Cost of Living: Singapore vs Hong Kong (China)

Detailed comparison of living costs and expenses between Singapore and Hong Kong (China).

Data updated: October 2026

Quick Comparison Summary

In simple terms, living in Singapore is 31.7% more expensive than Hong Kong (China). The biggest difference is in Transportation, where costs are 278.8% higher. This means that for every $100 you spend in Hong Kong (China), you would spend about $132 in Singapore for the same standard of living.

Key Differences

Transportation 278.8%

Singapore is 278.8% more expensive

Sports And Leisure 43.6%

Singapore is 43.6% more expensive

Mobile and Internet 39.9%

Singapore is 39.9% more expensive

Cost of Living Index

Overall Difference 31.7%

Singapore is 31.7% more expensive than Hong Kong (China)

Most Expensive Categories

  • Transportation +278.8%
  • Sports And Leisure +43.6%
  • Mobile and Internet +39.9%

Is Singapore cheaper than Hong Kong (China)?

No, Hong Kong (China) is cheaper than Singapore

Overall, living costs in Hong Kong (China) are 31.7% lower than in Singapore.

Where Hong Kong (China) is cheaper:

  • Transportation 278.8% cheaper
  • Sports And Leisure 43.6% cheaper
  • Mobile and Internet 39.9% cheaper

Where Hong Kong (China) is more expensive:

  • Household Utilities 32.9% more expensive
  • Property Prices 9.9% more expensive

Practical Examples

Basic restaurant meal

Singapore: 10.90 $ Hong Kong (China): 8.93 $
22.1% more expensive in Singapore

1-bedroom apartment in city center

Singapore: 3,140.74 $ Hong Kong (China): 2,165.87 $
45.0% more expensive in Singapore

Monthly public transport pass

Singapore: 93.46 $ Hong Kong (China): 63.80 $
46.5% more expensive in Singapore

1 liter of gasoline

Singapore: 2.22 $ Hong Kong (China): 3.08 $
27.9% cheaper in Singapore

Summary

Based on comprehensive cost of living data, Hong Kong (China) is indeed cheaper than Singapore. You would spend approximately 31.7% on living expenses by choosing Hong Kong (China) over Singapore. This includes all major expense categories such as housing, food, transportation, and utilities.

Overall Cost of Living Comparison

31.7%

Singapore is 31.7% more expensive than Hong Kong (China)

