Is Singapore cheaper than Sydney?

Sydney shows lower typical monthly costs ($2,831–$4,482) than Singapore ($2,923–$4,628) in our 2026 estimates.

What is the cost difference between Singapore and Sydney?

Using upper single-person estimates, Singapore is about 3% more expensive than Sydney. Actual spend varies by lifestyle.

Which city has better quality of life, Singapore or Sydney?

Singapore scores 7.4/10 overall vs Sydney at 6.7/10. Compare housing, safety, healthcare, and culture in the breakdown below.

What salary do you need to live in Singapore vs Sydney?

For a single person we estimate roughly $2,923–$4,628 per month in Singapore and $2,831–$4,482 in Sydney. Use the salary checker on this page to test your income against both.

🇸🇬 Singapore vs 🇦🇺 Sydney

Cost of living comparison · 2026

🇸🇬

Singapore

$2,923–$4,628/mo

S$3,950 – S$6,254 / month (local)

🇦🇺

Sydney

Australia

$2,831–$4,482/mo

A$4,355 – A$6,895 / month (local)

Singapore is 3% more expensive

Sydney wins on affordability

Cost breakdown

Category	Singapore (USD)	Sydney (USD)	Winner
Rent (1-bed, city center)	$2,192–$3,410	$2,123–$3,303	🟢 Sydney
Rent (1-bed, outside center)	$1,157–$1,827	$1,121–$1,769	🟢 Sydney
Utilities	$91–$177	$88–$171	🟢 Sydney
Groceries	$463–$694	$448–$672	🟢 Sydney
Eating out (mid-range meal)	$61–$110	$59–$106	🟢 Sydney
Public transport (monthly)	$116–$140	$112–$136	🟢 Sydney
Internet & Mobile	$37–$61	$35–$59	🟢 Sydney
Gym membership	$43–$79	$41–$77	🟢 Sydney
Cinema ticket	$17–$22	$17–$21	🟢 Sydney
Monthly total (single)	$2,923–$4,628	$2,831–$4,482	🟢 Sydney

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).

Monthly salary (USD)

Household

Quality of life comparison

Housing4.1 / 10 · 3.5 / 10

Singapore▲ better

Sydney

Safety9.2 / 10 · 8.4 / 10

Singapore▲ better

Sydney

Healthcare9.2 / 10 · 8.4 / 10

Singapore▲ better

Sydney

Education8.8 / 10 · 8.0 / 10

Singapore▲ better

Sydney

Environment9.6 / 10 · 8.8 / 10

Singapore▲ better

Sydney

Economy7.9 / 10 · 7.1 / 10

Singapore▲ better

Sydney

Culture8.5 / 10 · 7.7 / 10

Singapore▲ better

Sydney

Internet8.9 / 10 · 8.1 / 10

Singapore▲ better

Sydney

Who should choose which city?

Choose Singapore if…

✓You're happy to pay more for what Singapore offers vs Sydney
✓Safety
✓Hub airport
✓Low tax for some
✓Finance

Choose Sydney if…

✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Singapore
✓Harbor
✓Beaches
✓Jobs
✓Finance

🇸🇬 Singapore vs 🇦🇺 Sydney

Cost breakdown

See how your salary compares in both cities

Quality of life comparison

Who should choose which city?

Choose Singapore if…

Choose Sydney if…

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Full Singapore guide

Full Sydney guide