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Cost of Living in Singapore for Indian Students in 2025
The cost of living in Singapore for Indian students is quite expensive as the universities & colleges in Singapore are situated in the centre of the city. Singapore is regarded as one of the best city for quality education and job opportunities for international students. Are you planning to study in Singapore? Before planning to pursue higher education in Singapore, students must have an idea of everyday expenses. The estimated monthly costs for a student in Singapore is 104,472.5₹ (1,551.9S$), excluding rent. The expenses in sharing will be less as the house rent, house help fee, food expenses, internet bills, groceries bills will be split among the two persons. Before planning to study in top universities in Singapore, candidates must maintain a budget. The cost of living in Singapore for international students depends on several factors including the lifestyle of the student, choices and his/her preferences. Read the complete article to know all about living expenses in Singapore for Indian students in 2025.
This Story also Contains
- Cost of Living in Singapore Per Month in 2025
- Annual Cost of Living in Singapore for International Students 2025
- Accommodation Costs in Singapore for International Students 2025
- Food Expenses in Singapore 2025
- Monthly Grocery Expenses in Singapore in 2025
- Transportation Cost in Singapore in 2025
- Entertainment Cost in Singapore 2025
- Healthcare Cost in Singapore 2025
- Miscellaneous Costs in Singapore for International Students
- Average Cost of Living in Singapore (Monthly): City-Wise
- Cost of Studying in Singapore for International Students in 2025
- Which is the cheapest area in Singapore for international students?
- How Much is 1 Singapore Dollar in Indian Rupees?
- Tips to Save Money in Singapore for International Students
- Important Things to Know Before Moving to Singapore
- Important Considerations for Calculating Cost of Living in Singapore in 2025
Read More: Student Visa for Singapore
Cost of Living in Singapore Per Month in 2025
If you want to study in Singapore, it is a must to be aware of the cost of living in Singapore per month so that you maintain that budget. The living expenses in Singapore for Indians depend on various factors, such as the type of accommodation (on-campus or off-campus), location, food costs, transportation charges and other expenses. The estimated monthly costs for a single person are 104,472.5₹ (1,551.9S$), excluding rent. The estimated monthly costs for a family of four are 378,811.9₹ (5,627.2S$), excluding rent. The cost of living in Singapore for an Indian student with rent will be higher as the rent in Singapore is much higher than India.
Living Expenses in Singapore Per Month
| Category | (Monthly) SGD | (Monthly) INR |
| Food & groceries | S$350 | ₹23,856 |
| Clothing & footwear | S$60 | ₹4,089 |
| Transportation (pass) | S$81 | ₹5,522 |
| Health insurance | S$140 | ₹9,542 |
| Wi-Fi & internet | S$49 | ₹3,341 |
| Miscellaneous | S$100 | ₹6,816 |
| Utilities | S$210 | ₹14,313 |
| Total | S$990 | ₹67,479 |
Note: The current exchange rate is 1 SGD=68.16 INR
Also Read:
Annual Cost of Living in Singapore for International Students 2025
The cost of living in Singapore for international students, including Indian students largely depend on the lifestyle and location. However, with proper planning, you can easily manage the expenses. Choosing on-campus accommodation options is always an economical choice as they are affordable than private rentals, especially near the top universities in Singapore like US, NTU, SMU, and SUTD. On the contrary, students who prefer to stay outside the city or choose shared accommodation options minimise their mthly expenses. According to Singapore’s Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) and major universities, it is a must for international students to maintain a minimum budget of SGD 12,000–15,000 annually to cover basic living costs (excluding tuition) in Singapore. This is required to demonstrate financial ability during the Student’s Pass application process.
Cost of Living in Singapore Annually
| Category | Annual (SGD) | Annual (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Food & groceries | S$4,200 | ₹286,272 |
| Clothing & footwear | S$720 | ₹49,075 |
| Transportation (pass) | S$972 | ₹66,218 |
| Health insurance | S$1,680 | ₹1,14,509 |
| Wi-Fi & internet | S$588 | ₹40,065 |
| Miscellaneous | S$1,200 | ₹81,792 |
| Utilities | S$2,520 | ₹1,71,763 |
| Total (excl. rent) | S$11,880 | ₹8,09,694 |
Note: The current exchange rate is 1 SGD=68.16 INR
Accommodation Costs in Singapore for International Students 2025
The cost of accommodation in Singapore depends on the type of accommodation and its location. As an international student, you can either choose to stay on-campus in hostels or residence halls or off-campus in apartments. While the cost of on-campus options include the shared rent, food, internet, etc, students need to pay all these things separately in off-campus accommodation options.
