Cost of Living

The standard of living in Singapore is amongst the highest in Asia. Compared to countries in western continents, the cost of living here is relatively low, and basic items like food and clothing are very reasonably priced.

When planning your budget, you will need to cater for these items:
Accommodation, Utilities, Food, Transport, Clothing, Telecommunications, Books & Stationery, Medical/Hospitalization Insurance, Personal Expenses

An international student in Singapore spends on average about S$750 to S$2,000 a month on living expenses. This amount of course, varies depending on your individual lifestyle and course of study.

These estimated cost ranges in the Table below gives a rough guide of the basic expenditure an international student may incur per month.

For more information on Singapore Education, click here.
     
   
Item Cost Per Month Remarks
Accommodation S$200 – S$1,500
 Rental varies with geographical area, type of accommodation, demand, facilities provided and the number of people sharing
Utilities S$50 to S$80
 Not applicable for boarding schools
Food S$300 – S$450 Based on S$10 – S$15 a day for 3 meals
Note: Included in boarding fees. Boarding Schools usually provide two meals a day, but not including in room rates. Halls of residence normally offer meals at extra charge.
Public Transport S$20 – S$100
 Varies with types of student concession pass
Telecommunications From S$30 Varies with usage and promotional packages subscribed
Books & Stationery S$30 – S$100
Varies with course
Medical Hospitalizatrion S$5 to S$8  
Personal Expenses S$100 – S$200 Varies with individual. Eg. Clothes, toiletries, entertainment, haircut and other miscellaneous
    Please note that the average estimates were derived based on prices as at April 2003 and they serve as a reference only