Skyline of Singapore
Cost of Living: 120 5,918,000

Singapore, Singapore

A dazzling city-state and global financial hub where futuristic architecture meets lush gardens, world-class dining, and multicultural heritage.

Updated August 11, 2026
Cost of Living 120

Above Average vs Singapore Avg (100)

Housing Index 150

Above Average

Median Income S$70,000

Household income

Unemployment 3.5%

Job market health

Singapore vs Singapore Average

Cost of Living
Singapore: 120
Singapore Avg: 100
Housing Index
Singapore: 150
Singapore Avg: 100
State Income Tax
Singapore: 22%

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 22.0%
  • Sales Tax: 9.0%

Economy & Jobs

  • Median Income: S$70,000
  • Unemployment: 3.5%
  • Population: 5,918,000

Climate

  • Sunny Days: 180/year
  • Summer High: 91°F
  • Winter Low: 76°F
  • Farming Zone: USDA Zone 8a

Housing

  • Median Home: S$1,500,000
  • 1BR Rent: S$3500/mo

Cost of Living

Singapore's cost of living index is 120 (Singapore average = 100).

CategorySingaporeNational AverageDifference
Overall120100+20.0%
Housing150100+50.0%

Data source: Singapore Department of Statistics / Numbeo, 2026

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home PriceS$1,500,000
Median Rent (1BR)S$3500/mo
Median Rent (2BR)S$4,375/mo
Price per Sq FtS$1,000

Data source: URA / 99.co / PropertyGuru, 2026

True Cost of Home Ownership

True Cost of Home Ownership

See what you'll really pay over 30 years

S$
%
$90,000 down
%
%
S$

Utilities

Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Singapore:

UtilityEstimated Monthly CostNotes
ElectricityS$120
Heating & CoolingN/AEstimated based on local climate.
Cooling (AC)S$226Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates
WaterS$50Includes sewer
Internet (100+ Mbps)S$40Broadband average
Garbage / TrashIncluded in taxesMunicipal service (covered by property taxes)
Total UtilitiesS$436Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling)

Data sources: EMA, SP Group, Singtel 2025

Remote Work Score

Singapore scores —/100 for remote work readiness:

Cost of Living
120
Rent
S$3500
Sunny Days
180
Tax
22%
Unemployment
3.5%
Climate
91°F / 76°F
Safety
0.2 homicides/100k
Population
5,918,000
Internet Speed
300 Mbps

Climate

Singapore has a varied climate with distinct seasons.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainfall
January96°F76°F2.5"
April76°F91°F2.8"
July91°F66°F1.5"
October71°F94°F2.2"
USDA Zone 8a

Warm — citrus, avocados, tomatoes, peppers

Natural Hazards

Singapore faces the following natural hazards:

Heat Wave High Risk

Tropical heat year-round.

Flood Moderate Risk

Flash floods during monsoon.

Haze Moderate Risk

Transboundary haze from forest fires.

Typhoon Moderate Risk

Moderate typhoon risk.

Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 22%
  • Sales Tax: 9%
  • Property Tax: ~0.2% of assessed value

Economy & Jobs

Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 3.5%.

Schools & Education

Total Schools

Academic Schedule

School Hours 7:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Academic Year January to November/December
Term System Semester — Term 1 (Jan-Mar), Term 2 (Mar-May), Term 3 (Jun-Sep), Term 4 (Sep-Nov)
Summer Break November to December (6 weeks)
Winter Break March (1 week)
Spring Break June (4 weeks)

Year-end break is the longest. September break (1 week).

Universities & Higher Education

4
Universities
#820
Top University Rank
Top-Ranked University National University of

Data source: Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) & World Universities Database

Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Singapore, Singapore?

The cost of living index in Singapore is 120, which is Higher the Singapore national average of 100.

How much does it cost to buy a home in Singapore?

The median home price in Singapore is S$1,500,000. The housing index is 150.

What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Singapore is approximately S$3500/mo.

Does Singapore, SG have income tax?

Singapore is in SG, which has an income tax rate of 22%.

What is the climate like in Singapore?

Singapore enjoys approximately 180 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 91°F, while winter lows can drop to around 76°F.

Data Sources

  • Cost of Living: Singapore Department of Statistics / Numbeo, 2026
  • Housing Data: URA / 99.co / PropertyGuru, 2026
  • Income & Employment: Ministry of Manpower Labour Force Survey, 2024
  • Utilities EMA, SP Group, Singtel 2025

Data last updated: August 12, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.