Cost Of Living For a Couple in Singapore 2024

Couple cost of living chart - average monthly expenditure in Singapore

Average Monthly Expenditure

Currency: SGD
1,800 5,500 29,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,400 $4,100 $22,000

Average monthly spending for couples in Singapore

How much money does a couple need in a month to survive in Singapore?

Couples in Singapore spend around 5,500 SGD per month on average. Depending on the lifestyle, a couple can survive with a monthly budget as low as 1,800 SGD or as high as 29,000 SGD. Location and income are very important factors and have a huge influence on expenditure and budget.


Prices and cost of goods and services in Singapore


Chart showing the prices and cost of grocery, food, restaurant meals, market, and beverages in Singapore

Dining, food, and beverages costs


Fast food combo meal

5.3 SGD 11 SGD 18 SGD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.9 $7.8 $13

Restaurant meal for one

18 SGD 26 SGD 53 SGD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$13 $20 $39

Fine dining meal for one

35 SGD 53 SGD 210 SGD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$26 $39 $160

Cappuccino or latte

4.4 SGD 7 SGD 11 SGD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.3 $5.2 $7.8

Grocery and market costs


Milk large bottle

3.5 SGD 4.2 SGD 5.3 SGD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.6 $3.1 $3.9

12 eggs

2.6 SGD 3.5 SGD 5.3 SGD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2 $2.6 $3.9

Fresh whole chicken

6 SGD 7.7 SGD 11 SGD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.4 $5.7 $8.1

Pack of beef

7 SGD 11 SGD 21 SGD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.2 $7.8 $16

Medium bag of rice

2.8 SGD 3.9 SGD 5.5 SGD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.1 $2.9 $4.1

Bag of tomatos

1.1 SGD 1.4 SGD 2.6 SGD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.78 $1 $2

Bag of apples

1.9 SGD 2.5 SGD 4 SGD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.4 $1.8 $3
Chart showing the prices and cost of commute, travel, and transportation in Singapore


Commute, travel, and transportation costs


20 minutes taxi ride

4.4 SGD 5.3 SGD 11 SGD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.3 $3.9 $7.8

Average car full tank

26 SGD 35 SGD 70 SGD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$20 $26 $52

Average car 1-day rental

26 SGD 35 SGD 53 SGD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$20 $26 $39

Average car price

13,000 SGD 26,000 SGD 35,000 SGD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$9,800 $20,000 $26,000

Bus ticket one way

0.88 SGD 1.3 SGD 2.6 SGD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.65 $0.98 $2

Car Service

35 SGD 53 SGD 110 SGD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$26 $39 $78
Chart showing the prices and cost of utility, energy, water, and gas in Singapore


Utility cost (monthly)


Utility Bill - Couple

74 SGD 250 SGD 1,600 SGD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$55 $180 $1,200

Internet and cable

26 SGD 53 SGD 70 SGD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$20 $39 $52

Mobile phone charges

21 SGD 35 SGD 110 SGD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$16 $26 $78

Leisure and activities costs


Movie ticket

13 SGD 18 SGD 26 SGD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$9.8 $13 $20

One month gym membership

42 SGD 53 SGD 110 SGD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$31 $39 $78
Chart showing the prices and cost of clothing and accessories in Singapore


Cloths and accessories costs


Pair of jeans or pants

31 SGD 44 SGD 66 SGD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$23 $33 $49

Woman dress

29 SGD 40 SGD 130 SGD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$22 $30 $98

Woman shoes

28 SGD 38 SGD 88 SGD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$21 $28 $65

Men's shoes

24 SGD 29 SGD 58 SGD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$18 $22 $43

Men suit

26 SGD 33 SGD 180 SGD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$20 $24 $130

Regular t-shirt

13 SGD 18 SGD 53 SGD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$9.8 $13 $39
Chart showing the prices and cost of housing, accommodation, and rent in Singapore


Housing costs / monthly rent


Studio apartment

440 SGD 660 SGD 1,800 SGD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$330 $490 $1,300

1-bedroom apartment

660 SGD 1,100 SGD 2,600 SGD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$490 $780 $2,000

2-bedroom apartment

880 SGD 1,300 SGD 3,500 SGD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$650 $980 $2,600

Housing costs / Buying


Studio apartment

88,000 SGD 130,000 SGD 260,000 SGD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$65,000 $98,000 $200,000

