London or Singapore, hesitating which to choose? Comparing the cost of living in London vs Singapore is essential for international students, expats, and people planning to move there. While both cities are globally famous education hubs, the expenses for rent, food, and fun differ wildly. This guide breaks down the real expenses, including all necessary daily expenses and tuition, to help you budget effectively.
Cost of Living in London vs Singapore: Quick Overview
When exploring the comparison of the cost of living in London vs Singapore, an at-a-glance financial snapshot is invaluable as it provides a clear overview. The table below shows an estimated average monthly cost of living comparison for a single person in Singapore and in London. The overall estimated cost of living in London, England, seems slightly higher than the price of living in Singapore. The Singapore Dollar (SGD) amounts have also been converted to British Pounds (GBP) for a straightforward analysis:
| Item | Monthly Cost in Singapore | Monthly Cost in London |
|---|---|---|
| Food & Groceries | S$580 (£335) | £350 |
| Rent | S$2,500 (£1,447) | £2,000 |
| Clothing | S$220 (£127) | £130 |
| Transportation | S$150 (£87) | £150 |
| Entertainment | S$220 (£127) | £200 |
| Health care | S$270 (£156) | £70 |
| Total | S$3940 (£2279) | £2900 |
Singapore Cost of Living vs London: Housing & Rent
Housing is inevitably the largest expense in the cost of living comparison. Whether in Singapore or in London, buying property is extremely expensive for most newcomers. In Singapore, the price per Square Foot to buy an apartment in the city centre is around S$2,804 (£1,620), which is 14.3% higher than in London at S$2,404 (£1,388). Therefore, the vast majority of students and expats choose to rent, which largely reduces the costs.
For newcomers like students, finding a reliable private landlord can be stressful. That is why most students choose PBSA through uhomes.com, a trustworthy housing rental platform specifically designed for students. We’ve already supported over 3 million students in finding ideal accommodation, with a high rating of 4.9/5 on Trustpilot. Our student accommodations usually include all bills in the monthly/weekly price, which further helps you to save on the utilities bills.
The table below provides a clear monthly rental cost of living comparison for common housing types.
| Room Type | Monthly Cost in Singapore | Monthly Cost in London |
|---|---|---|
| En-suite | / | £1,350 – £1,800 |
| Studio | S$2,500 – S$3,200 (£1,447 – £1,778) | £1,500 – £2,600 |
| 1B1B (1-Bed Flat) | S$3,500 – S$5,500 (£1,944 – £3,056) | £1,800 – £3,000 |
| Shared Rooms | S$900 – S$2,400 (£500 – £1,333) | £1,415 – £1,800 |
- Analysis & Suggestions
In terms of the cost of living in rent, the monthly expenses in Singapore are generally cheaper, particularly for shared rooms and studios, which seems suitable for budget-conscious people. As for 1-Bedroom Flats, the premium room type, the cost of living in London vs Singapore is similar, with Singapore slightly exceeding London.
As for London accommodation, en-suite rooms are a mainstream choice for students, as it strikes a balance between privacy and price. Its prices are highly location-dependent; accommodations closer to universities like UCL, KCL, and LSE or in Central London require a higher price.
Regarding Singapore accommodation, shared rooms are an extremely popular and cost-effective choice. Popular and well-connected areas for student accommodation include Clementi (near NUS), Jurong East (near NTU), and Woodlands. These neighbourhoods often provide convenient transportation, local amenities, and more manageable rents compared to the central business district.
Cost of living Singapore vs London: Food & Groceries
Eating expenses also take up an indispensable part when evaluating the cost of living Singapore vs London. To manage the price of living effectively, many balance cheap local eats with home cooking. Let’s dive into the costs of eating out and buying groceries to give you a detailed comparison.
