Living in Singapore: Cost of Living, Healthcare and What to Know About Living in Singapore

Living in Singapore

Last updated on Jan 03, 2024

Summary: The approximate population of Singapore is 5.6 million people. The largest cities in Singapore are Singapore City, Jurong East, and Tampines. Expats love living in Singapore for its high quality of life, excellent infrastructure, and diverse culture. People describe life in Singapore as vibrant, modern, and safe. Popular foods in Singapore include Chinese, Indian, and Malay cuisines. Popular dishes include Hainanese chicken rice, laksa, and chili crab. The cons of living in Singapore include the high cost of living, the hot and humid climate, and the lack of personal space. The average cost of living for an expat is around $3,000 to $4,000 USD per month. This includes rent, utilities, transportation, food, and entertainment.

What do I need to know about living in Singapore?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Singapore, they said:

"Before retiring in Singapore, expats should be aware of the cost of living, which is generally higher than in many other countries. They should also research the different types of visas available and the requirements for obtaining them. Additionally, expats should familiarize themselves with the local culture and customs, as well as the language, to ensure a smooth transition. It is also important to understand the healthcare system and the availability of medical services in Singapore. Finally, expats should research the different types of retirement options available, such as private retirement accounts, to ensure they are making the most of their retirement," remarked one expat living in Singapore.

"Enjoy! Singapore may have a reputation of being very stiff but I have had a great time here and would do it again in a heart beat. Make sure you negotiate any contracts so that you are on local taxes as they are amongst the lowest in the world," wrote one member in Singapore.

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About the Author

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.