Affordable Student Accommodation in Singapore: Top Locations & Cost of Living Revealed
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Affordable Student Accommodation in Singapore: Top Locations & Cost of Living Revealed

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Updated on Sep 1, 2025 12:31 IST
Finding affordable accommodation in Singapore as an international student can be a daunting task. Students may face various challenges during their research, such as a language barrier, high cost of living, and limited resources. Read more to find out all about affordable accommodations in Singapore for international students.

Singapore was ranked the 25th best study destination in the world by QS ranking system and more. The country has affordable education and expensive living, especially the house rents. Hence, knowing the cheapest student accommodations in Singapore is important before moving to the country.

Read more to find out all about affordable accommodations in Singapore for international students.

Singapore Housing

Buildings in Singapore

Table of contents
  • Types of Accommodations in Singapore
  • Types of Accommodation
  • Features
  • Average Cost
  • Most Preferred Areas for Accommodation in Singapore
  • Name
  • Strengths
  • Drawbacks
  • Nearest Universities
  • Where to Find Affordable Accommodations
  • Monthly Expenses to Consider
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Types of Accommodations in Singapore

Types of Accommodation

Features

Average Cost

On-Campus Accommodation

  • Basic facilities
  • Academic facilities

SGD 250 - SGD 800

HDB Flats

  • Government authorised
  • Basic furniture

SGD 340,740 - 874,650

Private Hostels

  • Security
  • Wi-fi

SGD 1000

Rental Apartments

  • Independence
  • Privacy maintained
  • Expensive compared to others
  • Private space

SGD 700 - 1500

Shared Apartments

  • Least expensive
  • Shared space

SGD 350 - 650

Homestays

  • Cultural experience
  • Meals
  • Laundry

SGD 800 - 4000

Most Preferred Areas for Accommodation in Singapore

Name 

Strengths

Drawbacks

Nearest Universities

Clementi & Jurong East

of the Area

  • Transport availability
  • Modern Infrastructure
  • Heavy traffic
  • High cost of living
  • Nanyang Technological University
  • Devan Nair Institute for Employment and Employability

Little India & Serangoon Road

  • Indian culture
  • 24/7 shopping hours
  • Crowded areas
  • Heavy traffic
  • Singapore Management University
  • LASALLE College of the Arts
  • Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts
  • National University of Singapore

Tampines & Paya Lebar

  • Easy transportation accessibility
  • Located near Changi Airport and Changi Business Park
  • Job opportunities
  • Distant from CBD
  • Overcrowded
  • Singapore University of Technology and Design
  • Temasek Polytechnic
  • NAFA

Bishan & Ang Mo Kio

  • Easy transportation connectivity
  • Developed infrastructure
  • Peaceful residential areas
  • High cost of living
  • Traditional styles of accommodation
  • Heavy Traffic
  • National University of Singapore
  • Singapore Management University
  • Nanyang Polytechnic

Bugis & Dhoby Ghaut

  • Easy transportation availability
  • Entertainment and Shopping facilities
  • Job opportunities
  • Overcrowded
  • High cost of living
  • Singapore Management University
  • NAFA
  • National University of Singapore

Where to Find Affordable Accommodations

Various trustworthy sources offer multiple hostel options in Singapore. Students can check On-Campus options on the university’s website. Since there are limited on-campus options available, students are advised to apply as soon as possible. The table below lists some credible sites where students can find accommodation according to their preferences.

Accommodation options

Type

Tripadvisor

  • Private hostels

Kayak

  • Private hostels
  • Rental apartments

Make My Trip

  • Private hostels
  • Rental properties

Student.com

  • Private hostels
  • Sharing hostels
  • Rental properties

University Living

  • Private apartment
  • Student Housing

Casita

  • Private apartment
  • Service apartment
  • Homestay

Monthly Expenses to Consider

International students may face many challenges while researching and planning their stay in Singapore. This is because of the expensive cost of living and various other hidden costs such as repair, food, travel, etc. Students may face language barriers since the natives speak Malay, Tamil and Mandarin. According to some unofficial sources, the average monthly expenses that students must consider are mentioned below. 

