Thinking about living and working in Singapore as a single worker?
Welcome to one of the world’s cleanest, safest, and most exciting cities! But before you pack your bags, it’s smart to understand what life here will really cost you in 2025.
In this guide, we’ll break down the essentials — rent, food, transport, lifestyle — in simple language. Plus, we’ll sprinkle in real tips to help you survive (and thrive) without burning your wallet.
1. Housing Costs
Rent is your biggest expense as a single worker in Singapore.
- Room Rental in HDB flat (public housing): Around S$800 to S$1,200 monthly.
- Studio Apartment: From S$1,800 to S$2,500 monthly.
- Co-living Spaces: Popular with young expats, starting at S$1,200 monthly.
Special Tip: If you’re tight on budget, consider sharing a unit with others. Websites like 99.co have great listings for room rentals.
2. Food and Daily Essentials
Good news! You can eat well in Singapore without going broke.
- Hawker Centre Meal: S$4 to S$7 per meal.
- Mid-range Restaurant: Around S$20 to S$40 per meal.
- Groceries for a month: S$250 to S$400.
Special Tip:Hawker centres are not just cheap — they are delicious and part of Singapore’s culture! Try Maxwell Food Centre or Old Airport Road for the best local eats.
3. Transport Costs in Singapore
Getting around Singapore is affordable and efficient.
- MRT and Bus (Public Transport):Expect to spend about S$100 to S$150 monthly.
- Owning a Car: Super expensive! Just COE (Certificate of Entitlement) can cost over S$100,000
Special Tip:Use apps like Grab or Gojek for occasional rides. But mostly, stick to MRT and buses — they’re world-class!
4. Utilities and Mobile Plan
Keeping the lights on and staying connected won’t break the bank.
Utilities (Electricity, Water, Gas): Around S$100 to S$150 monthly for a room or small unit.
Mobile Plan:About S$10 to S$30 monthly for unlimited data plans.
Special Tip: Look for deals from companies like Giga and Heya — they often have awesome promotions for new users.
5. Lifestyle and Entertainment
You’ve got to live a little, right?
- Gym Membership: S$60 to S$150 monthly.
- Cinema Ticket: About S$10 to S$15.
- Weekend Fun (Clubbing, Bars): Depends, but a night out could easily hit S$100+.
Special Tip: Check out free activities like hiking at MacRitchie Reservoir or beach days at Sentosa to enjoy life without emptying your wallet.
6. Estimated Monthly Budget for a Single Worker (2025)
| Expenses Type | Estimate Monthly Cost (SGD) |
| Housing | S$800-S$1200 |
| Food | S$250-S$500 |
| Transport | S$100-S$150 |
| Utilities Bills + Mobile | S$100-S$190 |
| Lifestyle | S$200-S$300(Optional) |
Grand Total:
Expect to spend around S$1,400 to S$2,400 monthly, depending on your lifestyle choices.
First Thing First
Singapore is one of the best cities in the world for single workers, but it’s not cheap.
With smart planning and good choices, you can live comfortably while still saving money.