Quality & Cost of Living
Singapore is one of the best places to live, with our high standard of living.
Quality of Life
According to the Mercer 2011 Quality of Living Survey, Singapore topped the list for quality of life in Asia. A survey by human resources consultancy ECA International in 2010 comparing 254 international locations found that Asian expatriates ranked Singapore as their preferred city to live in.
What makes Singapore one of the most vibrant and liveable cities in the world? It has to be its quality of life, easy regional access, low crime rates, political stability, high standards of infrastructure and healthcare, as well as a cosmopolitan lifestyle.
Consumer Price Index
Based on the 2011 survey by the Economist Intelligence Unit, Singapore is ranked 10th worldwide in terms of cost of living and 3rd in Asia, behind Tokyo and Osaka. The annual inflation rate in Singapore is among the lowest in the world, even if it has risen during the past few years.
Singapore ’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) reflects trends in the prices of mainly basic food items. The CPI and Singapore’s inflation rate can be tracked at the Department of Statistics Singapore's website.
Living Costs in a Nutshell
The cost of living in Singapore is generally low, with the most expensive items being accommodation and cars, understandably so due to our limited land space. Most residents find that they can live comfortably in Singapore and enjoy the good things in life.
Here are some estimated costs:
| Item |
Details |
Cost (SGD) |
| Accommodation (rental) |
4-bedroom house with pool
3-bedroom condominium |
10,000 – 25,000 a month
4,000 – 7,000 a month |
| Car |
|
Anything from 90,000 upwards |
| Utilities |
Varying based on usage |
80 – 400 a month |
| Meals |
Mid to high end restaurants |
50 upwards per head, a meal |
| Groceries |
For family of 4 |
800 a month |
| Club membership |
|
1,500 – 4,000 a year |
| Education |
International schools |
3,500 – 15,000 a year |
| Communications |
Mobile phone plans
Broadband |
19.95 - 200 a month
19.95 - 208 a month |
| Entertainment |
Cable TV |
30 a month upwards |
Check out our Cost of Living Calculator to get an estimate of your living expenses in Singapore.