Cost of Living in Singapore 2026: Complete Budget Guide

Singapore is consistently ranked one of the most expensive cities in the world. Here is what you actually need to earn to live comfortably in 2026.

Singapore's reputation as expensive is warranted, but not uniformly. Housing and cars are extremely costly. Food at hawker centres, public transport, and healthcare are relatively affordable. The cost of comfortable life in Singapore depends heavily on housing choices.

Monthly Cost Breakdown (Single Professional)

• 1BR apartment (expat areas: Tiong Bahru, Buona Vista): SGD 3,500–5,500/month
• Food (mix of hawker and restaurants): SGD 800–1,500/month
• Public transport (MRT + bus): SGD 100–150/month — excellent network
• Utilities: SGD 100–200/month — air conditioning is the main cost

What Is Affordable in Singapore

Hawker centre food is genuinely cheap — a full meal for SGD 4–8 is available at hundreds of hawker centres. Public transport (MRT and buses) is among the best and cheapest in the world for the quality provided. Alcohol is expensive — a pint of beer at a bar costs SGD 12–18.

The Car Factor

• Car ownership requires a Certificate of Entitlement (COE): SGD 80,000–120,000 for 10 years
• Total car ownership cost: SGD 25,000–35,000 per year
• Most expats use Grab and MRT instead — saves SGD 20,000+/year
• Cycling infrastructure is improving — more viable option for shorter commutes