- Monthly living expenses in Singapore for Indian students range from SGD 1,200 to SGD 1,800 (₹82,224 to ₹1.2L).
- Shared HDB flats in Singapore offer the cheapest accommodation starting from SGD 400 (₹27,408) per month.
- Student Pass holders in Singapore can work 16 hours weekly during term time at approved employers.
- Living Expenses in Singapore for Indian Students: Region-Wise Comparison
- Cost of Accommodation in Singapore
- Cost of Food in Singapore
- Transportation Costs in Singapore
- Healthcare Costs in Singapore
- Other Miscellaneous Living Expenses in Singapore
- Tips to Reduce Living Costs in Singapore
- Conclusion: From Cost Anxiety to Confident Living in Singapore
- FAQs
Understanding monthly expenses forms the foundation of successful student life abroad, particularly in a developed economy like Singapore. Indian students planning their education journey need realistic budget estimates covering accommodation, meals, transportation, and daily necessities to avoid financial surprises.Â
In this blog, we’ll share a detailed cost-of-living guide for Indian students in Singapore to help you plan smarter and manage expenses efficiently.Â
Living Expenses in Singapore for Indian Students: Region-Wise Comparison
The financial landscape of student life in Singapore varies significantly based on accommodation choices and lifestyle preferences, with most students managing monthly expenses between SGD 1,200 to SGD 1,800 (₹82,224 to ₹1.2L).Â
Central areas like Orchard and Marina Bay command premium prices, whilst residential neighbourhoods such as Jurong West and Tampines provide excellent value without compromising access to quality education.
| Area | Average Monthly Living Cost (SGD) | Average Monthly Living Cost (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Central Singapore | SGD 1,500 to SGD 1,800 | ₹1L to ₹1.2L |
| Orchard / Marina Bay | SGD 1,600 to SGD 2,000 | ₹1L to ₹1.3L |
| Jurong / Clementi | SGD 1,200 to SGD 1,500 | ₹82,224 to ₹1L |
| Tampines / Woodlands | SGD 1,100 to SGD 1,400 | ₹75,372 to ₹95,928 |
| Bukit Batok / Yishun | SGD 1,000 to SGD 1,300 | ₹68,520 to ₹89,076 |
Use our Cost of Living Calculator to estimate your exact monthly cost of living in Singapore.Â
Cost of Accommodation in Singapore
Housing represents the most significant monthly outlay for students, typically consuming 40 to 50% of total cost of living in Singapore. The rental market offers diverse options from university-managed dormitories to private shared flats, each catering to different budget ranges and lifestyle preferences.
| Type of Accommodation | Cost per Month (SGD) | Cost per Month (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| University Hostel | SGD 540 to SGD 785 | ₹36,999 to ₹53,788 |
| Shared Student House (HDB) | SGD 400 to SGD 800 | ₹27,408 to ₹54,816 |
| Private Studio | SGD 1,200 to SGD 2,000 | ₹82,224 to ₹1.3L |
| Shared Room in HDB Flat | SGD 500 to SGD 900 | ₹34,260 to ₹61,668 |
| Private Condominium Room | SGD 800 to SGD 1,500 | ₹54,816 to ₹1L |
Cost of Food in Singapore
Singapore’s renowned hawker culture combines affordable local cuisine with international flavours, making it remarkably easy for Indian students to find familiar ingredients and budget-friendly dining options.Â
Campus canteens provide subsidised meals at student-friendly prices, whilst neighbourhood hawker centres offer complete meals for SGD 3 to SGD 8 (₹206 to ₹548).