Restaurants

19.6%

Singapore is 19.6% more expensive than Hong Kong (China) in this category

Markets

13.9%

Singapore is 13.9% more expensive than Hong Kong (China) in this category

Other Expenses

0.2%

Singapore is 0.2% more expensive than Hong Kong (China) in this category

Transportation

278.8%

Singapore is 278.8% more expensive than Hong Kong (China) in this category

Household Utilities

32.9%

Singapore is 32.9% cheaper than Hong Kong (China) in this category

Mobile and Internet

39.9%

Singapore is 39.9% more expensive than Hong Kong (China) in this category

Sports And Leisure

43.6%

Singapore is 43.6% more expensive than Hong Kong (China) in this category

Childcare

37.0%

Singapore is 37.0% more expensive than Hong Kong (China) in this category

Clothing And Shoes

1.6%

Singapore is 1.6% more expensive than Hong Kong (China) in this category

Rent Per Month

33.6%

Singapore is 33.6% more expensive than Hong Kong (China) in this category

Property Prices

9.9%

Singapore is 9.9% cheaper than Hong Kong (China) in this category

Salaries And Financing

13.3%

Singapore is 13.3% more expensive than Hong Kong (China) in this category

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item Singapore Hong Kong (China) Difference
Basic Restaurant Meal 10.90 $ 8.93 $ 22.1%
Singapore is 22.1% more expensive
Three-Course Dinner for Two in Mid Range Restaurant 77.88 $ 63.80 $ 22.1%
Singapore is 22.1% more expensive
McDonald's Fast Food Combo Meal 7.79 $ 6.38 $ 22.1%
Singapore is 22.1% more expensive
Regular Cappuccino 4.88 $ 5.10 $ 4.3%
Singapore is 4.3% cheaper
Soft Drink (330ml) 1.68 $ 1.32 $ 27.3%
Singapore is 27.3% more expensive
Bottled Water (330ml) 1.22 $ 1.06 $ 15.1%
Singapore is 15.1% more expensive
Bottled Water (1.5L) 1.52 $ 1.67 $ 9.0%
Singapore is 9.0% cheaper
Local Beer (500ml) 2.00 $ 2.00 $ 0.0%
Singapore is 0.0% more expensive
Imported Beer (330ml) 2.49 $ 2.17 $ 14.7%
Singapore is 14.7% more expensive
Mid-Range Wine 10.00 $ 8.22 $ 21.7%
Singapore is 21.7% more expensive
Local Beer (500ml bottle) 2.21 $ 1.87 $ 18.2%
Singapore is 18.2% more expensive
Milk (1L) 3.01 $ 3.08 $ 2.3%
Singapore is 2.3% cheaper
Fresh Bread (500g) 2.35 $ 2.29 $ 2.6%
Singapore is 2.6% more expensive
White Rice (1kg) 2.92 $ 2.04 $ 43.1%
Singapore is 43.1% more expensive
Eggs (12 pack) 3.35 $ 3.36 $ 0.3%
Singapore is 0.3% cheaper
Local Cheese (1kg) 19.37 $ 25.41 $ 23.8%
Singapore is 23.8% cheaper
Chicken Breast (1kg) 11.15 $ 9.76 $ 14.2%
Singapore is 14.2% more expensive
Beef (1kg) 15.21 $ 22.18 $ 31.4%
Singapore is 31.4% cheaper
Apples (1kg) 4.57 $ 3.54 $ 29.1%
Singapore is 29.1% more expensive
Bananas (1kg) 2.97 $ 2.31 $ 28.6%
Singapore is 28.6% more expensive
Oranges (1kg) 4.51 $ 3.94 $ 14.5%
Singapore is 14.5% more expensive
Tomatoes (1kg) 2.71 $ 3.02 $ 10.3%
Singapore is 10.3% cheaper
Potatoes (1kg) 2.39 $ 2.31 $ 3.5%
Singapore is 3.5% more expensive
Onions (1kg) 2.20 $ 2.25 $ 2.2%
Singapore is 2.2% cheaper
Lettuce (1 head) 1.86 $ 1.73 $ 7.5%
Singapore is 7.5% more expensive
Monthly Transit Pass 93.46 $ 63.80 $ 46.5%
Singapore is 46.5% more expensive
Cigarettes (20 pack) 13.05 $ 13.02 $ 0.2%
Singapore is 0.2% more expensive
Single Bus/Train Ticket 1.56 $ 1.91 $ 18.3%
Singapore is 18.3% cheaper
Taxi Base Fare 3.58 $ 3.70 $ 3.2%
Singapore is 3.2% cheaper
Taxi per Kilometer 0.78 $ 1.34 $ 41.8%
Singapore is 41.8% cheaper
Taxi Waiting Hourly Rate 16.28 $ 14.93 $ 9.0%
Singapore is 9.0% more expensive
Gasoline (1L) 2.22 $ 3.08 $ 27.9%
Singapore is 27.9% cheaper
New Economy Car 140,192.38 $ 38,282.51 $ 266.2%
Singapore is 266.2% more expensive
New Mid-Range Car 128,887.54 $ 32,731.12 $ 293.8%
Singapore is 293.8% more expensive
Monthly Utilities (80m² size) 158.22 $ 235.86 $ 32.9%
Singapore is 32.9% cheaper
10 GB Mobile Plan with Data 18.54 $ 17.61 $ 5.3%
Singapore is 5.3% more expensive
High-Speed Internet (> 60 Mbps) 37.95 $ 22.77 $ 66.7%
Singapore is 66.7% more expensive
Gym Membership 115.77 $ 75.85 $ 52.6%
Singapore is 52.6% more expensive
Tennis Court (Weekend) 12.22 $ 8.68 $ 40.8%
Singapore is 40.8% more expensive
Movie Ticket 11.68 $ 12.76 $ 8.5%
Singapore is 8.5% cheaper
Private Preschool (Full Day) 1,272.43 $ 1,010.59 $ 25.9%
Singapore is 25.9% more expensive
International School (Yearly) 29,780.50 $ 21,651.26 $ 37.5%
Singapore is 37.5% more expensive
1 Pair of Jeans 80.91 $ 73.14 $ 10.6%
Singapore is 10.6% more expensive
1 Summer Dress 42.93 $ 38.06 $ 12.8%
Singapore is 12.8% more expensive
1 Pair of Running Shoes 105.33 $ 90.78 $ 16.0%
Singapore is 16.0% more expensive
1 Pair of Business Shoes 126.28 $ 147.97 $ 14.7%
Singapore is 14.7% cheaper
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 3,140.74 $ 2,165.87 $ 45.0%
Singapore is 45.0% more expensive
1-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 2,267.71 $ 1,573.14 $ 44.2%
Singapore is 44.2% more expensive
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 6,205.41 $ 4,625.97 $ 34.1%
Singapore is 34.1% more expensive
3-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 3,723.55 $ 3,119.32 $ 19.4%
Singapore is 19.4% more expensive
Apartment Price (City Center) per m² 22,697.92 $ 25,987.10 $ 12.7%
Singapore is 12.7% cheaper
Apartment Price (Suburbs) per m² 15,076.91 $ 15,951.01 $ 5.5%
Singapore is 5.5% cheaper
Average Monthly Salary (after tax) 4,151.48 $ 3,662.95 $ 13.3%
Singapore is 13.3% more expensive
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate 3.17 4.05 21.7%
Singapore is 21.7% cheaper

