Cost of Living in Singapore for Australian Families

Updated January 2026

The cost of living is one of many factors Australian families consider when planning an international move. Knowing what to expect when moving to Singapore for accommodation, food, transportation, school tuition and other expenses can help alleviate uncertainty, making it easier to budget and plan for your family’s future in Singapore.

Overview

Singapore consistently ranks among the world’s most expensive cities. For Australian parents considering Singapore, costs vary significantly depending on which Australian city you’re relocating from and your lifestyle choices.

Based on current data, a family of four in Singapore typically spends SGD 6,000 to SGD 12,000 per month, covering rent, utilities, food, transportation, and education. Single professionals spend approximately SGD 3,500 to SGD 6,000 monthly including rent.

Rental costs are higher in Singapore than most Australian cities except Sydney. Groceries are comparable, though imported Western products cost more. Public transport is significantly cheaper than Australia. International school fees represent the largest additional expense for families, often exceeding housing costs.

Singapore Work Permits for Australians

Many Australian families relocate to Singapore for career opportunities. Singapore offers competitive salaries, lower personal tax rates than Australia, and access to Asia-Pacific markets. Understanding visa requirements helps you plan your move.

Common work permits for Australians:

• Employment Pass (EP): For professionals earning SGD 5,000+ monthly. Most Australian expats working in Singapore hold this pass.
• EntrePass: For entrepreneurs starting a Singapore-based business or regional headquarters.
• Dependant’s Pass: For spouse and children of EP holders. Children on this pass can enroll in international schools.
• Letter of Consent: Allows spouses on Dependant’s Pass to work in Singapore.

Processing times range from 3 to 8 weeks. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) website provides current eligibility requirements and application procedures.

Australian professionals commonly relocate to Singapore for roles in finance, technology, healthcare, education, and regional management. Many multinational companies base their Asia-Pacific headquarters in Singapore.

Practical Comparisons

Based on the current exchange rate (0.86 AUD/SGD) and available price data, here is a breakdown of common expenses in Singapore. Australian families will find some costs familiar while others differ significantly from back home.

All prices are shown in both Singapore Dollars (SGD) and Australian Dollars (AUD).

Food

A hawker centre meal costs SGD 4 to 8 (AUD 4.65 to 9.30). A basic lunch with a drink in the business district costs approximately SGD 12 (AUD 14). A fast food meal costs around SGD 10 (AUD 11.60).

Grocery costs at supermarkets like NTUC FairPrice, Cold Storage, and Sheng Siong:

• 1 litre of whole milk: SGD 2.50 (AUD 2.90)
• A dozen eggs: SGD 4.50 (AUD 5.25)
• A loaf of bread: SGD 2.80 (AUD 3.25)
• 500g of cheese: SGD 12 to 15 (AUD 14 to 17.45)

Australian expats often note that familiar brands from home cost more due to import fees. Local Asian products offer better value.

A bottle of table wine costs SGD 25 to 40 (AUD 29 to 46.50). A 500ml bottle of domestic beer in a supermarket costs SGD 6 to 8 (AUD 7 to 9.30). Alcohol prices are higher than Australia due to government duties.

Housing

Unlike Australian cities where houses are common, Singapore living typically means high-rise apartments. A 3-bedroom furnished apartment in a central area costs approximately SGD 5,000 to 7,500 per month (AUD 5,800 to 8,720). The same size apartment in suburban areas like Jurong, Woodlands, or Punggol costs SGD 3,000 to 4,500 per month (AUD 3,490 to 5,230).

Monthly utilities (electricity, water, gas) for a family apartment cost SGD 150 to 300 (AUD 175 to 350). Internet access (60+ Mbps) costs approximately SGD 40 to 55 per month (AUD 46.50 to 64).

Popular family-friendly neighbourhoods for Australian expats include:

• East Coast: Beach access, cycling paths, proximity to international schools
• Bukit Timah: Greenery, landed properties, near top schools including AIS Singapore
• Holland Village: Cafes, restaurants, expat community feel
• Tanglin/Dempsey: Central location, near Botanic Gardens and international schools

Many Australian families choose neighbourhoods based on proximity to their preferred international school to minimise commute times for children.

Transportation

Public transport in Singapore is affordable and efficient. A monthly pass costs approximately SGD 128 (AUD 149). Individual trips cost SGD 0.80 to 2.20 per ride (AUD 0.95 to 2.55).

An 8km taxi or Grab ride during business hours costs SGD 15 to 20 (AUD 17.45 to 23.25).