1-bedroom apartment

110,000 SGD 180,000 SGD 660,000 SGD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$78,000 $130,000 $490,000

2-bedroom apartment

180,000 SGD 530,000 SGD 1.1M SGD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$130,000 $390,000 $780,000
Chart showing the prices and cost of furniture in Singapore


Furniture Costs


King Size Bed

530 SGD 660 SGD 880 SGD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$390 $490 $650

Double Bed

350 SGD 530 SGD 660 SGD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$260 $390 $490

Single Bed

310 SGD 400 SGD 530 SGD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$230 $300 $390

Living Room

580 SGD 750 SGD 2,600 SGD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$430 $560 $2,000

Dining Table

260 SGD 350 SGD 660 SGD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$200 $260 $490

Sofa or Couch

350 SGD 480 SGD 1,100 SGD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$260 $360 $780
Chart showing the prices and cost of electronic devices and appliances in Singapore


Electronics and House Appliance Costs


TV Set

350 SGD 530 SGD 1,100 SGD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$260 $390 $780

Fridge or Freezer

310 SGD 480 SGD 660 SGD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$230 $360 $490

Washing Machine

400 SGD 580 SGD 1,100 SGD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$300 $430 $780

Stove or Cooker

380 SGD 480 SGD 660 SGD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$280 $360 $490

Mobile Phone

440 SGD 530 SGD 750 SGD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$330 $390 $560

Laptop or Computer

480 SGD 580 SGD 1,100 SGD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$360 $430 $780
Couple cost of living and expenditure to income ratio in Singapore

Couple expenditure to income ratio in Singapore

Analysing the how affordable it is for couples to live in Singapore

One of the most definite ways to determine how affordable a place is measuring the ratio of expenses to salary. A high expense-to-income to ratio indicates a high cost-of-living index while a low expenditure-to-salary ratio means the place is affordable to live in. Couples usually spend a larger chunk of their income than other population groups. A typical and healthy expenditure percentage for a couple of four ranges between 70% to 80%.


Spending to Income Ratio

78%

68% to 87%

( expenditure / income ) x 100


Couples in Singapore spend around 78% of their monthly income. Some couples spend as low as 68% of their income while some as high as 87%.

Distribution of monthly cost of living expenses of a couple in Singapore

How do couples spend their money in Singapore?

We asked thousands of couples about their spending habits and expenditure break down.


The percentage figures in this section are percentages of total spending not income. If you would like to see the percentage of expenses as related to income or salary, see other sections.

Housing and accomodation expenditure for couples

Accomodation Cost31%

31% of total expenses on average (24% to 41%)

LOW$470   630 SGD
AVERAGE$1,400   1,900 SGD
HIGH$7,500   10,000 SGD
Per Month

Couples in Singapore typically spend from 24% to 41% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 31% being the average. The average monthly spend on housing is 1,900 SGD with expenditure ranging from 630 SGD to 10,000 SGD. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses.

Electricity, utilities, energy, water, internet, and mobile expenditure for couples

Cost of utilities6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 10%)

LOW$55   74 SGD
AVERAGE$180   250 SGD
HIGH$1,200   1,600 SGD
Per Month

Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Singapore ranges from 4% to 10% of total expenses with 6% being the average for most couples. The average monthly cost of utilities is 250 SGD with 74 SGD and 1,600 SGD being the upper and lower limits for a couple of four.

Transport, fuel, and commute expenditure for couples

Cost of transport and fuel11%

11% of total expenses on average (5% to 16%)

LOW$160   220 SGD
AVERAGE$490   660 SGD
HIGH$2,600   3,500 SGD
Per Month

Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether a couple resides near school and work, but roughly speaking a couple would expect to spend from 220 SGD to 3,500 SGD in a month on commuting with 660 SGD being the norm for most couples. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 11% of total spending on average but can go as low as 5% or as high as 16%.

Food, groceries, and basic shopping expenditure for couples

Food and Groceries Cost15%

15% of total expenses on average (10% to 20%)

LOW$190   260 SGD
AVERAGE$580   770 SGD
HIGH$3,100   4,100 SGD
Per Month

The average outlay on groceries and basic houshold items for a typical couple in a month in Singapore is 770 SGD. The cost of groceries can range between 260 SGD to 4,100 SGD. Couples spend on average about 15% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 10% and 20% respectively.

