🇸🇬 Singapore vs 🇯🇵 Tokyo
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇸🇬
Singapore
Singapore
$2,923–$4,628/mo
S$3,950 – S$6,254 / month (local)
🇯🇵
Tokyo
Japan
$2,708–$4,287/mo
¥404,179 – ¥639,851 / month (local)
Singapore is 8% more expensive
Tokyo wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | Singapore (USD) | Tokyo (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $2,192–$3,410 | $2,031–$3,159 | 🟢 Tokyo |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $1,157–$1,827 | $1,072–$1,692 | 🟢 Tokyo |
| Utilities | $91–$177 | $85–$164 | 🟢 Tokyo |
| Groceries | $463–$694 | $429–$643 | 🟢 Tokyo |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $61–$110 | $56–$102 | 🟢 Tokyo |
| Public transport (monthly) | $116–$140 | $107–$130 | 🟢 Tokyo |
| Internet & Mobile | $37–$61 | $34–$56 | 🟢 Tokyo |
| Gym membership | $43–$79 | $39–$73 | 🟢 Tokyo |
| Cinema ticket | $17–$22 | $16–$20 | 🟢 Tokyo |
| Monthly total (single) | $2,923–$4,628 | $2,708–$4,287 | 🟢 Tokyo |
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 · 4.9 / 10
Singapore
Tokyo▲ better
Safety9.2 / 10 · 9.6 / 10
Singapore
Tokyo▲ better
Healthcare9.2 / 10 · 7.9 / 10
Singapore▲ better
Tokyo
Education8.8 / 10 · 7.5 / 10
Singapore▲ better
Tokyo
Environment9.6 / 10 · 8.3 / 10
Singapore▲ better
Tokyo
Economy7.9 / 10 · 8.3 / 10
Singapore
Tokyo▲ better
Culture8.5 / 10 · 8.9 / 10
Singapore
Tokyo▲ better
Internet8.9 / 10 · 7.6 / 10
Singapore▲ better
Tokyo
Who should choose which city?
Choose Singapore if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what Singapore offers vs Tokyo
- ✓Safety
- ✓Hub airport
- ✓Low tax for some
- ✓Finance
Choose Tokyo if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Singapore
- ✓Safety
- ✓Transit
- ✓Food
- ✓Finance
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📊
Full Singapore guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Singapore →📊
Full Tokyo guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Tokyo →