Local supermarkets like FairPrice, Sheng Siong, and Giant compete vigorously on pricing, with ethnic grocery stores in Little India offering Indian spices, lentils, and vegetables at competitive rates.
| Meal/Item | Cost (SGD) | Cost (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Hawker Centre Meal | SGD 3 to SGD 8 | ₹206 to ₹548 |
| Inexpensive Restaurant Meal | SGD 5 to SGD 12 | ₹343 to ₹822 |
| Coffee/Cappuccino | SGD 3.50 to SGD 6 | ₹240 to ₹411 |
| Mid-Range Restaurant Meal | SGD 15 to SGD 25 | ₹1,028 to ₹1,713 |
| Fast Food Combo Meal | SGD 8 to SGD 10 | ₹548 to ₹685 |
Grocery Prices
| Item | Cost (SGD) | Cost (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Milk, 1 litre | SGD 2.50 | ₹171 |
| White Bread, 500g | SGD 2.75 | ₹188 |
| Rice, 1kg | SGD 3.40 | ₹233 |
| Chicken Breast, 1kg | SGD 14.90 | ₹1,021 |
| Eggs, 12 pieces | SGD 4.20 | ₹288 |
| Apples, 1kg | SGD 5.80 | ₹397 |
| Potatoes, 1kg | SGD 3.20 | ₹219 |
| Onions, 1kg | SGD 2.80 | ₹192 |
| Tomatoes, 1kg | SGD 3.40 | ₹233 |
| Water, 1.5 litre bottle | SGD 1.95 | ₹134 |
Monthly grocery expenses typically average SGD 400 (₹27,408) for students who cook regularly at home.
Transportation Costs in Singapore
Considering the average cost of living in Singapore for Indian students, transport remains affordable and convenient for students. The country boasts one of Asia’s most efficient and extensive public transportation networks, seamlessly connecting the island through MRT trains, buses, and light rail systems.
The Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system operates from 5:30 AM to midnight, covering virtually every corner of Singapore with trains arriving every 2 to 3 minutes during peak hours.Â
| Transport | Cost (SGD) | Cost (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Average Monthly Transport | SGD 80 to SGD 120 | ₹5,482 to ₹8,222 |
| MRT Journey (Student Concession) | SGD 0.52 to SGD 1.04 | ₹36 to ₹71 |
| Bus Journey (Student Concession) | SGD 0.52 to SGD 0.74 | ₹36 to ₹51 |
| Monthly Transport Pass (Regular) | SGD 81 to SGD 120 | ₹5,550 to ₹8,222 |
| Bicycle Purchase (Second-hand) | SGD 80 to SGD 200 | ₹5,482 to ₹13,704 |
Healthcare Costs in Singapore
International students must obtain approved health insurance covering hospitalisation and emergency care throughout their study period as per Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) requirements. Many institutions include basic health coverage within tuition fees, whilst students can upgrade to more extensive plans for additional protection.
The healthcare system combines public polyclinics offering affordable basic care with private clinics providing comprehensive medical services.
| Healthcare Service | Cost (SGD) | Cost (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Health Insurance (Monthly) | SGD 30 to SGD 60 | ₹2,056 to ₹4,111 |
| Polyclinic Consultation | SGD 15 to SGD 30 | ₹1,028 to ₹2,056 |
| Prescription Medication | SGD 5 to SGD 20 | ₹343 to ₹1,370 |
| Dental Cleaning | SGD 80 to SGD 150 | ₹5,482 to ₹10,278 |
| Emergency Treatment | Covered by Insurance | Covered by Insurance |
Other Miscellaneous Living Expenses in Singapore
Student life in Singapore extends far beyond academics, with the city offering rich cultural experiences, recreational activities, and social opportunities across its diverse neighbourhoods.Â
Museums, parks, and entertainment venues provide student discounts through International Student Identity Cards (ISIC), making cultural exploration accessible on student budgets.
