🇨🇳 Shanghai vs 🇸🇬 Singapore
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇨🇳
Shanghai
China
$2,215–$3,508/mo
¥15,821 – ¥25,057 / month (local)
🇸🇬
Singapore
Singapore
$2,923–$4,628/mo
S$3,950 – S$6,254 / month (local)
Singapore is 32% more expensive
Shanghai wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | Shanghai (USD) | Singapore (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $1,662–$2,585 | $2,192–$3,410 | 🟢 Shanghai |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $877–$1,385 | $1,157–$1,827 | 🟢 Shanghai |
| Utilities | $69–$134 | $91–$177 | 🟢 Shanghai |
| Groceries | $351–$526 | $463–$694 | 🟢 Shanghai |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $46–$83 | $61–$110 | 🟢 Shanghai |
| Public transport (monthly) | $88–$106 | $116–$140 | 🟢 Shanghai |
| Internet & Mobile | $28–$46 | $37–$61 | 🟢 Shanghai |
| Gym membership | $32–$60 | $43–$79 | 🟢 Shanghai |
| Cinema ticket | $13–$17 | $17–$22 | 🟢 Shanghai |
| Monthly total (single) | $2,215–$3,508 | $2,923–$4,628 | 🟢 Shanghai |
See how your salary compares in both cities
Enter monthly take-home in USD. We compare to our estimated budget range for your household (not financial advice).
Quality of life comparison
Housing4.4 / 10 · 4.1 / 10
Shanghai▲ better
Singapore
Safety9.7 / 10 · 9.2 / 10
Shanghai▲ better
Singapore
Healthcare8.0 / 10 · 9.2 / 10
Shanghai
Singapore▲ better
Education7.6 / 10 · 8.8 / 10
Shanghai
Singapore▲ better
Environment8.4 / 10 · 9.6 / 10
Shanghai
Singapore▲ better
Economy6.7 / 10 · 7.9 / 10
Shanghai
Singapore▲ better
Culture7.3 / 10 · 8.5 / 10
Shanghai
Singapore▲ better
Internet7.7 / 10 · 8.9 / 10
Shanghai
Singapore▲ better
Who should choose which city?
Choose Shanghai if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Singapore
- ✓Business China
- ✓Transit
- ✓Food
- ✓Manufacturing
Choose Singapore if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what Singapore offers vs Shanghai
- ✓Safety
- ✓Hub airport
- ✓Low tax for some
- ✓Finance
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Full Shanghai guide
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Explore Shanghai →📊
Full Singapore guide
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Explore Singapore →