First week. That’s when most students realise – Singapore isn’t cheap. It looks calm, clean, efficient… but the bills stack up. Rent bites first. Then food. Then those surprise costs – laundry, top-up card, late-night kopi. Welcome to student life in one of Asia’s most expensive cities.
Still, students come here by the thousands. For NUS, NTU, SIM, SMU – the big names. For safety, exposure, and that city energy. And yes, for the structure. Everything here works. Buses run on time. Wifi doesn’t drop. Tap water’s drinkable. But this order has a price.
The ones who manage well? They do a few things right. They live just outside the centre. Share flats. Stick to hawker food. Track spending, skip taxis. Some pick hobbies over mall outings. A few join local gyms – like the ones in this list of top MMA gyms in Singapore that students seem to love these days. It’s not glamorous, but it works.
Monthly Budget at a Glance
| Expense Type | Avg. Cost (SGD) | Notes |
| Rent / Hostel | 700 – 1,500 | Cheaper if shared or on-campus |
| Food & Groceries | 250 – 400 | Hawker meals are lifesavers |
| Public Transport | 45 – 120 | Student card is a must |
| Utilities + Internet | 100 – 150 | For private rentals only |
| Essentials & Leisure | 100 – 300 | Phone, clothing, weekend plans |
| Monthly Total | 1,200 – 1,800 | Realistic range for most students |
Living Costs for Students in Singapore
Once classes begin, routines settle fast. Wake, rush to lectures, grab lunch, ride back. Repeat. Somewhere in the middle, students learn how to stretch a dollar. Singapore makes you do that. It doesn’t scream luxury, but it doesn’t hand you discounts either.
1. Rent
If you’re staying on campus, lucky you. Rooms go for SGD 350 to 700 per month, depending on type. Outside, a room in a shared flat can touch SGD 1,200. And that’s without aircon sometimes. Areas like Clementi, Jurong, or Boon Lay are slightly cheaper. Not posh, but practical.
2. Food
You can cook. But most don’t. Not after 5 hours of lectures and one group project meeting that dragged till 8. Hawker centres save lives here. SGD 5 for rice and meat. SGD 1.50 for kopi. Add it up, SGD 10 per day for food. That’s SGD 300 a month, give or take.
3. Transport
No one takes taxis unless it’s pouring or the MRT’s down. Student cards bring the MRT+Bus combo to around SGD 50–80 per month. It’s rare to need more. Everything’s connected.
4. Utilities
Private apartments? Expect bills. Electricity is heavy because of the heat. SGD 80 to 100 a month for power, water, and gas. Add 50 for Wi-Fi. Shared with roommates, thankfully.
5. Insurance
Universities provide basic coverage. Still, some students prefer private plans. SGD 30–40 extra. Not mandatory, but one ER visit without coverage might change minds.
6. Books
One textbook can be SGD 80. Most download PDFs or use library copies. Still, monthly printing, stationery, etc. takes up SGD 50–60.
7. Work
Yes, students can work part-time. SGD 10/hour, mostly in cafes, tutoring or delivery. Max 16 hours/week during semester. Helps with food and outings. Not enough to cover rent.
8. Leisure
Singapore’s fun isn’t free. But it doesn’t need to be expensive. A walk around Gardens by the Bay? Free. East Coast beach? Free. One movie and a meal? SGD 30. Monthly spend on fun usually stays under SGD 100 for students watching their wallets.
9. Clothes
It’s hot. No seasons. T-shirts, sandals, umbrellas. SGD 100 a month is more than enough. Thrift stores near Bugis or online Carousell deals work for many.
10. Budgeting
Every student here either uses a money app… or their calculator app. Some write it down. Rent first. Groceries next. Data pack, then transport. No surprises. That’s the system. Once it becomes habit, budgeting doesn’t feel like punishment.
Managing Finances in Singapore
Living here isn’t about cutting every corner. It’s about knowing which corners matter. Spend on food. Save on taxis. Get a roommate. Eat out cheap. Stick to a plan. Students who do that live well on SGD 1,200–1,500. A little less or more depending on habits.
Singapore doesn’t hand you comfort. But it rewards consistency. That’s what most students here figure out. And once they do, the city feels easier to live in. Even kind, sometimes.
FAQs
1. What is the average cost for students per month in Singapore?
Roughly SGD 1,200 to 1,800 including rent, food, and transport.
2. Is on-campus housing cheaper than renting?
Yes. And it usually includes utilities too.
3. How much does food cost monthly?
Around SGD 250 to 400, depending on how often you cook.
4. Are part-time jobs allowed for international students?
Yes, up to 16 hours per week during term.
5. Which areas are cheaper for student accommodation?
Clementi, Boon Lay, and Bukit Timah are popular budget zones near universities.
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