Healthcare and medical services expenditure for couples

Cost of healthcare12%

12% of total expenses on average (6% to 16%)

LOW$150   200 SGD
AVERAGE$450   610 SGD
HIGH$2,400   3,200 SGD
Per Month

Couples in Singapore allocate 6% to 16% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending on medical services and clinic visits is around 12%. The range of medical expenses range from 200 SGD to 3,200 SGD with 610 SGD being the norm for most couples.

Leisure and shopping expenditure for couples

Cost of leisure and shopping5%

5% of total expenses on average (3% to 8%)

LOW$82   110 SGD
AVERAGE$250   330 SGD
HIGH$1,300   1,800 SGD
Per Month

This category mostly contains discretionary or non-essential expenses but also some non-discretionary spending like furniture for example. The monthly expenses range from 110 SGD to 1,800 SGD with 330 SGD being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 3% to 8% of total expenses with an average of 5% for most couples.

Education and schooling expenditure for couples

Cost of education and schooling2%

2% of total expenses on average (1% to 4%)

LOW$27   37 SGD
AVERAGE$82   110 SGD
HIGH$440   590 SGD
Per Month

Spending on education can vary drastically between different couples. On average, education constitutes 2% of the monthly expenditure of couples with 1% and 4% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 110 SGD per month with 37 SGD being the minimum spent amount and 590 SGD being the maximum.

Other Expenses18%

18% of total expenses on average (12% to 24%)

LOW$230   310 SGD
AVERAGE$700   940 SGD
HIGH$3,700   5,000 SGD
Per Month
Percentage of couples who manage to save money from their income every month in Singapore

What percentage of couples in Singapore are able to save money and how much can they save?


Percentage of couples that reported their ability to save money


Saving Money
70%
Not Saving
30%

Almost 70% of surveyed couples in Singapore said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 30% reported that they have to utilize their whole income to survive.


Couple savings to income ratio in Singapore

Savings-to-Income Ratio

The savings-to-income ratio is measured as the percentage of income that people save over a specific period and it is simply calculated by dividing the saved money by total income and then multiplying the result by 100. (Savings / Income) x 100.


How much money do couples manage to add to their savings?

The amount of money that people can afford to save depends hugely on their income. It is better to focus on the percentage when trying to understand saving patterns.

Saving to Income Ratio

13% 22% of income 33%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

780 SGD
$580
2,400 SGD
$1,800
13,000 SGD
$9,300
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for couples

Saving To Income Ratio% Couples
0% - 10%32%
10% - 20%24%
20% - 30%19%
30% - 40%12%
40% - 50%10%
> 50%3%

Interpretation and Analysis

Couples that are able to save money can put anywhere from 13% to 33% of their monthly income to their savings, with 22% being the average for most couples. The average monthly amount of money that couples can put aside is 2,400 SGD with 780 SGD and 13,000 SGD being the minimum and maximum respectively.

Reasons that make it difficult for couples to save money in Singapore

Saving Challenges in Singapore

Reasons that make it difficult for couples to save money

We wanted to understand what is stopping couples from maximizing their savings in Singapore. Listed below are the answers given by the survey participants.


Reason% People
Low Income7%
High Expenses10%
Debt and Loans21%
Lack of Budgeting Skills10%
Impulsive Spending8%
Financial Emergencies5%
Living the moment7%
Will do it later15%
Inflation9%
Social Pressure4%
Market Instability4%

Around 7% of the couples said that their salary is too low to accommodate a portion for savings while 10% said that the high cost of living leaves little room for savings. 21% of the residents said that they are burdened with debt and find it challenging to save money. 10% reported that they just don't have the knowledge or discipline to create and stick to a budget, leading to overspending and an inability to save. 8% of couples blamed impulsive spending as the reason for saving inability. Around 5% said that unexpected expenses like medical bills or car repairs are derailing their savings goals. 7% bluntly said that they don't see the purpose of it and prefer to live each day to the fullest. 15% reported that they understand the value of saving but are putting off saving for the future, thinking they have plenty of time to start later. 9% blamed inflation, saying that every time they save some money they end up using it immediately. A surprising 4% said that social pressure and keeping up with peers or social expectations makes them overspend. Lastly, 4% blamed market instability and price fluctuations.

Where do couples choose to put their savings in Singapore

Typical saving choices for couples in Singapore

Where do people choose to put their savings?


