Cost of Living in Singapore (2026)

COL Index: 90.8% of U.S. national average · Updated for 2026

Cost of Living Index

90.8%

vs U.S. average (100%)

Relative Cost

Slightly Below

Compared to U.S.

Currency

SGD

Salary Data

10 Jobs

Top 10 highest paying

Top 10 Jobs in Singapore — COL-Adjusted Salaries

Rank	Job Title	Local Salary	COL-Adjusted (SGD)
1	Surgeons / Doctors	27,526–90,033 SGD/mo	30,315–99,155 SGD/mo
2	Judges	23,130–75,697 SGD/mo	25,473–83,367 SGD/mo
3	Lawyers	18,733–61,360 SGD/mo	20,631–67,578 SGD/mo
4	Bank Managers	17,644–57,728 SGD/mo	19,431–63,578 SGD/mo
5	Chief Executive Officers	16,535–54,097 SGD/mo	18,211–59,578 SGD/mo
6	Chief Financial Officers	15,426–50,465 SGD/mo	16,989–55,578 SGD/mo
7	Orthodontists	14,872–48,744 SGD/mo	16,379–53,683 SGD/mo
8	College Professors	13,228–43,201 SGD/mo	14,568–47,578 SGD/mo
9	Pilots	11,030–36,128 SGD/mo	12,147–39,789 SGD/mo
10	Marketing Directors	9,921–32,496 SGD/mo	10,926–35,789 SGD/mo

* COL-adjusted salary is shown in SGD, restated at the purchasing power implied by the cost of living index for Singapore.

Salary vs. Cost of Living by Category in Singapore

Category	Avg. Salary (Local)	COL-Adjusted (SGD)	Purchasing Power
AI & Machine Learning	26,494 SGD	29,179 SGD	+10%
Finance & Accounting	26,188 SGD	28,841 SGD	+10%
Business Administration	29,189 SGD	32,147 SGD	+10%
Advertising	22,185 SGD	24,434 SGD	+10%
Architecture	22,508 SGD	24,789 SGD	+10%
Automotive & Car Industry	21,702 SGD	23,900 SGD	+10%
Aviation	26,723 SGD	29,430 SGD	+10%
Banking	31,388 SGD	34,568 SGD	+10%
Construction	21,476 SGD	23,652 SGD	+10%
Counseling	21,392 SGD	23,560 SGD	+10%
Customer Service	17,202 SGD	18,945 SGD	+10%
Education & Teaching	22,465 SGD	24,740 SGD	+10%
Energy	24,411 SGD	26,884 SGD	+10%
Engineering	20,490 SGD	22,566 SGD	+10%
Manufacturing	23,416 SGD	25,788 SGD	+10%
Fitness & Sports	15,577 SGD	17,156 SGD	+10%
Hospitality	22,277 SGD	24,534 SGD	+10%
Healthcare	57,977 SGD	63,851 SGD	+10%
Human Resources	21,646 SGD	23,840 SGD	+10%
Import & Export	16,818 SGD	18,521 SGD	+10%
Insurance	24,353 SGD	26,820 SGD	+10%
Information Technology	22,059 SGD	24,294 SGD	+10%
Law & Legal Services	34,178 SGD	37,642 SGD	+10%
Marketing	24,009 SGD	26,441 SGD	+10%
Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology	30,929 SGD	34,063 SGD	+10%
Public Relations	20,109 SGD	22,148 SGD	+10%
Procurement	22,210 SGD	24,460 SGD	+10%
Quality Control	19,498 SGD	21,474 SGD	+10%
Real Estate	25,825 SGD	28,442 SGD	+10%
Sales	26,169 SGD	28,821 SGD	+10%
Telecommunications	19,463 SGD	21,435 SGD	+10%

Cost of Living in Singapore — Overview

The cost of living in Singapore is 90.8% of the U.S. national average. This means the cost of living in Singapore is roughly comparable to the U.S. national average.

Purchasing Power in Singapore

A salary with the purchasing power of the U.S. national average works out at approximately 147,577 SGD in Singapore for the same standard of living.

Cost of Living Categories in Singapore

Housing

Housing in countries with a cost index of 90.8% tends to be the largest expense, often consuming 30-40% of income. Rent, utilities, and property costs vary significantly between urban and rural areas.

Food

Groceries and dining out in countries at 90.8% COL can vary widely. Local markets offer lower prices while imported goods cost more. Cooking at home is generally more affordable.

Transportation

Public transit and fuel costs in a 90.8% COL country. Many countries have efficient public transportation systems that reduce the need for personal vehicles.

Healthcare

Healthcare costs and insurance in 90.8% COL countries. Some countries have universal healthcare systems that significantly reduce out-of-pocket expenses.

Education

Education and childcare costs vary greatly with COL index. Public education is often subsidized while international schools charge premium fees.

Utilities

Electricity, water, internet, and other essential services. Weather patterns affect utility usage and costs significantly.

Clothing

Apparel costs in 90.8% COL environments. Imported brands cost more while local clothing is generally affordable.

Entertainment

Leisure activities and entertainment expenses. Costs for cinema, dining, and recreational activities scale with the overall COL index.

Salary Overview — Top 10 Jobs

Monthly salary in SGD · singhyogendra.com.np

Surgeons / Doctors27,526 – 90,03358,780 SGD
Judges23,130 – 75,69749,414 SGD
Lawyers18,733 – 61,36040,047 SGD
Bank Managers17,644 – 57,72837,686 SGD
Chief Executive Officers16,535 – 54,09735,316 SGD
Chief Financial Officers15,426 – 50,46532,946 SGD
Orthodontists14,872 – 48,74431,808 SGD
College Professors13,228 – 43,20128,215 SGD
Pilots11,030 – 36,12823,579 SGD
Marketing Directors9,921 – 32,49621,209 SGD

singhyogendra.com.np

Top Paying Jobs in Singapore

See the full list of highest paying careers and salaries in Singapore.

Best Paying Jobs in Singapore

Take-Home Pay in Singapore

Estimate your after-tax salary and see how much you keep after deductions in Singapore.

Take-Home Pay in Singapore

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Singapore?

The cost of living in Singapore is 90.8% of the U.S. national average. This means it is less expensive than living in the average U.S. city.

How is the cost of living in Singapore calculated?

The cost of living index is based on prices for housing, food, transportation, healthcare, and other goods and services compared to the U.S. national average of 100.

What salary do I need to live comfortably in Singapore?

Salaries in Singapore should be adjusted by the cost of living index to keep the same purchasing power. A salary equivalent to the U.S. national average corresponds to roughly 147,577 SGD in Singapore.