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Cost of Living in Queenstown

Understanding the the cost of living in Queenstown helps a newcomer what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.
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Category Cost
Apartment Rentals
  • 1-bedroom apartment in city center: SGD 2,000 – SGD 3,000 per month
  • 1-bedroom apartment outside city center: SGD 1,500 – SGD 2,000 per month
  • 3-bedroom apartment in city center: SGD 3,500 – SGD 5,000 per month
  • 3-bedroom apartment outside city center: SGD 2,500 – SGD 3,500 per month
Apartment Purchases
  • Price per square meter in city center: SGD 10,000 – SGD 15,000
  • Price per square meter outside city center: SGD 5,000 – SGD 8,000
Transportation
  • One-way ticket on local transport: SGD 1.50
  • Monthly transport pass: SGD 120
  • Taxi starting tariff: SGD 3.20
  • Taxi 1km tariff: SGD 0.55
  • Gasoline (1 liter): SGD 2.10
Groceries
  • Milk (1 liter): SGD 2.80
  • Bread (500g): SGD 2.50
  • Rice (1kg): SGD 2.80
  • Eggs (12): SGD 3.00
  • Chicken breasts (1kg): SGD 10.00
  • Beef round (1kg): SGD 18.00
  • Apples (1kg): SGD 4.50
  • Oranges (1kg): SGD 4.00
  • Tomatoes (1kg): SGD 3.50
  • Potatoes (1kg): SGD 2.50
  • Water (1.5-liter bottle): SGD 1.50
Restaurants
  • Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: SGD 10 – SGD 15
  • Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: SGD 50 – SGD 80
  • McMeal at McDonald’s: SGD 8
  • Domestic beer (0.5-liter draught): SGD 8
  • Imported beer (0.33-liter bottle): SGD 9
  • Cappuccino: SGD 5
  • Coke/Pepsi (0.33-liter bottle): SGD 1.80
  • Water (0.33-liter bottle): SGD 1.30
Utilities
  • Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for 85m2 apartment: SGD 150 – SGD 250 per month
  • 1 minute of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans): SGD 0.16
  • Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL): SGD 50 – SGD 70 per month
Private School Tuition
  • Preschool (or Kindergarten) tuition: SGD 1,000 – SGD 1,500 per month
  • Elementary school tuition: SGD 15,000 – SGD 25,000 per year
  • Middle school tuition: SGD 20,000 – SGD 30,000 per year
  • High school tuition: SGD 25,000 – SGD 35,000 per year
Please note that these costs are approximate and can vary depending on individual preferences and lifestyle. It is always recommended to research and compare prices before making any decisions.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Queenstown

“Living in Queenstown, is considered relatively expensive compared to other areas in the country. The cost of housing is high, with both rental and purchase prices for apartments and houses being above the national average. The cost of food and groceries is also higher than in other parts of Singapore, with dining out at restaurants being particularly costly. Transportation costs can also add up, especially if one relies on taxis or private cars. Utilities such as electricity, water, and internet are also more expensive in Queenstown. Additionally, the cost of healthcare, education, and leisure activities are also above average. Despite these high costs, many residents feel that the quality of life, convenience, and amenities in Queenstown make the higher cost of living worthwhile,” said one expat living in Queenstown.

Can I live in Queenstown on $1,500 a month?

“I’ve been living in Singapore for a while now, and I can tell you that living comfortably on $1,500 a month in Queenstown is possible, but you’ll have to make some sacrifices. First, you’ll need to find a more affordable neighborhood to live in. Queenstown is a relatively expensive area, so you might want to consider living in a nearby neighborhood like Redhill or Commonwealth, which are more budget-friendly.In terms of housing, you’ll likely have to share an HDB flat with roommates to keep your rent costs down. A single room in a shared flat can cost around $600 to $800 per month, depending on the location and condition of the flat. You can find listings on websites like PropertyGuru or 99.co.For transportation, you’ll want to rely on public transport like buses and the MRT, which are quite efficient and affordable. A monthly transport pass costs around $120, which gives you unlimited travel on buses and trains. Owning a car in Singapore is very expensive, so it’s best to avoid that if you’re on a tight budget.When it comes to food, you can save money by eating at hawker centers and food courts, where you can find delicious local dishes for around $3 to $5 per meal. If you cook at home, you can save even more. Groceries can be bought at local markets or supermarkets like FairPrice or Giant.For entertainment and leisure, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities in Singapore, like visiting parks, beaches, and museums. However, you might have to cut back on more expensive activities like dining out at fancy restaurants, going to bars or clubs, and attending concerts or sporting events.In summary, living on $1,500 a month in Queenstown is possible, but you’ll need to make some sacrifices in terms of housing, transportation, and lifestyle choices. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, sharing a flat, relying on public transport, and being mindful of your spending on food and entertainment, you can make it work,” commented an expat living in Queenstown.