Saving Type% People
Emergency Funds10%
Gold8%
Savings Accounts18%
Retirement Accounts12%
Cash Savings13%
Real Estate11%
Investment7%
Stocks7%
Bonds7%
Mutual Funds4%
Certificates of Deposit4%
A typical and healthy budgeting structure. The 50-30-20 rule

A typical and healthy budgeting structure

The 50/30/20 rule

Spending among different people can vary significantly based on factors such as their income, lifestyle, location, and personal preferences. A commonly used guideline for budgeting is the 50/30/20 rule, which suggests allocating your income into three main categories in the following percentages.

  • 50% for needs and financial obligations

    This category includes essential expenses like housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and healthcare.

  • 30% for wants and discretionary spending

    This category covers discretionary spending on non-essential items, such as dining out, entertainment, travel, and other lifestyle choices.

  • 20% for savings and emergency fund

    This is the percentage that must be allocated to savings, emergency funds, and retirement accounts.

About financial planning, money management, and household budgeting

The 50/30/20 rule is used as a general guideline but may not be the best choice for all people. There are in fact many budgeting plans out there like the 70/20/10 and the 60/20/20 rules, all claiming to be the best. More important than all of this is to establish financial discipline by creating a budget tailored to your specific financial goals and situation. It is very important that your financial outflow be less than your income to maintain a healthy cash flow.

Income and cost of living compatibility. Is it affordable or economical for couples to live in Singapore

Affordable living in Singapore

Income and cost of living compatibility

We asked couples one simple question and recorded their answers.

Is it affordable or economical to live in Singapore?


Yes
84%
No
16%

Around 84% of surveyed couples think that living in Singapore is affordable with proper budgeting while 16% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.

How easily is cost-cutting for couples. Are there plenty of low-cost options in Singapore

Low-cost alternatives in Singapore

People are always looking for ways to cut down expenses and reduce expenditures. The hallmark of any affordable place is the availability of discount stores, bargain deals, smart or secondhand shopping, refurbished items, and couponing. We asked couples how easily cost-cutting is and the answers were distributed as follows:

Plenty of low-cost options64%

Few low-cost options36%


Based on the survey, 64% of the couples living in Singapore have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 36% think that thriftness is difficult due to scarcity in discount markets and secondhand outlets.

Emergency Funds For Couples

An emergency fund is a financial safety net comprised of easily accessible savings set aside to cover unexpected expenses or financial emergencies, typically amounting to three to six months' worth of living expenses. We asked couples of Singapore whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.

Yes83%

No17%


Based on the survey, 17% of the couples living in Singapore said that they don't have an emergency fund while 83% said that they do.

Financial literacy and difficulty in budgeting and financial planning for couples in Singapore

Financial Literacy in Singapore

Financial literacy is the knowledge of concepts and principles related to personal finance that allow individuals to make informed decisions regarding their money such as budgeting, saving, investing, borrowing, managing debt, financial risk management, and planning.

Financial Leteracy79%


We asked couple guardians and parents in Singapore whether they acquired any adequate personal financial training in their lives. Approximately 21% of the people who participated in the survey said that they are not well informed about the topics of budgeting, saving, etc., and just manage things based on their own experience, while 79% said that they know about the general principles of personal finance from sources other than their own experience.


Difficulty in Budgeting and Financial Planning

We wanted to understand whether couples of Singapore have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so we asked people one simple question: do you struggle with your personal finances? 14% of the participants reported that they indeed struggle in creating budgets and in organizing their finances while 86% said that they have everything under control.

Struggles with finance14%

Easily manages finances86%

Financial goals and targets of couples living in Singapore

Financial goals of couples in Singapore

In an attempt to understand the economic situation in Singapore, we asked participants about their financial targets. By knowing what the population in general is trying to achieve, we can shed light on the economic outlook, cost of living, and quality of life in general.


Financial Goal% People
Emergency Fund6%
Debt Reduction28%
Retirement Savings6%
Education Funding9%
Homeownership16%
Investing10%
Travel or Lifestyle13%
Healthcare Expenses6%
Financial Independence10%

Around 6% of couples said that their main goal is to establish an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses while 28% said their number one priority is to pay off high-interest debt or loans and improve credit. 6% of surveyed people confirmed that saving for retirement to ensure a comfortable lifestyle in the final years is their main target. Around 9% reported that their priority is saving for the tuition fees and education costs of their children while 16% choose to buy a home or pay off existing mortgage before other things. 10% of the population would like to build wealth through investments such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate. For 13% of people, saving for vacations or upgrading their lifestyle is the number one concern. Approximately 6% of the residents said that saving for healthcare expenses including insurance premiums is their main goal.

