| Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Apartment Rentals | A one-bedroom apartment in the city center of Bishan can cost around SGD 2,000 to SGD 2,500 per month. A three-bedroom apartment in the same area can range from SGD 3,500 to SGD 5,000 per month. |
| Apartment Purchases | The price of purchasing an apartment in Bishan can vary greatly depending on the size and location. On average, a 90 sqm apartment can cost around SGD 800,000 to SGD 1,000,000. |
| Transportation | Public transportation in Bishan is relatively affordable. A monthly pass for public transit can cost around SGD 120. Taxis start at around SGD 3.20 and increase based on distance traveled. If you plan to own a car, keep in mind that cars in Singapore are very expensive due to high import duties and taxes. |
| Groceries | The cost of groceries in Bishan can vary depending on where you shop. On average, you can expect to spend around SGD 300 to SGD 500 per month on groceries. This includes items like fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, and other household necessities. |
| Restaurants | A meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Bishan can cost around SGD 10 to SGD 15. A three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant can cost around SGD 50 to SGD 70. Fast food combo meals are typically around SGD 8. |
| Utilities | Basic utilities for an 85 sqm apartment, including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage, can cost around SGD 150 to SGD 200 per month. Internet can cost around SGD 50 per month. |
| Private School Tuition | Private school tuition can vary greatly depending on the school. On average, you can expect to pay the following per year: Preschool – SGD 18,000 to SGD 30,000; Elementary School – SGD 20,000 to SGD 35,000; Middle School – SGD 25,000 to SGD 40,000; High School – SGD 30,000 to SGD 45,000. |
Monthly Budget for Retirees in Bishan
“The cost of living in Bishan, is relatively high compared to other regions. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can be quite expensive. The cost of utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, and water is also significant. Groceries in Bishan can be pricey, with items such as bread, milk, and eggs costing more than in other countries. Eating out in restaurants, especially in the city center, can also be costly. Public transportation in Bishan is efficient and widely used, but the cost can add up if used daily. Owning a car in Singapore is considered a luxury due to the high cost of vehicles and related expenses like insurance, maintenance, and fuel.Healthcare in Singapore is of high quality, but it comes with a high price tag. Both public and private healthcare services can be expensive, even with insurance coverage. Leisure activities such as gym memberships, cinema tickets, and night outs can also be quite costly in Bishan. Despite the high cost of living, many residents find that the high quality of life, safety, cleanliness, and the range of available amenities in Bishan make it worth the expense,” said one expat living in Bishan.
Can I live in Bishan on $1,500 a month?
“I’ve been living in Singapore for a few years now and I can tell you that living on $1,500 a month in Bishan, or anywhere in Singapore for that matter, would be quite a challenge, especially if you’re used to modern amenities. Singapore is one of the most expensive cities in the world, and the cost of living is high. Rent alone can eat up a significant portion of that budget. For instance, a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre can cost around $2,000 to $3,000 a month. Bishan is a central location and is quite popular, so rents there are not cheap either. You might be able to find a room in a shared apartment or a HDB flat for around $700 to $1,000 a month, but that would still leave you with very little for other expenses. Food can be relatively affordable if you eat at hawker centres where meals can cost around $3 to $5, but if you prefer dining in restaurants, it can cost around $20 to $50 per meal. Transportation is also not cheap. A monthly pass for public transportation costs around $120. If you add in utilities, internet, mobile phone, and other miscellaneous expenses, it would be very difficult to live on $1,500 a month without making significant sacrifices. You might have to give up certain modern amenities, like having your own apartment, eating out regularly, or having a car. You would also have to be very careful with your spending and budgeting. If you’re looking for more affordable neighborhoods, you might want to consider areas further from the city centre, like Woodlands or Jurong West. These areas are less popular with expats and therefore rents are generally cheaper. However, they are also further from the city centre and may not have the same level of amenities as Bishan or other central locations. On the other hand, areas like Orchard, Marina Bay, and Raffles Place are some of the most expensive neighborhoods in Singapore, so you might want to avoid these if you’re on a tight budget. In conclusion, while it’s not impossible to live on $1,500 a month in Singapore, it would require significant sacrifices and careful budgeting. You might have to give up certain modern amenities and live in less popular neighborhoods to make it work,” commented an expat living in Bishan.
Can I live in Bishan on $3,500 a month?
“I’ve been living in Singapore for a few years now and I can tell you that living on $3,000 a month in Bishan is possible, but it will require some budgeting and sacrifices. Bishan is a central location with good amenities, but it’s not the cheapest neighborhood. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment can range from $1,500 to $2,000 a month, so that’s a significant chunk of your budget gone right there. If you’re willing to share an apartment or live in a studio, you could potentially cut that cost in half. Food can be quite affordable if you eat at hawker centers and local eateries, where a meal can cost as little as $3 to $5. But if you’re used to dining out at restaurants, you’ll need to cut back on that. Groceries can also be expensive, especially if you’re buying imported goods. Transportation is relatively affordable. You can get a monthly pass for unlimited travel on buses and trains for about $120. Taxis and Grab (the local equivalent of Uber) can add up, so it’s best to use public transportation as much as possible. As for entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities in Singapore, like visiting the Botanic Gardens or East Coast Park. But if you’re into nightlife or high-end shopping, those can quickly eat into your budget. In terms of neighborhoods, if you’re looking for something more affordable, you might want to consider areas like Woodlands or Jurong West. They’re further out from the city center, but the cost of living is lower. On the other hand, areas like Orchard or Marina Bay are very expensive and probably out of reach on a $3,000 a month budget. In terms of sacrifices, you’ll likely need to cut back on dining out, limit your use of taxis, and find cheaper forms of entertainment. You’ll also need to be mindful of your utility usage, as electricity and water can be quite expensive. But overall, it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month in Bishan if you’re willing to budget and make some sacrifices,” said one expat living in Bishan.
Can I live in Bishan on $5,000 a month?
“I’ve been living in Bishan for a few years now and I can tell you that living on $5,000 a month is definitely possible, but it does require some careful budgeting and lifestyle adjustments. Bishan is a residential area in the central region of Singapore, known for its convenient location and good amenities. It’s not the cheapest area to live in, but it’s not the most expensive either. Rent is likely to be your biggest expense. A decent one-bedroom apartment in Bishan can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $3,000 a month. If you’re willing to share a flat or live in a smaller studio apartment, you could potentially cut this cost down. Food is relatively affordable in Singapore, especially if you eat at local hawker centres. You can get a good meal for around $5. If you prefer to cook, groceries can be a bit more expensive, but still manageable. Transportation is also quite affordable. Public transport is efficient and cheap, and you can get anywhere in the city for a few dollars. If you prefer to drive, keep in mind that owning a car in Singapore is very expensive due to the high cost of COE (Certificate of Entitlement).As for other expenses, such as utilities, internet, and mobile plans, they are quite reasonable. You can expect to pay around $200 a month for all these. Now, if you’re used to a high-end lifestyle, you might need to make some sacrifices. Dining out at fancy restaurants, frequent shopping, and regular nights out can quickly eat into your budget. If you’re looking for cheaper areas to live in, you might want to consider neighbourhoods like Woodlands, Jurong West, or Choa Chu Kang. They are a bit further from the city centre, but the cost of living is significantly lower. On the other hand, if budget is not a concern, areas like Orchard, Marina Bay, and Bukit Timah are among the most expensive in Singapore. In conclusion, living in Bishan on $5,000 a month is doable, but it requires careful budgeting and some lifestyle adjustments. It’s all about finding the right balance between comfort and cost,” commented an expat living in Bishan.
