Cost Comparison 2025

SingaporevsToronto

Singapore
Canada

Overall

💰

-21.1%

Singapore is 21.1%cheaper

Rent

🏠

-22.2%

Housing is 22.2% lower

Dining

🍽️

-6.3%

Restaurants 6.3% cheaper

Groceries

🛒

-11.8%

Food shopping 11.8% less

Comparing the cost of living between Singapore, Singapore and Toronto, Canada reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Singapore is more affordable than Toronto by approximately 21.1%. 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 Toronto by 29%. A one-bedroom apartment in Singapore's city center costs around SGD 3,500, while the same in Toronto is approximately CA$2,400.

Dining out in Singapore costs about the same compared to Toronto. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs SGD 15 in Singapore versus CA$20 in Toronto.

Public transportation in Singapore is more affordable, with monthly passes at SGD 120 compared to CA$156 in Toronto.

Grocery shopping in Singapore is more expensive by approximately 13%. 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 Toronto, the same lifestyle would cost around CA$739. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about SGD 2,720 monthly in Singapore versus CA$2,588 in Toronto. 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
Toronto, Canada

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
SGD 3,500
CA$2,400
1BR Outside Center
SGD 2,500
CA$1,900
3BR City Center
SGD 7,000
CA$4,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
SGD 15
CA$20
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
SGD 100
CA$100
Cappuccino
SGD 6
CA$5
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
SGD 10
CA$7

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
SGD 3
CA$2
Bread (500g)
SGD 3
CA$3
Eggs (12)
SGD 4
CA$4
Cheese (1kg)
SGD 20
CA$15

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
SGD 2
CA$3
Monthly Pass
SGD 120
CA$156
Taxi Start
SGD 4
CA$5
Gasoline (1L)
SGD 3
CA$2

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
SGD 200
CA$150
Internet (60 Mbps)
SGD 50
CA$80
Mobile Minute
SGD 0
CA$0

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Toronto 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 Toronto 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

Toronto

Cost of Living Index75
Rent Index70
Purchasing Power Index95

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Singapore more expensive than Toronto?

No, Singapore is approximately 21.1% cheaper than Toronto. You'll find significant savings in housing, food, and transportation costs.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 83% of your Toronto salary when living in Singapore. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Toronto, you'd need about $41,304 in Singapore for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Singapore and Toronto?

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 29%, 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 Toronto for affordability.

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

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 Toronto, these figures are CA$2,639 for singles and CA$5,588 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

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

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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