Singapore Student Cost of Living Calculator 2026

On average, a local university student in Singapore needs about S$1,000 to S$1,500 per month for living expenses, assuming they live in a university hall or rent a standard HDB room. If staying with parents, the monthly cost drops significantly to about S$400–S$600 (mostly for food, transport, and entertainment). International students renting private condominiums should budget S$2,000 to S$2,500+ per month.

Living on-campus is heavily subsidised compared to renting outside. A standard single room in an NUS or NTU hall typically costs between S$450 and S$650 per month. Some halls or residential colleges (like NUS UTown) also require mandatory meal plans, which add another S$400–S$500 per month but cover most of your dining needs during the semester.

No, public transport is very affordable for students. Full-time undergraduate students at MOE-funded institutions can apply for a Tertiary Student MRT/Bus concession pass, which costs S$48 per month for unlimited travel on basic bus and train services. Alternatively, paying per trip using a student EZ-Link card typically costs S$40–S$60 per month depending on travel frequency.

Yes, international students studying full-time at approved institutions (like NUS, NTU, SMU, SIT, SUTD) are legally allowed to work up to 16 hours per week during term time, and unlimited hours during official vacation periods. Many students work as tutors, campus assistants, or in F&B to offset their living expenses. A typical part-time job pays S$10–S$15 per hour.

If you eat primarily at university canteens and local hawker centres, a meal typically costs S$4 to S$7. Budgeting S$15 to S$20 a day (S$450–S$600 a month) is sufficient for a modest lifestyle. Eating at restaurants or cafes will increase this significantly, as a typical cafe meal costs S$20–S$30 after taxes (GST) and service charge.