Singapore is the premier destination for expat families in Asia, offering world-class international schools and exceptional quality of life. This multicultural city-state provides political stability, excellent healthcare, and pristine safety standards. The education system is globally renowned, and English is widely spoken. Families enjoy diverse cultural experiences, excellent public transport, and year-round tropical weather. The expat community is massive and well-integrated. However, living costs are very high, especially housing and cars. The city can feel restrictive with strict regulations, but this contributes to its orderliness and safety.

☀️ Climate & Weather

Monthly temperatures, rainfall, and sea conditions

32°C

Hottest (May)

24°C

Coolest (Dec)

Sunny days/mo avg

2240mm

Annual rainfall

Avg highAvg lowSea tempRainfall

27°

🌊 Jan

28°

🌊 Feb

29°

🌊 Mar

30°

🌊 Apr

30°

🌊 May

29°

🌊 Jun

29°

🌊 Jul

29°

🌊 Aug

29°

🌊 Sep

29°

🌊 Oct

28°

🌊 Nov

27°

🌊 Dec

💰 Cost of Living

Monthly family budget estimates (USD)

At a Glance

$4,500

Avg. rent /mo

$12

Budget meal

$80

Mid-range dinner (2 ppl)

Dining & Drinks

Cappuccino$5.20

Domestic beer$8.50

Imported beer$10

Water (1.5L)$1.10

Groceries

Loaf of bread$2.40

Milk (1L)$2.60

Dozen eggs$2.80

Chicken (1 kg)$7.50

Transport

Taxi flag-drop$2.70

Taxi per km$0.55

Monthly transit pass$95

Gasoline (per liter)$2.10

Monthly Bills

Internet$38 /mo

Utilities (avg.)$150 /mo

Gym membership$110 /mo

Domestic help$700 /mo

Preschool / nursery$1,200 /mo

Comfortable

A family renting a 2-bedroom HDB or modest condo in the suburbs, using public transport, and enrolling children in a mid-tier international school.

$8,200/mo

Rent$2,800

Groceries$800

Lifestyle & leisure$500

Transport$300

Utilities$250

Dining out$500

Healthcare$350

School fees (per child)$2,000

Domestic help$700

Established

A family in a 3-bedroom condo in a central district like River Valley or Holland Village, children in a reputable international school such as UWCSEA or Tanglin Trust.

$14,500/mo

Rent$5,000

Groceries$1,200

Lifestyle & leisure$1,200

Transport$600

Utilities$350

Dining out$1,000

Healthcare$500

School fees (per child)$3,500

Domestic help$1,150

Premium

A family in a large landed property or penthouse in Bukit Timah or Tanglin, children at top-tier schools like SAS or UWC Dover, with car ownership, club memberships, and full-time domestic staff.

$25,000/mo

Rent$8,500

Groceries$2,000

Lifestyle & leisure$2,500

Transport$1,500

Utilities$500

Dining out$2,000

Healthcare$800

School fees (per child)$5,500

Domestic help$1,700

Singapore is consistently ranked among the most expensive cities in the world. There is no income tax on foreign-sourced income for most expats, but the high cost of housing, cars (COE system), and international school fees requires careful budgeting. All figures in USD; 1 USD is approximately 1.35 SGD.