So, depending on your preferences and budget, you can choose an accommodation option that suits you. On average, the cost of on-campus accommodation in Singapore ranges from SGD 400 to SGD 800 per month, while off-campus options can cost between SGD 600 to SGD 2,500 per month.
Cost of Accommodation in Singapore 2025
| Type of Accommodation | Monthly (SGD) | Monthly (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| On-Campus (shared room/basic) | S400–S800 | ₹27,264 – ₹54,528 |
| On-Campus (premium single) | S1,000–S1,500 | ₹68,160 –₹1,02,240 |
| Off-Campus (shared apartment) | S600–S1,200 | ₹40,896 – ₹81,792 |
| Off-Campus (private studio) | S1,500–S2,500 | ₹1,02,240 – ₹1,70,400 |
| PBSA (if available) | S1,200–S2,000 | ₹81,792 – ₹1,36,320 |
Note: The current exchange rate is 1 SGD=68.16 INR
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Food Expenses in Singapore 2025
Students who prefer to eat outside at an inexpensive restaurant will cost around S15.00. The meal for two people in a mid−range restaurant will cost about S $95.00.
Expenses of Foods in Singapore
| Particulars | Amount in SGD | Amount in INR |
|---|---|---|
| Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant | S$15.00 | ₹1,022.40 |
| Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course | S$95.00 | ₹6,475.20 |
| McMeal at McDonald's (or Equivalent Combo Meal) | S$10.00 | ₹681.60 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 litre draught) | S$9.90 | ₹674.78 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 litre bottle) | S$10.00 | ₹681.60 |
| Cappuccino (regular) | S$6.37 | ₹434.14 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33 litre bottle) | S$2.07 | ₹141.07 |
| Water (0.33 litre bottle) | S$1.54 | ₹104.96 |
Note: The current exchange rate is 1 SGD=68.16 INR
Monthly Grocery Expenses in Singapore in 2025
If students want to cook their meals, they will have to spend more than 100 S$ on groceries for living expenses in Singapore per month. The list of groceries along with their prices is mentioned in the table below.
Grocery Expenses in Singapore
| Particulars | Amount in SGD | Amount in INR |
|---|---|---|
| Milk (regular), (1 litre) | S$3.63 | ₹247.38 |
| Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) | S$2.74 | ₹186.74 |
| Rice (white), (1kg) | S$3.77 | ₹256.95 |
| Eggs (regular) (12) | S$4.35 | ₹296.50 |
| Local Cheese (1kg) | S$23.60 | ₹1,609.58 |
| Chicken Fillets (1 kg) | S$12.59 | ₹857.45 |
| Beef Round (1 kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) | S$25.54 | ₹1,741.48 |
| Apples (1 kg) | S$5.36 | ₹364.34 |
| Banana (1 kg) | S$4.05 | ₹275.97 |
| Oranges (1 kg) | S$5.31 | ₹362.06 |
| Tomato (1 kg) | S$3.69 | ₹251.50 |
| Potato (1 kg) | S$3.07 | ₹209.22 |
| Onion (1 kg) | S$3.17 | ₹215.07 |
| Lettuce (1 head) | S$2.22 | ₹151.31 |
| Water (1.5 liter bottle) | S$1.89 | ₹128.82 |
Note: The current exchange rate is 1 SGD=68.16 INR
Transportation Cost in Singapore in 2025
The transportation charges are also part of the living expenses in Singapore per month. The cost of transportation in Singapore depends on the mode of transportation. Students can take the Singapore Tourist Pass (STP) to save expenses on transportation. The regular price of the monthly pass is 120.00 S$. Mentioned below are the transportation charges in Singapore.
Cost of Transportation in Singapore
| Particulars | Amount in SGD | Amount in INR |
|---|---|---|
| One-way Ticket (Local Transport) | S$2.00 | ₹136.32 |
| Monthly Pass (Regular Price) | S$120.00 | ₹8,179.20 |
| Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) | S$4.60 | ₹313.54 |
| Taxi 1 km (Normal Tariff) | S$1.00 | ₹68.16 |
| Taxi 1 hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) | S$20.40 | ₹1,389.26 |
| Gasoline (1 litre) | S$2.86 | ₹194.94 |
Note: The current exchange rate is 1 SGD=68.16 INR
Entertainment Cost in Singapore 2025
From eating out with friends and watching a movie to staying fit or enjoying a casual drink, the cost of entertainment in Singapore varies depending on location and the individual preferences. While there are plenty of affordable options like hawker centres and public sports facilities, students still need to pay more money in expensive or high-end restaurants. Mentioned below are the entertainment costs in Singapore in 2025.