Cost of Living Calculator

Calculate how your current expenses would change if you moved to Hong Kong (China). Enter your monthly expenses in Singapore to see the equivalent costs.

Housing

Food & Dining

Transportation

Other Expenses

Our Methodology

Our cost of living comparisons are based on a robust methodology that combines multiple data sources and regular updates to ensure accuracy:

Data Collection

  • Regular price surveys conducted in major cities
  • Official government statistics and economic indicators
  • User-contributed data from expatriates and local residents
  • Real estate market reports and rental price indices
  • Consumer price indices and inflation data

Calculation Methods

  • Prices are normalized to USD for consistent comparison
  • Exchange rates are updated monthly
  • Regional price variations are weighted by population
  • Seasonal fluctuations are accounted for in the averages
  • Quality of life factors are considered in the overall assessment

Quality Assurance

  • Data is verified by local experts
  • Regular cross-checking with multiple sources
  • User feedback is incorporated into updates
  • Statistical outliers are identified and reviewed
  • Methodology is reviewed quarterly

Note: While we strive for accuracy, cost of living data can vary significantly within countries and cities. These comparisons should be used as a general guide, and we recommend conducting additional research for specific locations.

Lifestyle Impact

Understanding the cost of living differences between Singapore and Hong Kong (China) goes beyond just numbers. Here's how these differences might affect your daily life:

Daily Living

  • Grocery shopping habits and meal planning
  • Public transportation usage vs. car ownership
  • Frequency of dining out and entertainment
  • Healthcare access and insurance coverage
  • Housing choices and neighborhood selection

Long-term Planning

  • Savings and investment strategies
  • Retirement planning considerations
  • Education costs for children
  • Property ownership opportunities
  • Business and career development

Quality of Life Considerations

While cost of living is important, it's just one aspect of quality of life. Consider also:

  • Healthcare system quality and accessibility
  • Education system standards
  • Public safety and security
  • Environmental quality
  • Cultural and recreational opportunities
  • Work-life balance norms

Making the Most of Your Budget

Tips for adapting to cost of living differences:

  • Research local shopping habits and markets
  • Learn about public transportation options
  • Understand local tax systems and benefits
  • Explore community resources and discounts
  • Network with locals for insider tips

Local Insights for Singapore vs Hong Kong (China)

While both countries have similar overall costs, there are nuanced differences in how money is spent on daily necessities.

Cultural Cost Differences

Singapore

Hong Kong (China)

  • Lower grocery costs suggest different shopping and consumption patterns.
  • Lower fuel costs indicate different transportation infrastructure.

Seasonal Cost Variations

Both countries experience moderate seasonal variations in living costs, with prices typically higher during peak tourist seasons and major holidays.

Explore more

Cost of living in Singapore Cost of living in Hong Kong (China)

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