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Cost of Living in Tiong Bahru

By Betsy Burlingame

William Russell
William Russell

Summary: Understanding the the cost of living in Tiong Bahru helps a newcomer what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

Category Cost
Apartment Rentals
  • 1-bedroom apartment in city center: SGD 2,500 - SGD 3,500 per month
  • 1-bedroom apartment outside city center: SGD 1,800 - SGD 2,500 per month
  • 3-bedroom apartment in city center: SGD 4,500 - SGD 6,500 per month
  • 3-bedroom apartment outside city center: SGD 3,000 - SGD 4,500 per month
Apartment Purchases
  • Price per square meter in city center: SGD 15,000 - SGD 20,000
  • Price per square meter outside city center: SGD 10,000 - SGD 15,000
Transportation
  • One-way ticket (local transport): SGD 1.50
  • Monthly pass (regular price): SGD 120
  • Taxi start (normal tariff): SGD 3.50
  • Taxi 1km (normal tariff): SGD 0.55
  • Gasoline (1 liter): SGD 2.20
Groceries
  • Milk (1 liter): SGD 2.80
  • Bread (500g): SGD 2.50
  • Rice (1kg): SGD 2.50
  • Eggs (12): SGD 3.00
  • Chicken breasts (1kg): SGD 10.00
  • Apples (1kg): SGD 4.50
  • Tomatoes (1kg): SGD 3.50
  • Water (1.5-liter bottle): SGD 1.50
Restaurants
  • Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: SGD 12.00
  • Meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant (three-course): SGD 60.00
  • McMeal at McDonald's (or equivalent combo meal): SGD 8.00
  • Domestic beer (0.5-liter draught): SGD 8.00
  • Imported beer (0.33-liter bottle): SGD 9.00
  • Cappuccino (regular): SGD 5.50
Utilities
  • Basic (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) - full day: SGD 1,000 - SGD 1,800 per month
  • Elementary School: SGD 15,000 - SGD 25,000 per year
  • Middle School: SGD 20,000 - SGD 30,000 per year
  • High School: SGD 25,000 - SGD 35,000 per year
Please note that the costs provided are approximate and may vary depending on individual circumstances and preferences. It is always a good idea to research and compare prices before making any decisions.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Tiong Bahru

"Tiong Bahru is considered one of the more expensive areas to live in the city-state. The cost of living here is significantly higher than the national average. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can be quite steep. The cost of utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, and water are also higher than in other parts of Singapore.Groceries in Tiong Bahru can be expensive as well, with prices for basic items like bread, milk, and eggs being higher than the national average. Eating out in this neighborhood can also be costly, especially if dining at mid-range to high-end restaurants. Transportation costs in Tiong Bahru are comparable to the rest of Singapore. Public transportation is efficient and relatively affordable, but owning a car can be very expensive due to high vehicle taxes and the cost of petrol.Healthcare in Singapore is generally expensive, and Tiong Bahru is no exception. Both public and private healthcare services are available, but costs can be high, especially for specialized treatments.Overall, while Tiong Bahru offers a unique blend of old and new Singapore, with its heritage-rich streets and modern amenities, this comes with a high cost of living," said one expat living in Tiong Bahru.

Can I live in Tiong Bahru 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 Tiong Bahru is possible, but you'll have to make some sacrifices. Tiong Bahru is a trendy and popular neighborhood, so rents can be quite high. To make it work, you might have to consider sharing an apartment with roommates or looking for a smaller studio apartment. In terms of other expenses, you'll have to be mindful of your spending on food and entertainment. Eating out at restaurants can be quite expensive, so you might want to cook at home more often or eat at hawker centers, which offer affordable and delicious local food. Public transportation is quite efficient and affordable in Singapore, so you can save money by not owning a car and using the MRT and buses instead.If you're looking for more affordable neighborhoods, you might want to consider areas like Woodlands, Jurong West, or Yishun. These areas are further away from the city center, but they offer more affordable housing options. On the other hand, neighborhoods like Orchard, Holland Village, and Tanjong Pagar are more expensive and might not be suitable for your budget.In terms of entertainment and leisure, you can take advantage of the many free or low-cost activities that Singapore has to offer, such as visiting parks, attending free events, or exploring the city's cultural and historical sites. Overall, living on $1,500 a month in Tiong Bahru is doable, but you'll have to be disciplined with your spending and be willing to make some sacrifices," commented an expat living in Tiong Bahru.