Cost of Entertainment in Singapore
| Entertainment Options | Average Cost in SGD | Average Cost in INR |
| Cinema, 1 seat (standard ticket) | S$14 | ₹832.28 |
| 1-month gym membership (mid-range) | S$140 | ₹8,631.00 |
| 3-course meal in a mid-range restaurant for two people | S$105 | ₹6,473.25 |
| Dinner for two at an Italian restaurant (with wine) | S$150 | ₹9,247.50 |
| Cappuccino in expat area of the city | S$7 | ₹431.55 |
| 1 beer in a neighborhood pub (500 ml or 1 pint) | S$12 | ₹708.98 |
| 1-hour rent for a tennis court (public or club) | S$15 | ₹924.75 |
Note: The current exchange rate is 1 SGD=68.16 INR
Healthcare Cost in Singapore 2025
Healthcare costs vary significantly between public and private providers in Singapore. In Singapore, healthcare insurance costs vary widely based on age, coverage needs, and whether you choose public or private plans. Healthcare costs in Singapore for international students can range from SGD 200 to SGD 500 per year.
Healthcare Expenses in Singapore
| Service | Public (SGD) | Private (SGD) | Approx. INR |
|---|---|---|---|
| GP consultation (10–20 min) | S20–S30 | S50–S150 | ₹1,363 – ₹10,224 |
| Specialist consultation (per visit) | S90–S150 | S200–S500 | ₹6,134 – ₹34,080 |
| MRI or CT scan | S500–S1,500 | S1,500–S3,500 | ₹34,080 – ₹2,38,560 |
| Hospital stay (per night) | S120–S150 | S200–S500 | ₹8,179 –₹34,080 |
| Annual MediShield Life premium | S98–S2,826 | n/a | ₹6,680 – ₹1,92,437 |
Note: The current exchange rate is 1 SGD=68.16 INR
Miscellaneous Costs in Singapore for International Students
The utility charges in Singapore include the basic charges of electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage, mobile phone bills and internet charges. The living expenses in utilities cost around 214.21 S.However,the monthly Mobile phone plan with calls is 23.24S and monthly internet charges are 47.82 S$.
Utility Cost in Singapore
| Category | Monthly Cost (SGD) | Monthly Cost (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile phone plan | 20–50 | 1,363 – 3,408 |
| Laundry & grooming | 30–80 | 2,045 – 5,453 |
| Entertainment (movies, gym) | 40–150 | 2,726 – 10,224 |
| Streaming services (Netflix etc.) | 10–20 | 681 – 1,363 |
| Outdoor/weekend activities | 30–200 | 2,045 – 13,632 |
| Stationery & academic supplies | 30–60 | 2,045 – 4,090 |
| Health-related (GP, meds) | 40–100 | 2,726 – 6,816 |
| Emergency fund / misc. | 50–200 | 3,408 – 13,632 |
Note: The current exchange rate is 1 SGD=68.16 INR
Average Cost of Living in Singapore (Monthly): City-Wise
| Location / Area | Total Monthly Cost | Total Monthly Cost |
| Clementi (NUS vicinity) | SGD 1,600 – 2,200 | ₹1.07L – ₹1.48L |
| Jurong West (NTU area) | SGD 1,400 – 2,000 | ₹94.2K – ₹1.34L |
| Bukit Timah (central upscale) | SGD 2,200 – 3,000 | ₹1.48L – ₹2.02L |
| Orchard Road (premium CBD) | SGD 2,800 – 3,800 | ₹1.88L – ₹2.55L |
| Paya Lebar / Geylang (budget central) | SGD 1,600 – 2,300 | ₹1.07L – ₹1.55L |
| Bedok / East Coast | SGD 1,500 – 2,200 | ₹1.01L – ₹1.48L |
| Singapore (average) | SGD 1,700 – 2,500 | ₹1.14L – ₹1.68L |
Cost of Studying in Singapore for International Students in 2025
Students should have a clear idea of the overall cost of studying in Singapore based on their desired course. Institution type and course type are two major factors that affect the total cost of study in the top universities of Singapore.
