Cost of Living in Singapore

Singapore's public transport system is among the world's best: clean, air-conditioned, punctual, and remarkably affordable. The MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) network covers most of the island across six lines, with trains running from approximately 5:30am to midnight. A single MRT ride costs S$0.83-$1.95 ($0.62-$1.46) depending on distance when using an EZ-Link card or SimplyGo-enabled payment method. Buses complement the MRT and reach areas the train does not, with fares ranging from S$0.73-$1.66 ($0.55-$1.25) per trip. There is no monthly unlimited pass in the traditional sense, but most regular commuters spend S$80-$120/month ($60-$90) on public transport. An EZ-Link card costs S$12 ($9) with S$7 ($5.25) in stored value, and can be purchased at any MRT station. As of June 2025, older EZ-Link cards without SimplyGo compatibility are no longer accepted, so make sure you get a current card or simply use contactless credit/debit cards, Apple Pay, or Google Pay directly at the fare gates — all major international cards work via SimplyGo.

Singapore consistently ranks among the top three countries globally for internet speed, and digital nomads will find connectivity to be one of the city's strongest selling points. Average fixed broadband speeds exceed 300 Mbps, with most residential plans offering 1 Gbps as the baseline. Major ISPs — Singtel, StarHub, M1, and MyRepublic — compete aggressively, with 1 Gbps plans starting at S$40-$50/month ($30-$37.50) and 2 Gbps plans at S$50-$57/month ($37.50-$43). If you are renting a room, broadband is usually included or shared with flatmates. Mobile internet is equally excellent: average 5G download speeds exceed 200 Mbps, and 4G coverage blankets the entire island including MRT tunnels. For a prepaid SIM card, M1 offers 100 GB for 7 days at S$12 ($9) and 150 GB for 30 days at S$30 ($22.50). StarHub has 100 GB for 10 days at S$12 ($9). Singtel's 5G tourist SIM provides 120 GB for 30 days at S$70 ($52.50). Buy SIM cards at phone shops in the city rather than at Changi Airport, where the same plans cost significantly more. Free public WiFi (Wireless@SG) is available across most malls, libraries, MRT stations, and government buildings, though speeds vary and it requires registration.

Singapore's healthcare system is world-class, consistently ranked among the top globally, but for non-residents and visitors without Permanent Resident status, costs can be substantial since government subsidies do not apply. A visit to a private GP clinic for a routine consultation (common cold, minor ailment) costs S$50-$125 ($37.50-$94) including basic medication. Government polyclinics, which are Singapore's subsidized primary care network, charge non-residents S$47.25 ($35.45) per consultation — less than private clinics but with longer wait times. Dental care is expensive: a routine cleaning runs S$100-$200 ($75-$150), and a filling costs S$80-$250 ($60-$188). Specialist consultations at private hospitals like Mount Elizabeth, Gleneagles, or Raffles Hospital cost S$150-$400+ ($113-$300+) per visit. Emergency department visits start at S$100-$200 ($75-$150) just for triage, with total bills escalating rapidly if tests or procedures are needed. A private hospital stay runs S$1,000-$3,000/day ($750-$2,250), which is why health insurance is not optional. Pharmacies like Guardian and Watsons are everywhere and carry a wide range of over-the-counter medications, including brands familiar to Western travelers. Singapore does not require a prescription for some medications that would need one elsewhere, though controlled substances are strictly regulated.

Singapore does not offer a dedicated digital nomad visa, which is the city's biggest practical limitation for remote workers. Most passport holders receive a 30-90 day Short-Term Visit Pass (STVP) on arrival, which technically permits you to stay but not to work for a Singapore-based employer. Working remotely for a foreign employer or on your own business from Singapore exists in a legal gray area — enforcement is essentially nonexistent for short stays, but you should not openly advertise yourself as working in Singapore without a work pass. For longer stays, the Overseas Networks and Expertise Pass (ONE Pass) is a 5-year work permit for top-tier professionals earning at least S$30,000/month ($22,500), and the Tech.Pass targets technology entrepreneurs. Neither is realistic for typical nomads. The most common strategy is doing visa runs to Malaysia (Johor Bahru is a 30-minute bus ride from Singapore), Indonesia (Batam is a 45-minute ferry), or flying to nearby countries, then returning for a fresh STVP. Some nomads alternate 2-3 months in Singapore with time in cheaper neighbors like Kuala Lumpur or Bangkok.