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Cost of Living in Tanjong Pagar

Understanding the the cost of living in Tanjong Pagar 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 Rental prices in Tanjong Pagar can vary greatly depending on the size and location of the apartment. On average, a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can cost around SGD 2,500 to SGD 3,500 per month. A three-bedroom apartment in the same area can cost between SGD 5,000 and SGD 7,500 per month.
Apartment Purchases Buying an apartment in Tanjong Pagar is a significant investment. The price for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can range from SGD 1 million to SGD 1.5 million. A three-bedroom apartment in the same area can cost between SGD 2.5 million and SGD 4 million.
Transportation Public transportation in Singapore is efficient and affordable. A monthly pass for public transit costs around SGD 120. Taxis are also available, with a normal tariff ranging from SGD 3 to SGD 15 depending on the distance. If you plan to own a car, keep in mind that cars in Singapore are expensive due to high import duties and taxes. The cost of a new car can start from SGD 90,000.
Groceries The cost of groceries in Tanjong Pagar can vary depending on your dietary habits. 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 Tanjong Pagar is known for its vibrant food scene. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant can cost around SGD 15, while a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant can cost around SGD 60 to SGD 80. For high-end restaurants, the cost can go up to SGD 200 or more.
Utilities Basic utilities for an 85m2 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 in Singapore can be quite expensive. For preschool, the cost can range from SGD 1,000 to SGD 1,500 per month. For elementary school, the cost can range from SGD 1,500 to SGD 2,500 per month. For middle school and high school, the cost can range from SGD 2,500 to SGD 3,500 per month. These costs can vary depending on the school and the specific program.
Please note that these are average costs and actual costs may vary. It’s also important to keep in mind that the cost of living in Tanjong Pagar, like any city, can vary greatly depending on your lifestyle and spending habits.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Tanjong Pagar

“Tanjong Pagar is considered one of the more expensive areas to live in Singapore. The cost of living here is high due to its prime location in the central business district. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can be quite steep. The cost of groceries, dining out, and general expenses like utilities and internet are also higher than in other parts of Singapore. Public transportation is readily available and efficient, but if you choose to own a car, be prepared for high costs associated with vehicle ownership and parking. Despite the high cost of living, many residents feel that the convenience, accessibility, and vibrant lifestyle offered by Tanjong Pagar make it worth the expense,” said one expat living in Tanjong Pagar.

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

“I’ve been living in Singapore for a few years now and I can tell you that living comfortably on $1,500 a month in Tanjong Pagar, or anywhere in Singapore for that matter, would be quite a challenge. Singapore is one of the most expensive cities in the world, and Tanjong Pagar is a prime location in the central business district. Rent alone in this area for a one-bedroom apartment can easily exceed your entire budget. You might be able to find a room in a shared apartment for around $800 to $1,000, but that wouldn’t leave much for other expenses. If you’re used to modern amenities, you’ll find that things like dining out, entertainment, and even groceries can be quite expensive. A meal at a mid-range restaurant can cost around $20 to $30, and a movie ticket is about $10. Groceries for a single person can run you about $300 a month if you’re careful. Public transportation is relatively affordable, but if you’re planning on owning a car, forget about it. The cost of owning a car in Singapore is astronomical due to the high cost of COE (Certificate of Entitlement). If you’re determined to make it work, you might want to consider living in a more affordable neighborhood. Areas like Woodlands, Jurong West, or Choa Chu Kang are further from the city center but much more affordable. You can find a room in a shared apartment in these areas for around $500 to $700 a month. The trade-off is that you’ll have a longer commute and the neighborhoods might not have the same vibe or amenities as Tanjong Pagar. You’ll also need to make some lifestyle adjustments. Eating out less and cooking more at home can save you a lot. Shopping at local markets instead of supermarkets can also help stretch your dollar. And instead of going out for entertainment, you might need to find cheaper or free activities, like exploring the many parks and nature reserves in Singapore. In short, while it’s not impossible to live on $1,500 a month in Singapore, it would require some significant sacrifices and lifestyle changes, especially if you’re used to modern amenities and living in prime locations,” commented an expat living in Tanjong Pagar.

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

“I’ve been living in Singapore for a few years now, and I can tell you that living comfortably on $3,000 a month in Tanjong Pagar is possible, but it will require some careful budgeting and sacrifices. Tanjong Pagar is one of the more expensive neighborhoods in Singapore, known for its high-end restaurants, bars, and shops. Rent is the biggest expense you’ll have to consider. A one-bedroom apartment in Tanjong Pagar can easily cost you around $2,000 to $2,500 a month. That doesn’t leave much for other expenses like food, transportation, utilities, and entertainment. If you’re willing to share an apartment or live in a studio, you could potentially reduce your rent to around $1,500 a month. Food can be quite affordable if you eat at local hawker centers instead of dining out at restaurants. A meal at a hawker center can cost you around $3 to $5, while a meal at a restaurant can easily cost you $20 or more. Transportation is also relatively affordable. Public transportation is efficient and cheap, and you can get a monthly pass for around $120. If you prefer to take taxis or use ride-sharing apps, that will cost you more. Utilities like electricity, water, and internet can add up to around $200 a month. Entertainment can be expensive, especially if you like to go out to bars and clubs. A beer at a bar can cost you around $10 to $15, and entrance fees to clubs can be $20 or more. If you’re looking to save money, you might want to consider living in a more affordable neighborhood like Bedok or Tampines. These neighborhoods are further away from the city center, but they are still well-connected by public transportation and have plenty of amenities like shopping centers, restaurants, and parks. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in these neighborhoods can be as low as $1,000 a month. In terms of sacrifices, you’ll likely have to give up dining out at fancy restaurants and going out to bars and clubs regularly. You might also have to live in a smaller apartment or share an apartment with others. But if you’re willing to make these sacrifices, it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month in Singapore,” said one expat living in Tanjong Pagar.

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

“I’ve been living in Singapore for a few years now, and I can tell you that living comfortably on $5,000 a month in Tanjong Pagar is definitely possible, but it does require some careful budgeting and lifestyle adjustments. Tanjong Pagar is one of the more expensive neighborhoods in Singapore, known for its high-end restaurants, bars, and shopping. Rent is the biggest expense you’ll have to consider. A one-bedroom apartment in a condominium in Tanjong Pagar can easily cost you around $3,000 to $4,000 a month. If you’re willing to live in an older building or a bit further out from the city center, you might be able to find something cheaper. For example, in neighborhoods like Tiong Bahru or Chinatown, you can find one-bedroom apartments for around $2,500 to $3,000 a month. These areas are still very central and have a lot of character, with plenty of local food options and markets. Food is another big expense, especially if you’re used to eating out a lot. A meal at a mid-range restaurant in Tanjong Pagar can cost around $20 to $30, while a meal at a hawker center can cost around $5 to $10. So, you’ll definitely save a lot by eating local food or cooking at home. Transportation is relatively affordable in Singapore. You can get around easily by MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) or bus, which costs around $1 to $2 per trip. Taxis and Grab (the local equivalent of Uber) are more expensive, but still affordable if you’re not using them every day. As for other expenses, like utilities, internet, and mobile phone, you can expect to pay around $200 to $300 a month. So, to sum up, living on $5,000 a month in Tanjong Pagar is doable, but you’ll have to make some sacrifices. You might have to live in a smaller or older apartment, eat out less, and use public transportation more. But in return, you’ll get to live in one of the most vibrant and exciting neighborhoods in Singapore,” commented an expat living in Tanjong Pagar.

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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