Cost of living, salaries, tax rates & quality of life
Quick FactsKey stats and figures for Singapore
Capital
Singapore
Languages
English, Mandarin, Malay, Tamil
Currency
Singapore Dollar (SGD)
Cost of Living
28% above US
Avg. Salary
$ 71k/yr
Timezone
UTC+8
Population
6 million
Expats
2.8 million
Based on Numbeo Quality of Life Index
Compare expenses and earning potential across major cities
| City | Rent | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Singapore Central | SGD 3,485 | SGD 4,267 |
| Singapore East | SGD 2,800 | SGD 3,510 |
| Singapore West | SGD 2,600 | SGD 3,285 |
Rent based on 1-bedroom apartment in city center. All values in SGD/month.
Key tax information for Singapore
0%-24%
17%
0% (no capital gains tax)
9% GST
Territorial tax system - foreign-sourced income generally not taxed
What to expect when living in Singapore
English is the working language
Multicultural society; English widely used in business
Before You Go
Essential reading for anyone considering the move
Deep DivesThe borderless economy is not a future prediction - it is the operating system of modern work. We explore how the convergence of remote work, talent shortages, and competitive visa policy is dissolving the link between where you live and what you earn.
Deep DivesA data-driven ranking of the top destinations for software engineers, data scientists, and product managers - factoring in visa processing speed, tech salaries, cost-adjusted take-home pay, and quality of life.
Policy UpdatesSingapore's ONE Pass, South Korea's D-8 startup visa expansion, and New Zealand's revamped Skilled Migrant Category - three destinations making aggressive moves to attract global talent in 2026.
Deep DivesA higher salary abroad does not always mean a better life. Learn how to evaluate cost of living and quality of life metrics to make smarter relocation decisions.
Last updated: April 2026
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general guidance only and should not be considered legal or financial advice. Cost of living, salary, and quality of life data are estimates based on third-party sources and may vary. Always verify current information with official government sources before making immigration decisions.