Chart showing the percentage of couples who are in debt in Singapore

Debt, loans, and mortgages in Singapore


Percentage of couples who are in debt


In Debt
22%
Debt Free
78%

According to the survey, 22% of the couples in Singapore have some kind of debt, loan, mortgage, or credit card payments while 78% reported that they don't have financial obligations to banks.


Chart showing debt-to-income ratio in Singapore

Debt-to-income ratio in Singapore

Debt to income ratio

27%

17% to 36%

( monthly debt payment / monthly income ) x 100

Interpretation

The debt-to-income ratio measures the percentage of income being paid as debt settlement across the population. It is calculated by dividing the monthly debt settlement payment of an individual by their monthly income. Based on collected data, approximately 27% of a couple's monthly income in Singapore goes to debt settlement.


Debt levels

Monthly debt settlement payment as percentage of monthly income

Debt-to-income ratio% People
> 60%2%
50% - 60%8%
40% - 50%10%
30% - 40%12%
20% - 30%18%
10% - 20%22%
0% - 10%29%

According to our data, 2% of the debtors in Singapore pay 60%+ of their income as debt settlement while 8% of the people pay 50% to 60% of their income for the same, which is quite an alarming financial situation for those individuals. 10% of people in debt dedicate 40% to 50% of their income to loan and mortgage payments while 12% dedicated 30% to 40% of income for same. Things are looking brighter for 18% of individuals as they only pay 20% to 30% of their income for loan and credit card repayment.


Distribution by type of debt in Singapore

Debt% People
Real Estate Mortgage16%
Auto Loan26%
Student Loan2%
Credit Card22%
Personal Loan33%

16% of debtors in Singapore confirm that real estate mortgages constitutes the main part of their outstanding debt while 22% say that credit card payments are the reason they are in debt. Auto loans were the main type of debt for 26% of people and personal loans rose at 33%. Lastly, student loans are the main source of debt for 2% of debtors in Singapore.


About credit score and debt management

Managing debt is a critical aspect of maintaining a favorable credit score. Debt reduction is the first thing you should do improve your financial situation. Getting rid of debt takes precedence over saving money because of interest rates.

Good debt vs. Bad debt

Not all debt is bad. Good debt typically refers to borrowing money for investments that can increase in value or generate income over time like purchasing a home or acquiring student loans. On the other hand, bad debt involves borrowing for things that fail to generate lasting value like high-interest credit card debt used for non-essential expenses like luxury items or vacations.


Loan Affordability Index in Singapore

Besides measuring the loan-to-income ratio, we asked couples of Singapore how many times in a year they defaulted or were unable to pay their due credit card or loan payments on time. Understanding how often people default on their due payments is one of the indicators of the cost of living and economic situation.

Frequency and percentage of people who failed to pay their monthly credit card or loan payments on time last year.

Frequency% People
Never58%
Once a year21%
Twice a year11%
Three times a year7%
Four times a year3%
Housing and accommodation affordability, property price to income ratio, rent to income ratio, and housing affordability index chart in Singapore

Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Singapore

Rental costs and house/apartment prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.


Rent Cost in Singapore

Monthly Rent Prices

Studio apartment monthly rent cost

440 SGD 660 SGD 1,800 SGD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$330 $490 $1,300

1-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

660 SGD 1,100 SGD 2,600 SGD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$490 $780 $2,000

2-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

880 SGD 1,300 SGD 3,500 SGD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$650 $980 $2,600

3-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

1,100 SGD 1,800 SGD 4,800 SGD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$780 $1,300 $3,600

Furnished apartment monthly rent cost

2,100 SGD 5,300 SGD 11,000 SGD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,600 $3,900 $7,800

Townhouse monthly rent cost

1,800 SGD 2,600 SGD 7,500 SGD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,300 $2,000 $5,600

House monthly rent cost

2,100 SGD 5,300 SGD 11,000 SGD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,600 $3,900 $7,800

Villa monthly rent cost

2,600 SGD 6,600 SGD 11,000 SGD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2,000 $4,900 $7,800

The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Singapore ranges between 440 SGD and 1,800 SGD, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 660 SGD to 2,600 SGD. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 880 SGD and 3,500 SGD per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 1,100 SGD to 4,800 SGD. The average rent of a townhouse in Singapore is around 2,600 SGD while house rental costs can be as high as 5,300 SGD per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 2,600 SGD to 11,000 SGD per month.



