🇸🇬 Singapore vs 🇹🇼 Taipei

Cost of living comparison · 2026

🇸🇬

Singapore

Singapore

$2,923–$4,628/mo

S$3,950 – S$6,254 / month (local)

🇹🇼

Taipei

Taiwan

$1,908–$3,021/mo

NT$61,548 – NT$97,452 / month (local)

Singapore is 53% more expensive

Taipei wins on affordability

Cost breakdown

CategorySingapore (USD)Taipei (USD)Winner
Rent (1-bed, city center)$2,192–$3,410$1,431–$2,226🟢 Taipei
Rent (1-bed, outside center)$1,157–$1,827$755–$1,192🟢 Taipei
Utilities$91–$177$60–$115🟢 Taipei
Groceries$463–$694$302–$453🟢 Taipei
Eating out (mid-range meal)$61–$110$40–$72🟢 Taipei
Public transport (monthly)$116–$140$76–$91🟢 Taipei
Internet & Mobile$37–$61$24–$40🟢 Taipei
Gym membership$43–$79$28–$52🟢 Taipei
Cinema ticket$17–$22$11–$14🟢 Taipei
Monthly total (single)$2,923–$4,628$1,908–$3,021🟢 Taipei

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

Housing4.1 / 10 · 5.3 / 10
Singapore
Taipei▲ better
Safety9.2 / 10 · 8.2 / 10
Singapore▲ better
Taipei
Healthcare9.2 / 10 · 8.2 / 10
Singapore▲ better
Taipei
Education8.8 / 10 · 7.8 / 10
Singapore▲ better
Taipei
Environment9.6 / 10 · 8.6 / 10
Singapore▲ better
Taipei
Economy7.9 / 10 · 6.9 / 10
Singapore▲ better
Taipei
Culture8.5 / 10 · 7.5 / 10
Singapore▲ better
Taipei
Internet8.9 / 10 · 7.9 / 10
Singapore▲ better
Taipei

Who should choose which city?

Choose Singapore if…

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

Choose Taipei if…

  • ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Singapore
  • ✓Night markets
  • ✓Healthcare
  • ✓Semiconductors
  • ✓Hardware

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Full Singapore guide

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Full Taipei guide

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Explore Taipei →