Singapore vs London
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
London is ~6% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Singapore
Singapore
COL+Rent
77.4
Rent Index
73.1
Groceries
75.3
Restaurant
50.4
London
United Kingdom
COL+Rent
72.9
Rent Index
56.2
Groceries
73.9
Restaurant
93.3
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Singapore | London | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $3,120 | $2,503 | +$617 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $2,280 | $1,960 | +$320 |
| Groceries | $410 | $422 | $12 |
| Restaurant Meal | $11 | $28 | $17 |
| Transit Pass | $86 | $113 | $27 |
| Utilities | $166 | $258 | $92 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Singapore | London |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $2,863/mo | $2,738/mo |
| Typical | $3,947/mo | $3,716/mo |
| Comfortable | $4,662/mo | $4,596/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Singapore | ≈ in London | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,413/mo | -$87 |
| $2,000/mo | $1,884/mo | -$116 |
| $3,000/mo | $2,826/mo | -$174 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Singapore vs London for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows London is approximately 6% more affordable than Singapore when combining rent and daily living costs. Singapore's COL+Rent Index of 77.4 vs London's 72.9 (both measured against New York City = 100) reflects a relatively small gap, meaning the decision between these cities often comes down to lifestyle preferences rather than pure cost.
Housing is the biggest differentiator: a city-center one-bedroom in Singapore costs $3,120/month versus $2,503/month in London — giving London a $617/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $7,404 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Singapore ($410/mo) vs London ($422/mo) reflect London's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $11 vs $28 show Singapore is the better value for dining out. For digital nomads and remote workers who eat out frequently, this difference compounds quickly.
Bottom line: If you earn in a strong currency (USD, EUR, GBP) and work remotely, London offers meaningfully better value — your typical monthly budget of $3,716 buys a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings. Use the purchasing power table above to see exactly how far your specific budget stretches in each city.