Expat Living In Singapore With Kids – 4 Costs You Must Budget For

Last updated January 2026

From its world-class healthcare system to the vast number of exceptional schools nationwide, there’s no question why Singapore continues to be one of the top destination choices for expats looking to relocate to a new country. According to the Economist Intelligence Unit’s Global Liveability Index 2025, Singapore ranks among the top cities in Asia for quality of life, infrastructure, and safety.

However, one drawback that is hard to ignore is the reality that it can get expensive when you’re relocating, especially when you’re raising kids at the same time.

That’s why we’ve come up with this guide to take you through four essential costs to consider when raising kids in Singapore. Read on!

4 Essential Costs You Must Budget For To Raise A Child In Singapore

1. Delivering A Baby and Hospital Fees

First things first: delivery. While Singapore’s healthcare system has been lauded as some of the best in the world—ranked among the top globally by the World Health Organisation—that doesn’t eliminate the fact that the cost of giving birth can easily rack up.

In the months leading up to your due date, some of the most common medical expenses you have to factor in include gynaecologist consultation fees, checkup fees, prenatal classes and ultrasounds, amongst many other things.

In your third trimester, it’ll be the appropriate time to start thinking about where you’ll be delivering your baby: whether in a public or private hospital. Most people think that public hospitals would be the most cost-effective choice but this isn’t quite the case for expats.

Unfortunately, expats don’t have access to government subsidies like the locals do and might end up spending the same amount at a public hospital as they would have at a private one.

Estimated delivery costs in Singapore (2026):

In certain cases where there are complications, costs can reach S$40,000 or more. All that aside, one thing’s for sure: expectant parents will still receive the same high standards of care regardless of what hospital they choose.

2. The Basic Cost Of Living

When talking about the cost of living in Singapore, this includes everything from housing, transportation, food, and many others.

In terms of housing, your monthly rental expenses will vary depending on which neighbourhood you decide to stay in.

Just like anywhere in the world, the central region is where you’ll find the most expensive properties in Singapore due to its proximity to the business district, major shopping malls and international schools.

But if you’re looking to spend less and immerse yourself a little more in the Singaporean way of living, the heartlands aren’t a bad option. These refer to suburban residential areas outside of the city centre, mostly populated by public housing.

Here’s a quick overview of how much rent would cost for a three-bedroom apartment in different parts of Singapore:

Note: Rental prices have increased significantly since 2022 due to high demand. Source: PropertyGuru, 99.co market data 2025-2026

When it comes to food, Singapore is a gastronomical haven with a never-ending list of dining options for every palate and budget.

Residents and tourists alike can enjoy local eats at hawker centres, which are known to be especially affordable (S$4-8 per meal); trendy cafes and coffee shops for that caffeine fix; fast food and casual dining options for those on the go; and higher-end restaurants for those who want to explore the fine dining and cocktail scene.

How much does all that cost in a month? Ultimately, it all depends on your lifestyle choices. A family of four can expect to spend S$800-S$1,500 monthly on groceries and dining out combined.

3. Education Costs

Moving on to one of the most important expenses to factor in when raising a child: their education.

Working expats have the option to send their children to a public government school or a private one. One of the biggest advantages of local public schools is that the school fees are significantly more affordable than private schools.

Government school fees for international students (2026):

Source: Ministry of Education Singapore (fees increase annually through 2026)

However, some children may have difficulty adjusting to the local school system, which could be grounds for considering international schools instead. International school fees typically range from S$25,000 to S$50,000+ per year depending on the school and year level.

Why many expat families choose international schools:

• Globally recognised curricula (IB, Australian, British, American) that transfer easily if relocating again
• English as the primary language of instruction
• Multicultural environment with students from diverse backgrounds
• No requirement to learn Mandarin at native level (unlike government schools)
• Academic calendar alignment—schools like AIS follow a January-December calendar that aligns with Asian school years

To get a better idea of the overall cost of international school fees, view the Australian International School fee schedule for reference.

4. Healthcare and Insurance Policies

Last but not least on the list is all things healthcare.

Prepare to set aside anywhere between S$150 to S$300 for your routine monthly healthcare needs such as doctor visits on sick days, periodical health screenings, as well as any medicine and maintenance.

While health insurance is not compulsory in Singapore, it is highly encouraged, especially for expats who don’t have access to the same government subsidies as locals do.

Health insurance considerations for expats:

• Employer-provided coverage: Most companies that employ expat professionals include health insurance plans for workers and dependents
• Private international health insurance: Premiums range from S$200-S$800+ per month per person depending on coverage level and age
• Local insurers: Companies like AXA, AIA, Prudential, and NTUC Income offer plans tailored to expats

It’s worth noting that Singapore’s healthcare costs, while high, reflect the exceptional quality of care. The country has some of the best hospitals in Asia, including Mount Elizabeth, Gleneagles, and Raffles Hospital.

Get a Headstart with AIS!

Now that you know what there is to consider before moving to Singapore with your kids, how about getting a headstart in their educational journey?

Here at AIS, we can help your child get the best start in an international school and maximise their development for a holistic education from infant care to pre-university and beyond.

Why expat families choose AIS:

• Students from over 50 nationalities creating a truly multicultural environment
• Both IB Diploma and Australian HSC pathways available
• January-December calendar aligned with Asian school years
• Comprehensive English language support programmes for non-native speakers
• Over 300 co-curricular activities
• Voted “Best International School in Singapore” (HoneyKids Education Awards 2022)

Book a tour with us today to find out more!