HDB vs Condo/Landed
Limited land pushes up private prices. Public housing (HDB) offers strong value and wide availability; private condos and landed homes carry a premium for space, amenities and location.
Cost of Living
Cost of Living in Singapore
What Drives It & How to Manage It
Singapore blends world-class convenience with premium price tags in certain areas. Costs swing widely depending on housing type, schooling, healthcare, transport mode and lifestyle. Live local and leverage public options for value; live “expat-style” and expect a higher spend.
Public Transit vs Car
MRT & buses are efficient and citywide. Weekly EZ-Link travel passes are available (from ~S$45). Car ownership is costly (taxes, duties, COE) and can dominate monthly budgets.
Hawker vs Restaurants
Hawker centres are affordable; Western imports and upscale dining cost more—often several times a hawker meal. Alcohol & cigarettes are notably expensive.
Local vs International
International schools (and buses) are major line items for expat families. Local schools cost far less but require eligibility and adjustments to curriculum.
Public vs Private
Public hospitals/clinics provide quality care at lower cost. Private insurance and private hospitals offer speed and choice at higher prices.
Utilities & Leisure
Utilities are moderate relative to incomes; AC usage is the main swing factor. Entertainment ranges from low-cost community options to premium venues.
| Category | Lower Spend (Local-Leaning) | Higher Spend (Expat-Leaning) |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | HDB flat; mature towns outside Core Central; modest floor area. | Prime-area condo/landed; larger units; premium amenities. |
| Transport | MRT/bus + walking; EZ-Link pass; occasional taxi/ride-hail. | Private car or frequent taxis; paid parking; ERP tolls. |
| Food & Groceries | Hawker centres, kopitiams, local produce; cook at home. | Frequent restaurants; Western imports; premium wine/spirits. |
| Schooling | Local schools (if eligible); neighbourhood ECAs. | International schools + buses; overseas curricula. |
| Healthcare | Public polyclinics/hospitals; basic insurance. | Private hospitals/GPs; comprehensive expat insurance. |
| Leisure | Parks, public sports, community clubs; local travel deals. | Premium gyms, clubs, frequent fine dining & overseas trips. |
Tip: Mix and match—e.g., HDB + public transit + hawker meals can offset international schooling or occasional fine dining.
Stretch Your Dollar
- Pick neighbourhoods along MRT lines—you can skip a car.
- Batch shop at markets; cook local. Alcohol adds up fast.
- Use public healthcare for routine needs; carry right-sized insurance.
- Compare school options early; waitlists affect choice & cost.
Two Lifestyles, Two Budgets
“Local-leaning” choices keep costs manageable compared with many global hubs. “Expat-style” choices—private housing, international schools, car ownership—push budgets to the top tier.