OFW Guide: Cost of Living in Singapore as an OFW
Singapore, with its vibrant culture and thriving economy, is a popular destination for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) seeking better career opportunities. While the Lion City offers exciting prospects, it's essential to understand the cost of living to manage your finances effectively. To help you visualise, we’ll use a salary of SGD$2500 (₱103,430) and breakdown the monthly expense when living in Singapore.
Housing Costs - $800 - SGD$1100 (₱33111 – ₱45530)
Housing is one of the most significant expenses in Singapore. The cost of renting an apartment in the city can vary depending on the location and size. However, it is to note that the rental cost in Singapore may not be one of the cheapest in the world however, there are still affordable options for Foreign Worker. Here are some examples of affordable accommodation in Singapore.
Property Guru- Property Guru regularly updates new rental space which can cost around SGD $800 (₱33,111) For one bedroom monthly.
Casamia Co Living Space – For a comfortable bedroom space, Foreign Workers can find living options on Casamia’s website which will set you back around SGD$1100 (₱45530)
Do note that some companies in Singapore do offer subsidized accommodation for foreign workers which will allow you to save on rental cost.
Utilities – SGD $ 150 (₱6205)
Utilities, including electricity, water, and gas, are relatively consistent in Singapore. On average, you can expect to spend around $100 to $150 per month for these services. However, do note that the prices for utilities may increase due to rising energy costs.
Food and Groceries – SGD $450 (₱18,622)
In Singapore, you can find some of the cheapest food options at hawker centres and food courts, which are scattered throughout the city. These places offer a wide variety of delicious local dishes at affordable prices. Estimating that you require 3 meals a day and the meals costing around SGD $5 (₱207). It will set you back roughly SGD $450 (₱18,622) a month.
For common groceries item. These are the average costs:
Cable, Broadband Internet, and Mobile Phones Subscriptions – SGD $230 (₱9518)
In Singapore, you can find a large range of different Mobile Phone plans that caters to many kinds of consumer. For postpaid subscriptions, expect to pay at least SGD$ 35-100 (₱1448 – ₱4138) a month.
In Singapore, residential internet connections are relatively more affordable, and you get a lot of speed and data for your money. You already receive unlimited data with at least 1GBPS for an average monthly cost of S$50. (₱2069)
Lastly, In Singapore, cable subscriptions are both common and reasonably priced. For the basic cable channels, you can start with a monthly subscription of $28 (₱1159), but if you want the international news and HD channels, you'll have to pay between $50 and $80. (₱2069 – ₱3310).
Travel and Transportation Cost – SGD $80 (₱3311)
Singapore has a well-known, highly efficient public transportation system, so much so that it is very common to not have to own a car to get around.
Bus and MRT one-way fares typically cost about $2.00 (₱84) per person. You're looking at S$4.00 (₱168) per day for back and forth. You spend an average of S$80 (₱3311) per 20 workdays on your commute.
In Conclusion
Using an example of a monthly wage of SGD$2500 (₱103,430). After paying all your living expenses, you would be left with SGD$ 720 (₱29795.50).
If you wish to start your OFW journey in Singapore, speak to us!
Disclaimer: All information is true as of time of publish in 2023, information and data may change beyond this date. For most updated information, always refer to relevant site before making decisions. Kenneth & Co disclaims any liability for any harm caused by using the information provided.
