Cost of Living in Singapore for an Indian Family (2024)
Planning to move to Singapore with your family? Get ready for a high but manageable cost of living. For an Indian family of four, monthly expenses (excluding rent) range from S$4,700 to S$6,000. Housing is the biggest chunk, followed by groceries, transport, utilities, and healthcare. Entertainment, schooling, and lifestyle choices also impact your budget. With smart planning—like choosing budget accommodations, cooking at home, and using public transport—you can save significantly. Stay financially ready and consider tools like the Niyo card to simplify your spending abroad.
Are you and your family planning to move to Singapore? Want to get an estimate of the cost of living in Singapore for an Indian? funds wisely. Focusing on the cost of living for an Indian family, as discussed above, Singapore will be a bit costly compared to others.
An overview
The estimated cost of living in Singapore for an Indian family, without rent, has increased slightly in 2024, ranging from S$4,700 – S$6,000 SGD per month for a family of four. This increase reflects rising inflation and potential shifts in some categories.
| Factors | Average Cost per month in SGD | Average Cost per month in INR |
|---|---|---|
| Rented Accommodation | 950 – 2,700 | 58,570.92 – 1,66,464.73 |
| Food and Groceries | 250 – 400 | 18,848.21 |
| Transportation | 110 – 130 per person | 6,808.51 – 8,046.42 |
| Entertainment | 250 per person | 15,471.31 |
Let’s explore the points mentioned above in depth. It will give you better clarity about the Singapore living cost for an Indian family.
Accommodation expenses in Singapore
Living expenses in Singapore for an Indian family can be significant, with a large portion dedicated to accommodation. Whether you choose to rent or buy, the cost will vary based on several factors like property type, location, and amenities.
| Type of Accommodation | Average Rent per month in SGD | Average Rent per month in INR |
|---|---|---|
| HDB flat (shared) or condo apartment | 940 – 2,700 | 58,570.92 – 1,66,464.73 |
| Studio apartment | 2,018 – 6,054 | 1,24,884.43 – 3,74,653.30 |
HDB flats: These remain a budget-friendly option for families, offering various sizes and amenities. Be sure to factor in potential wait times for public housing applications.
Condo apartments: These offer additional amenities like gyms, pools, and security, but come at a premium cost.
Studio apartments: Ideal for solo individuals or couples, studios provide a compact living space at a lower price point.
Buying a property:
| Type of Accommodation | Average Rent in SGD | Average Rent in INR |
|---|---|---|
| Resale property | 6,73,000 – 40,40,000 | 4,14,92,603.60 – 24,90,78,928 |
| Private property | 18,00,000 and above | 11,09,75,760 and above |
For a family shifting newly, living expenses in Singapore for Indians in terms of accommodation, buying a property will be costly initially. Buy only if you are financially sound and can handle a high expense initially.
Apart from the type of accommodation you choose, Singapore living cost for Indians also depends upon the area you are living in.
| Type of Area | Monthly Rent in SGD | Monthly Rent in INR |
|---|---|---|
| Normal Area (900 sqft) | 5,495 | 3,38,784.33 |
| Expensive Area (900 sqft) | 6,695 | 4,12,768.17 |
Food and groceries in Singapore for an Indian family
Food and groceries remain an essential factor for life in Singapore for an Indian family, with accessibility to familiar ingredients playing a crucial role. While Singaporean cuisine offers its own unique delights, it’s always helpful to have access to familiar spices, staples, and flavours.
Here’s an updated estimate of the cost of some basic food and beverage items in Singapore for 2024:
| Grocery Item | Cost in SGD | Cost in INR |
|---|---|---|
| Milk regular (1 litre) | 4.57 | 281.76 |
| 1 Kg Local Cheese | 24.48 | 1,509.27 |
| Loaf of fresh white bread | 2.80 | 172.63 |
| Rice (white) 1kg | 3.39 | 209.00 |
| 12 Eggs (Regular) | 4.38 | 270.04 |
| Apples (1kg) | 5.60 | 345.26 |
| Oranges (1kg) | 5.29 | 326.15 |
| Bananas (1kg) | 4.13 | 254.63 |
| Tomatoes (1Kg) | 3.76 | 231.82 |
Singapore also has some grocery stores which carry Indian foods. These stores will make living in Singapore for Indians a bit more comfortable.
Transportation cost in Singapore
Your living expenses in Singapore will include transportation, regardless of occupation or activity. Choosing the right mode can significantly impact your budget and lifestyle. Here’s a breakdown of current transport costs in Singapore:
| Mode of Transportation | Ticket Cost per person in SGD | Ticket Cost per person in INR |
|---|---|---|
| Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI 150 CV (or equivalent), with no extras | 179,900.00 | 1,10,91,410.68 |
| Monthly pass for public transport | 128.00 | 7,891.61 |
| 1 litre (1/4 gallon) gas | 2.82 | 173.86 |
| Taxi 1 km normal tariff | 1.05 | 64.74 |
| One-way ticket (local transport) | 2.00 | 123.31 |
Young people or students can opt taking a bus or a public transport vehicle or simply cycling around the city. It will save you money and will also help maintain a healthy physique. Moreover, picking accommodation near your job or university will make living in Singapore for Indians pocket-friendly.
