Cost Comparison 2025

SingaporevsSantiago

Singapore
Chile

Overall

💰

-42.1%

Singapore is 42.1%cheaper

Rent

🏠

-61.1%

Housing is 61.1% lower

Dining

🍽️

-37.5%

Restaurants 37.5% cheaper

Groceries

🛒

-35.3%

Food shopping 35.3% less

Comparing the cost of living between Singapore, Singapore and Santiago, Chile reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Singapore is more affordable than Santiago by approximately 42.1%. 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 Santiago by 157%. A one-bedroom apartment in Singapore's city center costs around SGD 3,500, while the same in Santiago is approximately CLP 500,000.

Dining out in Singapore is notably more expensive compared to Santiago. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs SGD 15 in Singapore versus CLP 7,000 in Santiago.

Public transportation in Singapore is more affordable, with monthly passes at SGD 120 compared to CLP 33,000 in Santiago.

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

Grocery shopping in Singapore is more expensive by approximately 55%. 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 Santiago, the same lifestyle would cost around CLP 286,600. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about SGD 2,720 monthly in Singapore versus CLP 1,003,100 in Santiago. 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
Santiago, Chile

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
SGD 3,500
CLP 500,000
1BR Outside Center
SGD 2,500
CLP 350,000
3BR City Center
SGD 7,000
CLP 900,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
SGD 15
CLP 7,000
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
SGD 100
CLP 40,000
Cappuccino
SGD 6
CLP 3,000
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
SGD 10
CLP 3,000

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
SGD 3
CLP 900
Bread (500g)
SGD 3
CLP 1,000
Eggs (12)
SGD 4
CLP 2,500
Cheese (1kg)
SGD 20
CLP 8,000

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
SGD 2
CLP 800
Monthly Pass
SGD 120
CLP 33,000
Taxi Start
SGD 4
CLP 700
Gasoline (1L)
SGD 3
CLP 1,200

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
SGD 200
CLP 80,000
Internet (60 Mbps)
SGD 50
CLP 20,000
Mobile Minute
SGD 0
CLP 100

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Santiago 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 Santiago 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

Santiago

Cost of Living Index55
Rent Index35
Purchasing Power Index50

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Singapore more expensive than Santiago?

No, Singapore is approximately 42.1% cheaper than Santiago. You'll find significant savings in housing, food, and transportation costs.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 70% of your Santiago salary when living in Singapore. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Santiago, you'd need about $35,185 in Singapore for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Singapore and Santiago?

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 Santiago for affordability.

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

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 Santiago, these figures are CLP 636,600 for singles and CLP 1,653,100 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

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

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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