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Cost of Living in Singapore for Indian Students in 2025

Q: How to save money in SG?

Here are the five best ways to save money in SG:1. Cook meals at home2. Use public transportation3. Shop at local markets4. Visit free places5. Live in shared accommodation

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By:CANAM Group
Updated On:Mar 22,2025 11:57 AM IST

According to GDP per capita in 2025, Singapore is the second richest country in the world.
The average cost of living in Singapore for a single student ranges from INR 1.81 lakhs to 3.56 lakhs per month.
The best tips for saving money in Singapore include living in shared accommodations, cooking at home, and using public transportation.

Cost of Living in Singapore for Indian Students.webp

Once a poor island nation, Singapore now has become one of the wealthiest countries in the world. Also known as Lion City, Singapore is becoming an international students’ favourite for pursuing higher education programs due to its leading universities, multicultural environment, and high-paying job opportunities. Studying here seems great until you know about one thing: the cost of living in Singapore. Pursuing higher education in Singapore is more expensive as compared to studying in other countries. If you are considering studying in Singapore, read this blog to find out why it is expensive and how much it costs to live here.

Why Study in Singapore?

Singapore is one of the most emerging study-abroad destinations for international students. Here are the reasons that make Singapore a hotspot for studying abroad:

1. Reputed Universities: Singapore is home to world-class universities that provide high-quality education to international students. Besides providing the best quality education, universities also provide research opportunities and industry-relevant courses.

2. Affordable Education: The cost of living in Singapore may sound too much to you, but you can definitely keep your tuition fees under control. You can avail of scholarships and education loans and enjoy budget-friendly education.

3. Multicultural Environment: Students from over 100 nationalities come to study in Singapore every year, providing an opportunity to meet people from diverse cultures and backgrounds.

4. High Employment Opportunities: Apart from prestigious universities, Singapore is also home to numerous multinational companies that offer high-paying job roles upon completion of your studies.

Cost of Living in Singapore

For the benefits mentioned above, many students choose Singapore to pursue higher education; however, they should also consider the cost of living in Singapore. Talking about living in Singapore, it's not inexpensive at all. Someone rightly said that there are no free lunches in the world. The same applies to Singapore. Living in this country is more expensive than in other study destinations. In 2024, Singapore emerged as the most expensive city in the world, followed by Hong Kong and London. But how much does it actually cost? Let’s check out.

Why Singapore is Expensive?

Here are the primary reasons behind the high living costs in Singapore:

1. The biggest factor contributing to the high cost of living in Singapore is land scarcity.

2. Singapore is one of the world’s five most densely populated countries worldwide.

3. It imports food from other countries, which further increases the cost of eating.

4. High taxes levied by the government on alcohol and luxury goods are an additional financial burden.

Average Cost of Living in Singapore

The average cost of living in Singapore for a single person or student is SGD 2,800 to 5,500 or INR 1.81 lakhs to 3.56 lakhs per month. This includes all necessary expenses, such as rent, food, transportation, utilities, entertainment, and other personal expenses. The following table shows the types of living expenses in Singapore:

Expense Category	Average Cost Per Month (SGD)	Average Cost Per Month (INR)
Rent	2,000 – 4,000	1,29,800 – 2,59,600
Food & Groceries	300 – 500	19,470 – 32,450
Transport	100 – 150	6,490 – 9,735
Utilities	100 – 200	6,490 – 12,980
Entertainment	80 – 150	5,192 – 9,735
Miscellaneous	200 – 400	12,980 – 25,960

This was just a brief overview of the expenses that make up the total cost of living in Singapore, but it's just the tip; the real iceberg lies below. So, let’s break down each expense for better clarity:

1. Tuition Fees: The education system in Singapore is quite expensive and the tuition fee of the Singapore University is the primary expense you will incur for studying in Lion City. It varies depending on the type of university, study level and specialisation you select. The average annual cost of pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Singapore ranges from SGD 10,150 to SGD 20,500. On the other hand, for a master’s degree, you will likely spend between SGD 6,800 and 23,000 per year.

2. Accommodation: Accommodation is one of the biggest expenses contributing to the overall living cost in Singapore. The cost of accommodation depends on whether you live on-campus or off-campus. Following are the types of accommodation available in Singapore and how much they cost:

Type of Accommodation	Average Rent Per Month (SGD)	Average Rent Per Month (INR)
HDB Rental Flat or Condo Apartment	900 – 3,000	58,410 – 1,94,700
Studio Apartment	2,000 – 6,000	1,29,800 – 3,89,400
Rental Apartment (1 Bedroom) in City Centre	3,500 – 4,000	2,27,150 – 2,59,600

3. Food and Groceries: Another significant expense contributing to the cost of living in Singapore for Indian students is the cost of food and groceries. The cost will vary depending on whether you eat at the university mess, a restaurant, or cook at home. Buying groceries and cooking at home is best to save money. Here is how much you will be spending on groceries while studying in Singapore:

Grocery Items	Average Cost (SGD)	Average Cost (INR)
Milk (1 Litre)	15	973.5
White Bread Loaf (1 Kg)	5	324.5
Potatoes (1 Kg)	1.5	97.35
Onions (1 Kg)	1.3	84.37
Tomatoes (1 Kg)	1.7	110.33
Pepsi/Coke	2	130
12 Eggs	3.30	215
1.5 Litre Water Bottle	1.40	91

