Singapore offers wonderful compensation packages to foreign workers making it as one of the top destinations of OFWs. Hence, OFWGuide provides you updated information on the costs of commodities and other expenses in Singapore. Come and take a peek to know how far can your Singapore dollar take you and how much can you send for your family back in the Philippines.

Housing in Singapore

There is a full range of accommodation available in Singapore to suit most budgets. As a matter of fact, the Singaporean government built the Housing Development Board Flats (HBD) available for renting that is relatively more affordable than privately owned apartments. A typical HBD four-bedroom flat may be rented at around SGD2,400 to SGD3,000 per month. 

Another factor that affects the cost of housing is the proximity of the units to the Central Area or Central Business District (CBD) and the availability of amenities. Generally, most of the accommodations are fully furnished condominiums with facilities such as swimming pool and gymnasium. 

• One-bedroom apartment in CDB              SGD2,500 to SGD4,200
• One-bedroom apartment outside CBD       SGD1,500 to SGD3,000
• Three-bedroom apartment in CBD            SGD4,000 to SGD8,000
• Three-bedroom apartment outside CBD     SGD2,600 to SGD5,000

Be careful with dealings though. Number of rooms stated in ads usually includes the living room and the kitchen. Make sure to ask the owner or agent just to be clear what “rooms” are included. Some OFWs also shared that there are packages that goes like this: 4 rooms + 1. Plus one may mean a small room or a study room.

Transportation 

Public transportation in Singapore is very convenient that owning a car is almost not necessary. Trains, buses and taxis are among the popular modes of transportation in this country.  

• One-way Ticket (Local Transport)        SGD1.30 to SGD2.00
• Monthly Pass (Regular Price)                SGD68 to SGD150
• Taxi Flag-down rate                           SGD3.30 to SGD3.40
• Taxi 1 km (normal tariff)                      SGD.55 to SGD1.00
• Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)         SGD15.00 to SGD 24.00
• Gasoline (1 liter)                                SGD2.00 to 2.30

Water

Latest water cost in Singapore is SGD1.52 per cubic meter if the consumption is ranging from 1 to 40 cubic meters while water consumption above 40 cubic meters costs SGD2.03 per cubic meter.

Restaurant

Should a foreign worker wish to treat himself or his friends for a job well done or for a day's hard work, here are the average and approximate price range of foods in restaurants around the Lion City: 

• Combo Meal at McDonalds or similar         SGD6.00 to SGD8.00
• Meal, inexpensive restaurant                  SGD6.00 to SGD15.00
• Meal for 2, mid-range restaurant             GD37.80 to SGD70.00

Foods/Beverages

Oh, well, alcohol in Singapore is very expensive but supermarkets offer cheaper goods and foods.

• White rice (1kg)                                   SGD2.00 to 5.00
• Bread Loaf (500g)                                 SGD1.70 to SGD2.50
• Eggs (1 dozen)                                     SGD2.00 to SGD3.00
• Chicken breast (boneless, 1kg)                SGD7.00 to SGD12.00
• Water (1.5 L)                                       SGD1.40 to SGD2.00
• Domestic beer (.5 L)                              SGD4.00 to SGD8.00
• Imported beer (.33 L)                             SGD4.00 to SGD7.00
• Apples (1kg)                                         SGD3.00 to SGD5.00
• Oranges (1 kg)                                      SGD2.65 to SGD5.00
• Tomatoes (1 kg)                                    SGD2.00 to SGD5.00
• Potatoes (1 kg)                                     SGD2.00 to SGD4.00
• Milk (regular, 1 L)                                  SGD2.50 to SGD3.37

Miscellaneous 

• High Speed Internet SGD50.00 to SGD56.00
• One minute of Prepaid Mobile Tariff SGD.15 to SGD.21

As with other countries, Singapore has variety of choices and prices. More than anybody else, it is you who knows how to manage your hard-earned financial resources. As an expatriate, it is your call whether to live a luxurious or inexpensive life in the Lion City. 

Ready to continue realizing your career goals into reality in SIngapore?  Here are the latest jobs available.  Should you find this awesome, kindly share this to your friends.  TY!