Understanding Student Living Costs in Singapore for 2025 Singapore has a reputation for being pricey. However when you break down where your money actually goes the picture becomes much clearer. Students planning to move there need realistic numbers to avoid financial surprises & unnecessary stress.
Real Monthly Expenses Students Should Expect in Singapore
A realistic monthly budget for students falls between SGD 1200 and 1,800 based on where you live and how you spend. Choosing a private room or staying in the city center will push your costs higher.
This amount typically handles rent and food along with transport and utilities plus your phone & internet bills for most international students studying in Singapore.
Complete Cost Breakdown: Rent, Food, Transport, and Daily Needs
Your monthly expenses can be grouped into three major areas: accommodation, food, and transportation. Planning each category carefully will help you manage your budget better while living in Singapore.
Housing
Accommodation usually consumes the largest portion of a student’s budget.
– University hostels or shared rooms typically cost between SGD 300 and SGD 800 per month.
– Shared apartments generally range from SGD 700 to SGD 1,200.
– Private studio apartments close to the city often start from SGD 1,500 or more.
– To reduce rental costs, consider student-friendly neighborhoods such as Jurong, Woodlands, Bukit Batok, or Tampines. These areas offer more affordable housing options while still being well connected through the MRT network.
Food & Groceries
If you balance home cooking with occasional eating out, expect to spend around SGD 200 to SGD 350 per month on food.
– Groceries are reasonably priced at supermarkets like FairPrice, Sheng Siong, and local markets in Little India.
– Meals at hawker centres usually cost about SGD 4 to SGD 6.
– Dining at Indian restaurants may cost around SGD 10 to SGD 15 per meal.
– Preparing Indian meals at home can reduce food expenses by nearly 40% compared to eating out daily.
Transport & Utilities
Singapore’s public transport system is reliable, clean, and student-friendly.
– A student MRT and bus concession pass costs roughly SGD 45 to SGD 60 per month.
– Utilities such as electricity, water, and internet generally add up to SGD 80 to SGD 150 monthly.
– Students living close to campus can keep transport costs under SGD 50 by using a student concession card or an EZ-Link pass and relying mainly on public transport.
Smart Budgeting Tips That Help Students Save in 2025
Most Indian students rely on a few smart habits to manage their expenses better:
– They often share apartments close to MRT stations to reduce rent and utility costs.
– Preparing meals at home helps cut food bills and supports a healthier lifestyle.
– Second-hand furniture is commonly purchased through platforms such as Carousell.
– Student discounts are widely used for public transport, eating out, and leisure activities.
– Many students monitor their expenses using free apps like Splitwise or Expense Manager.
These small but consistent choices make a real difference — with better planning, it’s possible to save around SGD 200–300 every month.
Can Students Comfortably Survive on SGD 1,600 per Month?
Living on SGD 1500 per month in Singapore is achievable if you make smart choices about your lifestyle. This budget works best when you share accommodation with roommates instead of renting alone. Cooking your own meals at home rather than dining at restaurants will save you considerable money. Using public transportation like buses & trains instead of taxis or private cars also helps keep expenses down.
That said, this tight budget requires some sacrifices. If you want more privacy and prefer living in your own studio apartment your monthly expenses will naturally increase. Similarly if you enjoy the convenience of eating out frequently or ordering food delivery, you should plan for higher costs. In these situations, you would need at least SGD 2000 to SGD 2200 each month to maintain a comfortable standard of living.