Owning a car in Singapore is expensive. Beyond the vehicle cost, you must bid for a Certificate of Entitlement (COE), which often exceeds the car’s purchase price. Petrol costs approximately SGD 2.80 per litre (AUD 3.25). Most Australian expat families rely on public transport, school buses, and ride-hailing services instead of owning vehicles.

School Fees for Australian Families

Education represents one of the largest expenses for Australian families relocating to Singapore with school-aged children. International school fees vary widely based on curriculum, year level, and institution.

Annual tuition fee ranges:

• Budget international schools: SGD 16,000 to 25,000 (AUD 18,600 to 29,070)
• Mid-range international schools: SGD 25,000 to 40,000 (AUD 29,070 to 46,510)
• Premium international schools: SGD 40,000 to 55,000+ (AUD 46,510 to 63,950+)

Fees typically increase as children progress through year levels. Secondary and senior school years cost more than primary years.

Additional school-related costs to budget for:

• Application fees: SGD 500 to 850 (AUD 580 to 990)
• Registration/enrolment fees (one-time): SGD 3,000 to 5,000 (AUD 3,490 to 5,815)
• Building/development levy: SGD 1,000 to 6,000 annually (AUD 1,160 to 6,975)
• School bus transport: SGD 200 to 625 per month (AUD 230 to 725)
• Uniforms, books, technology: SGD 500 to 1,500 annually (AUD 580 to 1,745)
• Extracurricular activities: SGD 500 to 2,000 annually (AUD 580 to 2,325)

Schools offering the Australian curriculum, such as the Australian International School Singapore, provide continuity for children transitioning from Australian schools. This eases adjustment for families planning to eventually return to the Australian education system.

Childcare and Domestic Help

Many expat families in Singapore employ a live-in domestic helper for childcare, elderly care, and household duties. This differs significantly from childcare costs in Australian cities like Sydney or Melbourne, where live-in help is rare and expensive.

Total monthly cost for a domestic helper:

• Salary: SGD 550 to 750 (AUD 640 to 870)
• Government levy: SGD 60 to 300 (AUD 70 to 350), depending on eligibility
• Food and living expenses: SGD 200 to 300 (AUD 230 to 350)
• Insurance (mandatory): SGD 20 to 40 (AUD 23 to 46.50)

Total monthly outlay: approximately SGD 900 to 1,400 (AUD 1,045 to 1,630)

One-time costs include agency fees (SGD 1,000 to 3,000) and medical examinations.

Part-time childcare centres cost SGD 800 to 1,500 per month (AUD 930 to 1,745). Full-day international preschools cost SGD 1,500 to 3,000+ per month (AUD 1,745 to 3,490+).

Healthcare

A visit to a private GP costs SGD 50 to 100 (AUD 58 to 116). Medication costs approximately SGD 25 for a course of antibiotics (AUD 29) or SGD 15 for over-the-counter cold medicine (AUD 17.45).

Most Australian expat families obtain comprehensive health insurance, either through employer packages or private policies. Private hospital care without insurance is expensive. Unlike Australia’s Medicare system, Singapore does not provide subsidised healthcare for foreigners.

Entertainment

A casual evening out for two, including dinner at a mid-range restaurant, two drinks at a bar, and movie tickets, costs approximately SGD 120 to 150 (AUD 140 to 175).

A monthly gym membership costs SGD 100 to 200 (AUD 116 to 230). Public sports facilities and community centres offer affordable alternatives.

Singapore has numerous free family activities including parks, playgrounds, nature reserves, and public beaches. The Singapore Zoo, Botanic Gardens, and Marina Bay Sands are popular family destinations.

Budget Summary for Australian Families

Estimated monthly total for an Australian family of four with two school-aged children: SGD 10,000 to 18,000 (AUD 11,625 to 20,930)

Australian families moving to Singapore should budget carefully for these expenses. Many employers offer relocation packages that cover school fees and housing allowances, which significantly reduces out-of-pocket costs.

Beyond budgeting, relocating to Singapore offers Australian families lifestyle benefits including low crime rates, world-class dining, easy travel throughout Southeast Asia, and year-round outdoor living. See our guide on what to expect when moving to Singapore from Australia for a complete overview

Moving to Singapore from Australia

If you’re an Australian parent planning to relocate to Singapore and require assistance in understanding the different international schools, feel free to get in touch with us. Our team can equip you with the necessary information and resources to help you make an informed decision regarding your child’s education. Contact us to discover more.