Singapore is expensive — but only if you don't know where to look. Here's a practical budget guide for workers earning a typical salary.
Monthly Expense Breakdown
| Expense | Budget (SGD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Room Rental | $500 - $800 | Shared room in HDB flat |
| Food | $300 - $500 | Hawker centres daily |
| Transport | $100 - $150 | MRT + occasional Grab |
| Phone/Data | $15 - $30 | Prepaid SIM plans |
| Utilities | $50 - $80 | Split with roommates |
| Misc | $100 - $150 | Toiletries, entertainment |
| Total | $1,065 - $1,710 | Monthly |
Eating Cheap in Singapore
Hawker centres are your best friend. Meals cost $3-6 at these government-subsidized food courts:
- Chicken rice - $3.50-4.50
- Laksa - $4-6
- Mee goreng - $4-5
- Prata (roti) - $2-4
Money Tip: Eat at hawker centres, not restaurants. A $4 meal at a hawker centre costs $15+ at a restaurant.
Transport Costs
Singapore's MRT is efficient and affordable:
- EZ-Link card - $10 deposit, top up as needed
- Average daily commute - $2-3
- Monthly transport pass - ~$100
- Grab (ride-share) - $8-15 per trip
Use contactless payment (Visa/Mastercard) directly on MRT readers — no card needed.
Where to Find Cheap Accommodation
- Common rooms in HDB flats - $500-700/month
- Master rooms - $800-1,000/month
- Industrial areas - Often cheaper
Check PropertyGuru, Carousell, or Facebook groups for rooms.
Saving Tips
- Buy groceries at FairPrice or Sheng Siong
- Get a SIM from Singtel/StarHub/M1 (~$15-25/month)
- Avoid taxis — Grab is cheaper during peak
- Use free public WiFi at Wireless@SG hotspots
With discipline, you can save SGD 500+ per month on a typical work permit salary.