Singapore || Living Expenses

Student Accommodation

Wide varieties of accommodation types are available in Singapore to suit different budgets and needs. Students should make prior arrangements for accommodation before arrival in Singapore.
Below are some types of accommodation available to international students.

Halls of Residence and Hostels
International students are normally given preference for the first-year when they apply for on-campus accommodation. Rooms can be single or shared. Halls of Residence provide facilities such as television rooms, laundry rooms, computer rooms, reading rooms, kitchenettes and so on.
Room rents - SS$155 - SS$800 a month depending on the number of students sharing the room.

Boarding Schools
Boarding schools are intended for Secondary and Junior College students aged between 13 and 19 years. Boarding facilities include lodging, meals, laundry services, 24-hour security, pastoral guidance, supervision, tuition, sports & recreational facilities.
Rates - SS$6,000 to SS$15,000 per academic year.

Homestays
Some households in Singapore open up their homes and offer full boarding to international students. Homestay seeks to provide a cheering environment where the student gets to enjoy a homely environment, receive attentive care and emotional support from the guardians in the absence of his / her parents.
Rent- SS$1000 to SS$1,600 per month.

Public and Private Apartments/Houses
Students may consider renting a room or apartment or house directly from the owners of public or private housing. Students are likely to pay at least one month advance rent and one month security deposit.

Hotels
Those pursuing a short-term course like an executive training programme, will have a wide variety of hotels to choose from. Hotel rates depend on location and class of hotels. 

Serviced Apartments
For those who are staying for a slightly longer period, serviced apartments are the next best option. Serviced apartments offer all the comforts of home with the housekeeping convenience of a hotel.

Cost of living
Singapore offers a high, yet affordable, quality of life. The cost of living in Singapore is considerably lower than that of many developed countries such as Australia, UK and USA. An international student in Singapore spends on average about SGD 750 to SGD 2,000 a month on living expenses
Below is a guide on the cost of living in Singapore.