Living in Singapore

Singapore

Singapore slings and the Marina Bay Sands
Photo by Swapnil Bapat
88
Score

Singapore is a city where skyscrapers stand next to temples and busy street markets. It's clean, efficient, and safe, making it a great place to visit or live. With its fast internet, reliable public transport, and diverse food scene, it’s perfect for digital nomads. You'll find parks, busy shopping districts, and a mix of cultures that makes the city truly unique. And if you’re into nightlife, there’s plenty to keep you entertained, from rooftop bars to clubs.

The Good

  • 🎉 Good nightlife
  • 🤤 Great food options
  • 🍜 Streetfood
  • Coffee
  • 💼 Plenty of places to work
  • 👴 Strong ex-pat community
  • ☀️ Fantastic weather
  • 👮 Safe
  • 📡 Strong wifi coverage
  • 🚀 Fast wifi
  • 🚌 Good public transport
  • 🏛️ Architecture
  • 🛍️ Shopping
  • 🛏️ Amazing hotels

The Bad

  • 🤑 Expensive
  • 🏨 High cost of accomodation
  • 🚘 Traffic
  • 📸 Very Touristy
  • 🤼 Crowded

Living costs

Estimated Monthly Living Cost
Singapore
Cheapest () Costliest ()
Singapore
0%
cheaper than Singapore median
284th
Cheapest out of 291 RoamRank places
  • The average salary in Singapore is
  • It's about 62% more expensive to live in Singapore than it is Bangkok
  • You can expect to spend around $4,095.45 per month living here

Work

Internet
60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data
PAYG Sim Card
30 Day / Unlimited Data
Airalo eSim
Global eSims for Instant Connectivity
Buy
Coffee
Regular (8-10oz)
Co-Working Space
Per Month
--

Living

Apartment (1 bed)
Median Rent Per Month
Apartment (2 beds)
Median Rent Per Month
Airbnb (2 beds)
Median Rent Per Month
Utilities
Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage Collection Per Month
Water
0.33 liter bottle

Leisure

Meal
Cheap Restaurant
Meal for 2
Mid Range Restaurant
Local Beer
330ml Bottle
Cocktail
Standard Measure
Bottle of Wine
Mid range
Gym Membership
Per Month
Cigarettes
20 pack
Cinema
Admission Per Person
  • Prices are estimates and should be used as a guide only. We accept no responsibility for inaccuracies in data.
  • Prices adjusted to reflect exchange rates as of 3rd Jun 2026

Safety

Very Safe

Singapore has very low crime rates, strict laws, and a strong emphasis on public safety, making it extremely safe for visitors.

Where to stay

1. Bugis

Bugis is a central area with a mix of cultural attractions, shopping, and food options. It's well-connected with MRT stations, making it easy to travel around Singapore. The area also has lots of co-working spaces and cafes, which are ideal for working remotely

2. Orchard Road

Orchard Road is Singapore's main shopping and entertainment district. It’s a great spot if you fancy high-end shopping and dining. The area is well-connected by public transport, and you'll find loads of modern apartments and condos.

3. Holland Village

Holland Village is popular among expats and digital nomads for its chilled vibe and amazing food options. It's a great place to socialise and network, and it offers a mix of residential and commercial spaces. The area has solid transport links and a more relaxed atmosphere.

Where to eat

Nightlife

Transport

Mass Rapid Transit (MRT)

The most efficient way to travel around Singapore is by using the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system. The MRT network covers extensive areas across the island, linking major attractions, business districts, and residential neighbourhoods.

There are numerous stations located in the city center, with frequent trains allowing quick travel times. The system is known for its cleanliness, punctuality, and ease of use, making it ideal for both tourists and locals.

Bus

Singapore boasts a comprehensive bus network that complements the MRT system. Buses run frequently and serve nearly every part of the island, including areas that are not accessible by MRT. You can find bus stops conveniently located near major attractions and residential areas.

The bus fare system is affordable, and payments can be made via the EZ-Link card or cash for exact change. Additionally, using the MyTransport.sg app, you can track bus arrivals and plan your journeys more effectively.

Taxi

Taxis are readily available throughout Singapore, with multiple options for booking them. You can hail a taxi on the street or use designated taxi stands, especially in areas with high foot traffic.

While taxis can be more expensive than other forms of transport, they provide a convenient way to reach destinations not directly served by public transit. Note that surcharges may apply during peak hours or if you book a taxi via phone apps.

Ride-Hailing

Ride-hailing services such as Grab and Gojek operate widely in Singapore. These apps allow you to book rides conveniently from your smartphone, offering various vehicle types such as standard cars, premium options, or even shared rides.

Ride-hailing can be a more economical choice, especially if you are traveling in a group. Pricing can vary based on demand, so it's a good idea to compare fares before confirming your ride.

Bicycle and Walking

You can rent bikes through various bike-sharing programs available throughout the city.

Walking is another enjoyable way to explore Singapore, especially in areas like Marina Bay and Orchard Road, where pedestrian paths are well-maintained and lined with shops, restaurants, and attractions.

Boat Services

For a unique experience, consider using the Singapore River's boat services. The Singapore River Cruise offers a scenic way to travel while enjoying views of the city's skyline and heritage buildings along the river.

This form of transport is not only a means of getting from point A to B but also a tourist experience in itself, perfect for sightseeing enthusiasts.

Ride hailing apps

The must have ride hailing apps to ensure you can get from A to B

Internet speed

Good

Download
91Mbps
Upload
18.3Mbps
Latency
28.1ms
Select a tile
Click a tile to see median wifi speed data for that area. Speeds are shown in Mbps.
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Time difference

Singapore

When to visit

Current weather
The weather in June is hot with temperatures around 32°
Best time to visit

Feb to April and July to Sept

February to April generally has a little less rainfall compared to other times of the year, with relatively cooler and drier conditions. It’s a good time for cultural events like the Chingay Parade, a colorful street parade held during Chinese New Year, and the Singapore International Festival of Arts. the cooler temperatures and less humidity make outdoor activities more pleasant. It’s also a bit less crowded compared to peak holiday seasons. July to September is typically warm and humid, but this is also when there is less rainfall and more sunshine.
Worst time to visit

Nov to Jan

November to January is the peak of the Northeast Monsoon season, which brings heavy rainfall and high humidity. While there are festive events like Christmas and New Year celebrations, the weather can be quite challenging.

Average temperatures

31°
31°
32°
32°
32°
32°
31°
31°
31°
32°
31°
31°
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Who it suits

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