Cost of Living in Singapore for Students
Table of Contents
Singapore is an ideal student destination for anyone seeking to study abroad. The country’s education system is the finest in the world. Singapore has some of the best universities with international ranking, and to name a few, the National University of Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU) rank in the top 20 globally.
What are the benefits of studying in Singapore?
Singapore is home to some of the best universities, offering top-class facilities and a learning environment for students. The institutions provide high-quality education with a diverse range of students from all over the world.
Is Singapore safe for students?
Singapore is one of the safest cities in Asia, and students are safe to live and study in this country. So, as a student, you can feel free and comfortable regarding safety. However, it would help to be mindful of your things or even when you are alone after dark.
Is Singapore affordable or expensive?
Singapore is the second most expensive city in the world. The cost of living in Singapore will be around SGD 3,700 per month excluding tuition fees. The cost of housing will be SGD 3,100 while food will come around SGD 120 and transportation will be SGD 160 per month.
For more personalized information, use our cost of living calculator to estimate your desired area’s average cost of living. The cost of expenses in Singapore will depend upon your lifestyle.
Before we list the details of the cost of living in Singapore, let’s summarize its cost.
| Expenses | Cost (Average) |
| Average Tuition Fees | SGD $15,000 – $56,000 / Year |
| Accommodation | SGD 1,855 – SGD 4,882 / Month |
| Transportation | SGD 160 / Month |
Is Singapore expensive to study?
Many renowned universities in Singapore offer a wide range of courses in UG and PG. The tuition fees in Singapore will depend upon the course you choose to study and the university. The cost will differ based on these factors. If you have a sponsorship, it might ease down on your tuition fees. Below is the average cost of tuition fees we have listed for a brief idea. Please check in with your universities for the same.
| Undergraduate Tuition Fee | Post-Graduate Tuition Fee |
| SGD $24,000 – $56,000 / Year | SGD $15,000 – $46,000 / Year |
Is housing expensive in Singapore?
Singapore is one of the most expensive cities overtaking Hong Kong regarding private homes. Luckily, Singapore has accommodations designed for students at an affordable rate. You will find three types of student accommodation in Singapore listed below. We have given a brief on each with an average price range to give you options before you decide to move into any of the accommodations.
1. Student Housing
Student housing, also known as PBSA, is a type of accommodation that offers an inclusive package for students. It provides all the essential needs and amenities for the students. They are located near the campus building, which is convenient for students to travel. But the highlight of this type of accommodation is that it offers private and independent living space.
Most of the accommodations are at a distance of under 3 miles. While the ones outside of the city center are upto 20 miles.
| Student Housing | Price |
| Ensuite/ Studio | SGD 1,855 – SGD 3,100 / Month |
2. Private Apartment
Private apartments are cheaper if you share them with your friends. They are located close to the campus buildings and offer students private and independent living. The benefit of staying in an apartment is to get a taste of local living. The apartments come in fully furnished with modern amenities.
| Apartment | Price |
| Private | SGD 3,206 – SGD 4,882 / Month |
3. University Halls
University halls are located within the campus and provide convenience for freshers. The universities manage them and offer accommodation for university students. It is undoubtedly convenient to stay on campus, but no independent or private living space exists. It has limited amenities. The rooms come private or shared with a shared kitchen, bathroom, and living space.
| University Hall | Price |
| Ensuite/ Studio | SGD $500 – SGD $1,500 / Month |
What is the cost of food in Singapore?
Singapore is expensive to live in and study. It means the cost of food is also expensive where the average cost of food monthly will come to SGD 120. Eating out is way more expensive! For instance, the meal cost in an average restaurant will be SGD 30 while in an expensive restaurant, it will cost SGD 12. It’s advisable to cook meals at home.
What is the cost of electricity bills in Singapore?
As a student, you get to enjoy taking leverage of inclusive utility bills. So, student housing and apartments are two types of accommodation in Singapore that give an inclusive bill. However, for your general knowledge, the cost of utility bills in Singapore per month is SGD 217.
How to get around Singapore?
One of the best and cheapest ways to get around Singapore is the MRT, known as The Mass Transit Railway. It is connected to every part of the city fast. It has 90 stations connecting the city centre and suburbs of Singapore.
