarettes typically costs SGD 17.66.
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Milk, 1 litre | SGD 3.79 | SGD 2.01– |
| Fresh white bread, 500g | SGD 3.04 | SGD 2.01– |
| Eggs, 12 large | SGD 4.82 | SGD 2.67– |
| Local cheese, 1kg | SGD 24.70 | SGD 11.12– |
| Chicken fillets, 1kg | SGD 12.64 | SGD 8.01– |
| Beef round, 1kg | SGD 31.72 | SGD 15.02– |
| Apples, 1kg | SGD 5.77 | SGD 3.00– |
| Oranges, 1kg | SGD 6.29 | SGD 2.50– |
| Potatoes, 1kg | SGD 3.31 | SGD 1.35– |
| Lettuce, 1 head | SGD 2.58 | SGD 1.75– |
| White rice, 1kg | SGD 3.07 | SGD 1.80– |
| Tomatoes, 1kg | SGD 2.75 | SGD 1.51– |
| Bananas, 1kg | SGD 3.92 | SGD 3.00– |
| Onions, 1kg | SGD 3.19 | SGD 2.01– |
| Water, 1.5 litre bottle | SGD 1.79 | SGD 0.72– |
| Mid-range bottle of wine | SGD 30.05 | SGD 20.03– |
| Domestic beer, 0.5 litre bottle | SGD 5.89 | SGD 3.41– |
| Imported beer, 0.33 litre bottle | SGD 5.74 | SGD 3.00– |
| Cigarettes, 20 pack | SGD 17.66 | SGD 16.02– |
Eating out in Singapore
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Meal at an inexpensive restaurant | SGD 14.53 | SGD 6.00– |
| Three-course meal for two | SGD 85.14 | SGD 60.10– |
| Fast food combo meal | SGD 10.02 | SGD 8.01– |
| Domestic beer, 0.5 litre draught | SGD 10.02 | SGD 6.00– |
| Imported beer, 0.33 litre bottle | SGD 12.02 | SGD 8.01– |
| Soft drink, 0.33 litre bottle | SGD 2.17 | SGD 1.80– |
| Water, 0.33 litre bottle | SGD 1.51 | SGD 1.00– |
| Cappuccino | SGD 6.13 | SGD 3.50– |
Transport in Singapore
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| One-way public transport ticket | SGD 2.01 | SGD 1.20– |
| Monthly public transport pass | SGD 128 | SGD 100– |
| Gasoline, 1 litre | SGD 2.95 | SGD 2.50– |
| Taxi start | SGD 4.61 | SGD 4.01– |
| Taxi, per km | SGD 1.00 | SGD 0.65– |
| Taxi waiting, 1 hour | SGD 21.54 | SGD 20.03– |
| Volkswagen Golf, new | SGD 200,333 | SGD 180,299– |
| Toyota Corolla sedan, new | SGD 174,210 | SGD 152,141– |
Utilities in Singapore
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment Monthly | SGD 197 | SGD 134– |
| Broadband internet Monthly | SGD 36.05 | SGD 30.04– |
| Mobile phone plan Monthly | SGD 16.42 | SGD 8.01– |
How is Singapore for families?
A family of four with two adults and two children may need a gross household income of SGD 161,000 a year in Singapore, excluding childcare costs.
Private preschool or kindergarten typically costs SGD 1,917 a month.
A three-bedroom apartment in the city centre typically costs SGD 7,025 a month.
Singapore scores 78/100 on Numbeo's safety index.
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Family of four, excluding rent Monthly, Numbeo household estimate | SGD 5,386 | Not applicable |
| Family of four, including rent Monthly, Numbeo household estimate | SGD 12,411 | Not applicable |
| Private preschool or kindergarten Monthly | SGD 1,917 | SGD 1,352– |
| International primary school Annual | SGD 37,647 | SGD 27,022– |
Leisure and clothing in Singapore
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Gym membership Monthly | SGD 129 | SGD 90.15– |
| Tennis court rental, 1 hour | SGD 14.19 | SGD 9.52– |
| Cinema ticket | SGD 15.02 | SGD 12.02– |
| Jeans | SGD 93.07 | SGD 40.07– |
| Summer dress from a chain store | SGD 58.69 | SGD 20.03– |
| Nike running shoes | SGD 131 | SGD 80.13– |
| Men's leather business shoes | SGD 149 | SGD 100– |
Source: Numbeo, 1 June 2026.
