Singapore looks expensive until you see where the money goes. If you’re planning to study there, knowing the cost of living in Singapore for students in 2025 will save you stress and surprise bills.
How Much Will You Actually Need?
A realistic monthly range for students is SGD 1,200–1,800 depending on your accommodation and lifestyle. If you prefer private rooms or central-city living, expect your expenses to rise quickly.
On average, this budget comfortably covers rent, food, transport, utilities, and mobile/internet bills for most international students in Singapore.
Break It Down — Where Your Money Goes
Think of your expenses in three main categories: housing, food, and transport.
Housing
Rent takes up the biggest share of your budget.
- University hostels or shared rooms: SGD 300–800
- Shared apartments: SGD 700–1,200
- Private studio near city: SGD 1,500+
To save money, look for student-friendly areas like Jurong, Woodlands, Bukit Batok, or Tampines, where you’ll find cheaper rentals that are still well-connected by MRT.
Food & Groceries
If you cook at home and eat out occasionally, your monthly food cost will be around SGD 200–350.
- Groceries are affordable at FairPrice, Sheng Siong, or Little India markets.
- A meal at a hawker centre costs SGD 4–6, while an Indian restaurant meal might be SGD 10–15.
Cooking Indian food at home saves roughly 40% compared to daily dining out.
Transport & Utilities
Public transport in Singapore is efficient and clean.
- Student MRT + bus pass: Around SGD 45–60/month
- Utilities (electricity, water, internet): SGD 80–150/month
If you live near campus, you can easily keep your monthly transport cost below SGD 50 by using your student concession card or EZ-Link pass.
Money-Saving Moves That Actually Work
Here’s what most Indian students do to make their budgets stretch:
- Share flats near MRT stations to split rent and utilities.
- Cook at home — it’s healthier and cheaper.
- Buy used furniture from platforms like Carousell.
- Use student discounts on transport, dining, and entertainment.
- Track spending through free apps like Splitwise or Expense Manager.
Little changes add up quickly — you could save SGD 200–300 per month just by planning smarter.
Is SGD 1,600 (~₹1 Lakh) Enough?
Yes, it’s possible — especially if you live in shared housing, cook regularly, and use public transport.
However, if you prefer a private studio or eat out often, you’ll need at least SGD 2,000–2,200 monthly. The key is balance: cut costs where it doesn’t affect your comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I live in Singapore on a student budget of SGD 1,200–1,800?
Yes. Most students manage comfortably within this range by sharing rent, cooking, and using a student transport pass. Keep a small emergency fund for unexpected costs.
2. Where should Indian students shop for groceries to save money?
Popular budget-friendly options include FairPrice, Sheng Siong, Giant, and Little India markets. Buying Indian spices in bulk helps you save even more.
3. How much money should I bring from India initially?
Carry around SGD 2,000–2,500 for your first month — it covers rent deposits, SIM setup, and groceries before your local bank account is ready.