Cost of living in Singapore as an Expat

Cost of living in Singapore: How much salary is enough for an expat?

Grocery Costs Singapore

Food costs in Singapore are affordable to earnings if you know where and how to shop properly. There are some big supermarkets such as Fairprice, Giant and Sheng Siong where you can shop very affordably. But if you are looking for the cheapest alternative, the"wet markets" are the best option. These are markets where you can get very good prices for fruit, vegetables, meat and groceries.

The average cost for groceries for a family of 4 per month is between 600 - 900 SGD; depending on the type of food or special needs, this can be higher or lower.

Grocery Costs Singapore

Food costs in Singapore are affordable to earnings if you know where and how to shop properly. There are some big supermarkets such as Fairprice, Giant and Sheng Siong where you can shop very affordably. But if you are looking for the cheapest alternative, the"wet markets" are the best option. These are markets where you can get very good prices for fruit, vegetables, meat and groceries.

The average cost for groceries for a family of 4 per month is between 600 - 900 SGD; depending on the type of food or special needs, this can be higher or lower.

Insurance for Expats in Singapore

In Singapore, you and your family should have good private health insurance, as medical treatment can be expensive. The medical system in Singapore is one of the best, and its reputation is very good. If your stay in Singapore is longer, consider private pension insurance. The price of insurance can vary depending on the coverage and package.

School fees in Singapore

School costs are also a major factor for expats, as most public schools have very limited places for foreigners. Therefore, most expat children enrol at international schools in Singapore.

School costs can vary depending on the type of school and grade.

Income Tax

Income tax should also be included in the costs. The tax rate can vary depending on your income. Here is a list:

Gross income (SGD)

Tax rate

Up to 30,000 - 2%

30,000 – 40,000 - 3.5%

40,000 – 80,000 - 7%

80,000 – 120,000 - 11.5%

120,000 – 160,000 - 15%

160,000 – 200,000 - 18%

200,000 – 240,000 - 19%

240,000 – 280,000 - 19.5%

280,000 – 320,000 - 20%

320,000+ -22%

Gross income (SGD)	Tax rate
Up to 30,000	2%
30,000 – 40,000	3.5%
40,000 – 80,000	7%
80,000 – 120,000	11.5%
120,000 – 160,000	15%
160,000 – 200,000	18%
200,000 – 240,000	19%
240,000 – 280,000	19.5%
280,000 – 320,000	20%
320,000+	22%

Social activities and costs

Finally, the topic of social activities and costs. In general, the fees for sports memberships in Singapore tend to be more expensive due to the costs and rents. On the other hand, eating out can be cheaper if you don't necessarily want to go to a 5-star restaurant.

There are many ways to have fun without spending a lot. These include visiting Sentosa Island and enjoying the beach, visiting East Coast Park, visiting Pulau Ubin Island or hiking in the forests of Bukit Timah. These are some leisure activities that cost almost nothing and offer great alternatives at the weekend.

Singapore offers a lot of activities and plenty of opportunities to do alone or with the family. In general, you should expect monthly costs of 200 – 500 SGD per month for one person.

Social activities and costs

Finally, the topic of social activities and costs. In general, the fees for sports memberships in Singapore tend to be more expensive due to the costs and rents. On the other hand, eating out can be cheaper if you don't necessarily want to go to a 5-star restaurant.

There are many ways to have fun without spending a lot. These include visiting Sentosa Island and enjoying the beach, visiting East Coast Park, visiting Pulau Ubin Island or hiking in the forests of Bukit Timah. These are some leisure activities that cost almost nothing and offer great alternatives at the weekend.

Singapore offers a lot of activities and plenty of opportunities to do alone or with the family. In general, you should expect monthly costs of 200 – 500 SGD per month for one person.

Expenses per month	Amount (SGD)
3 Bedroom Condo	4500
Groceries for a family of 4	900
Transportation cost for a family of 4	400
Insurance for a family of 4	900
School fees for 2 children	4000
160,000 – 200,000	18%
200,000 – 240,000	19%
240,000 – 280,000	19.5%
280,000 – 320,000	20%
320,000+	22%

Conclusion

The budget can vary depending on lifestyle and family size, but we've put together the main expenses for you here. Some expats receive ‘expat packages’ in which the company that sends them to Singapore covers costs such as schooling, accommodation and transport. So, if you are currently negotiating your salary and benefits package, consider these points and plan accordingly before moving to Singapore.

More advice for choosing an international school in Singapore

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