Apartment and house prices in Singapore

Cost of buying a property

Studio apartment price

88,000 SGD 130,000 SGD 260,000 SGD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$65,000 $98,000 $200,000

1-bedroom apartment price

110,000 SGD 180,000 SGD 660,000 SGD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$78,000 $130,000 $490,000

2-bedroom apartment price

180,000 SGD 530,000 SGD 1.1M SGD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$130,000 $390,000 $780,000

3-bedroom apartment price

580,000 SGD 880,000 SGD 2.6M SGD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$430,000 $650,000 $2M

Townhouse price

750,000 SGD 1.8M SGD 6.6M SGD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$560,000 $1.3M $4.9M

House price

880,000 SGD 5.3M SGD 7.5M SGD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$650,000 $3.9M $5.6M

Villa price

1.1M SGD 5.8M SGD 8.8M SGD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$780,000 $4.3M $6.5M

The average price of a studio apartment in Singapore can range from 88,000 SGD to 260,000 SGD depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 110,000 SGD to 660,000 SGD. A villa can cost you 5.8M SGD on average with prices ranging from 1.1M SGD to 8.8M SGD.


If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in Singapore will probably constitute your biggest expenditure, yet it's an area where you wield considerable influence. This is due to the substantial variance in housing prices across communities. Keep in mind the location of your workplace and the accessibility of essential amenities to prevent negating the savings from lower rental rates with increased transportation expenses.

House / apartment prices to income ratio


Property price to income ratio

( average property price / average monthly income ) x 100


45 x134 monthly income 220
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Property prices in Singapore can be x134 to x220 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x134 multiples of the average monthly salary in Singapore.



Rent to income ratio


Rent to income ratio

( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100


23% 33% of income 43%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average rent-to-income ratio in Singapore is around 33%. This means that people pay 33% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 23% to 43% depending on the salary, location, and type of property.


The housing-to-income ratio is a very important metric to evaluate and measure how affordable living is in a particular area, city, or country since housing comprises the biggest chunk of expenditure. A higher housing to income ratio means that the place is relatively expensive. The figure by itself does tell much. It only starts to make sense when comparing the housing to income ratio across different locations.

Housing affordability index

The housing affordability index measures how affordable accommodation is in a particular place. This can measured in multiple ways, the most common being housing expenditure to total expenditure ratio and the rent to income ratio. The housing expenditure ratio is a figure reported by individuals on the percentage they allocate for housing. Rent to income ratio is calculated by dividing the average monthly rent by the average income. Because these values are both percentages, we can find their average and get the best of the two worlds.

Housing Affordability Index
31%

Property Taxes

Real estate owners pay property taxes to local tax authorities, which are determined by the assessed value of their property. Typically, these taxes are paid once a year. Property tax funds contribute to community development, financing infrastructure improvements, public services, and local education initiatives.


FROM
2.3%
AVERAGE
3.3%
TO
4.3%

Home Maintenance Costs

Home maintenance costs encompass various expenses associated with the upkeep and repair of a residence. These expenditures include regular tasks such as lawn care, pest control, and HVAC system servicing, as well as occasional repairs and renovations like fixing leaks, painting, or replacing appliances.


7.4 SGD 96 SGD 960 SGD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Urban vs. rural living costs

Urban living typically entails higher housing and transportation costs due to demand and limited space, while rural areas generally offer lower housing expenses but may have higher prices for goods and services. The differnce in rental rates between urban areas and rural areas can be as high as 300% in some cases.

Monthly costs and expenses of energy and basic utilities in Singapore

Utilities expenditure can vary slightly between different areas and locations.


Energy, electricity, water, gas, internet, and mobile cost in Singapore

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Couple

74 SGD 250 SGD 1,600 SGD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$55 $180 $1,200

Internet and cable cost

26 SGD 53 SGD 70 SGD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$20 $39 $52

Mobile phone bill and charges

21 SGD 35 SGD 110 SGD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$16 $26 $78

Because most utility bills club electricity, water, and gas costs in one bill, we can't provide a breakup for each type of utility and will display electricity, gas, and water as single cost.