- UG Courses Tuition Fee in Singapore: For undergraduate courses in Singapore, students will have to keep an average budget between Rs. 6 lakhs to Rs. 46 lakhs per year.
- PG Courses Tuition Fee in Singapore: Yearly, the fee for postgraduate courses varies between Rs. 6 lakhs to Rs. 40 lakhs. This amount can cover only the tuition fee and doesn't include other expenses and it may vary depending on the study programme the student opts for.
- PhD or Doctoral Courses Tuition Fee in Singapore: For PhD or Doctoral courses in Singapore, students will have to keep an average budget Rs. 15 lakhs to Rs. 37 lakhs per year.
Which is the cheapest area in Singapore for international students?
The cheapest areas in Singapore for international students in 2025 are typically located away from the central business district (CBD) and major expat hubs. These areas offer more affordable rents, food, and daily expenses while still providing good connectivity via Singapore’s efficient MRT and bus system.
| Area | Average Rent (per month) |
| Jurong West | SGD 400–700 (shared) |
| Woodlands | SGD 450–750 (shared) |
| Bukit Panjang | SGD 450–700 (shared) |
| Choa Chu Kang | SGD 500–750 (shared) |
| Yishun | SGD 500–800 (shared) |
| Tampines | SGD 550–850 (shared) |
How Much is 1 Singapore Dollar in Indian Rupees?
Currently, 1 SGD equals INR 68.16. However, the currency exchange rate keeps on fluctuating and changes with time. Depending on this, even the cost of living in Singapore changes over a period of time for international students.
Tips to Save Money in Singapore for International Students
While Singapore is one of the costliest student cities in the world, planing early and keeping a low-key lifestyle can help manage the expenses effectively.
- Opting for hostel or residence halls is much cheaper than private apartments and rentals.
- Eating outside in Singapore is affordable, however, cooking your meals at home is cheaper.
- Get a student concession card (EZ-Link) for discounts on MRT and bus fares. Use public transport and avoid private taxis.
- Use student ID to get deals on movies, museums, gym memberships, and retail stores. Even the food outlets in Singapore offer student discounts.
- Opting for student-friendly SIM plans or purchasing a shared internet subscription can help in cutting utility costs.
- Use your university library and borrow textbooks instead of buying new ones. Join different student groups to get online resources.
Important Things to Know Before Moving to Singapore
- Understand the Cost of Living: Singapore is one of the costliest cities globally, but careful budgeting can help you live comfortably.
- Exchange Rate Awareness: Stay updated with the fluctuating currency exchange rate before planning to move to Singapore.
- Accommodation Costs: On-campus options are affordable as compared to off-campus accommodations.
- Banking & Money Transfers: Open a local bank account like DBS, OCBC, UOB and multi-currency cards for cheaper international transfers. Avoid withdrawing from foreign cards in Singapore as ATM fees is high.
- Taxes & Legal Financial Obligations: Students don't have to pay taxes unless earning above a certain threshold.
- Budgeting Tools: Use apps like Mint, Spendee, and PocketGuard to track expenses.
Important Considerations for Calculating Cost of Living in Singapore in 2025
The cost of living in Singapore is calculated by considering several parameters. These include:
- Accommodation costs: The cost of rent depends on the type of accommodation option you choose to live in Singapore as well as the location. If you choose to stay in shared apartments or HDB flats, they will be much affordable as compared to condos in prime locations. Choosing on-campus accommodation options will be the cheapest. On average, the cost of on-campus accommodation in Singapore ranges from SGD 400 to SGD 800 per month, while off-campus options can cost between SGD 600 to SGD 2,500 per month.
- Food and grocery expenses: Cooking your own meals is much affordable than eating out. On an average, for food, you might need to spend S$ 4,200 monthly. For grocery, you will have to spend more than 100 S$ on groceries in Singapore per month.
- Transportation cost: Public transportation (MRT and buses) is efficient and relatively affordable. Expect to spend around S100−S150 per month on transport. The regular price of the monthly pass is 120.00 S$
- Utilities: Electricity, water, gas, and internet will add another S150−S250 per month.
- Other expenses: Entertainment, shopping, and miscellaneous expenses can vary greatly depending on your lifestyle. A budget of S500−S1000 might be needed.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is food expensive in Singapore?
A:
Yes, if you go and dine at high-end restaurants, food is expensive, ranging between S10−S20. Fine dining can cost hundreds of dollars. On the contrary, Singapore is also known for its vibrant hawker centre and kopitiams. There you can find affordable food meals as low as S3−S5.
