Cost of living in Singapore

Estimated Cost Living in Singapore
Singapore is the preferred choice for the settlers owing to its high-quality infrastructure, health facilities and first-world environs. Singapore has holds great reputation among of the costliest destinations in Asia, preceded only by Tokyo, Seoul and Hong Kong. The quality of life is good as this chic metropolis offers you the best convenience in entire South-east Asia. Whether you intend to stay and study in Singapore or plan to settle down in this cosmopolitan country, it is always prudent to do an intensive research on the cost of living at-Singapore.
Before you venture out on living in Singapore, getting to know the lifestyle trends and living standard will certainly prove useful. Estimated cost of living ranging from food and accommodation to transportation and clothing is a common worry for the expatriates.
Instead of being perturbed by the thought of costly, frugal living, be better informed about expenses in Singapore and do not leave much to chance. Following are some useful information on various costs that may incur while have planning to live in Singapore.


Transportation in Singapore
Owning a private vehicle is not advisable in Singapore unless you are complacent about your financial status. The monthly cost of a new low-range and mid-range vehicle in Singapore will make your wallet lighter by S$1000 - S$1300. If you do not nurture the idea of owning a private vehicle, you are somewhat wiser than others as the public transport network in Singapore is undoubtedly one of the best in Asia. Your bus fare would range from S$0.71 to S$1.80 per trip depending on the distance you travel, while the Singapore MRT Train tickets cost from S$1 to S$1.79. A Singapore transport rebate of 40 cents per trip (for adults) can be availed if you are an ez-link card holder.


Education Cost in Singapore
Studying in Singapore is not exactly a costly affair as there are a number of state-run or aided schools. These schools are cheaper than their international counterparts. The annual fee may range between S$3500 and S$15000. When it comes to buying books and stationery, be prepared to shed between S$30 and S$100, depending on the course of studies. The state-sponsored colleges and universities in Singapore are also more economical than the private ones.

Accommodation in Singapore
The sky-rocketing real estate has been the cause of worry for both the natives and the migrants in Singapore, nonetheless, post-recessive situation has become more buyer friendly. Imbalance of supply and demand has reduced to a good extent giving much relief to the people. If you wish to rent an apartment in the middle of the city, expect to shell out anywhere between S$550 and S$700 depending on facilities and location you choose. While a three-bedroom condo comes for S$2000 – S$4000, the monthly rent of a four-bedroom house with swimming pool can be anywhere between S$10,000 and S$25,000. If you do not wish to spend much on accommodation then rented rooms close to the city center, which may cost you around S$600, is a fair idea.

Food and Health Care Cost in Singapore
Singapore is very passionate about its cuisine and if you make it a habit to dine out at any of the food courts or hawker centers, it will be a low-key affair. A sumptuous meal at most food courts will cost you S$3 on an average. If you prefer home-cooked meal you need to be calculative about the grocery items you buy. The supermarkets in Singapore can be expensive. Vegetables like cabbage, carrots, horseradish and ginger are available at a more economical rate as also tea, coffee, nuts and red beans are available for a cheap bargain. In a nutshell, you can enjoy a moderate dining experience in this modern city for less than S$300 a month.

Healthcare

Singapore is not hard on people seeking medical treatment as there are polyclinics at every nook and corner of the country. These state-run medical centers render quality healthcare. The clinics can be spotted in most housing estates and town centers where consultation will cost you anywhere between S$10 and S$20 depending on the type of ailment and treatment given. On an average, your weekly medicine bill can come to S$10, so there is not much to think about budget constraints.

Clothing
Costly apparels and high range of accessories may be the major contributors that augment the cost of living in Singapore. Although you find night markets and hawkers selling cheap items, you have to buy in bulk to avail discounts. Even locally made dress items are quite expensive. This fashionable country houses host of apparel stores selling imported and branded clothes with prices tagged in higher range. Since small jewelries are pricey, it is recommended to get them directly from manufacturers in nearby districts. Shopping for clothing and wares could cost you around S$300 a month.


Recreation in Singapore
You get the liberty of indulging in recreational activities in this upward country without straining your budget. Dancing your time away in the nightclubs will cost you around S$25, while a jug of larger beer will come for S$30 - S$40 in most pubs. Watching movies in the mutiplexes is a pretty affordable bargain as tickets are priced at S$8 and S$10 on weekdays and weekends, respectively. You get your favorite hot dogs, nachos and other snacks in the theater for as low as S$6.


Having said all these, cost of living in Singapore really depends on how you really live and how you employ your money in various things over a period of time.