What salary do I need to live in Singapore?
By combining Numbeo's living-cost estimates with the tax rates in Singapore, we can estimate the gross salary you would need to live in Singapore. Use the calculator below to see how much you would need to live in Singapore, and where your money goes.
Recommended gross salary
SGD 64,492
Needed to support 1 adult and no children in Singapore, living in a one-bedroom apartment outside the centre.
- Take-home pay
- SGD 49,329
- Living costs
- SGD 49,329
- Tax and contributions
- SGD 15,163
Where your salary goes
- Living costsSGD 49,32976.5%
- Income tax and contributionsSGD 15,16323.5%
| Operator | Item | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Gross salary | SGD 64,492 | |
| − | Income tax and contributions | SGD 15,163 |
| = | Take-home pay | SGD 49,329 |
| − | Rent | SGD 31,488 |
| − | Groceries | SGD 6,507 |
| − | Eating out | SGD 2,683 |
| − | Transport | SGD 1,538 |
| − | Utilities | SGD 2,155 |
| − | Leisure | SGD 1,714 |
| − | Other estimated costs | SGD 3,243 |
| = | Left over: savings target | SGD 0 |
SGD 64,492 gross salary modelled as one employment income gives a 23.5% effective tax rate and SGD 15,163 estimated deductions a year. Use our salary tax calculator for a more detailed estimate.
What the estimate includes
- Rent for your housing choice and Numbeo's household living costs for your household size
- National income tax for 2026
- Employee social contributions, simplified
What it doesn't include
- Regional, state or local income tax
- Joint filing, partner income and household allowances
- Age, pension, expat-regime or special-residency rules
- Bonuses, benefits and other income
- Child care or school unless you choose it
Don't agree with our estimates? Help us improve our cost-of-living model.
How each cost is worked out
Rent. The selected one-bedroom apartment outside the centre in Singapore costs an estimated SGD 2,624 per month. SGD 2,624 per month × 12 months = SGD 31,488 a year.
Groceries. Numbeo estimates a household of one person in Singapore spends an estimated SGD 542 on groceries per month. SGD 542 per month × 12 months = SGD 6,507 a year.
Eating out. Numbeo estimates a household of one person in Singapore spends an estimated SGD 224 on eating out per month. SGD 224 per month × 12 months = SGD 2,683 a year.
Transport. Numbeo estimates a household of one person in Singapore spends an estimated SGD 128 on transport per month. SGD 128 per month × 12 months = SGD 1,538 a year.
Utilities. Numbeo estimates a household of one person in Singapore spends an estimated SGD 180 on utilities per month. SGD 180 per month × 12 months = SGD 2,155 a year.
Leisure. Numbeo estimates a household of one person in Singapore spends an estimated SGD 143 on leisure per month. SGD 143 per month × 12 months = SGD 1,714 a year.
Other estimated costs. Numbeo's household estimate for miscellaneous costs: this may include things like clothing, shoes and entertainment costs. SGD 270 per month × 12 months = SGD 3,243 a year.
See the prices behind each category · How living costs and salaries are calculated
Tax estimate assumptions
Tax year 2026. One resident employee and one employment income are assumed. Resident tax rates from YA 2024 onwards. CPF employee contribution at 20% for citizens/PRs aged 55 and below, using annual total wage ceiling of SGD 102,000 as simplified cap (actual CPF uses dual ceiling: monthly OW ceiling of SGD 7,400 in 2025 / SGD 8,000 from 2026, plus annual total wage ceiling). No personal allowances or standard deduction applied.
Important
This calculator gives an estimate of the income needed to cover living costs. It is not tax, legal or financial advice. It uses Numbeo prices as of 1 June 2026, Singapore's tax rules for 2026 and Wise exchange rates of 21 October 2026, and models one employment income. Check your figures with the salary tax calculator or the official rules in PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries / IRAS.
Figures for 1 adult, outside the centre, no savings target.
Cost of living in Singapore: common questions
Is Singapore expensive to live in?
Singapore is the only city with an available cost estimate in Singapore and the most expensive city in Asia.
