💰 Cost Calculator
Estimate your monthly expenses in Singapore to plan your budget
Estimated Monthly Expenses
📋 Relocation Guide
Essential steps to start your life in Singapore
Visa Requirements
- Employment Pass: For professionals with job offers earning at least S$5,600 (as of 2023)
- S Pass: For mid-skilled workers earning at least S$2,500 (as of 2023)
- EntrePass: For entrepreneurs looking to start a business
- Long Term Visit Pass: For family members of Singapore citizens/PRs
Setting Up Essentials
- Bank Account: Need to be physically present to open; bring passport and employment documents.
- EZ-Link/NETS FlashPay Card: For public transport and small purchases.
- Mobile Plan: Singtel, StarHub, and M1 offer various plans; prepaid is available for short-term stays.
- Health Insurance: Consider private insurance for additional coverage beyond basic Medishield Life.
Getting Around
- Public Transport: MRT (subway) and buses are efficient and affordable
- Taxi/Rideshare: Grab is widely used; taxis are metered
- Transport Card: EZ-Link is the most common; can be used for MRT, buses, and retail purchases
🏠 Housing in Singapore
Options for accommodation as a newcomer
Types of Accommodation
HDB Flats (Public Housing)
Government-subsidized housing that makes up about 80% of Singapore's residential landscape. Foreigners can purchase resale HDB flats under certain conditions if they have Employment Pass or S Pass.
- Rental: Monthly costs range from S$700-S$2,500 depending on size and location
- Eligibility: PRs and citizens can purchase; some passes allow rental
Private Condominiums
More expensive but offer facilities like gyms, pools, and security. Rental costs range from S$1,800-S$6,000+ monthly.
- Facilities: Swimming pools, gyms, tennis courts, security
- Location: Often in prime locations but more expensive
Executive Condominiums
Hybrid between HDB and private condos. More affordable than private condos but with restrictions.
- Price: Between HDB and private condo prices
- Eligibility: Singapore citizens only initially
Popular Areas for Expats
- Central District: Orchard, River Valley, Holland Village (expensive but convenient)
- East: Marine Parade, Katong, Joo Chiat (mature neighborhood with good food)
- West: Buangkok, Tampines (more affordable, newer towns)
Tips for Finding Housing
- Start looking early - good properties get snapped up quickly
- Use local platforms like PropertyGuru, 99.co, or RentFriend
- Consider location near MRT stations for convenience
- Factor in additional costs like renovation, furniture, and deposits
📱 Essential Apps for Singapore
Apps to make your life easier in Singapore
Transportation
SG Traffic
Real-time traffic information from LTA
MyTransport.SG
Official transport app with bus arrival times, parking information, and ERP charges
Grab
Popular ridesharing and delivery service
Food & Groceries
Deliveroo/GrabFood/Foodpanda
Food delivery from restaurants
RedMart/FairPrice Xpress
Grocery delivery from local supermarkets
HungryGoWhere
Discover local food options and deals
Banking & Finance
PayNow
Instant bank transfers using mobile numbers or NRIC
MyInfo
Government service to share personal info securely with participating organizations
General Utilities
SGWeather
Official weather information from NEA
National Library
Access to digital resources from NLB
OneService
Report municipal issues like fallen trees or faulty street lights