| Item/Activity | Cost (SGD) | Cost (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Average Monthly Leisure | SGD 150 to SGD 250 | ₹10,278 to ₹17,130 |
| Study Books and Materials | SGD 50 to SGD 100 per month | ₹3,426 to ₹6,852 per month |
| Cinema Ticket | SGD 12 to SGD 15 | ₹822 to ₹1,028 |
| Museum Entry (Student) | SGD 5 to SGD 15 | ₹343 to ₹1,028 |
| Gym Membership | SGD 99 to SGD 150 per month | ₹6,783 to ₹10,278 per month |
| Mobile Phone Plan | SGD 10 to SGD 30 per month | ₹685 to ₹2,056 per month |
| Internet (if not included) | SGD 40 to SGD 50 per month | ₹2,741 to ₹3,426 per month |
| Clothing (Seasonal) | SGD 100 to SGD 200 | ₹6,852 to ₹13,704 |
Tips to Reduce Living Costs in Singapore
Managing expenses in Singapore becomes considerably easier when students adopt strategic approaches to daily spending. Smart choices in housing location, food preparation, and transportation can reduce monthly costs by 30 to 40% without compromising quality of life or academic experience.
- Choose suburban accommodation near MRT stations that offers lower rent whilst maintaining excellent connectivity to campus, with areas like Jurong West, Tampines, and Woodlands.
- Form grocery cooperatives with fellow students to buy bulk items from FairPrice and Sheng Siong, share cooking responsibilities for Indian meals, and split costs for expensive items.
- Maximise hawker centre dining that provides nutritious, affordable meals for SGD 3 to SGD 8 (₹206 to ₹548), with many centres near universities offering familiar Asian cuisines.
- Invest in a quality bicycle for short-distance travel within neighbourhoods, combining it with student concession MRT passes for longer journeys.
- Apply for part-time jobs within your institution or approved external employers, with Student Pass holders permitted up to 16 hours weekly during term time.
- Shop at Little India markets for authentic Indian groceries, spices, and vegetables at prices significantly lower than mainstream supermarkets.
Conclusion: From Cost Anxiety to Confident Living in Singapore
Let’s be honest about the elephant in the room. When you first saw “Singapore” on your acceptance letter, excitement probably tangled with worry about expenses. That’s completely normal. What matters isn’t how much money you have but how wisely you spend it. Think about it: Staying in budget-friendly areas puts you among real Singaporean communities. Cooking with roommates turns cost-saving into friendship-building. The financial discipline you develop here becomes life training that outlasts your degree.
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FAQs
Is Singapore safe for Indian students?
Singapore is the only Asian country in the top 10, ranked 6th in the 2025 Global Peace Index, and is considered one of the safest countries in the world.
Which are the most affordable areas to live in Singapore for students?
Bukit Batok, Yishun, Tampines, Woodlands, and Jurong West offer monthly costs ranging from SGD 1,000 to SGD 1,500 (₹68,520 to ₹1L).
What is the cheapest accommodation option for Indian students in Singapore?
Shared HDB flats in suburban areas near MRT stations offer the most affordable option starting from SGD 400 (₹27,408) monthly.
How much does basic health insurance cost for students in Singapore?
Basic health insurance ranges from SGD 30 to SGD 60 (₹2,056 to ₹4,111) monthly, often included within tuition fees by institutions.
Where can Indian students buy affordable groceries in Singapore?
FairPrice, Sheng Siong, Giant supermarkets, and Little India markets provide competitive pricing for groceries, spices, and Indian vegetables.
What is the cost of mobile phone plans for students in Singapore?
Student-friendly mobile plans range from SGD 10 to SGD 30 (₹685 to ₹2,056) monthly with adequate data and calling facilities.
How much do meals cost at hawker centres in Singapore?
Hawker centre meals cost between SGD 3 to SGD 8 (₹206 to ₹548), offering nutritious and affordable dining options.
Can international students work while studying in Singapore?
Yes, Student Pass holders pursuing full-time diplomas or degrees can work up to 16 hours per week during term timeÂ
Can graduates obtain Permanent Residency in Singapore?
Graduates may apply for PR after at least two years of stable Employment Pass employment in SingaporeÂ
If you are an aspirant looking to study at your dream university, book an appointment with AdmitX today and start your applications early to avail yourself of all the benefits.