Q: What language is spoken in Singapore?
A:
There are four official languages in Singapore: English, Malay, Mandarin, and Tamil. Although people use English for official purposes, business, and education, many people in Singapore speak a unique colloquial English known as Singlish.
Q: How much is rent in Singapore?
A:
The rent in Singapore varies and depends on the type of accommodation option you opt for. If you live in a shared room in an HDB flat, you will have to pay in the range of SGD 600 to S$1,200 per month, while if you live in a 3-bedroom HDB flat, you will have to pay around 3,000 to SGD 4,500. Some accommodation options also cost SGD 2,500 to SGD 8,000 or more.
Q: What language is spoken in Singapore?
A:
There are four official languages in Singapore: English, Malay, Mandarin, and Tamil. Although people use English for official purposes, business, and education, many people in Singapore speak a unique colloquial English known as Singlish.
Q: How much is rent in Singapore?
A:
The rent in Singapore varies and depends on the type of accommodation option you opt for. If you live in a shared room in an HDB flat, you will have to pay in the range of SGD 600 to S$1,200 per month, while if you live in a 3-bedroom HDB flat, you will have to pay around 3,000 to SGD 4,500. Some accommodation options also cost SGD 2,500 to SGD 8,000 or more.
Q: Is it easy for Indians to work in Singapore?
A:
Yes, it is easy for Indians to work in Singapore as it has a highly developed job market and offers handsome salary packages to employees. Indians enjoy the diverse working environment in Singapore.
Q: Where do Indian students stay in Singapore?
A:
Indians generally live in the areas that are nearby to the major universities in Singapore like NUS, NTU, and SMU. Popular places where Indian students stay are Queenstown, Clementi, Jurong East, and Bukit Timah because of their proximity to university campuses, MRT access, and affordability.
Q: Is healthcare free in Singapore?
A:
No, healthcare is not free in Singapore. Although it has a well-reputed healthcare system, it works on a mixed financial model consisting of mandatory savings, government subsidies and co-payment methods to ensure affordability.
Q: Is $12,000 SGD a good salary in Singapore?
A:
Yes, if you are able to earn SGD 12,000 monthly, it is considered to be a good salary in Singapore. However, it completely depends on the individual preferences and lifestyle choices.
Q: Is it expensive to live in Singapore?
A:
Yes, it's expensive to live in Singapore as the rent prices, food, transportation and other expenses are very high.
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Hello Aditi,
Doing B.Com (//B.Com) without math is possible, but for a masters in buiseness analytics at NUS, strong quantitative skills and maths background are usually required. if not eligible, you can pursue BBA in buiseness analytics fom indian colleges like NMIMS, Christ University or Symbiosis, which accept non- maths students. these programs build foundational skills needed for future analytics studies.
Pursuing an MBA in Singapore is a good choice due to its global recognition, job opportunities, and multicultural exposure.
Top Private Universities :
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Hello aspirant,
Through the official website, international candidates can apply to NUS Singapore for admission to the undergraduate and graduate programs. University admission is determined by open competition and academic achievement. In order to gain admission, candidates ensure that they meet the National University of Singapore's admission requirements. For UG entrance, they must finish secondary school, and for PG admission, they must earn a bachelor's degree.
To know the complete information, you can visit our site through following link:
https://studyabroad.careers360.com/singapore/universities/nus-unpg
Thank you
Hello,
Hope you are doing great.
To answer your question To gain admission to the Computer Engineering program at the National University of Singapore (NUS), it is crucial to comprehend the admission criteria
JEE Mains Percentile:
The anticipated JEE Main Cutoff for 2024 across different categories is as follows:
General: 89+ percentile
EWS: 78+ percentile
OBC: 74+ percentile
SC: 44+ percentile
PwD: 0.11+ percentile¹.
A commendable percentile in JEE Mains 2024 falls within the range of 90-95 percentile³.
However, it is important to note that meeting the previous year's cutoff does not guarantee admission for the current year.
Hope this helps!!
Dear Aspirant,
Singapore is one of the best country across the world for Business and Finance Studies. Some of the best institutions for Masters of Business Adminstration (MBA) are as follows-
1. INSEAD
2. NUS (National University of Singapore)
3. Lee Kinf Chian School of Business
4. Manchester Business School
5. Nanyang Business School
6. ESSEC Global MBA
7. The Strathclyde MBA
You can visit the respective websites for details .
Hope this helps you !
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