Cost of Accommodation in Singapore: Food, Rent & Budget guide

Singapore, a renowned destination for vacations and studying abroad, attracts thousands of students and professionals from around the world each year. Today, numerous students from India have been admitted to Singapore’s highly ranked universities or institutions. As a global hub of education and innovation, Singapore has emerged as one of the most preferred destinations for Indian students seeking quality education overseas. While the country offers immense opportunities to students, it is also recognized as one of the most expensive places in Asia. This is where the cost of accommodation in Singapore becomes a primary concern for the largest number of international students relocating to Singapore for their higher education.
Whether you’re a student or a working professional planning to explore or shift to Singapore for your higher education, you must figure out the housing expenses in Singapore, the cost of living in Singapore, the average rent in Singapore, and the accommodation cost in Singapore.

Why Is Accommodation Expensive in Singapore?

Before proceeding, let’s start with the basics of why housing expenses in Singapore are relatively high compared to other Asian countries. This is because Singapore has limited land resources, a high demand for housing, and a strong real estate market. Moreover, Government policies and zoning regulations also play a significant role in maintaining high property rates. Out of all this, Singapore offers housing options in various ranges, catering to different budgets and preferences.

Types of Accommodation in Singapore

Average Rent in Singapore by Area

Here’s an overview of rental costs across various districts. This chart may help you understand housing expenses in Singapore:

Area	Type of Housing	Average Monthly Rent
Orchard / CBD	Condo	SGD 5,000–7,000
Bukit Timah	Condo	SGD 4,000–6,000
Woodlands	HDB	SGD 1,500–2,000
Jurong East	HDB	SGD 1,200–1,800
Clementi (Student Hub)	Shared Apartment	SGD 800–1,200
Tampines	Condo	SGD 2,500–3,500

*Average monthly rent may vary depending on several factors.

What’s Included in the Rent?

When calculating the average rent in Singapore, you must be aware of both your Average rent in Singaporehousing rent and the facilities provided, whether included or not, with the rent. Generally, your rent may include:

• Furniture (fully or partially furnished)
  
• Internet connection (in some cases)
  
• Maintenance fees (primarily for condos)
  
• Amenities such as electricity and water are often billed individually and are not included.

Other Housing Expenses in Singapore

Besides rent, here are some additional housing expenses in Singapore that can contribute to your costs.

• Utilities, including electricity, water, and gas, can cost around SGD 100–200/month.
• The internet and TV can cost you up to SGD 40–70/month.
• Maintenance fees are sometimes included in the rent, but confirm this before finalizing the condominium or private apartment.
• When moving into condominiums or apartments, tenants are asked to pay a certain amount as Security Deposits, which are refunded at the end of the lease.

Cost of Living in Singapore

Here is an estimated monthly overview of cost of living in singapore for a single person:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost
Rent	SGD 1,200–3,500
Food	SGD 300–600
Transportation	SGD 100–150
Utilities & Internet	SGD 150–250
Entertainment	SGD 100–300
Miscellaneous	SGD 100–200

Tips to Save on Singapore Accommodation Costs

As mentioned earlier, Singapore is the most expensive place to live in Asia. The cost of living in Singapore can be beyond your imagination. So, here are some tips on how to keep your housing expenses manageable.

• Sharing Apartments – Sharing apartments and rooms can be one of the most effective ways to reduce rent. Many students and young professionals opt for shared flats, especially near university campuses.
• Live Outside the City Centre- One effective way to reduce rent is to move away from the central areas. Doing so will save money on housing expenses in Singapore.
• Considering HDB Flats – It is suggested that HDB flats be purchased, as they can be more cost-effective compared to private condominiums.
• Use Student Hostels – Many Singapore institutions offer international students budget-friendly hostel options, thus minimizing Singapore accommodation costs.
• Negotiating rent – Do not hesitate to negotiate rent while signing a lease from your landlords, as this can reduce your accommodation costs.

Renting Process in Singapore

Here is a summary of the renting process in Singapore to help your move go more smoothly: 

• Hire a property agent to assist you in finding suitable housing and negotiating terms.
• View the property before signing any agreement.
• Then, sign the Letter of Intent (LOI) to indicate your interest in renting the unit.
• Pay the security deposit, which is usually one month for a one-year lease.
• With the security deposit, the tenant needs to sign a tenancy agreement. 
• Then, a stamp duty payment is made, which is mandatory for leases over three months.