Cost Comparison 2025

GlasgowvsSingapore

United Kingdom
Singapore

Overall

💰

+35.7%

Glasgow is 35.7%more expensive

Rent

🏠

+136.8%

Housing is 136.8% higher

Dining

🍽️

+14.3%

Restaurants 14.3% pricier

Groceries

🛒

+30.8%

Food shopping 30.8% more

Comparing the cost of living between Glasgow, United Kingdom and Singapore, Singapore reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Glasgow is more expensive than Singapore by approximately 35.7%. This comparison covers essential living expenses including housing, food, transportation, and utilities, providing you with a complete picture of what to expect financially in each city.

Key Cost Differences

Housing costs in Glasgow are lower than in Singapore by 58%. A one-bedroom apartment in Glasgow's city center costs around £1,000, while the same in Singapore is approximately SGD 3,500.

Dining out in Glasgow offers significant savings compared to Singapore. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs £14 in Glasgow versus SGD 15 in Singapore.

Public transportation in Glasgow is more affordable, with monthly passes at £70 compared to SGD 120 in Singapore.

Purchasing power in Singapore is notably stronger, meaning residents can afford more goods and services with their local salaries compared to Glasgow.

Grocery shopping in Glasgow is more affordable by approximately 24%. Basic items like milk, bread, and eggs show lower prices across the board.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

When breaking down monthly expenses, a single person in Glasgow can expect to spend approximately £496 per month (excluding rent), while in Singapore, the same lifestyle would cost around SGD 777. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about £1,737 monthly in Glasgow versus SGD 2,720 in Singapore. These estimates include groceries, dining out, transportation, utilities, and entertainment, providing a realistic picture of day-to-day living costs in each city.

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item
Glasgow, United Kingdom
Singapore, Singapore

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
£1,000
SGD 3,500
1BR Outside Center
£750
SGD 2,500
3BR City Center
£1,800
SGD 7,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
£14
SGD 15
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
£55
SGD 100
Cappuccino
£3
SGD 6
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
£5
SGD 10

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
£1
SGD 3
Bread (500g)
£1
SGD 3
Eggs (12)
£2
SGD 4
Cheese (1kg)
£8
SGD 20

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
£3
SGD 2
Monthly Pass
£70
SGD 120
Taxi Start
£3
SGD 4
Gasoline (1L)
£2
SGD 3

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
£170
SGD 200
Internet (60 Mbps)
£32
SGD 50
Mobile Minute
£0
SGD 0

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Glasgow to Singapore, the cost savings can be substantial, particularly in housing and daily expenses. However, it's important to factor in salary differences and job opportunities. Conversely, moving from Singapore to Glasgow requires careful financial planning. Consider negotiating salary adjustments that reflect the higher cost of living, and research neighborhoods outside the city center for more affordable housing options while maintaining reasonable commute times.

Quality of Life Indices

Glasgow

Cost of Living Index70
Rent Index38
Purchasing Power Index80

Singapore

Cost of Living Index95
Rent Index90
Purchasing Power Index100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Glasgow more expensive than Singapore?

Yes, Glasgow is approximately 35.7% more expensive than Singapore overall. The biggest differences are in housing and restaurant prices.

How much salary do I need in Glasgow compared to Singapore?

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 1.4x of your Singapore salary when living in Glasgow. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Singapore, you'd need about $67,857 in Glasgow for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Glasgow and Singapore?

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 58%, making it a major factor in your budget planning. Transportation and utilities show notable variations between the two cities.

Which city is better for expats and digital nomads?

Singapore offers better purchasing power, making it more attractive for those earning in strong currencies. However, Singapore provides lower living costs, which benefits budget-conscious travelers. Consider Glasgow if you prioritize cultural experiences, or Singapore for better value.

What's a reasonable monthly budget for Glasgow vs Singapore?

In Glasgow, a single person needs approximately £1,246 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about £3,037. In Singapore, these figures are SGD 3,277 for singles and SGD 7,220 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Glasgow and Singapore in 2025 shows significant differences across various expense categories. Whether you're planning a relocation for work, considering retirement options, or simply curious about living costs, understanding these differences is crucial for making informed financial decisions.

Need to calculate salary equivalence?

Find out how much you need to earn in Singapore to maintain your lifestyle from Glasgow

Calculate Salary Equivalence

Last updated: 2025-01-28 • Data sourced from multiple providers