Expat Living In Singapore With Kids – 4 Costs You Must Budget For

From its world-class healthcare system to the vast number of exceptional schools nationwide, there’s no question why Singapore continues to be one of the top destination choices for expats looking to relocate to a new country. 

However, one drawback that is hard to ignore is the reality that it can get expensive when you’re relocating, especially when you’re raising kids all at the same time. 

That’s why we’ve come up with this guide to take you through four essential costs to consider when raising kids in Singapore. Read on! 

4 Essential Costs You Must Budget For To Raise A Child In Singapore

1. Delivering A Baby & Hospital Fees

First things first: delivery. While Singapore’s healthcare system has been lauded as some of the best in the world, that doesn’t eliminate the fact that the cost of giving birth can easily rack up. 

In the months leading up to your due date, some of the most common medical expenses you have to factor in include gynecologist consultation fees, checkup fees, prenatal classes and ultrasounds, amongst many other things. 

In your third trimester, it’ll be the appropriate time to start thinking about where you’ll be delivering your baby: whether in a public or private hospital. Most people think that public hospitals would be the most cost-effective choice but this isn’t quite the case for expats. 

Unfortunately, expats don’t have access to government subsidies like the locals do and might end up spending the same amount at a public hospital as they would have at a private one. The cost ranges anywhere from SGD 5,000 to SGD 15,000. 

However, in certain cases where there are complications, this can rack up to SGD 30,000 as well.

All that aside, one thing’s for sure: expectant parents will still receive the same standards of care regardless of what hospital they choose. 

2. The Basic Cost Of Living

When talking about the cost of living in Singapore, this includes everything from housing, transportation, food, and many others. 

In terms of housing, your monthly rental expenses will vary depending on which neighbourhood you decide to stay in. 

Just like anywhere in the world, the central region is where you’ll find the most expensive properties in Singapore due to its proximity to the business district, major shopping malls and international schools. 

But if you’re looking to spend less and immerse yourself a little more in the Singaporean way of living, the heartlands aren’t a bad option. These refer to suburban residential areas outside of the city centre, mostly populated by public housing. 

Here’s a quick overview of how much rent would cost for a three-bedroom apartment in different parts of Singapore: 

Source 

When it comes to food, Singapore is a gastronomical haven with a never-ending list of dining options for every palate and budget. 

Residents and tourists alike can enjoy local eats at hawker centres, which are known to be especially affordable; trendy cafes and coffee shops for that caffeine fix; fast food and casual dining options for those on the go; and higher-end restaurants for those who want to explore the fine dining and cocktail scene. 

How much does all that cost in a month? Ultimately, it all depends on your lifestyle choices. So be smart about how you choose to spend your money. 

3. Education Costs

Moving on to one of the most important expenses to factor in when raising a child: their education. 

Working expats have the option to send their children to a public government school or a private one. One of the biggest advantages of local public schools is that the school fees are significantly more affordable than private schools. 

Source: MOE 

However, some children may have difficulty adjusting to the local school system, which could be grounds for considering international schools instead. Take note that this can cost anywhere between S$1,000 to S$3,000 per month. 

To get a better idea of the overall cost of international school fees, here are the tuition fees at the Australian International School for reference. 

Source: AIS

4. Healthcare & Insurance Policies

Last but not least on the list is all things healthcare. 

Prepare to set aside anywhere between S$100 to S$200 for your routine monthly healthcare needs such as doctor visits on sick days, periodical health screenings, as well as any medicine and maintenance.  

While health insurance is not compulsory in Singapore, it is highly encouraged, especially for expats who don’t have access to the same government subsidies as locals do. 

But fret not. Most companies that employ expat professionals do have health insurance plans in place for their workers. On top of that, there are many reputable insurance companies in Singapore where you can purchase insurance premiums at your own expense. 

Get a Headstart with AIS! 

Now that you know what there is to consider before moving to Singapore with your kids, how about getting a headstart in their educational journey? 

Here at AIS, we can help your child get the best start in an international school and maximise their development for a holistic education from infant care to pre-university and beyond. 

Book a tour with us today to find out more!