Cost of Living in Singapore in Rupiah for International Students

Singapore is a neighbouring country of Indonesia, one of Asia's most developed countries. In addition to being at the forefront of the economy, trade, and business, the government has a sound education system and quality. For these reasons, it's no wonder many Indonesian students are considering Singapore as a place to continue their studies. The country also offers good career opportunities after graduation. However, before going to Singapore, you have to consider the cost of living, not just the cost of studying. If you want to continue your studies in a neighbouring country, you need to know the cost of living in Singapore.

Living Expenses (Accommodation)

The first expense of living in Singapore is housing. Accommodation in Singapore has many options, but generally at a somewhat expensive price. Although this country does not recognize boarding houses like Indonesia, several housing types are available for students with various cost ranges.

HDB Flat

If you want a private place to stay that is affordable, you can choose an HDB flat. HDB stands for House & Developing Board, a government agency that manages public housing in Singapore. As a government-run residence, HDB flats are much cheaper than private apartments or condominiums. HDB Flat rental price is around SGD 2,500-3,500 or if we convert it to Rp29,431,000-Rp41,200,000.

Paying Guest

Paying guests is a residential rental system where you rent a room in someone else's private apartment or HDB flat. This is often an option because it's economical. You only need to pay around SGD 1,200-2,220 or Rp.14,117,500-Rp.26,120,500 in rupiah to rent a paying guest, depending on the type of residence occupied. However, make sure you know the person you'll be staying with before deciding to become their paying guest.

Student Dormitory

Campus dormitories are generally the most affordable and practical housing for new students. They are usually all-inclusive, so students won't be charged extra for electricity, water, and other utilities. In addition, student dormitories are also usually located within the campus environment, so it will also cut transportation costs. The range of student dormitory fees cannot be ascertained because it all depends on the policies of the university where you study.

Food Cost

The budget for food costs varies wildly, depending on one's diet and eating patterns. Eating at a regular restaurant requires at least SGD 10-15 or Rp118,000 -Rp176,400 in rupiah for one meal. If calculated for three meals a day, you need approximately SGD900, which, if converted into Rp.10,583,500 a month, covers food costs in Singapore. Meanwhile, if you can take the time to cook, you will be much more cost-effective every month because it will only take around Rp. 4,500,000-Rp. 6,000,000. To give you an idea, here's a list of prices for basic foodstuffs in the Lion Country:

• Milk: SGD 3.80-SGD 5 (Rp.44,700-Rp58,800) per liter
• Eggs: SGD 4.80-SGD 6 (Rp53,500-Rp70,600) per dozen
• Tomatoes: SGD 4- SGD 5 (Rp45,000-Rp58,800) per kilogram
• Apples: SGD6-SGD 8 (Rp70,600-Rp94,100) per kilogram
• Potatoes: SGD 4-SGD 6 (Rp47,000-Rp70,600) per kilogram
• Rice: SGD 4.5-SGD 7 (Rp53,000-Rp82,300) per kilogram
• Onions: SGD 4.5-6 (Rp53,000-Rp70,600) per kilogram
• Lettuce: SGD 3-SGD 5 (Rp35,000-Rp58,800) per kilogram
• Bananas: SGD4.5- SGD 8 (Rp53,000-Rp94,000) per kilogram
• Spinach: SGD 5 -SGD 8 (Rp58,800-Rp94,000) per kilogram
• Chicken Breast: SGD 14-SGD 17 (Rp164,700-Rp200,000) per kilogram
• Beef: SGD 29- SGD 35 (Rp341,000-Rp412,000) per kilogram
• Fresh bread: SGD7-SGD8 (Rp53,000-Rp94,100) per kilogram
• Vegetable oil: SGD4-SGD6 (Rp45,000-Rp70,600) per liter
• Salt: SGD1-SGD2 (Rp17,000) per kilogram
• Sugar: SGD1-SGD2 (Rp11,750-Rp23,500) per kilogram

And what about the cost of drinks? In Singapore, you can save on drinking costs because they provide tap water that can be drunk immediately. In Singapore, a 1.5-litre bottle of mineral water costs SGD 3 or around Rp 35,000 in rupiah.

Transportation Costs

When talking about the cost of living, it's not just about eating but also about other things like transportation. This country has a very good and complete transportation system that is easily accessible anywhere. If you have to use public transportation for daily activities, then it's better if you subscribe to a transportation package such as Transit Link, which costs SGD 29-49 or Rp341,000-Rp576,300 per month. If you only use public transportation occasionally, you must spend around Rp12,000 for one ride on the MRT. Here's a list of fares and transportation options in Singapore:

• Bus: SGD 1.4 (Rp15,500)
• Taxi: SGD 6 (Rp 70,500)
• LRT/MRT: SGD 1 (Rp11,750)

Remember that the above transportation costs can increase depending on the distance traveled. For a bus ride during college, you'll need SGD29 (Rp341,000); for the MRT, you'll need SGD 46 (Rp 510,000). You can also buy a bicycle if you stay for a long time. Bicycles cost around SGD 100-SGD 300 or Rp1,176,000 to Rp.3,528,000 if we convert it to rupiah.

Insurance Cost

While living and staying in Singapore, you must have specific worries. In case you need to use insurance during college. Therefore, it is also essential to include insurance that needs to be calculated as a living cost. You can choose from a variety of insurance plans, with either monthly or annual premiums. The average insurance in Singapore costs SGD 2,150-SGD 3,300 per year or Rp25,280,000-Rp38,800,000 in rupiah.

Other Costs

Renting a place to live sometimes does not include electricity, water, gas, and internet costs, so you will get a bill every month. You will also need an internet package for your cellphone. The budget for entertainment includes watching movies in theatres, karaoke, going to the playground, and so on. Moreover, keeping an emergency fund is essential in case something terrible happens to you. Instead of being confused and curious, here are the estimated electricity, internet, and emergency fund costs when living in the Lion Country.

• Energy:
  • Electricity: SGD 210-SGD 420 (IDR 2,470,000-IDR 4,939,000)
  • Gas: SGD 37 (Rp380,000) per 12.7 KG cylinder
  • Water: SGD 39 (IDR 458,500) per month
• Internet: SGD 32-SGD 42 (Rp376,300-Rp494,000)
• Entertainment: SGD 11-SGD 17 (Rp129,000-Rp200,000)
• Emergency Fund: SGD 650 per month (IDR 7,643,000)

Total Cost of Living in Singapore in a Month

After knowing what costs you need to spend while in Singapore, let's calculate how much money you have to pay each month to meet these living costs. This calculation assumes that you eat out, stay as a paying guest at the lowest cost, and take the nearest bus every month. This cost estimation aims to get a more definite picture of the estimated cost of living when studying later. Here is the calculation of the estimated cost of living in Singapore: To summarize, Singapore's average cost of living is SGD2,651 or IDR 31,167,500 per month in rupiah. This cost can be much cheaper if you choose to save money when choosing accommodation or living in a dormitory, as well as if you use a bicycle to save on public transportation costs.

Ready to pursue a world-class education in Singapore?

Well, that's an overview of the cost of living in Singapore for Indonesian students. Interested in continuing your studies in one of the developed countries in Southeast Asia? Jump for a FREE consultation with SUN Education! Here, you can find information about studying abroad and various majors .SUN Education collaborates with many of the world's top institutions overseas, such as in America, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Europe, Germany, and Asia. If you need the latest information, follow SUN Education's social media on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. You can also make a FREE consultation via the Hotline at 0821 33 34 35 36 or come directly to your city's nearest SUN Education office. Download the SUN Education Mobile App or read the SUN E-Guidebook for easier and FREE access to information!