DBS digibank
Study Abroad
Cost of Living in
Singapore 2025

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Key Takeaways

  • The Lion City, Singapore, has become a popular study-abroad destination.
  • As an international student here, you have to consider several everyday expenses.
  • These include school fees, accommodation, transportation, food and healthcare.
  • You can reduce expenses by living on campus.
  • You should also consider other need-based expenses.

Cost of Living in Singapore – A Detailed Guide

Modern infrastructure, clean streets, and warm people – these are the first three things that symbolise Singapore. The Lion City is popularly known as the international city of the future. In recent years, Singapore has appeared as a world leader in the research and innovation space. The city-state was ranked fourth in the INSEAD Global Innovation Index in 2024 and first in IMD’s World Competitiveness Rankings in 2024. It is no wonder that students across the globe are choosing Singapore for higher studies. As an Indian student on the precipice of studying here, you should be armed with all the information surrounding the cost of living in Singapore. Here is a detailed guide.

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Average monthly cost of living in Singapore

Singapore is a modern city with some of the best public amenities. It boasts of highly sophisticated infrastructure and convenient facilities, making it a dream city to live in. These world-class facilities make Singapore one of the more expensive cities in the world. As such, the monthly cost of living in Singapore tends to be slightly high. Like with most cities, the expenses you incur depend on various factors, such as the type of school you choose to attend, whether you opt to stay on campus or in private lodgings, and the locality in which you choose to live.

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Necessary Expenses

The cost of living in Singapore can be categorised based on the necessary expenses that you have to incur. These include:

  1. Accommodation

    As with any country, the cost of housing depends on the type of accommodation and the locality in which you choose to stay. If you choose to live on campus, in residence halls, you can expect to pay approximately SGD 325-605 per month. A typical student dormitory can house four to six students. You can also choose to live in a rented off-campus accommodation on your own or on a shared basis with other occupants. The cost of off-campus housing depends on the locality and the amenities provided. In Singapore, average rent of living off-campus can be SGD 1,000 and upwards per month.

  2. Transport

    Singapore is renowned for its sophisticated and urbane transportation services. Getting around this city is incredibly easy, with a vast bus network, frequent buses, and stops at every corner. Furthermore, the six Metro Rail Transit (MRT) lines, covering over 130 local stations, make the commute breezy. As a student, you can avail of concessions and get a monthly MRT pass for SGD 120.

  3. Food

    Your everyday living expenses in Singapore also include the money you have to spend on food. The best way to reduce your food expenses is to opt for meal plans that can cost you around SGD 90 to 120 per month. However, meal plans may vary, and your university may not provide every meal. You can also buy your meals from university canteens or food courts, which can cost you approximately SGD 210 to 750 per month. Of course, the costs will vary if you opt to live off-campus and cook food in your rented facility.

  4. Schools

    Your school fees include your tuition fees, cost of books, cost of apparatus, library fees, and so on. This fee depends on the program and university you choose to attend. Your nationality is also a critical factor that affects your tuition fees and school expenses in Singapore. As such, the cost of living in Singapore for Indian students can vary compared to students of other nationalities. Your school fee expenses depend on whether you opt for the Annual Non-subsidised payment plan or the annual subsidised payment plan for international students. It typically costs approximately SGD 16,000 to 120,000 for a three-year program at a public university for international students.

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  5. Healthcare

    Singapore has a world-class health care system and is renowned for its fantastic and affordable health care system. Expats, including international students, can buy health insurance to pay for unexpected medical expenses. It can cost you anywhere from SGD 920 to 5,015 per annum to buy health insurance as a foreign national in Singapore. The maximum coverage offered against these premiums is in the range of SDG 900,000 to 2.5 million.

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Other Costs

Besides the living expenses in Singapore mentioned above, you also have to consider other costs. These may vary based on whether or not you avail of these facilities. Here is a rough schedule of the expenses you are most likely to make on a regular basis:

Expenses Type

Average cost in SGD

Internet usage (8mbps speed)

$46 per month

Cost of Books & Stationery

$384 per annum

Single visit to a public polyclinic

$15-30 per visit

Meal for 2 at an average restaurant

$54-100 per meal

Street food or meal for 1 at a fast-food restaurant

$4-$8 per meal

Utility bills for one person in a Studio Apartment (Approx 480 square feet)

$207 per month

Utility bills for 2 people in 900 square feet apartment

$158 per month/ $79 per person

Hourly rate for house help (house cleaning)

$20

Cost of a taxi trip

$13 for five miles

Cold medicines for six days

$11

12 doses of antibiotics

$13

Short visit to a private doctor

$80per visit

Gym membership

$156 per month

2 tickets to the movies

$26 per trip
   

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Frequently Asked Questions

I intend to live off-campus while studying in Singapore? What would the cost of living in Singapore be, which areas are more expensive, and which are economical?

If you choose to live off-campus, you can live in Central Singapore if you want to live in a posh locality. On the other hand, if you are looking for economical accommodation, you may rent an apartment in the Northern or Eastern areas of the city.

Is Singapore a more expensive study abroad destination as compared to the USA, the UK, Australia, Canada or New Zealand?

No, the cost of education and life in general in Singapore is significantly lower than that in the UK or the US. However, it may be on par with studying in countries like Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.

I will need a bank account to manage my living expenses in Singapore. Which bank should I consider as an ex-pat in the country?

As an ex-pat in Singapore, you will need a local bank account. You can consider opening a digibank by DBS savings account that gives you a wide range of benefits, including interest of up to 3.5% on your savings. You can also use the account to remit money to and from India or have your parents transfer money from their digibank by DBS account in India to your Singaporean bank account.

What is the approximate cost of living in Singapore for a bachelor?

The cost of living for a bachelor in Singapore varies, depending on lifestyle and accommodation choices. On average, as of the latest estimates, a single person could expect to spend around SGD 1,500 to SGD 2,500 per month. This includes rent for a shared apartment, basic food, transportation, and other necessities.

Is living in Singapore costly?

Though Singapore is one of the expensive places to live in, when compared to places such as the US or UK, it is considerably lower.

How much is 1 SGD in INR?

One Singapore Dollar (SGD) is equal to 62.72 Indian Rupees (INR).

What is the cost of living in Singapore for an Indian family?

A family of four estimated monthly costs to live in Singapore is around SG$ 5,386.4.

What is the minimum wage to survive in Singapore?

The amount needed to "survive" depends significantly on individual circumstances or choices, but estimates suggest that a monthly income of around SGD 2,000 to SGD 3,000 could be necessary to cover basic living expenses in Singapore.

Are there any subsidies or benefits from the government that may lighten the high cost of living in Singapore?

For foreign students in Singapore, financial support primarily includes scholarships and bursaries offered by universities and institutions, based on merit or need. They can also benefit from the Tuition Grant Scheme, which subsidizes tuition costs in exchange for a work commitment post-graduation. Additionally, students may find part-time work and on-campus employment opportunities to help with living expenses in Singapore, subject to regulatory conditions.

What is the standard of living experienced in Singapore compared to India?

Singapore offers better infrastructure and safety when compared to India. With the convenience of local communities and amenities this city-state has a much better standard of living.

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