4. Transportation: When studying in Singapore, transportation will be an essential part of your daily life. You can travel either to the university from home or explore the city. The transportation system in Singapore comprises the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system and services provided by SBS Transit and SMRT. For short distances, you can use rental bikes, while for longer distances, buses and taxis are available. The table below shows the cost of transportation in Singapore:

Modes of Transport	Monthly Cost (SGD)	Monthly Cost (INR)
MRT & Bus Pass	128	8,317.44
Single MRT Ride	1 - 2.5	64.98 - 162.45
Bike Rentals	10 - 20	649.80 - 1,299.60
Ride Hailing (Grab, Gojek, TADA)	15 - 30	974 - 1950

5. Utilities: In addition to the expenses mentioned above, you will incur some other minor expenses. This includes water, electricity, internet, and mobile recharge. The cost of utilities is the smallest component of the cost of living in Singapore. The breakdown of utilities expenses is as follows:

Utility Name	Approx. Cost (SGD)	Approx. Cost (INR)
Electricity, heating, water, garbage	150 – 170	9745 – 11700
Gas (Cooking)	15 - 30	980 - 1950
Mobile Plan	20 – 50	1300 - 3250
Unlimited Internet Package	40 – 70	2600 – 4548

6. Miscellaneous Expenses: Miscellaneous expenses include expenses such as entertainment, parties, and any unforeseen emergencies. The cost for different miscellaneous expenses can be seen in the following table:

Expense Type	Average Cost (SGD)	Average Cost (INR)
Stationary	30 – 40	1950 – 2600
Movie Ticket	10 – 20	650 - 1300
Doctor’s Visit	65 – 75	4,224 – 4,874
Shopping	150 – 250	9,747 – 16,245
Gym Membership Fee	145 – 155	9,421 – 10,070

7. Health Insurance: To study in Singapore, international students are required to have health insurance. While Singapore residents receive it from their government, you must purchase it from a private health insurance provider. A typical health insurance in Singapore will cost you around SGD 80 – 250 per month.

Cost of living in Singapore vs India

Both Singapore and India offer excellent educational opportunities to ambitious students. However, they differ significantly in terms of living costs. This difference comes because of the world-class infrastructure and an excellent public transportation system. Let’s see the cost of everyday expenses in both countries:

Expense Name	Singapore (INR)	India (INR)
Rent (1 BHK)	1.62L – 2.6L	15K – 50K
Food and Groceries	13K – 26K	5K – 15K
Transportation (Taxi per km)	65 – 130	10 - 25
Utilities (Electricity, water, and monthly internet)	65 – 130	2,500 – 6,500
Miscellaneous (Gym, Movie ticket, monthly shopping)	19,750 – 27,500	6,700 – 20,500

Now you have understood the cost of living in Singapore. And we know what’s going on in your mind, that Singapore is too expensive to study abroad. However, you don’t need to worry, as there are many ways to reduce your living costs in Singapore, which are covered in the next section.

How to Reduce Living Costs in Singapore?

Here are the best actionable tips to reduce your living expenses in Singapore:

1. Consider living in shared accommodations.

2. Try to avoid eating out and cook at home as much as possible.

3. Use public transportation, such as trains and buses, instead of a car.

4. During leisure time, visit free parks, museums and libraries.

5. Turn off all appliances when not in use to save on utility bills.

Note: All costs in the blog are calculated based on the current exchange rate. It is advisable to check the rate at the time of application, as it is subject to change.

Conclusion

Understanding the cost of living in Singapore is the first step towards realising your dream of studying here. The most common expenses that you will pay for studying in Singapore are tuition fees, rent, food, transportation, and health insurance. By using the tips mentioned in the blog, you can save yourself from the financial burden. To sort out your finances for studying in Singapore, connect study abroad experts today.

FAQ

How much is income tax in Singapore?

The personal income tax rates in Singapore range from 0% to 24%.

How much is the monthly rent in Singapore?

The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Singapore ranges from SGD 3,400 to SGD 3,800 per month.

How much money is needed to live comfortably in Singapore?

A monthly income of SGD 5,000 to 7,500 is enough to live comfortably in Singapore.

How to save money in SG?

Here are the five best ways to save money in SG:

1. Cook meals at home
2. Use public transportation
3. Shop at local markets
4. Visit free places
5. Live in shared accommodation

Is it worth it to live in Singapore?

Living in Singapore allows you to experience a high-quality life, a safe environment, and multiculturalism.

Is Singapore expensive for Indians?

Land scarcity, costly transportation and high taxes make Singapore one of the most

What is the cost of living in Singapore for Indian students per month?

The average monthly cost of living in Singapore for Indian students is INR 1.81 lakhs to 3.56 lakhs.

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Table of Contents

Why Study in Singapore?

Cost of Living in Singapore

Why Singapore is Expensive?

Average Cost of Living in Singapore

Cost of living in Singapore vs India

How to Reduce Living Costs in Singapore?

Conclusion

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