Cost Comparison 2025

SingaporevsBudapest

Singapore
Hungary

Overall

💰

-45.3%

Singapore is 45.3%cheaper

Rent

🏠

-61.1%

Housing is 61.1% lower

Dining

🍽️

-43.8%

Restaurants 43.8% cheaper

Groceries

🛒

-43.5%

Food shopping 43.5% less

Comparing the cost of living between Singapore, Singapore and Budapest, Hungary reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Singapore is more affordable than Budapest by approximately 45.3%. 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 Singapore are higher than in Budapest by 157%. A one-bedroom apartment in Singapore's city center costs around SGD 3,500, while the same in Budapest is approximately HUF 200,000.

Dining out in Singapore is notably more expensive compared to Budapest. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs SGD 15 in Singapore versus HUF 2,000 in Budapest.

Public transportation in Singapore is more affordable, with monthly passes at SGD 120 compared to HUF 9,500 in Budapest.

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

Grocery shopping in Singapore is more expensive by approximately 77%. Basic items like milk, bread, and eggs show higher prices across the board.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

When breaking down monthly expenses, a single person in Singapore can expect to spend approximately SGD 777 per month (excluding rent), while in Budapest, the same lifestyle would cost around HUF 94,600. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about SGD 2,720 monthly in Singapore versus HUF 331,100 in Budapest. 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
Singapore, Singapore
Budapest, Hungary

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
SGD 3,500
HUF 200,000
1BR Outside Center
SGD 2,500
HUF 140,000
3BR City Center
SGD 7,000
HUF 350,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
SGD 15
HUF 2,000
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
SGD 100
HUF 10,000
Cappuccino
SGD 6
HUF 650
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
SGD 10
HUF 600

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
SGD 3
HUF 350
Bread (500g)
SGD 3
HUF 350
Eggs (12)
SGD 4
HUF 600
Cheese (1kg)
SGD 20
HUF 2,500

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
SGD 2
HUF 350
Monthly Pass
SGD 120
HUF 9,500
Taxi Start
SGD 4
HUF 700
Gasoline (1L)
SGD 3
HUF 600

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
SGD 200
HUF 35,000
Internet (60 Mbps)
SGD 50
HUF 5,000
Mobile Minute
SGD 0
HUF 30

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Budapest 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 Budapest 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

Singapore

Cost of Living Index95
Rent Index90
Purchasing Power Index100

Budapest

Cost of Living Index52
Rent Index35
Purchasing Power Index60

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Singapore more expensive than Budapest?

No, Singapore is approximately 45.3% cheaper than Budapest. You'll find significant savings in housing, food, and transportation costs.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 69% of your Budapest salary when living in Singapore. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Budapest, you'd need about $34,420 in Singapore for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Singapore and Budapest?

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 157%, 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 Singapore if you prioritize earning potential, or Budapest for affordability.

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

In Singapore, a single person needs approximately SGD 3,277 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about SGD 7,220. In Budapest, these figures are HUF 234,600 for singles and HUF 581,100 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Singapore and Budapest 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 Budapest to maintain your lifestyle from Singapore

Calculate Salary Equivalence

Last updated: 2025-01-15 • Data sourced from multiple providers