Eat Out
Dining out is a key consideration for anyone assessing the cost of living in Singapore compared to London. Here’s a comparison of typical restaurant prices in both cities.
| Restaurants | Cost in Singapore | Cost in London |
|---|---|---|
| Meal at a Cheap Restaurant | S$12.75 (£7.36) | £20.0 |
| Meal for Two at an Average Restaurant (3 Courses, No Drinks) | S$90.0 (£51.98) | £80.0 |
| Combo Meal at McDonald’s | S$10.0 (£5.78) | £8.5 |
| Cappuccino (Regular Size) | S$6.11 (£3.53) | £3.98 |
As you can see, the general cost of living in London, England, for dining out tends to be higher. To be specific, a meal at a cheap restaurant in London costs almost double the price compared to Singapore. Even a simple cappuccino is priced slightly higher in Singapore, although McDonald’s meals are comparably priced in both cities.
Groceries
When it comes to grocery shopping, the cost of living in Singapore vs London can vary depending on the product. Here’s a comparison of some common grocery items.
| Groceries | Cost in Singapore | Cost in London |
|---|---|---|
| Milk (Regular, 1 L) | S$3.89 (£2.25) | £1.38 |
| Fresh White Bread (1 lb Loaf) | S$2.73 (£1.58) | £1.64 |
| White Rice (1 lb) | S$1.46 (£0.85) | £0.78 |
| Eggs (12, Large Size) | S$4.20 (£2.43) | £3.83 |
| Local Cheese (1 lb) | S$10.86 (£6.27) | £4.02 |
| Chicken Fillets (1 lb) | S$6.33 (£3.66) | £3.05 |
| Beef Round or Equivalent (1 lb) | S$13.18 (£7.61) | £5.87 |
| Apples (1 lb) | S$2.35 (£1.36) | £1.11 |
| Lettuce (1 Head) | S$2.59 (£1.49) | £1.20 |
| Bottled Water (50 oz) | S$1.74 (£1.00) | £1.35 |
Interestingly, if you cook at home, London is often cheaper. Supermarkets like Tesco, Aldi, and Lidl offer very competitive prices on dairy, bread, and local products. In contrast, groceries in Singapore are generally more expensive than in London, especially for items like chicken, beef, and cheese. It might be because many grocery items in Singapore are imported, increasing the price of living Singapore. Overall, local grocery store promotions and bulk buying can help reduce costs in both cities.
Cost of living London vs Singapore: Tuition Fees
When evaluating Singapore cost of living vs London, tuition fees often emerge as the largest expenditure for international students. Both cities are home to prestigious universities, and understanding the tuition fees is important for international and domestic students alike.
Tuition Fees in London
The cost of living in London, England, includes high tuition fees for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs, which is heavily influenced by university prestige. Renowned top-ranking institutions like UCL and Imperial College London often require higher fees. Below is a detailed chart of the tuition fees in London in terms of different study levels for different groups.
| Program Type | For Home Students | For International students |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate (per year) | £9,535 | £12,000 – £60,000 |
| Postgraduate Taught (per year) | £10,000 – £20,000 | £ 25,000 – £35,000 |
As illustrated, tuition fees for international undergraduate students in London vary widely, depending on the programme and university. Some programmes can even reach about £60,000 per year, which is an extremely large amount. Postgraduate courses are expensive as well, with fees reaching up to £35,000 per year at prestigious institutions, especially for business-related programmes.
Tuition Fees in Singapore
In comparison, the tuition fees in Singapore are relatively lower than those in London, making it an attractive option for students seeking a quality education at a more affordable price.
| Program Type | For Home Students | For International Students |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate (per year) | SGD 8,000 – SGD 17,000 | SGD 17,000 – SGD 50,000 |
| Postgraduate Taught (per year) | SGD 8,000 – SGD 20,000 | SGD 20,000 – SGD 50,000+ |
Similarly, the cost of living in Singapore for students depends on whether you qualify for government subsidies. Without a Tuition Grant, fees for international students are substantially higher.