Particulars

Average Monthly Cost (SGD)

Average Monthly Cost (INR)

Travel

SGD 105

INR 6.9K

Food and Grocery

SGD 400

INR 26.5K

Clothing

SGD 100

INR 6.6K

Entertainment

SGD 100

INR 6.6K

Basic Facilities

SGD 250

INR 16.6K

Medical Consult

SGD 57

INR 3.7K

Conversion Rate 1 SGD = INR 66.41

Food is the most important part of studying abroad, and a student must budget it carefully. Here is the breakdown of the average monthly food expenses. 

Food Items

Cost of Food (SGD)

Cost of Food (INR)

Street Food

SGD 4 - 8

INR 265.8

Meal for two (at a restaurant)

SGD 54

INR 3.5K

Coke

SGD 2

INR 132.9

1 Litre Milk

SGD 3.40

INR 225.9

White Bread Loaf

SGD 2.40

INR 159.5

Eggs

SGD 3.30

INR 219.3

1.5 L Water Bottle

SGD 1.40

INR 93.05

Drinks

SGD 5.90

INR 392.1

Cottage Cheese

SGD 20

INR 1.3K

A meal at McDonalds

SGD 7

INR 465.2

Conversion Rate 1 SGD = INR 66.41

RecommendationView All

Explore top universities in Singapore

National University of Singapore

Singapore, Other - SingaporePublic

153 courses
12.15 L - 1.27 Cr
Nanyang Technological University

Singapore, Other - SingaporePublic

173 courses
12.06 L - 60.39 L
Singapore Management University

Singapore, Other - SingaporePublic

44 courses
14.78 L - 2.43 Cr
Singapore University of Technology and Design

Singapore, Other - SingaporePublic

9 courses
35.3 L - 42.11 L
INSEAD - Singapore

Singapore, Other - SingaporePrivate

4 courses
34.64 L - 1.41 Cr
Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School

Singapore, Other - SingaporePrivate

1 courses
38.16 L - 38.16 L
London School of Business and Finance

Singapore, Other - SingaporePrivate

41 courses
4.43 L - 20.52 L
Nanyang Polytechnic

Singapore, Other - SingaporePublic

12 courses
8.23 L - 8.23 L
Singapore Institute of Management

Singapore, Other - SingaporePrivate

36 courses
6.24 L - 26.27 L
PSB Academy

Singapore, Other - SingaporePrivate

49 courses
2.54 L - 50.59 L
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Q:   Is Singapore safe for Indian students?
A:

Yes, Singapore is one of the the safest countries. The country is ranked 15th best study abroad destination by top ranked and reputed bodies. In 2022, Global Peace Index declared it the most the safest and peaceful country in Asia. The country has strict laws and heavy penalties that ensure a safe environment for the students.

Q:   How can I apply for Nanyang Technological University?
A:

International students can apply for Nanyang Technological University admissions using the official website by the deadline. The NTU deadline vary by course for international students. All applicants will receive a confirmation email with application number after successfully completing the university application form. Mentioned below is the Nanyang Technological University application process for undergraduate admission:

Step 1: Submit application form

Step 2: Pay application fee

Step 3: Submit supporting documents

Step 4: Update/Track progress of application

Check below the Nanyang University Singapore graduate application process:

Step 1: Visit 'wis.ntu.edu.sg/webexe/owa/coal_main.notice' to submit application for MS admission.

Step 2: Click on NEW application and continue.

Step 3: Now, select your programme and provide other detail

Step 4: Add personal background, academic detail, test scores, etc.

Step 5: Review and pay a non-refundable NTU application fee (SAD 100) to submit application.

Q:   Which are required documents for PR in Singapore?
A:

Check out list of documents, you need at the time of PR application:

  • Most Recent passport size photograph
  • Valid Passport
  • Birth Certificate
  • Marriage Certificate (If the marriage is not registered in Singapore)
  • Educational marksheet
  • Professional License
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