Household bills for a family in Singapore
Now let’s look at the essential utilities required for a comfortable life in Singapore for Indians—electricity, cooling, heating, water, garbage, TV, insurance, WiFi, etc. These household bills are a significant element of the cost of living. In the case of rental accommodations, some of these costs might be included in their rental agreement, while others might not. So here is the average cost of expenses in Singapore for an Indian family.
| Bills | Average Cost per Month in SGD | Average Cost per Month in INR |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity, cooling, heating, water, garbage | 204.46 | 12,605.61 |
| Unlimited internet package | 46.45 | 2,863.79 |
| Mobile phone plan with calls and 10GB+ data | 24.48 | 1,509.27 |
Entertainment expenses in Singapore
Life isn’t just about the daily grind; it’s about carving out time for yourself, nurturing your inner spark, and fostering meaningful social connections. Just like your body needs food, your soul craves entertainment and experiences. So here are the costs of some typical entertainment options for Indians to have a fulfilling life in Singapore in 2024.
| Entertainment Options | Average Cost in SGD | Average Cost in INR |
|---|---|---|
| Cinema, 1 seat | 15 | 924.80 |
| 1-month gym membership | 135 | 8,323.18 |
| 3-course meal in a mid-range restaurant for two people | 100 | 6,165.32 |
| Dinner for two at an Italian restaurant | 148 | 9,124.67 |
| Cappuccino in expat area of the city | 7 | 431.57 |
| 1 beer in a neighborhood pub (500 ml or 1 pt) | 12 | 739.84 |
| 1-hour rent for a tennis court | 14 | 879.58 |
Health and insurance in Singapore
Singapore boasts a top-notch healthcare system, and permanent residents may qualify for government-backed health insurance. However, for comprehensive coverage, private health insurance remains advisable. A basic medical checkup can cost around 50 SGD.
1. Public healthcare system
The public healthcare system rests on three pillars: Medishield, Medisave, and Medifund. Medisave, partially funded by employees’ monthly wages (8-10.5%), covers routine and basic healthcare needs. Medishield provides financial support for critical treatments and hefty medical bills.
2. Health card
To acquire a health card, head to the Residential Affairs Division at your nearest City Office or Ward Office. The premium amount depends on your age and previous year’s income.
3. Health benefits plan
The Essential Benefits Plan (EBP) caters to low-income individuals and those without employment. It ensures access to basic health insurance coverage at subsidized rates, guaranteeing necessary healthcare services for all Singaporean residents.
Healthcare service costs
Here’s a breakdown of typical healthcare costs in Singapore (as of 2024):
Short private doctor visit (15 mins): $30 - $55 (average)
Cold medicine (6 days): 13 SGD
Antibiotics (1 box, 12 doses): 20 SGD
Miscellaneous costs for a family in Singapore
So far, we’ve covered some essential living expenses in Singapore for Indians. However, individual family spending can vary. Additionally, smaller, occasional expenses like shopping, stationery, books, personal care items, and medicines come into play. The table below outlines the average costs for these miscellaneous items in 2024:
| Miscellaneous Item | Average Cost in SGD | Average Cost in INR |
|---|---|---|
| Shopping | 160 – 270 | 9,864.51 – 16,646.36 |
| Cold medicine for 6 days (Tylenol, Frenadol, Coldrex, or equivalent brands) | 13 | 801.49 |
| 4 rolls of toilet paper | 5 | 308.27 |
| Books & stationery | 32 | 1,972.90 |
The average cost mentioned above for books and stationery is the average cost of living in Singapore for an Indian bachelor. The books required other than those provided by the university.
Tips to reduce expenses in Singapore for families
Living in Singapore, even as a student, can be quite expensive. However, with smart planning and a few lifestyle adjustments, you can drastically reduce your expenses and make the most of your experience. Here are some tips to help you save money:
1. Accommodation
- Shared housing: Opt for student halls, co-living spaces, or shared apartments to significantly reduce your rent compared to living alone. Explore options like Homestay or local house shares to experience the culture while saving.
- Location: Consider living in less central areas where rent is generally cheaper. Public transportation in Singapore is excellent, so commute times won’t be too long.
- Utilize your student status: Look for student discounts on housing options offered by private landlords.
2. Food & groceries
- Hawker centers: These open-air food courts offer a wide variety of delicious and affordable local dishes. You can easily find meals for under S$5.
- Cook at home: Grocery shopping at supermarkets or wet markets can be cheaper than eating out regularly. Plan your meals and cook in shared kitchens to save money.
- Supermarket deals: Look for promotions and weekly discounts offered by supermarkets. Buy in bulk if you have storage space to share with roommates.
3. Transportation
- Public transport: Singapore’s extensive MRT network and bus system are efficient and affordable. Consider getting a student travel pass for discounted fares.
- Cycling: Renting a bicycle is a healthy and cost-effective way to get around, especially for shorter distances.
- Walking: Explore your surroundings on foot whenever possible. It’s a great way to see the city and stay active.
4. Entertainment & leisure
- Free activities: There are many free events and activities happening in Singapore, from cultural performances to museum visits. Check out online guides and community calendars.
- Student discounts: Take advantage of student discounts offered at cinemas, attractions, and entertainment venues.
- Nature getaways: Singapore has beautiful parks and nature reserves perfect for picnics, hikes, and relaxing escapes. Spending time outdoors is often free and refreshing.
5. Other tips
- Second-hand goods: Consider buying used textbooks, furniture, and clothes from flea markets or online platforms like Carousell.
- Phone plans: Choose a mobile plan with adequate data and call minutes to avoid exceeding your budget.
- Reduce unnecessary expenses: Track your spending and identify areas where you can cut back, like impulse purchases or subscriptions you don’t use.
- Work opportunities: Look for part-time student jobs to earn extra income and gain valuable experience.
By following these tips, you can significantly reduce your expenses in Singapore and enjoy your student life without breaking the bank. Remember, living frugally doesn’t mean sacrificing fun – be creative and resourceful, and you’ll discover the many affordable ways to experience the best of Singapore.
Conclusion
If you plan to relocate with your family in 2024, keep in mind that expenses can fluctuate due to inflation and other economic factors. Therefore, determining potential increases is essential when calculating your budget. Remember to adjust the average costs based on the number of family members and your desired lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