A single person spends about SGD 1,487 a month excluding rent (Numbeo, as of 1 June 2026).
Worldwide, Singapore costs the same as or more than 97% of the 1,942 cities with a Numbeo household estimate, which makes it one of the most expensive cities.
What salary do you need to live in Singapore?
A single person may need a gross salary of at least SGD 64,000 a year to cover estimated living costs in Singapore, renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the centre and saving nothing.
This is an estimate from Numbeo prices as of 1 June 2026 and Singapore's tax rules for 2026. Use the salary calculator to add your household, housing and a savings target.
How much is rent in Singapore?
A one-bedroom apartment in the city centre typically costs SGD 3,419 a month, and SGD 2,624 outside the centre, according to Numbeo averages as of 1 June 2026.
A three-bedroom apartment costs about SGD 7,025 a month in the centre and SGD 4,772 outside it.
How much does a family spend in Singapore?
A family of four spends about SGD 5,386 a month on living costs excluding rent, or SGD 12,411 including rent, according to Numbeo's household estimate as of 1 June 2026.
With two adults earning and a three-bedroom home outside the centre, the household may need a gross income of SGD 161,000 a year, excluding childcare costs.
Private preschool or kindergarten typically costs SGD 1,917 a month per child.
How does Singapore compare with other cities worldwide?
One person's monthly costs in Singapore, excluding rent, are 29.1% more than in the typical city worldwide: the median of 1,942 cities with a Numbeo household estimate as of 1 June 2026.
Where this data comes from
- Living costs and prices
- Numbeo, snapshot of 1 June 2026
- Exchange rates
- Wise mid-market rates, 21 October 2026
- Tax rules
- Expatica salary tax calculator, Singapore 2026
- Locations and population
- GeoNames (CC BY 4.0), retrieved 1 October 2026
- Regions for continent ranks
- UN M49 regions
Important
All amounts are indicative estimates, not quotes or financial advice. Numbeo's prices are reported by users, so coverage and recency vary by city: check rents and prices locally before you commit to a move.
Some links on this page are affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you click and make a purchase.
How living costs and salaries are calculated
- Your household size (adults and children, one to six people) picks Numbeo's household estimate for groceries, eating out, transport, utilities, leisure and rent.
- Rent is replaced by the price of a one-bedroom apartment (one or two people) or a three-bedroom apartment (three or more), in or outside the centre. A flatshare, for one adult without children, is a third of a three-bedroom home.
- "Other estimated costs" is Numbeo's household total less the named categories, not a separately reported price. Where a total is below its own categories, we use the categories, and a larger household's costs other than rent are never lower than a smaller household's.
- Child care and school are optional: preschool uses the city's monthly price for each child, international primary school its annual fee spread over 12 months. Children's ages, eligibility and public provision are not modelled.
- The salary is the gross income that leaves these costs, plus your savings target, after tax under Expatica's rules for Singapore (2026). One adult has one employment income; two adults are two earners splitting it evenly, with no joint filing or household allowances. What the tax model covers is listed with the result.
- Numbeo's figures are in US dollars, converted with one set of Wise mid-market rates. Without them, amounts stay in US dollars and no salary is estimated.
How cities are compared and matched
- A typical city is the median of one person's monthly costs across the 1,942 cities worldwide with a Numbeo household estimate. Each row is its own median, so the rows do not add up.
- Ranks put the most expensive city first, and equal estimates share a rank. The worldwide percentile is the share of those 1,942 cities whose one-person monthly total, rent included, is the same or lower than Singapore's.
- Nearby cities are places in this guide, possibly across a border, by straight-line distance between GeoNames location points.
- Comparable cities are in the same GeoNames population band (under 100,000, 100,000–499,999, 500,000–999,999, or 1 million and above; a neighbouring band, labelled, when a band has too few countries), one per country, outside Singapore and not already listed as nearby. Population years and boundaries vary, so the bands are rough size guides.
- The match score compares a single person's costs excluding rent and the rent of a central one-bedroom apartment. For each, we divide the lower city's price by the higher; the score is the square root of the two ratios multiplied together, × 100. If both prices are 80% of the other city's, the match is 80%; if both are twice as high, 50%. It measures how close the costs are, not which city is cheaper or how alike they are to live in.