Singapore Cost of Living Analytics

Living expenses and utilities

Basic Utilities (85m²)

$164

Monthly utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for 85m² apartment

Mobile Phone Plan

$16

Mobile phone monthly plan with calls and 10GB+ data

Internet (60 Mbps)

$35

Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data) monthly cost

Average Monthly Salary

$4,791

Average monthly net salary after tax

Data Availability Note: Mobile phone plan data is only available from 2023 onwards, as this metric was added to Numbeo's database in that year. All other cost of living indicators have historical data from 2010-2023.

Basic Utilities (85m²)

Monthly utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for 85m² apartment

Mobile Phone Plan

Mobile phone monthly plan with calls and 10GB+ data

Internet (60 Mbps)

Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data) monthly cost

Average Monthly Salary

Average monthly net salary after tax

Additional Insights

Expert analysis of Singapore Cost of Living trends and investment implications

Market Overview

Singapore's cost of living for expats and remote workers is high, with utilities and internet costs significantly impacting monthly budgets. While the city offers excellent infrastructure for digital nomads, affordability remains a challenge as salaries have not kept pace with rising living costs, necessitating strategic budgeting for expats and investors.

Key Findings

Data-driven insights

•Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) cost approximately $272 per month for a standard apartment.
•High-speed internet averages $50 per month, with mobile plans costing around $30 monthly.
•The average salary in Singapore is about $4,500, with approximately 8% allocated to utilities and connectivity.
•Utilities and internet costs have increased by an average of 3% annually, outpacing salary growth of 2.2% over the last decade.

Market Trends

Historical patterns

•Utilities and internet costs have risen consistently, with a notable spike in the 2000s due to infrastructure upgrades.
•Salaries have not kept up with inflation, leading to decreased affordability in recent decades.
•Mobile and internet connectivity costs have plateaued recently, but utilities continue to rise, impacting overall living costs.

For Investors

Actionable takeaways

•Expats should budget approximately $350 monthly for utilities and connectivity, accounting for potential increases.
•With utility costs consuming a growing percentage of salaries, investors should consider properties with energy-efficient features.
•Digital nomads find Singapore's internet reliable but expensive; co-working spaces might offer better value.
•Affordability challenges suggest a potential rental market among expats seeking cost-effective housing solutions.

Market Context

Compared to Hong Kong and Tokyo, Singapore's living costs, particularly utilities, are higher relative to average salaries. While Singapore offers superior infrastructure, its affordability is lower, presenting both challenges and opportunities for investors targeting expats and digital nomads.

💡 Insights based on historical data. Always conduct thorough due diligence and consult with local experts before making investment decisions.