However, it also comes with a high cost of living. According to Numbeo’s Cost of Living Index 2025 (as of 16 June 2025), Singapore is the most expensive city to live in Asia and ranks 5th globally.
So, what does “expensive” actually mean? Based on the same report, Singapore’s Cost of Living Index, excluding rent, stands at 79.1. For context, New York City is the benchmark with a score of 100. This means that, on average, Singapore is around 21% cheaper than New York City. That might sound reassuring, but the details tell a different story.
When broken down by category, Singapore scores 67% for rent, 70.8% for groceries, and 53.5% for dining out. Add everything up, and the city’s Cost of Living Plus Rent Index reaches 73.7%. This level of cost still makes budgeting a top concern for many residents, especially for those without dual incomes or…