Can I live in Queenstown on $3,500 a month?

“I’ve been living in Singapore for a few years now, and I can tell you that it’s possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month in Queenstown, but you’ll have to make some sacrifices. First, you’ll need to find a more affordable place to live. The more expensive neighborhoods like Holland Village, Tanglin, and Orchard Road are definitely out of the question. Instead, consider looking for a room in a shared HDB flat or a small studio apartment in areas like Commonwealth, Redhill, or Tiong Bahru. These neighborhoods are still relatively close to Queenstown and have good public transport connections.Next, you’ll need to be mindful of your daily expenses. Eating out at restaurants can be quite expensive in Singapore, so try to cook at home or eat at hawker centers and food courts where meals are more affordable. Also, limit your alcohol consumption as it can be quite pricey here. Instead, opt for non-alcoholic beverages or buy alcohol from supermarkets to consume at home.Transportation costs can also add up, so try to use public transport like buses and MRT instead of taxis or ride-hailing services. If you need a car, consider renting one on a need basis rather than owning one, as the cost of owning a car in Singapore is very high.For leisure activities, take advantage of the many free or low-cost attractions and events in Singapore. There are plenty of parks, museums, and cultural events that you can enjoy without breaking the bank. Also, consider joining local interest groups or sports clubs to meet new people and stay active without spending too much.In terms of shopping, avoid high-end malls and stick to local markets, thrift stores, and online platforms like Carousell for more affordable options. Additionally, keep an eye out for sales and discounts at supermarkets and other stores to save on your daily necessities.Overall, living on $3,000 a month in Queenstown is doable, but you’ll need to be disciplined with your spending and make some lifestyle adjustments. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, being mindful of your daily expenses, and taking advantage of free or low-cost activities, you can live comfortably and enjoy your time in this beautiful city,” said one expat living in Queenstown.

Can I live in Queenstown on $5,000 a month?

“I’ve been living in Singapore for a few years now, and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month in Queenstown, especially if you’re used to modern amenities. However, you might have to make some sacrifices in terms of housing and lifestyle choices. For instance, you might not be able to afford a luxurious condo in a prime location, but you can still find a decent HDB flat or a more modest condo in a less central area.In terms of housing, I’d recommend looking for a place in neighborhoods like Commonwealth, Holland Village, or Buona Vista. These areas are still relatively close to Queenstown and offer a good mix of local and expat communities, as well as a variety of amenities like supermarkets, restaurants, and shopping centers. You can expect to pay around $2,000 to $3,000 a month for a 2-3 bedroom HDB flat or a smaller condo unit in these areas.On the other hand, I’d avoid neighborhoods like Tanglin, River Valley, or Orchard, as these are some of the most expensive areas in Singapore and might be out of your budget. Rent for a condo in these areas can easily go above $4,000 a month, which would leave you with very little money for other expenses.As for other living costs, you’ll need to be mindful of your spending on things like dining out, entertainment, and transportation. Eating at local hawker centers and food courts can help you save a lot on food expenses, as opposed to dining at fancy restaurants. You can also take advantage of public transportation like the MRT and buses, which are quite affordable and efficient, instead of relying on taxis or owning a car, which can be very expensive in Singapore.In terms of entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities you can enjoy, like visiting parks, museums, and cultural events. You might have to cut back on more expensive hobbies or outings, like frequent trips to the cinema or nights out at high-end bars and clubs.Overall, living comfortably on $5,000 a month in Queenstown is doable, but you’ll need to be smart about your housing choices and keep an eye on your spending in other areas. It might take some time to adjust to a more budget-conscious lifestyle, but it’s definitely possible to make it work,” commented an expat living in Queenstown.

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.

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