Thinking about studying abroad in Singapore? Touted as a bustling metropolis in Asia, Singapore is widely known for its unique fusion of ultra-modern skyscrapers and cityscapes along with its robust arts scene and state-of-the-art urban areas. Not only are the living costs in Singapore generally low, but also the city-state’s infrastructure and healthcare are lauded for their quality standards, making Singapore a popular destination for international students.
Before moving here, it is well-advised to check out the cost of living in this modern city-state. To save you some time (*beams*), we’ve garnered the estimated living costs across different categories ranging from accommodation to transport. Albeit the monthly/yearly expenses are considered to be relatively affordable, the living costs vary from person to person, predominantly depending on the lifestyle you choose to adopt. Without further ado, let’s get started!
1. Dining
It is no secret – Singapore is well-loved for its palate-pleasing hawker food and nostalgic ethnic dishes! Given the vast plethora of food choices in our diverse and magnificent city-state, you can easily fill your boots at a reasonable price! At hawker centres and food courts, food prices generally range from S$2.50 to S$5. Alternatively, you can always choose to have your meals at the school canteen/cafeteria. At DIMENSIONS International College, a bowl of noodles or a plate of ‘economy’ rice costs S$5 and under! On average, if you choose to eat at hawker centres and food courts on a daily basis, you will need to set aside an estimated amount of S$225 to S$450 for your monthly food expenses.
2. Accommodation Options
Many find that Singapore offers plenty of accommodation options to suit each and every budget. Rental rates will vary according to the different types of accommodation and their geographical locations. With a wide range of accommodation options available, you are given the choice between public housing such as Housing Development Board (HDB) flats and private housing such as privately shared flats and private hostels. The details are as follows:
Privately Shared Flats
Looking for a private apartment to rent? The good news is – private apartments/houses can be rented directly from the owner of the domicile. However, it will be a far more judicious option to share the apartment with your fellow schoolmates as this will certainly ease the pressure on your wallet! Hence, if you choose to share an entire flat with a group of others, you can expect to pay around S$400 each month.
Private Hostels
Many private hostels offer international students the splendid opportunity to appreciate cultural diversity and forge friendships with people from all walks of life. Choose to stay in a shared dormitory room or private room at a monthly rate ranging from S$140 to S$440.
Housing Development Board (HDB) Flats
As compared to private housing, HDB flats are definitely the go-to option for people who are seeking for a cheaper alternative. Be it the entire flat or spare bedroom(s), the rental rates for HDB flats typically range from S$250 to S$1,000 each month.
3. Transportation
Getting around Singapore requires minimal effort and is generally inexpensive! The distance fares for basic transport services such as train and bus services are reasonably priced at S$0.77 for distances up to 3.2km and S$2.02 for distances beyond 40.2km. Pretty economical isn’t it? If you are interested to know more about the taxi fares in Singapore, feel free to visit the following website: http://www.smrt.com.sg/Journey-with-Us/Fares-Claims
4. Entertainment
What is a city without fun and entertainment? Bursting with vivacity, Singapore boasts a full calendar of cultural festivals which you can go to without burning a hole in your pocket. On top of that, there is an exciting array of activities you can do for FREE in Singapore! Parks such as Mount Faber and MacRitchie Reservoir Park are popular spots for nature lovers who wish to enjoy a seamless walk and admire the breath-taking scenery. On the other hand, if you wish to avoid the sweltering tropical heat, you can duck into one of the cinemas or swing by a neighbourhood pub. 2 tickets to the movies typically cost around S$16 to S$20 whilst 1 bottle of beer costs around S$12.
Now that you’re all ready to begin your budget planning, here’s a word of advice – be wise and spend within your means!
For more information about DIMENSIONS International College, visit: https://dimensions.edu.sg/
5. References
https://www.expatistan.com/cost-of-living/singapore
https://www.contactsingapore.sg/
http://www.smrt.com.sg/Journey-with-Us/Fares-Claims
https://www.moe.gov.sg/admissions/scholarships/life/cost-of-living
https://www.findaphd.com/study-abroad/asia/living-in-singapore.aspx
http://www.hotcoursesabroad.com/study-in-singapore/student-finances/student-living-costs-in-singapore/
http://studyabroad.shiksha.com/cost-of-living-in-singapore-for-international-students-articlepage-386
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