Tuition Comparison: London vs Singapore
When you compare the cost of living between London and Singapore, it is also vital to look at the “hidden” costs of study, such as visa surcharges and mandatory health insurance.
- London: Students must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which is approximately £776 per year in 2026.
- Singapore: Mandatory medical insurance and Student Pass fees are generally lower, but must be factored into the overall cost of living in London vs Singapore.
Besides, while Singaporean tuition can be slightly lower, the London vs Singapore cost of living balance often tips back when you factor in the duration of the degree (UK Bachelors are typically 3 years; Singaporean degrees are often 4).
London vs Singapore Cost of Living: Clothing
Clothing, when comparing the Singapore vs London cost of living, is an essential factor that should be taken into account. Whether you’re shopping for essentials or fashionable clothes, in this section, we will compare the clothing prices in both cities to give you a better budget for your wardrobe.
The cost of living comparison between London and Singapore for clothing shows a noticeable difference. Here’s a breakdown of typical clothing prices in both cities:
| Clothing | Cost in Singapore | Cost in London |
|---|---|---|
| Jeans (Levi’s or Similar) | S$110.53 (£63.88) | £85.56 |
| Dress in a Chain Store | S$58.26 (£33.67) | £39.47 |
| Nike Shoes (Mid-Range) | S$135.68 (£78.42) | £92.00 |
As shown, the overall cost of living in Singapore for clothing tends to be a bit lower. For instance, a casual dress in a chain store (eg, Uniqlo, H&M, or Zara) in Singapore costs around S$58.26 (£33.67), whereas in London, it costs slightly more at around £40. In sum, if we compare cost of living between London and Singapore, Singapore is generally more affordable in everyday clothing such as jeans, dresses, and shoes.
Singapore vs London Cost of Living: Transportation
It is significant to consider the London vs Singapore cost of living comparison for transportation, because you must commute whether you’re rushing to work, heading to university, or exploring the city.
Let’s have a detailed look at the cost of living comparison Singapore vs London for transportation from public transport tickets to taxi fares.
| Transportation | Cost in Singapore | Cost in London |
|---|---|---|
| One-Way Ticket (Local Transport) | S$2.00 (£1.16) | £3.50 |
| Monthly Public Transport Pass (Regular Price) | S$128.00 (£73.98) | £180.00 |
| Taxi Start (Standard Tariff) | S$4.60 (£2.66) | £4.20 |
| Taxi 1 mile (Standard Tariff) | S$1.61 (£0.93) | £3.99 |
As the table shows, the cost of living in Singapore for public transport and taxi is generally lower than in London. This makes Singapore a more budget-friendly option when it comes to day-to-day transport.
Cost of living in Singapore vs London: Entertainment
Entertainment expenses, as part of the price of living Singapore vs London, also play a crucial role because no one can live without leisure and relaxation. Both Singapore and London offer a wide range of activities, from fitness clubs to cinemas.
For example, the cost of living in Singapore for entertainment is generally higher for fitness club memberships. A monthly membership for a fitness club in Singapore costs S$144.57 (£83.55), while in London, it is significantly more affordable at £56.23.
On the other hand, cinema ticket prices are relatively the same in both cities. A typical cinema ticket in Singapore costs S$15.00 (£8.67), which matches the price in London at £15.00.
In addition, London offers free entry to major museums (British Museum, Tate Modern), providing excellent value for students. In Singapore, many attractions require tickets, though student concessions are available.
In conclusion, the entertainment expenses have no exact amount and vary largely depending on personal lifestyle. In this aspect, the cost of living comparison Singapore vs London is comparable.
Cost of living in Singapore versus London: Health Care
Last but not least, assessing Singapore vs London cost of living for healthcare requires an understanding of how it is funded and delivered in each location.
Singapore’s system combines personal savings, insurance, and government subsidies, while the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) provides universal coverage for residents and visa holders who pay the Immigration Health Surcharge. Below, we break down practical costs and real-world implications.
