Getting ready to study in Singapore? That’s awesome! The cost of living in Singapore can be a bit pricey or even budget-friendly in comparison to other places. Don’t worry, you can make the most of your time here and make good financial decisions with some smart planning, budgeting, and comparison. This guide will give you the lowdown on what kinds of costs you can expect for things like housing, food, getting around, and having fun. We’ll make sure you’re prepared to handle the financial side of things so you can focus on making amazing memories in this incredible city!
What Is The Cost Of Living In Singapore?
Here’s a monthly breakdown of the essential living costs in Singapore for international students –
| Particulars | Expenses (Per Month) |
| Off-Campus Accommodation | SGD 500 |
| On-Campus Accommodation | SGD 700 |
| Transportation | SGD 128 |
| Food | SGD 600 |
| Entertainment | SGD 60 |
| Groceries | SGD 480 |
| Clothes | SGD 142 |
| Total Cost of Living with Off-Campus Accommodation | SGD 1,910 |
| Total Cost of Living with On-Campus Accommodation | SGD 2,110 |
| Annual Cost Of Living | SGD 22,920 |
Transportation Costs In Singapore
Public transport in Singapore is excellent, making it an ideal choice for daily commutes, especially in congested areas of the city.
| Transportation in Singapore | Average Cost |
| Monthly bus/transport pass | 100- 120 SGD |
| Taxi tariff, 8km/5 mile journey | 12-15 SGD |
Food Costs In Singapore
In Singapore, food costs depend largely on where you spend your money – restaurants or groceries. Given below is a breakdown of the food costs you’ll incur in each:
| Food Costs In Restaurants | |
| Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant | S$ 15 |
| Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course | S$ 93 |
| McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) | S$ 10 |
| Cappuccino (regular) | S$ 6 |
| Water (0.33 liter bottle) | S$ 2 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle) | S$ 2 |
| Food Costs On Groceries | |
| Milk (Regular 1 ltr.) | S$ 4 |
| Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) | S$ 3 |
| Rice (white), (1kg) | S$ 4 |
| Eggs (regular) (12) | S$ 5 |
| Local Cheese (1kg) | S$ 25 |
| Chicken Fillets (1kg) | S$ 14 |
| Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) | S$ 27 |
Leisure/Entertainment Costs in Singapore
Understanding the costs associated with outdoor activities can help you better plan your budget and make the most of what this dynamic city has to offer. Below is an overview of the typical leisure and entertainment expenses you can expect in Singapore.
| 2 tickets to the movies | SGD 77 |
| 1 month of gym membership in the business district | SGD 88 |
| Cappuccino in the expat area of the city | SGD 22 |
| Dinner for two at an Italian restaurant in the expat area, including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert | SGD 142 |
Scholarships To Study In Singapore For International Students
The Singapore Government offers a number of merit-based, need-based, and country-specific scholarships. Here are some of the most relevant scholarships in Singapore for international students:
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility | Awards |
| Tuition Grant Scheme | Applicants must enrol in a full-time undergraduate, postgraduate, or diploma course | Total tuition grant provided as a loan; international students must sign a Tuition Grant Agreement to work in Singapore for 3 years after graduation. |
| Dr Goh Keng Swee Scholarships | Enrolment for undergraduate studies in Nanyang Technological University, National University of Singapore, Singapore University of Technology and Design, or Singapore Management University Demonstrated strong leadership qualities; Excellent academic and co-curricular achievements | Tuition; Airfare; Annual maintenance allowance of 6,500 SGD; Hostel allowance; One-time settling-in allowance of 200 SGD |
| Singapore International Pre-Graduate Award (SIPGA) | 3rd and 4th year undergraduate and master’s students from international universities in STEM courses; Interest in a research career; Proficient in English | Monthly stipend of 2,000 SGD |
| National Science Scholarship (PhD) | Undergraduates interested in Computer Science, Biomedical Science, Physical Science, or Engineering Non-Singaporeans must have Singapore Permanent Residence before starting their studies | Full tuition fee; Monthly living allowance; Return airfare; Funding for up to 5 years |
| A*Star Computing And Information Science (ACIS) Scholarship | Aspiring PhD students in Computer Science and related disciplines; International students must have completed or be working on a degree from a Singapore autonomous university | Full tuition fee; Monthly living allowance of 4,550 SGD; Funding for up to 4 years |
Where To Live In Singapore?
Singapore is considered to be a bit costly when it comes to education. However, the accommodation costs depend on the region in which you plan to live. The following points might help you get a clear picture of the affordability of living in Singapore:
- The most costly rent is in the Central region. This region contains the city’s financial and retail hub, making it more expensive to rent in.
- The lowest rent is in the north and east. Expats who don’t mind travelling to work flock to these greener neighbourhoods because they are close to foreign schools.
Cost Saving Tips In Singapore
Effective financial management is crucial for maintaining a stable and secure lifestyle in Singapore. By implementing smart spending and saving strategies, you can optimise your budget and achieve your financial goals. Below are some practical tips to help you manage your expenses, save on essential services, and make the most of your investments.
Despite the high cost of living, including rent, Singapore remains an ideal destination for accessing high-quality education. It offers a unique blend of Asian and European cultures and provides the opportunity to connect with students from diverse backgrounds who share similar aspirations.
FAQs
Q1. What is the monthly cost of living in Singapore?
The average monthly cost of living in Singapore is about SGDSGD 1,910 for off-campus accommodation.
Q2. Is living in Singapore expensive?
The cost of living in Singapore is high. World Cost of Living (WCOL) and the Economic Intelligence Unit have ranked it as one of the most expensive countries. However, the costs are high due to the high standard of living and convenience.
Q3. Is Singapore good for Indian students?
The high quality of education, shorter course durations, multiple admission intakes, and affordable tuition fees make Singapore a preferred study abroad destination for international students.
Q4. What is the annual cost of living in Singapore for Indian students?
The annual cost of living with off-campus accommodation is INR 1,16,906 in Singapore for Indian students.
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I have done Bachelor’s in Culinary Arts from India and completed my graduation in the year 2022 .I am 22 years old. After graduation, I have done 1 year paid internship from USA .Now, I would like to take occupational experience and learn culinary skills and also do masters in Culinary arts.How can I find the college n best course / country where I can persue studying further