Singapore consistently ranks among the world’s most expensive cities—but what does that actually mean for everyday life in 2026?
With rising housing prices, updated GST rates, transport fare adjustments, and changing household expenses, many people are asking:
- How much do I really need to live comfortably in Singapore?
- Is Singapore still affordable for singles, families, and expats?
- Where is my money actually going each month?
This 2026 Cost of Living in Singapore Guide breaks it all down with real examples, SGD-based budgets, and local context—so you can plan realistically, whether you’re a student, working professional, couple, or family living in Singapore.
Quick Snapshot: Average Monthly Cost of Living in Singapore (2026)
| Profile | Estimated Monthly Cost (SGD) |
|---|---|
| Single (HDB room rental) | SGD 2,200 – 3,200 |
| Single (entire 1-bedroom) | SGD 3,500 – 4,800 |
| Couple (no children) | SGD 4,500 – 6,500 |
| Family of 4 | SGD 6,800 – 9,500 |
| Student (local university) | SGD 1,400 – 2,200 |
Figures vary based on lifestyle, housing type, and location.
Housing Costs: The Biggest Expense in Singapore
HDB Rental Prices (2026)
| Housing Type | Monthly Rent (SGD) |
|---|---|
| Common room (HDB) | 800 – 1,200 |
| Master room (HDB) | 1,200 – 1,800 |
| 3-room HDB entire unit | 2,800 – 3,800 |
| 4-room HDB entire unit | 3,200 – 4,500 |
Real example:
A single working adult renting a common room in Jurong East typically pays ~SGD 1,000/month, including utilities and Wi-Fi.
Private Condo Rental (2026)
| Unit Type | Monthly Rent (SGD) |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1-bedroom | 3,500 – 5,000 |
| 2-bedroom | 4,800 – 6,500 |
| 3-bedroom | 6,500 – 9,000 |
Housing remains the #1 driver of Singapore’s high cost of living.
🔗 Related Guides
Food Costs: From Hawker Meals to Restaurants
Eating Out (Very Common in Singapore)
| Meal Type | Cost (SGD) |
|---|---|
| Hawker centre meal | 4.50 – 7 |
| Kopi / Teh | 1.40 – 2.00 |
| Food court meal | 7 – 12 |
| Casual café meal | 15 – 25 |
| Mid-range restaurant | 30 – 50 |
Real example:
A typical office worker spending:
- Hawker lunch: SGD 6
- Coffee break: SGD 2
- Dinner outside: SGD 8
➡️ Daily food cost: ~SGD 16
➡️ Monthly food cost: ~SGD 480
Grocery Costs (Monthly Average)
| Item | Price (SGD) |
|---|---|
| Rice (5kg) | 12 – 18 |
| Chicken (1kg) | 7 – 10 |
| Eggs (30) | 9 – 12 |
| Milk (1L) | 3 – 5 |
| Fruits & vegetables | 120 – 200 |
Monthly groceries (1 person): SGD 250 – 400
Transport Costs: Affordable Compared to Many Global Cities
Public Transport (MRT & Bus)
| Transport Type | Cost (SGD) |
|---|---|
| MRT/bus ride | 1.20 – 2.50 |
| Monthly public transport spend | 120 – 160 |
Real example:
A daily commute from Woodlands to Raffles Place costs ~SGD 3.50 one way.
Car Ownership (Very Expensive)
| Expense | Monthly Equivalent (SGD) |
|---|---|
| Car loan | 1,200 – 1,800 |
| COE (amortised) | 800 – 1,200 |
| Insurance | 120 – 200 |
| Petrol & parking | 300 – 500 |
Total monthly car cost: SGD 2,500 – 3,500+
Utilities & Internet (2026)
| Expense | Monthly Cost (SGD) |
|---|---|
| Electricity & water | 120 – 200 |
| Internet (1Gbps) | 35 – 50 |
| Mobile plan | 20 – 40 |
Average utilities per household: SGD 180/month
Healthcare Costs: Subsidised but Not Free
Public Healthcare (After Subsidies)
| Service | Cost (SGD) |
|---|---|
| Polyclinic visit | 15 – 30 |
| Specialist (public hospital) | 50 – 80 |
| Hospital ward (B2/C) | 80 – 150/day |
Private Healthcare
| Service | Cost (SGD) |
|---|---|
| GP consultation | 40 – 70 |
| Specialist consultation | 120 – 250 |
Most residents rely on Medisave, MediShield Life, and employer insurance.
Childcare & Education Costs (Families)
Childcare (2026)
| Type | Monthly Cost (SGD) |
|---|---|
| Anchor Operator (after subsidy) | 600 – 900 |
| Private childcare | 1,200 – 2,000 |
Education
- Primary & secondary schools: Highly subsidised for citizens
- International schools: SGD 25,000 – 50,000/year
Example Monthly Budgets (Realistic Scenarios)
Single Professional (HDB Room)
- Rent: 1,000
- Food: 500
- Transport: 150
- Utilities & internet: 120
- Phone & misc: 150
➡️ Total: ~SGD 1,920/month
Family of 4 (4-room HDB)
- Mortgage / rent: 3,200
- Food: 1,200
- Transport: 400
- Utilities & internet: 220
- Childcare & school: 1,200
➡️ Total: ~SGD 6,220/month
Practical Tips to Reduce Cost of Living in Singapore
Choose HDB living over private condos
Eat at hawker centres regularly
Use public transport instead of owning a car
Compare electricity & telco plans yearly
Maximise government subsidies and CPF schemes
FAQs: Cost of Living in Singapore (People Also Ask)
Is Singapore expensive to live in 2026?
Yes, especially for housing and car ownership—but daily essentials like food and transport remain affordable with smart choices.
How much salary is enough to live comfortably in Singapore?
- Single: SGD 4,000 – 5,000
- Family: SGD 8,000 – 10,000+
Is Singapore more expensive than Hong Kong or London?
Housing and cars are costlier, but healthcare, safety, and public transport are comparatively better value.
Can you live in Singapore on SGD 3,000 a month?
Yes, for singles renting a room and using public transport with moderate lifestyle spending.
Conclusion: Is Singapore Worth the Cost in 2026?
The cost of living in Singapore in 2026 is undeniably high—but it comes with world-class infrastructure, safety, healthcare, education, and job opportunities.
With proper budgeting, government support, and smart lifestyle choices, many residents find Singapore expensive but manageable—and often worth it.