✦ Cost of living
Singapore
Singapore, Singapore
US = 100
In plain terms: Singapore is about 34% pricier than a typical US city. A one-bedroom in the centre runs around $2,600/month.
▤ Category breakdown
Index vs the US average — the line marks 100. Lower is cheaper.
- Housing188+88%
- Food & groceries100−0%
- Transport95−5%
- Utilities110+10%
- Healthcare105+5%
- Goods & services122+22%
About
“The Lion City”
Asia's safest, most efficient business hub — low taxes and world-class infrastructure, with rent and cars among the world's priciest.
- Currency
- Singapore dollar · SGD
- Languages
- English, Malay, Mandarin, Tamil
- Coordinates
- 1.35, 103.82
- Emergency
- 999
What things cost
Taxes
24%
Income tax
progressive
9%
VAT / sales
17%
Corporate
0%
Capital gains
$4,500
Avg net salary
per month
Visas & residency
Employment Pass for professionals; ONE Pass for top earners.
✈ Short visits visa-free for many passports.
Salary threshold + points (COMPASS).
For very high earners / top talent.
Permanent residence after ~2 yrs. PR possible after a couple of years on EP.
Quality of life
Safety
88/100
Healthcare
88/100
Pollution
45/100
Internet
280 Mbps
Jan avg
+26 °C
Jul avg
+28 °C
Sunny days
160/yr
Walkability
80/100
Relocation & documents
Coming soonWhere to look
Updated: 2026-08-14 · Sources: Cost/quality survey (placeholder) · National tax authority / OECD (headline figures)
? Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to live in Singapore, SG?
Singapore, SG's cost-of-living index is 134 (US average = 100) — about 34% more expensive than a typical US city. A one-bedroom apartment in the centre costs around $2,600 per month.
What is the average rent in Singapore, SG?
A one-bedroom in the city centre averages about $2,600 per month, and around $1,900 outside the centre.
What taxes would I pay in Singapore?
Singapore has a top income-tax rate of 24% and a VAT or sales tax of 9%. See the taxes section above for the full breakdown.
What is the weather like in Singapore, SG?
Singapore, SG averages around +26 °C in January and +28 °C in July, with roughly 160 sunny days a year.
❖ Compare Singapore with…
Estimates use approximate cost-of-living indices (US average = 100) and are for general guidance only.