The Global Expat Hub
Singapore
Safest, cleanest and best run city-state in Asia, with prices to match.
Your plan for Singapore checklist · timeline · cost breakdown
Estimates for one adult before ongoing rent and living costs; couples and families scale up. Tap a plan for the full breakdown.
Top cities for expats in Singapore
Costs and character vary significantly within Singapore. Here are the cities our readers compare most.
The whole island is one city-state — ultramodern, safe and English-speaking
Shopping and expat hub in the heart of the city
Resort island connected to the mainland — beaches and leisure
Singapore by the numbers editorial estimates in US dollars
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🌤️ Climate
Equatorial; 30°C and humid every day, with heavier rain Nov–Jan. No seasons.
Mean temperatures for Central.
🌧️ Rain & snow
Rainfall about 2,300 mm (91 in) a year.
Snow None.
⚖️ The law
Official legislationSingapore Statutes Online ↗
OverviewLaw of Singapore on Wikipedia ↗
Driving On the left. Licence rules →
🏛️ Taxes
Property tax Owner-occupied 0–32% progressive on annual value; foreigners pay 60% stamp duty on purchase.
Local & regional income tax None; national rates 0–24%.
🎓 University
Not free; heavily subsidised for citizens, international $30–45k/yr.
📱 Phone & eSIM
Carriers Singtel, StarHub, M1, Simba.
Average cost Local SIM or eSIM with generous data about $15/month; a 30-day travel eSIM (Airalo, Holafly, Saily and similar) around $15 for 10 GB.
Sponsored
🎁 Schemes to attract expats
- No capital gains or inheritance tax
- Tech.Pass and ONE Pass for high earners
- Territorial tax: most foreign-sourced income exempt
Figures are national averages for planning, not quotes; big cities run higher. Tax schemes change often and carry conditions. Verify before you rely on them.
Official sources for Singapore embassies, warnings, law and reference
Government, intergovernmental and reference sites only; no reviews or opinion. Links open in a new tab.
Ratings & warnings independent
Follows your Mid-range tier partner listings match your budget
Services & daily life one labelled partner per page
Life in Singapore faith, wellbeing, shopping and play
Holidays & festivalsNational holidays, closures and the festivals worth planning aroundSearch for jobs for free, or post a job — free.
Roles open to foreigners in Singapore: remote work you can do from Central, and in-person jobs with employers who hire from abroad. Searching for and posting expat jobs is always free, for job seekers and employers alike. Every listing stays live for 60 days.
Latest listings. Example listings shown until the first real posts go live.
See all jobs in Singapore and post a job →
In the meantime, search these trusted remote job boards
Free to use. These are independent sites we like; opening in a new tab. Come back to post your own role here — posting is always free.
Frequently asked questions
Is Singapore safe for expats?
Singapore scores 96 out of 100 for safety on The Global Expat Hub, and 74 out of 100 for liveability — #8 of the 52 countries we cover. The full breakdown, including official warnings and regional differences, is on the safety page linked from this page.
What is the cost of living in Singapore?
The Global Expat Hub estimates a mid-range lifestyle in Singapore from around $2,550 per month. The figures are national averages for planning, not quotes — big cities run higher — and this page breaks costs down by tier and city.
Can I move to Singapore?
Yes. The routes and incentives The Global Expat Hub lists for Singapore include: No capital gains or inheritance tax; tech.Pass and ONE Pass for high earners; territorial tax: most foreign-sourced income exempt. Step-by-step visa and residency detail is on the visa pages linked from this page.
What is the best city in Singapore for expats?
The top cities for expats in Singapore profiled on this page are Singapore City, Orchard Road area and Sentosa Island. Each city profile includes typical rent and character to help you compare.