Most expatriates rent a private condo or landed home; a growing number choose well-located HDB flats. Your best fit depends on how close you want to be to the CBD, schools, green spaces and transport.
Housing
Where Expats Live in Singapore (and What It Costs)
Popular Expat Areas
Closest to Orchard Road, major malls, dining & nightlife.
- Mix of high-rise condos; some landed pockets (e.g., around Mount Elizabeth).
- Favoured by singles & couples for walkability and transport.
- Examples: Four Seasons Park, Regency Park, Valley Park, Cairnhill/Grange/River Valley belts.
Leafy, affluent enclaves with cafés, international eats and nature.
- Landed homes common; condos also plentiful.
- Examples: Belmond Green, Duchess Crest, Fifth Avenue Condo, Balmoral Residences.
Seaside living, East Coast Park, strong food scene (Katong/Joo Chiat).
- Waterfront or sea-view condos are popular.
- Examples: Bayshore Park, Costa Del Sol, Pebble Bay, Costa Rhu, Sanctuary Green.
- Parkway Parade is the main mall hub.
Woodlands is popular with US families (near Singapore American School) and close to the Malaysia border for easy shopping trips.
Typical Rent Ranges (Guide)
| Area / Type | 1-Bed Condo | Terrace House | Bungalow |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central (Newton / River Valley / Orchard) | S$3,000 – S$7,000 | From S$6,000 | S$15,000 – S$60,000 |
| East Coast | From S$2,500 | S$7,000 – S$10,000 | From ~S$12,000 |
| Other Districts (island-wide) | S$2,000 – S$3,000 | S$5,000 – S$10,000 | S$8,000 – S$20,000 |
| HDB (3-room ~2-bed) — closer to CBD | From ~S$2,000 (typically whole unit with one room kept locked by owner) | ||
Figures are indicative and vary with size, condition, view, lease terms and supply. Facilities in HDB blocks are basic; Executive Condos may include condo-style amenities.
House vs. Condominium
- Facilities: pool, gym, tennis, playgrounds.
- Gated with security — “lock-and-leave” convenience.
- Good choice across most districts.
- More privacy and space; rare to have a private pool due to plot sizes.
- Great for larger families who value outdoor space.
Transport & Daily Convenience
- Island-wide travel typically < 1 hour; buses cover a wider network than MRT.
- HDB towns are often best served by public transport; some private estates are less connected.
- Taxis are convenient but scarce at peak times and may carry surcharges.
- Owning a car offers flexibility but is the costliest option; for most expats, taxis + transit are cheaper.
Pick a location with transport that matches your routine — it affects both convenience and monthly spend.