Can I live in Tiong Bahru on $3,500 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 $3,000 a month in Tiong Bahru, but you'll have to make some sacrifices. Tiong Bahru is a trendy neighborhood with a mix of old and new, and it's quite popular among expats. However, it's not the cheapest area in Singapore.First, you'll have to be mindful of your housing expenses. Rent can be quite high in Tiong Bahru, especially if you're looking for a modern condo with all the amenities. You might have to settle for a smaller apartment or an older building to keep your rent within budget. Alternatively, you could consider sharing an apartment with a roommate to split the costs.Next, you'll have to be careful with your spending on food and entertainment. Eating out at restaurants and cafes in Tiong Bahru can be quite pricey, so you might want to cook at home more often or explore the local hawker centers for more affordable meal options. There are also plenty of free or low-cost activities in the area, like visiting the Tiong Bahru Market or taking a stroll in the nearby parks.Transportation costs can also add up, so you might want to consider using public transport instead of taxis or ride-sharing services. The MRT and buses are quite efficient and affordable in Singapore, and Tiong Bahru is well-connected to other parts of the city.If you're looking for more affordable neighborhoods, you might want to consider areas like Bedok, Jurong East, or Woodlands. These areas are further away from the city center, but they offer more budget-friendly housing options and local amenities. On the other hand, if you're willing to spend more on rent, you could look into more upscale neighborhoods like Orchard, Holland Village, or Tanjong Pagar.Overall, living on $3,000 a month in Tiong Bahru is doable, but you'll have to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. It's all about finding the right balance between comfort and affordability," said one expat living in Tiong Bahru.

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

"I've been living in Tiong Bahru for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. However, you might have to make some sacrifices to make it work. For example, you might need to choose a smaller apartment or share a flat with roommates to save on rent. Tiong Bahru is a trendy and popular neighborhood, so rents can be quite high, especially in the newer condos. You could consider looking for an HDB flat, which is usually more affordable than private condos.In terms of other expenses, eating out can be quite affordable if you stick to local hawker centers and food courts, but if you prefer dining at fancy restaurants or cafes, that can add up quickly. So, you might need to cook more at home or limit your dining out experiences to once or twice a week. Groceries can also be a bit expensive, especially if you're looking for imported products, so you might need to adjust your shopping habits and opt for local or regional products instead.Transportation is relatively affordable, especially if you use public transport like buses and MRT. Owning a car in Singapore is very expensive, so I wouldn't recommend it if you're trying to stick to a $5,000 budget. Instead, you can rely on public transport and occasional taxi or Grab rides when needed.As for other neighborhoods, if you find Tiong Bahru too expensive, you could consider looking at more affordable areas like Queenstown, Redhill, or even further out like Jurong East or Woodlands. These areas might not be as trendy or central as Tiong Bahru, but they still offer good access to public transport and amenities. On the other hand, if you're looking for more upscale neighborhoods, you might want to check out areas like Orchard, Holland Village, or Tanjong Pagar, but keep in mind that these areas will likely be more expensive in terms of rent and overall cost of living.Overall, living comfortably on $5,000 a month in Tiong Bahru is possible, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some adjustments to your lifestyle. It's all about finding the right balance between enjoying the modern amenities you're used to and sticking to your budget," commented an expat living in Tiong Bahru.

About the Author

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.


William Russell
William Russell

William Russell
William Russell

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