The average monthly energy and water consumption of couples is around 250 SGD. The cost of internet and WiFi ranges from 26 SGD to 70 SGD with 53 SGD being the average internet bill. Finally, the average monthly mobile charges is around 35 SGD but can range between 21 SGD and 110 SGD depending on consumption. Mobile charges include both calling minutes as well as data packages.


Energy / Utility expense to income ratio


( monthly utility expenses / monthly income ) x 100


2% 5% of income 9%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average utility-to-income ratio in Singapore is around 5%. This means that people pay 5% of their income for energy, water, internet, and mobile charges. Those figures can range from 2% to 9% depending on salary and location.

Food Prices, Dining Expenses, and Grocery Costs in Singapore

Grocery / Food expenditure and prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.


Prices and cost of goods and services in Singapore

Dining out, food, and beverages costs. Price variations for common food items.

Fast food combo meal price

5.3 SGD 11 SGD 18 SGD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.9 $7.8 $13

The average price of a regular combo meal at a fast food outlet or chain like McDonald's, Pizzahut, or KFC in Singapore is approximatly 11 SGD with meal cost ranging from 5.3 SGD to 18 SGD. The typical combo meal consists of a burger, french fries, and a drink.

Restaurant meal for one price

18 SGD 26 SGD 53 SGD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$13 $20 $39

If you are planning to have a nice meal at a mid-range restaurant, expect to pay anywhere between 18 SGD and 53 SGD with 26 SGD being the average price of a plate for one person at a regular restaurant in Singapore.

Fine dining meal for one price

35 SGD 53 SGD 210 SGD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$26 $39 $160

The price range of a meal at fine-dining restaurant is 35 SGD to 210 SGD with the average cost being 53 SGD for one person. This is what you would expect to pay a top-tier diner in Singapore.

Beverage prices, cappuccino, latte etc..

4.4 SGD 7 SGD 11 SGD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.3 $5.2 $7.8

The average price of a regular beverage like cappuccino or latte at Starbucks, Costa, or similar coffee shops and cafes in Singapore is around 7 SGD. Price ranges between 4.4 SGD and 11 SGD depending on the type of beverage, the size, and optional add-ons.



Grocery and market costs

Large bottle of milk price

3.5 SGD 4.2 SGD 5.3 SGD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.6 $3.1 $3.9

The average price of a large bottle of milk in Singapore is 4.2 SGD. The maximum what you would pay for milk is 5.3 SGD and the minimum being 3.5 SGD depending on the brand of milk and other properties.

12 eggs price

2.6 SGD 3.5 SGD 5.3 SGD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2 $2.6 $3.9

A dozen eggs costs around 3.5 SGD on average with 2.6 SGD and 5.3 SGD being the lower and upper limits respectively.

Fresh whole chicken price

6 SGD 7.7 SGD 11 SGD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.4 $5.7 $8.1

The price range of a fresh whole chicken in Singapore is between 6 SGD and 11 SGD depending on the size of the chicken and whether it is oraganic or not. The average price is approximatly 7.7 SGD.

Pack of beef price

7 SGD 11 SGD 21 SGD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.2 $7.8 $16

The price of a regular pack of beef or meat is around 11 SGD. A pack of beef contains around 1Kg or 1lb depending on packing.

Medium bag of rice price

2.8 SGD 3.9 SGD 5.5 SGD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.1 $2.9 $4.1

A bag of rice in Singapore costs around 3.9 SGD on average with prices rangeing between 2.8 SGD and 5.5 SGD depending on the brand and quality.

Bag of tomatos price

1.1 SGD 1.4 SGD 2.6 SGD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.78 $1 $2

A bag of tomatoes costs anywhere from 1.1 SGD to 2.6 SGD. A bag of tomatoes denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.

Bag of apples price

1.9 SGD 2.5 SGD 4 SGD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.4 $1.8 $3

A bag of apples costs 2.5 SGD on average. A bag of apples denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.


Grocery and food expenditure to income ratio


( monthly grocery expenses / monthly income ) x 100


17% 25% of income 31%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average grocery-to-income ratio in Singapore is around 25%. This means that couples spend 25% of their income on grocery and basic household items. The expenditure can range from 17% to 31% depending on salary and location.


Expenditure on food and grocery for couples

Couples' spending on grocery ranges from 260 SGD to 4,100 SGD with the location, income, and size of the couple being the most determinite factors.

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