In Singapore, monthly healthcare costs vary significantly:
- Basic GP Visit (Public Clinic – PR): S$36-$50 per visit, S$72-$100/month for regular checkups.
- Basic GP Visit (Private Clinic): S$50-$200 per visit, S$100-$400/month for occasional visits.
- Basic Health Insurance (Expat): Premiums can average $76-$418/month.
Healthcare in London is largely free via the NHS, but costs arise from prescriptions, private insurance, etc.
- NHS Costs: Generally free, but some charges may apply
- Private health insurance varies by age:
Younger Adults (20s): £28 – £40 per month (basic to comprehensive);
Senior Adults (70s): £137 – £200+ per month (basic to comprehensive).
- Prescriptions: £9.90 per item
- Dental/Optical: Charges apply, though help is available for low-income individuals.
In summary, London’s system can be cheaper if you rely entirely on the NHS, but might have longer wait times; whereas Singapore offers quicker access through private care, which is more convenient but comes at a higher cost.
Cost of Living in London vs Singapore: Conclusion
The cost of living in London vs Singapore is comparable in total. London tends to have a higher price for rent, transportation, and leisure items. However, it offers relative value in groceries, and the NHS system provides free healthcare for students and expats. Singapore often provides more affordable rent and lower-cost dining. The trade-off comes in the form of higher grocery bills and private healthcare insurance premiums.
Whichever city you choose, accommodation will be your biggest monthly outflow. To keep your budget under control, browse uhomes.com for the best deals on student housing in both London and Singapore. We help you find a safe, affordable home so you can focus on your studies.
FAQs about Cost of Living in London vs Singapore
Is living in London more expensive than Singapore?
Yes. London is generally more expensive than Singapore, especially in rent, dining out, and transport. However, groceries are cheaper in London, and the NHS provides free healthcare. Singapore offers cheaper public transport but has higher grocery bills and variable private medical insurance costs.
How much salary is needed to live comfortably in Singapore?
A comfortable monthly budget for a single person is estimated between S$3,500 – S$4,000 (£1,944 – £2,279). This covers moderate rent for a private room or studio, groceries, affordable dining, transport, and basic leisure. It also factors in essential private health insurance, a key cost in Singapore’s system compared to the UK’s NHS.
Is it worth moving to Singapore from the UK?
It depends on your priorities. The cost of living in Singapore and the UK is comparable. Singapore offers financial advantages like more affordable entry-level rent, cheaper public transport, and efficient services. However, the UK also has world-class museums and a universal healthcare system. Your choice should balance lower daily costs against different lifestyle and social benefits.
Is Singapore better or London?
There’s no single “better” city. Singapore excels in efficiency, safety, and often lower transport and casual dining costs. London offers historical culture and generally cheaper supermarket shopping. Your budget, study goals, and preferred lifestyle will determine which city is a better fit for you.
What is the monthly cost for a student in London vs Singapore?
For a single person, the estimated total monthly cost of living in London is around £2,900. In Singapore, it ranges from approximately S$3940. This includes core expenses like accommodation, food, transport, and essential bills, but excludes major variables like tuition fees and international travel.
How much does student accommodation cost in London vs Singapore?
Costs vary by room type. The table below provides a clear monthly rental cost of common housing types.
| Room Type | Monthly Cost in Singapore | Monthly Cost in London |
|---|---|---|
| En-suite | / | £1,350 – £1,800 |
| Studio | S$2,500 – S$3,200 (£1,447 – £1,778) | £1,500 – £2,600 |
| 1B1B (1-Bed Flat) | S$3,500 – S$5,500 (£1,944 – £3,056) | £1,800 – £3,000 |
| Shared Rooms | S$900 – S$2,400 (£500 – £1,333) | £1,415 – £1,800 |
To keep your budget under control, browse uhomes.com for the best deals on student housing in both London and Singapore.
